Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the use of semi-structured data in an organization?

Semi-structured data, such as JSON, is a data format that organizes information without adhering to the rigid schemas of structured data. JSON allows the storage of key-value pairs, enabling flexibility while maintaining some structure for processing. In this case, the employee performance report in a JSON file captures a mix of structured data (e.g., employee IDs, performance ratings) and unstructured details (e.g., textual feedback). Organizations favor semi-structured formats for applications like web services or APIs, as these allow data to be easily shared and parsed across systems. Unlike structured data, JSON’s flexibility makes it highly suitable for evolving datasets that require some hierarchy but not the strictness of relational databases. Why Other Options Are Incorrect: • A: Customer surveys stored in spreadsheets represent structured data due to their tabular arrangement. • B: Video recordings are unstructured data as they lack inherent categorization or schema. • D: Handwritten notes qualify as unstructured data because they lack a predefined organization. • E: Relational databases are an example of structured data, adhering to defined schemas.