Information Technology and Communication Technologies - Desklib

This report discusses the impact of information technology and communication technologies on businesses, including the types of software used, ethical and social issues, and the impact of the internet and intranet. It also analyzes the use of technology in reference to Tesco PLC, including the classification of computer software used and key ethical and social issues. The report is relevant for students studying information technology and business management.

Information and
Communication
Technologies

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................4
Types of softwares used in Businesses......................................................................................4
-Ethical and Social issues of IT..................................................................................................5
Impact of Internet and Intranet ..................................................................................................6
Impact of IT in helping managers to manage businesses...........................................................7
Analysis and discussion on use of technology in reference to Tesco PLC......................................8
Classification of computer softwares used by Tesco PLC.........................................................8
Key ethical and social issue of Information Technology in context to Tesco PLC...................9
Impact of Internet and Intranet in reference to Tesco PLC......................................................10
Role of IT in helping managers to manage business operations at Tesco...............................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Present business era is considered as digitally advanced and sophisticated period with the
major involvement of technology in the form of softwares, applications, electronic platforms etc.
in the business operations. Here onwards, this report includes detailed description of Information
and communication technologies along with brief information related to various softwares used
by managers to manage business operations efficiently. Forth, the entire information related to
softwares, applications used by businesses and impact of internet and intranet would be
discussed in general and then in relation with Tesco PLC. Which is a renowned general retail
merchandising brand of UK. Founded in 1919, Tesco is the ninth largest retailing brand in terms
of revenues with physical presence of its stores in multiple countries around the globe. In
reference to the mentioned company, this report will also conduct detailed study in relation with
information technology aiding managers of Tesco in smooth and productive functioning at
different levels in the organisation.

MAIN BODY
LITERATURE REVIEW
Information and communication technology can be defined as the set of various tools and
devices backed by technological advancements. These technological tools and resources are used
in storing, creating, sharing and exchanging of information by using multiple technology based
mediums. The various kinds of tools and mediums used in transmitting data includes, computers,
mobile phones, internet (mails, websites, blogs etc.). Various other mediums like television,
radios, are considered as live broadcasting technological tools. Through business eye, the most
common and crucial widely used technological tools include websites, computer programs and
mobile applications. These tools are acknowledged as softwares in technical terms. Businesses
use, multiple softwares for their different business operations. The use of softwares enables the
involvement of technology in business activities to make working efficient and hassle free.
Types of softwares used in Businesses
According to Mr. Horn, softwares are the integral part of any organisation using
Information technology tools in commencing business operations. Below mentioned are the
widely used softwares by companies and organisations to perform their business operations -
 Accounting Software – Such softwares are the most important and integral part of any
business organisation. Accounting softwares are used to store, process and monitor the
expenditures, cash flow and filing the taxes of company. Accounting softwares are used
to keep financial books and statements accurate and specific as per the company need.
 Payroll Management software – Payroll management softwares are used by companies
to process payrolls, year end bonuses, salary and compensation payments, supper
annuation payments etc. to the employees. Use of such softwares enables efficient
smooth payroll operations making sure employees are paid on time.
 Project Management software – Also called as PMS softwares are used by project
managers and teams in the organisation to bring efficiency in project completion strategy.
Such softwares breaks down the complex projects into specific tasks in small segments

