Information Technology in Business: Impact of Computer Networks, ICT, Internet and Intranet

This article discusses the impact of computer networks, ICT, internet and intranet on businesses. It also highlights the role of information technology in managing businesses. The article uses Morrisons, a UK-based supermarket chain, as an example to explain the use of technology in businesses. It also covers ethical and social issues related to information technology.

INTRODUCTION
TO
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Identifying and discussing the impact of computer networks on business ................................6
Describing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which makes a business
to respond customer needs in an efficient way .Discussing the impact of Internet and Intranet
on businesses...............................................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
Books and Journals........................................................................................................................12
1

ABSTRACT
Information technology is the key aspect to set the foot of new generation in society with
the digital innovations. The today's world is dependent of the technologies and it is advancing
day by day. Information technology helps to build the communications of a business, it safeguard
the different information and data. This can be understood as a fusion of telecommunication of
technologies and fusion of machines which are integrates with other technology for instance
database, other machines, hardware and equipments. The main goal of information technology is
to record, create, store, retrieve, scrutinise, and transact information and data. These are
relatively used in the context of operations in business. The information technology helps
organization in improving and developing its efficiency and to increasing its workflow also it
assist the businesses to plan the growth for future in the business organization.
2

INTRODUCTION
The information technology in the business is used to process the data into the digital
information by the use of hardware such as computer or other electronic devices that physically
exists. The information technology mainly helps in the storing and converting data into
electronic form. In the context of a organization it is used in communication as well as in
computer technology. This ensures that the whole business system interacts and operates in
efficient manner. In order to describe the use of information technology in the business the
organization chosen for this report is Morrisons (Andrade 2018). The Morrisons is the fourth
largest supermarket company founded in 1899 and based in the United Kingdom. the company
operates around 500 supermarkets in England and Scotland and Wales. The company's
headquarters are in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. The company deals in the products of
Food and Drink, Clothing, Petrol, Books, homeware, florist and Magazines. This report aims to
describe the relevant and important facts of information technology and it will highlight the
factors of information technology for instance different type of software and application used in
the business and importance of it. The information technology plays a crucial role in the business
and it relatively makes easy to do the business for the businessman.
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Thong & Yap, The information technology is framework of digital
programmes which are used with the help of computers. A software is the digital tool that
provides help to the management in the different operations of the organisation. The information
technologies helps business to operate smoothly and effective and easy manner. As per their
study on information technology, this has be known discovered that the integrated connection
between the business operations and the information technology had formed a huge gap in the
functionality of the operations of a business.
Analysis and Discussions
Analysis of different types of software and which one is more important
3

A software is programme which is used to run the computers and that performs specific
tasks. The software are installed in the hardware. These do not have any physical existence. The
software are operated digitally with the help of hardware in general.
Types of Software:
Programming Software: The software which are used in the form of language and codes to
powered the computers. These are programmed to read the languages like Java, python, C++
and many others which are only understood by computers (Gretz and et. al., 2019). The
Morrison is using these software in the same way to understand the languages and develop
programmes.
Application Software: These refers to the digital programmes which are made to perform
specific tasks. These are used to meet the user directly or in the form of applications. Mainly
the application software are classified in two categories; the first category includes general
software like Office, Excel, Word processor etc. and the second category includes the
specifically created to perform the task of the organisation. The Morrison is using both
categories software like Word and HCM to make or record the data of the operations
performed in the business.
Utility Software: This type of software helps computer systems to function the business in more
effective and efficient manner. These software helps to organise, manage, and maintain the
computer systems. These software needs some updates over the time in order to remain
function able and active.
Driver Software: These are the type of software that runs or controls the hardware. These
software act as the driver of a hardware and provides set of instructions that only hardware
can understand an operate. These includes the programmes of tablet computers mobile
phones and machines etc. these helps a hardware to establish a virtual connection with the
operating system (Lu., and et. al., 2020).
In the present context of the technology the applications are the most important which are
different form of a software. The applications act as a nerve system of the computer which helps
to run it. The different applications are designed ton perform the specific tasks in effective and
efficient manner in short span of time. The application requires specific design or programming
in order to perform different tasks. A single application is not efficient to perform all the tasks by
4

itself. A system includes different elements such as hardware software and applications in order
to perform a task. The use of a system helps to simplify the complex tasks, with the help of its
ability to evaluate measure and calculate things accurately. This enables to get the highest
possible accuracy in the things which are more time consuming in manual performing. The use
of technology provides the opportunity to business to grow further in the market. The application
and software use increases the productivity of the business; and good user experience and
improved decision making (Migdadi 2021). The Morrison company requires the updated
software and application and also need to implement advances technological system for the
evaluation of the performance of the business.
The most important part of the computer system are the hardware and software. Both
are interdependent to each other. The software does not have any physical existence, they are in
virtual form and these are only powered when it is installed in the hardware. The cost of the
software are less in comparison of the hardware. Accordingly the hardware are the physically
presented units which runs a computer. The computer is known as a machine which is made of
both the hardware and software and it transforms the data into information. The hardware
includes components like CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer etc. these hardware and
software makes a computer complete for functioning the difficult tasks.
Describing the ethical and social issues. Identifying the importance of them to run the venture.
In this 21st century the world is changing at a faster rate through the globalization and
digitalisation. This also turned the opinions and values of the public. Also the information
technology has also changed the societies cultural and social values. Some social and ethical
issues are as follows;
Ethical Issues:
 Personal Information: The use of the persona; information by the businesses is major
concern of ethics how they use that data of their customers and employees. The company
must have privacy policies in the business to protect the data which they have obtained
from employees and customers.
 Harmful Actions: The information technology can cause major impacts like loss of
ownership, misuse of resources and property. The impacts of the technology can be
positive as well as negative.
5

