Introduction to Information Technology and its Implications on Business: A Case Study of Barclays Bank

This report discusses the importance of information technology in business, social and ethical issues, types of computer networks, and the impact of artificial intelligence. It also provides a case study of Barclays Bank.

Introduction to
Information
Technology

ABSTRACT
The advancement of information technology is very important for everyone's life. It aids
to maintain living standard of society. It is a very significant tool for business because it provides
various aspects for industry growth such as cloud computing, data analytics etc. This network
innovation helps in connecting large number of customer and management easily take any
decision which is beneficiary for their clients. Basically, IT generate an electronic storage device
which save to the valuable record of company. The present analysis considers the importance of
data technology along-with discussing social and ethical issue that influence IT in context of
Barclays bank. It also focus on artificial-intelligence and network topologies. This assist bank to
perform all organisation activities in a perfect manner or handle their consumer records and
provides them banking services which provide satisfaction to its clients.

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................2
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................4
2. LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................................................4
2.1 Information Technology and its implication on service sectors organisations..........................4
2.2 Ethics and Social Values of using IT.........................................................................................4
2.3 Types of Computer Networks....................................................................................................5
2.4 Concept Of Artificial Intelligence along-with its significance..................................................6
3. ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION.....................................................................................................6
3.1 Implication of information technology on business...................................................................6
3.2 Significance of social and ethical issues....................................................................................8
3.3 Different kind of network technologies.....................................................................................9
3.4 Impacts of Artificial Intelligence.............................................................................................10
4. CONCLUSION .........................................................................................................................11
5. REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................12

1. INTRODUCTION
Information Technology is refer to anything which is related to computer software,
storage and other physical device. It is generally used in respect to business operations. IT also
involves data handling, whether it is in form of text, image, voice or some other form.
Information technology is very important in business world, it is a part of everyday lives of
individuals. There are many industries which are engaged with IT sector in terms of cyber
security, hardware, software, online media etc. The electronic device help to keep information
safe and process it only for customer use. In an organisation, this is a sector that can be focuses
on accomplishing, controlling and managing IT system and services(Aghaabbasi and et.al.,
2020). This report is based on Barclays(it is a British Universal Bank, which headquarters is in
London, England). This report discusses about implication IT in business, Significance of social
and ethical issues, evaluate and define several types of computer networks along-with its
impacts, define the effect of Artificial Intelligence on business.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Information Technology and its implication on service sectors
organisations.
According to Carl Mitchum- “ Information technology is defines as the potential that can
offer to business through application software, computer networks, telecommunication for
providing information and individual knowledge.” Basically IT influence ongoing activities of an
organisation. It helps in structured service sectors in terms of both consumer and employees.
Information Technology plays a very significant role in business through providing simple
access on web via cellphones, maintain a close relation with clients, self service techniques aids
consumer to deliver access on their accounts/check balance/money transfer(Chen and et.al.,
2019). It provides global reach to its potential clients, this service can be enlarge living of
customers across the world. It reduces service cost of business by replace less skilled person in
front-line desk jobs.
2.2 Ethics and Social Values of using IT
There are several issues that arising due to the use of technology. In society, techno-
ethics is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on ethics and morale prospects of innovation. It is

concerned for determining ethical usage of technology in world, techno-ethics derives a wide
scope of these values around technology for focus on certain area influencing working of
professionals in world of technology. Such issues defining the role and importance of IT in
everyday life of an individual. The importance of these issues are rising day by day which is
immensely focus on rights that another individual cannot use the webpage. The misuse of data
and loss of information is considered as an ethical issue which prohibits to other user to access
the technology in such a way that result into a defeat of information. The cyber security helps in
handling the privacy of knowledgable data through password that comes under social issues. It is
difficult in handling due to creation of certain conflicts in technology.
2.3 Types of Computer Networks
Network technology is usage of information systems to handling and providing online resources
through computer network(Collins and Moons, 2019). Most of companies use system hardware
and software that can manage the grid. Information technology is a constant change in business,
this network helps in delivering data electronically by the help of information system. A way of
communication is possible through cables and wires to fulfilling process of data transmission
between two or more system. This basically assist in transferring messages through mails. A grid
expand includes in finding business information. There are four major types of technology
network which are discusses below:
◦ LAN: This term is defines as local area network that use to connect devices in a
small range for sharing data, information, programs and tools by using cellphones,
laptops and computer. It scope is usually from 100 km to 10 km .
◦ MAN: It is a metropolitan area network, it covers large area than LAN and smaller
area as compare to WAN. This network is use by those customer who need a high
speed in network. It can handle broad area such as city or town.
◦ WAN: This term define wide area network that can connect grid over a large area
through telephone lines and radio waves(Ghobakhloo, 2020). This technology
provides high speed to its customer and it is relatively expensive.
◦ PAN: It is personal area network that can connect through wireless modern, printer
etc., It is revolving around one person that connected with single devices which is
usually found in office.