allowing comprehensive view of entire project. In short, such software helps in
developing organised plans to complete project in timely manner.
 Customer Relationship Management Software – In the past decade companies are
highly focused in maintaining efficient relationship with their customers. Here the need
of CRM software arises for organisation to bring more efficiency in relationship with
customers. Such softwares stores data related to customers past orders history and their
preferences and tastes. Such data can be used by companies to analyse and evolve
products according to their customer's preferences.
 Communication Software – For efficient communication within organisation or with
external business resources, companies uses communication softwares for successful
operations. Businesses and teams connects with each others through mails, video calls
and conferences to communicate and collaborate with each other for business activities.
Also, such softwares are used by companies to get in touch with their customer base
also(Horn, T., 2018).
-Ethical and Social issues of IT
Mrs. Kaur illustrates that use of softwares and information technology tools in businesses
makes business operations and activities smoother and efficient but it also brought some
concerns regarding the ethics in technological environment.
Few are the most concerned ethical and social issues in technology emphasised by Mrs. Kaur-
 Misuse of Personal Information – Organisations have tons of data related to the
customers personal information. While making purchases online customer provides its
personal details. The most raised concern in technological advance businesses is how the
personal data is being used by the companies. If not backed by strong cyber security such
personal information can easily accessed by hackers for misuse in criminal context and
other related activities.
 Misinformation and Fake information – It is quite evident from various incidents that
online internet softwares and tools can create fake content to exploit the actualisation of
real data. Such IT tools and softwares are used to create fake identities, informations etc.
and can be used in illegal activities like cyber scam, financial scams etc. Similarly fake

videos and content can be made to demean or downgrading the value of any personnel or
organisation.
 Lack in oversighting and accepting of Responsibility – Most businesses and
companies uses 3rd parties for multiple business operations. For instance -E commerce
organisations uses third party applications and softwares for the processing of financial
transactions. Such use of IT platforms concerns about accountability of data protection
and bearing of responsibilities if any details are breached.
 Cyber Crime – Cyber crime can be defined as the false use of information technology,
softwares and tools for the purpose of theft of data and financial resources. Hackers use
digital applications and malware to breach the security of companies and organisations.
Such false activities in IT world cause huge financial and data losses to the companies
and organisations.(Kaur and et. al. 2022)
Impact of Internet and Intranet
Internet – As per Mr. Martinho, Mr. Gomers and Mr. Yasin internet can be defined as
the systematic order of connected networks that uses IP suite for gaining information and
accessing communication around the globe. Presently no business in the world could operate
without the use of internet. Businesses are highly dependable on Internet to carry their operations
through the use of softwares and applications.
Below mentioned is the detailed analysis of the impact that internet has occurred on businesses -
 Broad Marketing Opportunities – Companies uses social media, email, websites,
search engines to expand their product and services reach to their customers. This is also
called as digital marketing. Through the use of internet, businesses designs their
campaigns, digital contents, and publish them on websites, social media tools to
communicate with market and expand its product reach.
 Online Trade/ Business – Internet has provided various online platforms to carry
business operations like buying and selling of products and services without being
physically present to carry the trade activities. In past decade various internet businesses
like affiliate marketing, e commerce businesses, content creation have came into extent.

 Cloud data storage – Various online platforms enables companies and organisations to
store their data in online cloud storage softwares. This has eventually aided companies
and organisations to get rid of hectic physical file work and storage of data in paper
works. Data stored on cloud platform can easily be accessed and fetched according to the
size and need of company's needs and requirement.(Martinho, Gomes and Yasin, 2019)
Intranet – According to Mr. Mikhailova and Razmochaeve, Intranet refers to the private
network established within an organisation or enterprise that is used to share information and
computing multiple resources among the workforce of the organisation. Further discussed are the
impacts of Intranet on the businesses -
 Improve Internal communication – Intranet provides various communication tools to
establish efficient communication network between employees within organisation.
Tools like E-mail, instant messaging etc. can be used to transmit informations in
instances leading faster communication within the workplace.
 Greater Collaboration – As mentioned above Intranet makes communication effective
ultimately leading to better collaboration between employees and co-workers. Also, a
good quality intranet enables teams to work simultaneously on the same tasks by staying
in connection with each other.
 Easier to find People within organisation – Intranet provides tools like updated people
directories that helps employees to find and connect with each others in quick time.
Features like presence tools also indicates whether a person is available for talk at the
moment or not. (Mikhailov and Razmochaeva, 2018)
Impact of IT in helping managers to manage businesses.
According to Mr. Papanagnou and Mrs. Strutynska, evolution of Information technology
tools in the form of softwares and applications aids managers in bringing efficiency in their
operations at respective levels in the organisation. The detailed information on how IT helps
managers in businesses is mentioned below -