 Misinformation and Deep Fakes: in the context of ethics, there are various issues related
to misinformation which circulates or published by the media that can cause chaos in the
public. This could lead to heavy loss for the business valuation or profitability.
Social Issues
 Communication Breakdown: communication is considered the most essential factor in
a running business. It keeps functionality of a business active and vital because business
information flows through different channels of communication. If there is
communication breakdown in a business organisation is a serious social ethical issue as it
prevents people from interaction due to advanced technology and people tend to cut of
from the society (Massaro 2021).
 Identity theft: Identity theft is the root cause of cuber crime and forgery, there are many
social media platforms where individuals share there personal information and due to
which there is high chance of data theft.
 Cyber bullying: It is a criminal activity that is committed on digital platform like,
blackmailing, extorting, stalking or harassing through social media app. Cyber bullying
can affect the reputation of a company.
Identifying and discussing the impact of computer networks on business .
Computer network on business plays significant role for managing business activities, as
most business works like preparing data, recording information relating to business faculties or
financial information of a company all are prepared and kept digitally. This helps companies to
save their time and cost (Parmiggiani and et. al., 2022). In context of Morrisons, which is a
multinational supermarket chains and its network is globally active digitally and through this
network it maintains it market presence among its customer. They even offer many online
services by connecting people digital. Computer network is the interconnection of two or more
computer system which helps in processing and transmitting data into information from one
system to another. In context of Morrisons, there are different networks which they use are
described below:
6

 Local Area Network: The purpose of LAN is to share and transmit digital information
from one computer system to another. It helps in maintaining connection between
managers and employees, through which documents and information can be shared or
transmit (Wirtz 2021). The range of sharing information through LAN is limited to 1 km.
Through this Network important information can be shared easily, the top management
of an organisation used these network for transmitting information during the course of
business.
 Wide Area Network: The range of this network arrangement much wider than Local
Area Network. In this system several computer systems are interconnected and build a
network which covers particular area. Different digital devices and computer systems are
connected with these network by way of internet and it helps in transmitting information
from one place to another easily without breaking any confidentiality (Chen 2020). Most
companies are connected with this Network to share and transmit information. In the
same way, Morrisons also established their network through this system to make ease
their work and establish digital communication from one place to another.
As the world has set its foot in the 21st century where technology is at its peak, almost
entire world is adopting technologies pursing ahead in its development. Many business
organisations are adopting technological approaches to make their business run smooth. In the
same way, Morrisons also using technologies for managing their business, providing digital
services or sharing information etc. Morrisons is a supermarket chain which operates throughout
the world. They have several branches and outlets and to handle and record all business activities
a system is required which can help in determining the status and stability of a business. Through
information technology companies can easily create and manage data and communicate with
other entities.
Describing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which makes a
business to respond customer needs in an efficient way .Discussing the impact of
Internet and Intranet on businesses.
Information and Communication Technology is the digital revolution which has played
significant role in the lives of people. It is a system which is being used by all the business
organisations. Through this system business can easily arrange and manage their work like,
connecting with customer, response to customer, marketing, and many more. Nearly all the
7

departments functions digitally like, designing, manufacturing, sales and feedbacks. The process
of recruitment also becomes partially digital as there is online interview for the candidates and
information regarding their selection and other documentation work being done through digital
process. It saves time and cost of the company. Other functions like manufacturing or sales are
also being conducted by use of ICT. All the functions and operations in an organisation which
are conducted or regulated digitally falls under the category of ICT.
Impact of internet and intranet on the business
The impact and use of internet on business is important because it creates many
opportunities for businesses in terms of transmitting or sharing information, networking,
communication, marketing , sales, management. Companies can use internet for selling their
products to customer who resides at remote place. They can also collect information and interact
with customers, staff members, clients or government. In present context, almost all the
institutions are using internet system for better performance. It had played major role in
commercial sector as all the business organisations have generated huge profits by using internet
system (NWABUEZE 2020). Therefore, the rise of computer system together electronic
networking has majorly extended the scope of opportunities and possibilities to go ahead with
innovative approaches and bring productivity in the businesses.
Intranet: It is an arrangement which serves communication needs for the organisation. Through
this an organisation can secure its data by digitally storing it and can make easy access. It is a
new system which helps new businesses and have the potential to enhance business functions
and operations by speeding work flow with very less chance of mistakes. It provides a data base
where employees can share information by way of internet email system and messaging software
(Siqi and et.al 2019).
The role of IT in managing the business
It has been observed that in any business irrespective of small and large, the role of IT
department is very important for maintaining the communications. The task that IT perform
ranges from sending of the mails to changing of the password and from this to accessing the
database. Therefore IT act as s source that improves the efficiency and productivity of the
business. The role played by IT in Morrisons are various but not restricted to the-
 Protecting confidential data and the information- this is basically the confirmation that
standards of the industry are secured from the unauthorised access and protected from
8