2.4 Concept Of Artificial Intelligence along-with its significance
Artificial-intelligence is very famous in current scenario, it is pretend as human intelligence
which is accessed through machines. AI is very important technology that used tools and
techniques for make better world, it helps in making person lives easier because it reduces
human efforts and tend to possessed ability to work automatically (Hawkridge, Vincent and
Hales, 2018). It can take complex decision and speed up work process with surety to precision
and accuracy level which improves organisation productivity and enhancing its growth. In short,
artificial-intelligence is a wide range area of computer science that focus on measuring
capabilities of smart machines and performing task that is necessary for human intelligence.
3. ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION
3.1 Implication of information technology on business.
It is define prospects of organisation digitally, IT provides a digital tools for increasing business
economy. There are many innovation which is increased on regular basis and aids in utilising
resources in a efficient manner through IT (Jain and Sinha, 2018). Information technology
provides a simple way to business for engaging with potential clients over a internet which helps
Barclays Bank to enhancing the profit with a huge efficiency of increasing productivity. The
major requirement of bank is to update data that assist to simple deal with customers and provide
services digitally to them. This may helps in generating revenue and increase business growth.
Following is the impact on information technology on business:
◦ Business process autogenetic: This process assist organisation in improving
business activities through information technology which extended workflow and
boosting efficiency of Barclays. It saves times as well as diminishes operation cost of
business. Thus, this helps in concerned about other task and enhancing organisation
process significantly. The process of tracking metrics and collection billing of clients
information can easily acquire through automation.
◦ Modernity: It is very important aspect that comes up with new innovation that help
in enhancing banking services and reduce fraud in activities(Law,Leung and Chan,
2019). The information technology has improved an unified network that helps in

enhancing working condition of Barclays bank by providing an opportunities for
opening an area of financial transaction or account openings with others transfers.
The bank have a potential to move forward along with its various functions across
world with high presence of information technology through world wide area network
and providing proficiency of services to its clients digitally in respect to conducting
financial transaction.
◦ Data security: It is very important tool in service sector to secure assets of customer.
If cybersecurity is inadequate then they lose the trust of clients and other banking
institution(Martin, 2017). In every financial sector there is a large data of customer
related to its financial transactions and clients details. This information is important
for business which may be create lots of legal claims if data is not safe. Due to this
information technology plays a major role in Barclays bank by giving right resources
for keeping information safe with full protection.
◦ Contributing satisfaction of consumer: The banking sector is specific commodity
where customer experience is base of industry growth. Clients satisfaction derives
largest competitive benefits to banks. Information technology helps Barclays bank to
easily connect with consumer and solve their problems easily through unlocking
facility of emails, digital media and services etc. The various cloud based
connectivity can boosting experience of customer.
◦ Resource Management: It is very important tool for bank because banking is a
service industry. The risk handling and people management are major challenges that
is faced by banks. In simple, every organisation is a combination of several resources
such as marketing, finance, hr, operations etc.(Pan and Zhang, 2021). And
management of these resources plays a very prominent role by offering a broadest
scope of flexible result. For instance, the mixture of employee resource planning
enhancing efficiency of Barclays Bank by handling all operation activities of bank
through automation.

3.2 Significance of social and ethical issues
The Barclays bank facing various social and ethical issue via using information technology. An
IT applications has broadest area like health, education, jobs etc. The availability of network
technology growth has create major issue in the way of operating society. Following are the
importance of these issues in virtual world:
ETHICAL ISSUES
1. Secure basic human needs- It is a very important ethics affair in IT sector. Every person
desire to improves its welfare and work for organisation (Refonaa and et.al., 2019). IT
provides a facility to its user to having their own operating system, software and
hardware tools for accessing grid which are interconnect with each other. It is a major
challenging task to handling information of customer and data integration regarding to
Barclays bank.
2. Acquiring rights: There is a large progress in IT sector, due to this accessing rights is
becoming a major priority in context of IT and internet. An improvement in digital media
and electronic fund transfer has strengthen this issue for various business and government
agencies. Barclays banks gives several services such as digital banking, mobile banking
which might faced a lot of issues from unauthorised using network cannot made safe.
3. Adverse action: In ethics related to computer, defined as damaging IT consequences
such as loss of ownership, significant data etc. These activities involves intentional
destruction in files and programs which derives a huge loss of resources in bank. And to
cope up with this harmful action Barclays wants to required extra time for take away
virus in computer system.
SOCIAL ISSUES
4. Communication Breakdown: It is defines as social affairs as now a days, most of
people are engaging with their laptops, computers, mobile phones which leads lack of
communication with others and relationship also reduced(Riikkinen and et.al., 2018).
This electronic devices not only enhancing communication gap with family, friends but
also with staff of business. Due to online devices, Barclays bank facing a lot of issues in
connecting with customers as most of clients managing their account through mobile
phones which increases risk of crashing in financial transactions.