 IT tools and softwares used in the organisations helps manager in accessing real time
information in few clicks only. Use of softwares helps managers bringing efficiency in
their operations. Issues like addressing feedback, Employee onboarding, and rewarding
performance can be done in no time. (Papanagnou and et. al. 2022)
 Managers for example Human resource managers use HRIS softwares in businesses to
manage and monitor the workforce of the organisation. Softwares used by managers aids
them in tracking areas of performance of employees and addressing complex problem in
more easier manner.
 Project management softwares used by managers helps in creating complex projects into
simple specific tasks that aids managers in completing their projects in respective time
slot. The tracking and monitoring of actual working of teams can be easily analysed by
using IT tools and softwares to bring productivity in operations by managers and teams.
(Strutynska and et. al. 2019)
Analysis and discussion on use of technology in reference to Tesco PLC.
Classification of computer softwares used by Tesco PLC.
Tesco being a multinational retailing brand with presence in multiple countries in
multiple products and market segment uses multiple tools and softwares to manage its business
operations smoothly. Some of them are mentioned below -
 IQ matrix software – This is an POS (point of sale) software used by Tesco at its check
out counters. This is cloud based software used by Tesco to manage its multi location
retail stores with centralised data storage server. IQ matrix is also used in various process
like e-commerce accounting, payment processing, biometric security, automation of
marketing in single software. It eventually manages and monitors Tesco's POS
operations.
 Megaventory – This is an inventory management software used by Tesco to manage its
inventory and assembly processing of products. This software is used by Tesco to order ,

oversee, and fulfilling its inventory needs by connecting with specific vendors and
suppliers at singe platform. Megaventory is also used to analyse the most and the least
order product in a specific time period denoting the tastes and preferences of the market.
 Hub Spot Software – This is a Customer relationship management (CRM) software used
by Tesco PLC. Hub spot software combine various Tesco's business operations under one
roof. It aids Tesco in tracking relationship with their customers as well as it tracks and
facilitates sales and marketing activities for Tesco. Hub Spot as a software also aids
Tesco in presenting detailed customer grievances eventually helping customer service
management of Tesco to resolve the issues accordingly.(Ahmed and et. al. 2022)
Key ethical and social issue of Information Technology in context to Tesco PLC.
Ethical Practices at Tesco
 Misuse of information is most prominent problem while using IT tools and softwares in
business operations. Tesco being a retail brand heavily emphasises in maintaining high
ethical standards while using IT tools. Company heavily invests in security software and
hardware at every store to ward off any possible cyber attack on its data servers to protect
customers and organisation's confidential information.
 Fake information or miss information regarding products and services being sold on
multiple platforms has emerged at high pace in few years. Tesco being a renowned brand
is focused on strenuous checks of its products and related information being sold in
various online and retail stores. Any information whose claim can't be verified, company
refrains from sharing such content to their customers.(Ahuja and Kumar, 2021)
 For hassle free functioning companies use 3rd party applications and softwares for
multiple business operations sometimes resulting in conflict regarding who holds
responsibility if any false happens. Tesco, also uses third party softwares but is highly
aligned in ensuring accountability of any mishap caused in between customers and
company during trade activities. In case of any information breach, company holds a
policy where it immediately make their customers and shareholders acquainted of such
activities. (Yin and et. al. 2019)

