Introduction to Information Technology - Desklib

This report provides an overview of Information Technology, its definition, importance, and impact on business operations. It discusses different types of software, ethical and social issues, computer networks, and the role of IT in managing businesses. The report also includes a case study of Marks and Spencer, a British multinational retail company. Access study material and solved assignments on Desklib.

INTRODUCTION
TO
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY

ABSTRACT :
Information technology play an major role in today's world. This is defined as a fusion of
telecommunication and computer technology with the other technologies like hardware,
databases and other equipments of telecommunication. I.T assist to determine the use of process,
create and disseminate information for business performance. Information technology have an
major impact on succession of any kind of business, this assist business management for analyse
the process for produce services and goods. This has both intangible and tangible advantage
which assist organisation for making money. Information technology assist management to take
decision in the best possible way and this also assist to build strong relationship with customers.

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT :...................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW ..............................................................................................................4
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS ................................................................................................5
Analysis of different types of software and which one is more important .................................5
....................................................................................................................................................6
Describing the ethical and social issues . Identifying the importance of them to run the venture
. ...................................................................................................................................................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...............................................................................................................................9
Discussing the role of IT which helps in managing business. ..................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES...............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Information technology is a wider term which assist in installing, development with the
use of computing and telecommunication. Usually, the information technology is the utilization
of soft wares, computers, hard ware, to store data, transfer or to create data and information.
This is a branch of computer science, which mentions the overall study of processing, and
structure of multiple types of data(Tajudeen, and et. al., 2021). This include use of networking
and other storage tools. This is utilised in the business operation for achieving the organisational
goals. Information technology is regarded as an essential tool to increase the competitiveness of
an economy in the country. Marks and Spencer is a British multinational retail company and this
have headquarter in Paddington, London England. Marks and Spencer is listed in London Stock
Exchange. This is founded in year 1884 through Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds.
This report discuss various kind of software and how this assist in business and also that software
depend on hardware. Information technology have significant role in a business. The report
usually evaluate the essentialness of information technology and how this will make an impact
on business.
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Thong & Yap in year 1995, information technology define computer
software which provide the support of strategy, operation and management in an organisation.
This assist to enhance the operation of business and their productivity.
In accordance to Sharma and Bhagwat (2003) analyse the information performance system on
basis of operational efficiency of IT.
According to, Levy et al. (2011) in this study, the alignment within the information system and
strategy, functionality and friendliness of the system plays and essential role in the business
performance.
As according to Sarosa & Zowaghi (2003) this state that an organisation utilise the information
technology to process, store and create the data.

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS
Analysis of different types of software and which one is more important
Software is a set of programs, instruction or data which were utilised for operating
computers and for implement the particular task. This is a set of program which perform a
function. Data is in form of soft copies which is intangible, basically this is totally opposite of
hardware.
Types of Software
 Application Software – This software is designed for end number of users. This is a very
common software which is utilized by a company. This assist in performing task in a
good way for achieving the desired objectives(Talha, and et. Al., 2022). This includes
software such as photo editing software, Microsoft word, internet browsers. Marks and
Spencer use these software. Marks and Spencer utilise this kind of software application
such as HCM, word and many more for achieving the goal.
 Programming Software - Software programming is designed for programmers of
computer who write code. This include languages such as C++, Python, Laravel and
many more for translating them in which the computer can understand. Marks and
Spencer utilise this software for translating the data in form of computer languages.
 Utility Software - This assist system of computer to work in an efficient and effective
manner. This let the operation system in managing, organising , maintaining and also this
assist to improvise the computer system(Szymkowiak, and et. Al., 2021). The software
include management of data backup, file, management tools and antivirus.
 Driver Software - This control the hardware device. These are the driver for the
hardware. This includes tablet, PC, smartphone and many more. Through this software
various hardware component get attached to the devices for communication with an
operating system.

Application software is one of the most essential software. This play an essential role in
information technology. This permit to perform a task on computer. The application software
assist in the operating system of the business. Application software assist to save money and time
and also through completing various task in minimum time with full efficiency. Usually this
software is designed for performing a particular task, which assist a user to perform the function.
This make system more useful. This come with the capability to simplify a process which is time
consuming and complex, this assist in doing manual task. This software is used through each
enterprise as this assist to achieve the desired outcomes(Mamurova, 2021). Application software
have many benefit such as this assist to analyse better user experience, increase productivity,
good decision making, increase data usage. Marks and Spencer apply this software in the
company.
Software and Hardware are the two elements in a computer system. These are
interdependent to each other. Software do not work without the support of hardware. When no
instruction is given then the hardware device is useless. Hardware is very much costlier then
software. The software and hardware both are the soul of digital computer. Hardware contains
keyboard, CPU and monitor without these components a software can not work. Software fully
depends on hardware for performing a particular task. Components of software runs on the
hardware. Hence, through the above analysis this is to say that every element were
interdependent on each other and the software can not exist without hardware.
Describing the ethical and social issues . Identifying the importance of them to run the venture .
This study reflect the new way of digitalization is making a major impact and put
pressure on the public value. I.I makes a major shift in the society. This have some ethical and
social issues-
Ethical Issues
 Personal Information - This is a main ethical issue for the information technology
which describe that how a business utilise their personal information. Data security is one
of the major issue due to data can be hacked and they can misuse their personal
information(Magazzino, and, et. al., 2021). This can exploit their privacy.

