The applicability of a use value-based file retention method

The determination of the relative value of files is important for an organization while determining a retrieval service level for its files and a corresponding file retention policy. This paper discusses via a literature review methods for developing file retention policies based on the use values of files. On basis of these results we propose an enhanced version of one of them. In a case study, we demonstrate how one can develop a customized file retention policy by testing causal relations between file parameters and the use value of files. This case shows that, contrary to suggestions of previous research, the file type has no significant relation with the value of a file and thus should be excluded from a retention policy in this case. The case study also shows a strong relation between the position of a file user and the value of this file. Furthermore, we have improved the Information Value Questionnaire (IVQ) for subjective valuation of files. However, the resulting method needs software to be efficient in its application. Therefore, we developed a prototype for the automatic execution of a file retention policy. We conclude with a discussio

Evaluating the Applicability of a Use Value-Based File Retention Method

A well constructed file retention policy can help a company determine the relative value and the corresponding retrieval service level of the different files it owns. Though such a retention policy is useful, the method one can use to arrive at such a policy is under-researched. This paper discusses how one can arrive at a method (based on a systematic literature review) for developing file retention policies based on use values of files. In the case study, we demonstrate how one can develop a file retention policy by testing of causal relations between file retention policy parameters and the use value of files. This case study shows that, contrary to suggestions of previous research, the file type has no significant causal relation with the value of a file and thus should be excluded from a retention policy in this case. The case study also shows that there is a strong causal relation between the position of a user of a file and the value of this file. Furthermore, we have amended an existing subjective file valuation method, namely, the Information Value Questionnaire (IVQ). However, to make file retention methods effective and reliable a substantially more case experiences need to be collected