Social Practices at Tesco
 Online hate crimes are the most concerned issues for any organisation so is with Tesco
PLC. But Tesco, tackles such online abuse and crimes by disabling the profiles of such
customers engaged in bullying or slandering of other at its platform. Also, Tesco,
developed anti crime online platforms to register any such incident happened to or with
their employees or customers online or in physical stores.
 Multiple softwares and tools are used by Tesco in its stores worldwide that are versed as
employee engagement programs softwares. Such Softwares helps employees to get in
connect with each other at single platform leading in building productive workforce at
every location of Tesco's stores. (Awari and Warjurkar, 2022)
Impact of Internet and Intranet in reference to Tesco PLC.
Internet's impact on Tesco – With the emergence of internet it has become quite
feasible for Tesco to conduct its business operations more smoothly and efficiently. Tesco uses
internet and IT softwares for campaigning of its new launching products in order to capture
customer's attention at multiple digital media platform where people in current age are normally
active. Tesco uses various digital marketing tools to expand its reach in the market. Apart,
Internet has enabled facilities like e-commerce to carry trade on online platform. Tesco operates
its website and online application that connect customers to Tesco's digital store where they can
place orders and purchase products without being physically present or visiting stores. Along
with this, internet based apps and website allows Tesco to place inventory orders with its vendors
and suppliers for their respective stores at multiple location without giving a physical visit to
vendors and suppliers.
Intranet's impact on Tesco – Use of Intranet facility at Tesco has brought efficiency and
productivity at every store located at multiple locations around the globe. Tesco uses Intranet
tool to established centralised communication channel where every employee at any store can be
connected through a single click and medium. This is must because in retail stores employees
face multiple issue sometimes and centralised intranet connection helps them in addressing the
issues to their senior management in not time. Apart, Tesco uses intranet to train its employees

working in different store across countries by providing online learning and skill development
sessions through video conferencing and mailing methods. Also, if there is an issue that affects
multiple stores, Tesco uses centralized communication channels to embark the problem and
share the solutions for the raised concerns quickly and easily.(Cepeda and Arias-Pérez, 2018)
Role of IT in helping managers to manage business operations at Tesco.
Tesco has multiple departments with different tasks and responsibilities. Also, being a
retail brand with global presence, Tesco's management uses different softwares that aids its
managers to conduct business operations effectively and efficiently at every location. Further,
mentioned is the brief information on how IT aids Tesco's managers in managing business
operations.
 Upper level managers at Tesco uses EIS (Executive information system) softwares that
acts like decision support systems. Such softwares aids Tesco's upper management to get
complete overview of the information related to every department of the company and its
stores eventually helping managers in better decision making.
 Managers at mid level management at Tesco uses multiple softwares as per their
department needs. For instance, operations managers uses software related to inventory
management to manage the retail operations at Tesco. Human resources managers uses
HRIS softwares to efficiently manage the workforce at every department and store of
Tesco PLC.
 Apart using softwares, Tesco uses various other IT tools to conduct its business
operations. Tesco developed its e-commerce website to commence its business operations
and deliver its products to the customers at the comfort of their homes without the need
of visiting stores. It is quite feasible for its customers to place order online at Tesco's
online retail sites to make purchases as per their need.(Gasparian and et. al. 2020)
 Use of Intranet within the Tesco's premises allows company to get connected with their
employees located at multiple locations around the globe in a single click. This helps in
efficient and smooth flow of communication between the management and its employees
worldwide. Managers at Tesco are highly focuses in creating better working environment

by implementing measures like easy accessing of Information sharing tools so that
employee can easily address their grievances or share their feedbacks accordingly.
CONCLUSION
From the detailed study of the above report it can be concluded that Informational
Technology is no doubt the most important part of businesses around the globe. Whatever
efficiency is being gained by business organisations in current era is because of role played by IT
in business world. From the above report in context to Tesco is quite evident, how multiple
softwares assists different departments in conducting the business operations effectively and
efficiently. Such Information technology tools have definitely given the managers an additional
advantage in commencing and managing their responsibilities. It has also been discussed that
Internet and Intranet are the most important components to carry business operations with the use
of softwares. The brief information shared on the impact of internet unfolds the prominent role it
plays in business environment. Along with this, no doubt with such evident use of technology
there are certain norms and ethics influencing business behaviour in the market, discussion on
such social and ethical practices states that businesses should highly consider the social ethics
while using Information technology as a tool for their business operations.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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Awari, G.K. and Warjurkar, S.V., 2022. Ethics in Information Technology: A Practical Guide.
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Strutynska and et. al. 2019, June. Influence of Digital Technology on Roadmap Development
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Computer Information Technologies (ACIT) (pp. 333-337). IEEE.
Yin and et. al. 2019. New retail business analysis and modeling: A Taobao case study. IEEE
Transactions on Computational Social Systems, 6(5), pp.1126-1137.