 Harmful Actions - These action can cause damages or can make problem to the
information technology like the loss of ownership, misusage of essential resources, loss
of property. Technology have both sides positive as well as negative. These action can
lead to destruct the file which derives a loss of data.
 Misinformation and Deep fakes - This is an ethical issue in Information Technology. In
this the business face an major loss because of miscommunication or not get an proper
information for gaining wider support base. Rumours play an essential role in this.
Misuse of information is high in recent time(Vu, and Nguyen, 2022).
Social issues
 Communication Breakdown – This is the key for business. This analyse that the
communication breakdown is one of a most essential ethical issue due to now a days
everyone is engaged on their laptop, phone, tablet and any physical communication
which is not getting done properly and this make a breakdown(Lei, and, et. Al., 2021).
In relation of Marks and Spencer, misconduct made an hurdle and conflict within
workers.
 Identity Theft – This is another activity which get very serious now days. This is a
social issue due to which the data is being hacked through anyone and this can misuse
the information which is a threat for an organisation. Marks and Spencer provides some
security guidelines and policy for protecting the information.
 Cyber Bullying - I.T make this very to attack on anyone through taking the advantage
of their personal information. Cyber bullying affect reputation of company, usually this
is a case of defamation.
Identifying and discussing the impact of computer networks on business -

Marks and Spencer is an multinational company, which expands their operation
geographical boundaries, receiving and sending information quickly have become more
essential.
Computer network as a computer group share resources located on provided through computer
nodes. When 2 or more computers were connected with each other and this let sharing the
resources is called as computer network. The node include personal hardware, computer, server.
They support many applications and services. Marks and Spencer use some common network
which were discussed below-
• Local Area Network (LAN) - These are the networks whose range is minimal, such
as offices, homes. LAN is the most useful network used by companies like Marks
and Spencer. This network range is limited to a radius of up to 1 km, i.e. located in
the office area (Wang and Wu, 2021).
A simple office LAN that connects to the other computers on the Internet to access
the information. Marks and Spencer leverages this network and has a major impact
on the business. It connects the computing devices. It makes the organization very
effective and productive. It helps Marks and Spencer communicate between
different sides or units of the different nations.
• Wide Area Network (WAN) - Wide Area Network is the simplest form of covering
a geographic area, it covers the different locations. They connected devices from
different locations around the world. This helps to store the data and communicate
with other users. Marks and Spencer uses this network to connect with employees
and customers around the world.
Computer networks have a great impact on businesses. It helps the organization to
achieve the goals. Wide Area Network helps businesses connect effectively with
international employees, customers, investors and others. Both LAN and WAN help
businesses and play important roles (Kadakia, Howell, and DeSalvo, 2021). The
main advantage of WAN is its size. LAN networks help save costs as connected
devices share resources. Marks and Spencer uses WAN over LAN because the

company is large and may need to connect to people in different locations around
the world. LAN devices are connected to the WAN, affecting the user experience.
Both networks play a vital role in business survival, LAN connects to the office
space and WAN connects them to the rest of the world.
Description of the information and communication technology (ICT) that enables a
company to respond efficiently to customer needs. Discussing the impact of the
Internet and intranet on business.
Information and communication technology is a tool used to store, create, share, share
or exchange information. It helps in creating a fastest growing industry. These include ,
internet, computers, recording and telephony. It is a broad subject term. It is the
process of conversing with people using technology.
ICT makes a business more effective and efficient in responding to consumer needs.
It includes various activities including design, R&D, manufacturing and so on.
Information and communication technology contributes to increase business
growth. It explains all the subjects such as finance, economics and technology that
play an important role in the development of businesses. It encompasses all the
digital technologies that help organizations connect with individuals and beyond.
Impact of the Internet and Intranet on Business
The Internet has a wide range of communities that provide various information and
communication facilities using various communication protocols. It's a global
system
connected to computer networks. Marks and Spencer uses the Internet in every
way, e.g. B. in the promotion of their products, sales and production.
This is literally impossible to run a business without the internet. The internet plays
a big role in every activity, whether production, manufacturing, sales, purchasing,
everything involves the internet. The Internet plays a crucial role in running a
business successfully. Innovation and technology are also part of the internet that
companies are incorporating into their operations. The Internet is the best possible