destruction, loss, misuse and also alteration. It safes the crucial and significant
information from corruption, compromise or loss.
 In troubleshooting the problems- in the era of digital world, it means solving the problem
through finding the root cause of it. This is implemented in the Morrisons in amending
the failed products or processes or a complete system. It also assist in finding the source
of problem and make the product or process operational again (Hinterhuber and
Liozu2021). The IT department of the company is compatible in solving any problem and
is considered as a first spot to make a call. If an employee cannot get access to the
particular drive, then this department comes to play.
 In providing security and maintenance of database- it is important to maintain the
standards of the business, so Morrisons in this context make use of the IT department in
maintaining the efficiency and keeping the correct security procedures in place. Further,
this department maintains the administration of the database for things like sales
transactions.
 In Analysing the data- the IT department has been given the responsibility for identifying
the particular data and also set up the journey of the trends. It aids Morrisons by
providing various tools that assist in solving the hindrances faced by it and also in
planning of the future growth of the company. The evolvement of the digital marketing in
the company has offered the access to the user for 24/7 from the smartphone devices.
 To make quick and effective information- in 21st century, it is not very difficult for the
business to communicate. Morrisons is able to achieve the point of success as it has the
capability to understand the needs of the customer, analyse the buying trends and also its
behaviour. IT offers enormous ways to make communication with the customers without
making them leave their house. The channels that Morrisons use is emails, social media,
webinars, member forums or through the smartphone (Rothrock Kaplan and Van Der
Oord, 2018).
It is imperative that every organisation make use of the IT department to be safe from the
external threat existing in the digital world. With proper usage of the same, long term business
success can be achieved. Hence the IT department of Morrisons is able to manage everything
that begins with enhancing the communications, making effective decision and managing the
data as well.
9

10

CONCLUSION
From the report above, it has been concluded that information technology is important in each
and every aspect of the business in achieving the success and also running the operations
smoothly. The rate at which the use of information technology is increasing, cannot be traced
and it facilitates the economic market business sector. It is only through the information
technology, information can be exchanged more easily and on a quick basis. Further the report
has covered the social and ethical issues faced along with the types of software existing in the
company and making use of it in running the operations. Further the effect of computer networks
have been described on the business and the role played by the Information technology has been
further covered.
11

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Andrade, T.Q.V.D., 2018, December. New Organizational Models and Technology Growth:
Ethical Conflicts in Today’s Business Scenario. In International Conference on
Production and Operations Management Society (pp. 999-1006). Springer, Cham.
Chen, Y.S., 2020. Sustainable Development Through Franchise Innovation in the Digital
Economy. In Improving Business Performance Through Innovation in the Digital
Economy (pp. 39-57). IGI Global.
Gretz, R.T., and et. al., 2019. The impact of superstar and non-superstar software on hardware
sales: the moderating role of hardware lifecycle. Journal of the Academy of Marketing
Science, 47(3), pp.394-416.
Hinterhuber, A. and Liozu, S.M., 2021. Digital transformation and the role of customer-centric
innovation: Interview with the chief value officer, Thales. In Managing Digital
Transformation (pp. 186-191). Routledge.
Lu, J., and et. al., 2020. Modified Carroll’s pyramid of corporate social responsibility to enhance
organizational performance of SMEs industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 271,
p.122456.
Massaro, M., 2021. Digital transformation in the healthcare sector through blockchain
technology. Insights from academic research and business developments. Technovation,
p.102386.
Migdadi, M.M., 2021. Impact of knowledge management processes on organizational
performance: the mediating role of absorptive capacity. Business Process Management
Journal.
NWABUEZE, C.J., 2020. ROLE AND IMPACT OF INTERNET AND ICTS. The Dynamics of
Changing Higher Education in the Global South, p.188.
Parmiggiani, N., and et. al., 2022, August. The online observation quality system software
architecture for the ASTRI Mini-Array project. In Software and Cyberinfrastructure for
Astronomy VII (Vol. 12189, pp. 897-908). SPIE.
Rothrock, R.A., Kaplan, J. and Van Der Oord, F., 2018. The board's role in managing
cybersecurity risks. MIT Sloan Management Review, 59(2), pp.12-15.
Siqi, K.,and et.al., 2019, May. Research on Quality Assurance Method of Key Business
Transmission in Large Scientific Research Intranet. In 2019 IEEE 8th Joint International
Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Conference (ITAIC) (pp. 459-463).
IEEE.
Wirtz, B.W., 2021. Digital business and electronic commerce. Springer International Publishing.
12