5. Fraudulent Identity: Fraud is also spurious issue while assessing computer and internet.
The third party can use customer data and employee information for the purpose of
generating theft through online transaction. The Barclays bank keep information secure
of customers and its staff to escape fraud with the help of many privacy sources.
6. Digital banking : The clients of Barclays bank usually get online banking service. This
is also considers as social affair because sometimes it is not safe to perform financial
transaction digitally as it acquire a chances of hacking which results shows in fraud with
monetary benefits or personal information.
3.3 Different kind of network technologies
It usually includes data usage system for handling and providing online resources through
various grid of computer(Rossi, 2018). The network specialist are accountable in terms of
installation, troubleshooting, configuration in technologies that is used to deliver online data via
visual, audio and data files. This computer grapevine defines different set of computers
delivering various resources through various network channel. This also includes several devices
that create a connection between two different devices. It comprises cables, hubs , switches
which is also called as hardware. Different computer network technologies are as follows-
 Local area network: It refer to merger of various computer that can connect with one
system and involves small areas such as office or building. It connects with more than
two personal computers by a way of communication. The information is delivered
through extreme fast speed and gives higher security. The LAN create an impact on
Barclays bank with the help of cost minimisation. This device are attached with coaxial
cables and easily established by accessing online services.
 Metropolitan area network: It defines a vast geographical area of grid by
interconnected with various LAN in respect to make large area network (Stover, 2019).
This can be used by various agencies of government with regarding to connect with
customers and private companies. It is a larger range in comparison to LAN. In Barclays
bank, it provide links in computers by the help of internet connectivity in metropolitan
areas. The local mails are less expensive and delivered very fast. This grid usage provides
security in bank.

 Wide area network: This expansion of network exist over a large geographical region
such as different countries which conduct a communication through fibre optic cables,
satellite links. In this world of technology internet is largest WAN. Barclays bank use this
network to engage with various cities where data centre helps to find out necessary
information. By the help of this bank is capable to manage all necessary data . It helps to
provides facility of acquiring bank accounts by customers across the globe.
 Personal area network: It defines a network management related to a person within a
range of 100 to 10 meters. It aids in usage for device attachment of personal use, that is
known as PAN. It includes cellphones, media player etc. An employee of Barclays bank
easily accomplish task from their home and clients can conducting transaction from its
own. It can use digital banking services through online media and also aids in engaging a
lot of consumers regarding certain services.
3.4 Impacts of Artificial Intelligence
The AI generally indicate by machines in comparison to human intelligence. This can
easily solve problems related to persons mind(Topol, 2019). It is a machines that grasp activities
of computer programmes automatically and also acquiring new information without taking helps
of human beings. There is majorly four aspects of artificial intelligence such as think like
humans or rational and act like person or logical. Following are major influence of AI that
improving operations of business.
 Improving Productivity: The artificial intelligence enhancing the efficiency in
production of business and also decreasing tasks of staff. In this technology world,
majorly task are accomplish by AI and they don't require help of humans for
decreasing the work load of employees within premises of Barclays bank. Due to this,
individual is concerned about other task which can raise growth of industry.
 Save time: The working go this artificial equipment is more effective in comparison
to human work. It gives reliability in accomplishment of task without any conflict. An
industry can easily get notification in respect to significant task that should be
completed on given time. Artificial intelligence can access a large amount of data
within a second and frequently take decision regarding banking activities.

 Diminishing errors: AI also helps in decreasing the upcoming errors in business
operation and conducting work smoothly which gives an appropriate results. The
prediction of cash flows is consume a lot time by humans but AI can diminishes
errors and leads to high opportunities and also increases chance of Barclays Bank
growth.
Pros and Cons of Information Technology
The information technology gives various benefits and drawbacks to Barclays bank like
keeping the customer information safe and process of flow of information run in a smooth
manner(Xu and et.al., 2019). It helps in building customer relationship by generating awareness
in the minds of clients related to banking items and services, net banking etc.
There are also some major disadvantages of IT in Barclays bank as it takes huge money
and resources for handling such innovations. There are various task that can accomplish with
aids of this grid. It can generate unemployment or financial security. The company can suffers
with security losses sometimes data can be tracked in bank. So it create an implication on its
growth also negatively influence its image in marketplace.
4. CONCLUSION
It is being conclude from the above analysis that enlargement of innovation creates a
large implications on industry which helps in leads to growth and success. In the business a
specific areas is maintained by all the necessary files and documents keeping safe that there is no
fraud occurs in organisation premises. The above analysis is totally based on Barclays bank in
which defining some social and ethical issues that creates an implication on Information
Technology. In this IT world information may delivers through network topologies that is LAN,
MAN, WAN, PAN. And artificial intelligence strengthen the reputation of company which has
its own position within workplace and this also helps in attaining goals with an effective manner.

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