Introduction to Information Technology

This document provides an introduction to Information Technology, discussing its role in organizations, social and ethical issues related to IT, various networking techniques, and the importance of internet and intranet. It also offers study material and solved assignments on Information Technology.

Introduction to
Information Technology

Table of Contents
ABSTARCT.....................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
Literature review ............................................................................................................................2
Role of Information Technology.................................................................................................2
Social and ethical issues related with IT.....................................................................................4
Various sorts of networking........................................................................................................5
Importance of internet and intranet.............................................................................................7
Stages of System Development Life Cycle.................................................................................8
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION...................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCE.................................................................................................................................12

ABSTARCT
It offers different types of tools and technologies along with effective use of computer
devices which is mainly offered for an organisation as it helps them to transmitting, storing and
recovering data with accurate information. This project is based on Marks and Spencer which is
one of the best British multinational retailer and provide its services across the UK. Along with
this, report includes role of IT in organisation and their importance. But sometimes IT has
developed issues for this firm. It also focus on intranet and internet is must for this retailing
organisation that increase user's capabilities in firm.
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INTRODUCTION
Information Technology is the procedure of networking, computing, storage of data along
with different types of physical evidence such as physical devices, infrastructure to develop
process, stores and exchanging services together with securing overall electronic data in an
effective manner (Benhamou, 2019). Therefore, it is always considered as an effective and
significant tool in order to make better relationship with entire customers through offering better
services that increase interaction between them. By giving huge technical facilities to customers
they are able to get different experience from so many services. It is also helpful for firms to
implements on new informatics techniques that increase the overall chances of expanding
business in a geographical areas. This assignment is based on Marks and Spencer which is one of
the huge British multinational retailer that specialises in selling qualitative clothes, home
appliances and food products. Furthermore, this report includes IT roles in failure and success of
an organisation along with social or ethical issues in regards with techniques. After this there are
several kinds of networking techniques and its significant of intranet and internet. Lastly, several
stages of system development life cycle will get covered in this report.
Literature review
Role of Information Technology
Information technology refers to the technologies which is generally used to provide,
manipulate, store and develop accurate information. Therefore, it plays significant role within
each and every firm and make them attractive (Law, Buhalis and Cobanoglu, 2014). As it is the
set of so many tools so that it is helpful to distribute information to right people with right time at
right place. It consist so many products and services such as software, hardware, internet, e-
commerce, telecom and so on. Within present scenario of digital area IT plays important role in
failure and success of business as proper use of IT that gives accurate information in order to
support business firms to achieve their successful growth. In context with Marks and Spencer IT
plays smooth roles those are going be elaborated below:
Communication: In present scenario there are so many firms and business organisations
who generally use electronic mail as e-mail, because this is known as basics forms of
communications towards customers, employees, suppliers and business partners. Email always
makes faster and easier to exchange information across the several departments within firm. So
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this type of process always saves money and time. Therefore, different types of emerging forms
of communication have surface and make communication in a better way. Along with it is
included in voice over internet telephones, video conferencing system, SKYPE and so on. In
context with Marks and Spencer, technical department of this firm is using these sorts of
technologies in order to communicate with people to achieve organisational goals and objectives
in a perfect manner.
Data Management: There is no requirement to keep record of every paper within an
organisation. This is because in a current scenario organisations have their own digitalised data
which is stored on the basis of database along with employees access and share overall
information by a decentralised computing system (Kiran, Oudshoorn and Verbeek, 2015). In
reference with Marks and Spencer they are able to use this data by which they can store its data
through centralised manner and able to communicate with people along with distribute
appropriate information to people at business place. Therefore, it is easy for employees and
managers as they can send their queries to the database and retrieve data and use their own way.
Therefore, it saves time and also improves decision making skills of an organisation.
Marketing and Business growth: Marketing is one of the best way who plays
significant role within the firms and maintain overall adequate amount of profit and sales at high
level. Therefore, IT is very useful and offer several kinds of marking tools in order to analyse
targeted audience and observe their trends and needs in order to attract them through providing
better services. Whereas, digital marketing has several activities like advertising, promotion in
order to make every process easy in relation with costs. Apart from this, there are numerous
services of IT such as pay per click, discussion forum, email shot, MMS, SMS, smartphone app,
marketing and so on (Eason, 2014). All these factors helps Marks and Spencer to promote its
retailing services in order to make unique pool to attract large number of buyers to gain overall
successful growth in a perfect manner.
According to the above specified explanation it has been concluded that, IT is becoming
more essential part of organisations in order to achieve their targeted goals and objectives in a
perfect way. In relation to Marks and Spencer, this is very helpful tool which provides them huge
facilities so that they can overcome burden from the employees and managers as they are able to
store data within computer and able to make better relation with customers via email and so
many online technical tools.
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Social and ethical issues related with IT
Information technology is one of the best activity of firm which is used to define
advantages of an organisation and encourage them to achieve targeted goals and objectives. On
the other side there are different types of social and ethical issues which are generally developed
through IT department as well (Dandekar, 2019). Some of them ethical issues are associated with
information technology which are faced by Marks and Spencer those are following as under:
Ethical issue
Privacy issues: IT development bring changes which is easy to share information and
data by removing geographical barriers but on the other side it has developed a threat of
freedom towards privacy. Therefore, using digital channels and social media channels has
exposed so many ways for people to easily access about firm's informations so that they can
easily get that what they want from data of an organisation. This type of advancement of
technology can make negative impact on firm and decrease their confidence towards
technologies (Nieves, Quintana and Osorio, 2014). Therefore, it is more essential for Marks and
Spencer as they are using so many IT tools and techniques in order to keep their data save and
protect for another firm's and people. For more betterment of this ethical issues they should
measure their personal information every time so that they can maintain this decorum and able to
give satisfaction to its customers.
Security: There are different types information technologies such as internet which is
very easy for hackers to hack any useful information through device of computers. Along with
hackers can easily access confidential data of firms by applying their selfish tricks and gives silly
reason on that when they caught by some firms or any people in business. In relation with Marks
and Spencer, they also face such kind of securities issues like online money transfer, online
banking so that hackers can easily take money from the firm's bank account and so on.
Therefore, respective firm is needed make some policies and all by which they protect their data
along with able to secure from so many threats and issues in an effective manner (Marchewka,
2014)(Mehlman and Li, 2014).
Social issue
Hacking: It refers to the different types of procedures in which an individual is able to
get access towards entire computer or networking to accomplish their clever motive. During the
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technological advancement as it s going rapidly so there are so many social issues as they stored
huge information but on the other side it can be stolen by some person also can be misused
through so many people. Some kinds of hacking activities which involved packet sniffer,
password cracking, key loggers, spoofing attack and so on (Sampson and Makela, 2014). In
order to get illegal and unauthorised in a computer device all these make few alterations and
bring changes within this process. In reference with Marks and Spencer, they should develop
different types of security programmes such as OS systems and anti virus programmes in order
to protect all information and data from theft and hackers in a successful manner.
Online Theft: Technological advancement within IT sector has been maximised through
large number of cyber crime that distribute easiest ways to criminal for developing theft towards
fund or gathered information. Therefore, cyber criminals always use informatics techniques in
order to achieve accurately information and gathered all over account detail so that they can
easily steal money from any kind of firm's account (Pardo and Siemens, 2014). Thus,
maximising online payments are increasing day to day which also enhance the ways for theft to
steal money any time. Herein, Marks and Spencer is needed to have such kind of effective tools
and techniques which is necessary for them to increase their business through avoiding online
theft. So that they should use unique and effective ways to make their information confidential
and satisfied customers.
Various sorts of networking
Networking considered as a combination of different types of connection such as software and
hardware for exchanging and transporting accurate information and data towards several
informatics systems and techniques (Neuhofer, Buhalis and Ladkin, 2014). Therefore,
organisations are using different kinds of techniques in order to run their business activities in a
smooth manner. In reference with Marks and Spencer there is effective flow of data has been
described below:
LAN (Local area network):
It is the combination of small group of so many computers which all are from the same
company along with building structure that are generally linked with geographical area by using
so many networks with unique technologies. Therefore, it is considered as the simplest form of
network as it covers large number of networks which increase the distance to catch network and
reduce kilo meters as per the speed.
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WAN (Wide area network):
This is considered as a large area of network that mostly covers geographical area
distance which also able to cross the nation boundaries. Speed provided by this network always
based on cost that can vary from location to location. Therefore, WAN always provide routers
which makes selection of most effective path to transfer data between 2 or more network ways.
So that Internet can be the best example of WAN (Reuter, 2019).
MAN (Metropolitan area network):
This network refers to the connection in so many areas which can be large and local but
smaller than broad. Therefore, this type of tool can be applicable interaction of networks within
large area of level. MAN also used to connect several areas of networks through using different
types of network for making point to point connection between them. Therefore, it's size is
mainly in the range of 5to 50 and its data is moderate. So that it is the easiest way to sharing
resources within metropolitan cities or owned firm through network distributors (Schwalbe,
2015).
According to the above specified networks, WAN is one of the most useful network for
Marks and Spencer which is specialises within high quality and selling of home products,
clothings and such type of food products. It was formed in the year of 1884 by Michael Marks
and Thomas Marks within UK. With the help of this network they can easily communicate or
transferring accurate information towards subdivision.
Distinction between network technologies
LAN MAN WAN
It gives better connection
towards local and small area
towards school and business
firms (Differences Between
LAN, MAN and WAN, 2019).
It covers large area within
large countries and cities.
It coverage wide area along
with geography area within
nations.
It has developed Ethernet in
order to transfer services
through nodes.
MAN develop internet use
along with provide effective
regularity in data.
Internet use is very common in
this network.
Within small area it offers It has high to average speed. Speed of this network is low as
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their overall services. per the MAN and LAN.
It is not much cost effective
and very cheapest.
It has competitive scenario
within price strategy.
It can be costly.
It manage peer to peer
systems.
It is operated by an
organisation and public as
well.
It is managed and controlled by
clients and few servers.
Importance of internet and intranet
Intranet and internet both are playing significant role within the Marks and Spencer
benefits, those are going to be followed as under:
Internet: It is considered as a network which is internationally connected with huge
systems and devices in order to transfer data through IP along with media (Wang and et. al,
2016). Internet is one of the best network which is also known as global exchange that includes
several kinds of combination like business, public, private, academic along with so many
government networks and so on. It offers easy way to business firms and able to connect with
their customer's and clients. In relation with Marks and Spencer, internet is most important tool
and it is beneficial as well. Some of the advantages of internet are given below:
Easy communication: Internet always helpful to overcome barriers of geographical areas
along with provide so many facilities for transferring data and information. Internet offers
effective and attractive connection or better ways of communication to customer's and
organisation so that they can run their business properly and able to find better way of digital
mode of communication (Santoro, 2015). Therefore, internet is one of the best effective tool that
offers cost effective communications through making use of digital mode and social media and
so on. On the other side there are various tools like video calls, conferencing which is used by
people. Thus, internet plays effective role within Marks and Spencer and maintain goof
relationship with people.
Intranet: According to this computer networks can be easily transfer with the help of
computing services, corporate information, operational system and so many collaborations tool.
Therefore, intranet play important role within Marks and Spencer. There are few advantages,
those are discussion below:
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Mange remote work capabilities: It improves relation and connection between
organisation and customers within M&S as they have large number of employees within an
organisation (Information Technology & Its Role in the Modern Organisation, 2019).
Stages of System Development Life Cycle
System developing life cycle is a model which provide a absolute development of project
management model in order to implement advance technology at the workplace so that
organisation can attain their desire goal. Marks and Spencer adopt system development cycle in
order to develop appropriate framework for development of design, implementation of changes
and technology, development of project and so on. System development life cycle which is
developed by Marks and Spencer is given below:-
Illustration 1: System development life cycle
(Source: System development life cycle, 2019)
 Planing- It is the initial stage of system development life cycle at which appropriate plan
is develop in order to start big project according to requirement of user. In this scope,
issues, resources requirement and other things are discussed for the development of
effective project.
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 System analysis and requirements- In this stage functional requirement as well as
needs of project will analyse by team as well as organisation in order to ensure
achievement of fulfilling requirement of end users.
 Systems design- It is the third phase of respective method in which specification,
features and operations of project will be combined at one place in order to develop
effective proposed system.
 Development- At this phase initial section of project development get end and real
designing of project get started. In this all the changes will implement so that
installation of project will done effectively.
 Integration and Testing- It is a fifth stage of respective cycle at which integration as
well as testing of system in order to ensure that project quality is appropriate. In this
management will also analyse that whether company able to meet their goal through
plan or not.
 Implementation- In this stage theory or planning related to project will be conducted so
that execution of plan will done properly. In this installation of all software as well as
hardware will be done. It will also include training and knowledge of employees so that
they can conduct work effectively.
 Operations and Maintenance- It is the last phase of system development life cycle in
which a specific and reliable system is provided to the end user so that they enhance
their performance by enhance their capabilities and fulfilling requirement.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
By above discussed point it can be evaluate that in an organisation information
technologies plays an essential roles as well as it will also help them in attaining succession.
Through it they can gain numbers of benefits such as like effective for communication, promote
products and services and many more (Law, Buhalis and Cobanoglu, 2014). It also help Marks
and Spencer in improving their performance, manage data and informations, keeping record
effectively, promoting products at worldwide level and many more. Every things has both
negative and positive aspects, similarly Information technology also have some issues which
may impact on the business of Marks and Spencer. For example hacking of customers personal
information, misuse of company confidential data and many more. Furthermore, there are several
methods which can be adopted by respective company in order to overcome these issues such as
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implementation of strong security, updated anti virus, develop cloud management system and so
on.
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CONCLUSION
According to the above specified report it has been concluded that IT plays significant
role within the firm along with it is an essential part of an organisation that encourage firms to
achieve their organisational goals and objectives in a an appropriate manner. There are different
types of social and ethical issues which is faced by organisation. As IT department has so many
ways or tools so that issues can be created any time that makes them effective and attractive.
With the help of information technologies they can achieve their goals and objectives in an
appropriate manner.
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REFERENCE
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Dandekar, H. C. ed., 2019. The planner's use of information. Routledge.
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Kiran, A. H., Oudshoorn, N. and Verbeek, P. P., 2015. Beyond checklists: toward an ethical-
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Law, R., Buhalis, D. and Cobanoglu, C., 2014. Progress on information and communication
technologies in hospitality and tourism. International Journal of Contemporary
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Marchewka, J. T., 2014. Information technology project management. John Wiley & Sons.
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genomic technology by the US Military. Journal of Law and the Biosciences. 1(3).
pp.244-280.
Neuhofer, B., Buhalis, D. and Ladkin, A., 2014. A typology of technology‐enhanced tourism
experiences. International Journal of Tourism Research. 16(4). pp.340-350.
Nieves, J., Quintana, A. and Osorio, J., 2014. Knowledge-based resources and innovation in the
hotel industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 38. pp.65-73.
Pardo, A. and Siemens, G., 2014. Ethical and privacy principles for learning analytics. British
Journal of Educational Technology. 45(3) pp.438-450.
Reuter, C., 2019. Information Technology for Peace and Security. Springer.
Sampson, J. P. and Makela, J. P., 2014. Ethical issues associated with information and
communication technology in counseling and guidance. International Journal for
Educational and Vocational Guidance. 14(1). pp.135-148.
Santoro, G., 2015. Evaluating performance in the hotel industry: An empirical analysis of
Piedmont. Journal of Investment and Management. 4(1-1). pp.17-22.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Wang, D. and et. al, 2016. Assessing hotel-related smartphone apps using online reviews.
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