way to carry out the changes in the company (Dong, and, et. al., 2021). The
consumer is kept informed about the new product with the help of the Internet, it
keeps him informed in a timely manner. The internet has become part of business.
Marks and Spencer uses the Internet for marketing and sales. They promote their
product using social media, websites, email and blogs. They are able to attract more
consumers which leads to an increase in their sales.
The intranet is primarily used by employees to search for information, communicate
with people throughout the organization, and manage work processes. The intranet
is a private and closed network. It helps employees to communicate and collaborate
with each other. It is the source for the secure exchange of company information
between employees.
The intranet helps the business in a way. There are several elements that play an
important role in the succession of any business. Today almost all organizations are
powered by information, they help to share the information with employees by
communicating with each other and they help in employee engagement. It increases
productivity due to its business process which is very simple by using digital forms
etc. The intranet helps companies save time due to its navigation. Intranet helps in
improving content management system.
Discussing the role of IT helping to manage the business.
Information technology helps in analyzing the specific data and helps in planning
the business future by using the trends and information contained in the data.
Businesses use information technology through the use of computers and software to
easily run business operations. Information technology is a crucial part of business
as it manages and oversees everything. There are specific information technology
roles that help managers run businesses -
• Decision-making process – Information technology helps companies make
decisions that are appropriate to the situation (Chouki, and, et. al., 2022). Market

research can be conducted in various ways through social media, blogs, polls and
other platforms that help the organization make decisions according to the research
and the polls. These online platforms ensure the accuracy of the data.
• Organizational Communication – This is one of the most important uses of
information technology in business through various platforms like email, video chat
etc. It helps businesses to have virtual meetings with employees and customers
around the world without spending so much time and money on travel having to
spend . The communication is very fast and effective. It enables companies to
communicate with millions of customers worldwide.
• Security of Data and Information – The primary goal of data backup is data
protection. The IT department ensures that the company's data is secure. For this,
the IT department has implemented the data protection laws to secure or not
damage the data. To protect the data from hackers, they introduced this law. The IT
department is responsible for security procedures.
• Customer Satisfaction – The customer is the key to business success. Business
success depends on customer satisfaction (Chiu, and, et. al., 2021). Communication
helps in understanding a person's needs and this can be possible with information
technology as it offers many channels to connect with existing customers around the
world.
• Resource Management – Resource management is the important part of business
success. When it comes to large organizations, it becomes very difficult for top
management to manage all resources correctly. Information technology helps to deal
with such a complicated process by introducing a user-friendly method. Almost all
big companies use these cloud-based solutions to manage the resources.

CONCLUSION

Information technology plays a crucial role in the company. It's an integral
part of the business. It takes into account every type of organization, small,
medium and large. In today's world, it is impossible to run the business
without information technology. The above report states that software cannot
function without hardware. Both are dependent on each other. It also
describes how digitization and its overuse affect ethical and social issues. It
can be said that the ethical and social issues are increasing rapidly in this
virtual world. Computer networks like LAN and WAN help the company to
improve its performance. As mentioned above, information communication
technology helps businesses run efficiently and effectively. Intranet and
Internet play a key role in internal and external organizational
communication. They help companies to provide relevant information.
Information technology has various roles that help managers in running the
company such as decision making process, securing company data, managing
resources and so on. Information technology helps organizations to work
efficiently.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Chiu, C.L., and, et. al., 2021. Exploring information technology success of Augmented Reality
Retail Applications in retail food chain. Journal of Retailing and Consumer
Services, 61, p.102561.
Chouki, M.,and, et. al., 2022. Barriers to information technology adoption within small and
medium enterprises: A systematic literature review. Emerging Issues And Trends In
Innovation And Technology Management, pp.369-412.
Dong, J.Q., and, et. al., 2021. How firms make information technology investment decisions:
Toward a behavioral agency theory. Journal of Management Information
Systems, 38(1), pp.29-58.
Kadakia, K.T., Howell, M.D. and DeSalvo, K.B., 2021. Modernizing public health data systems:
Lessons from the health information technology for economic and clinical health
(hitech) act. JAMA, 326(5), pp.385-386.
Lei, Y., and, et. Al., 2021. Information technology and service diversification: A cross-level
study in different innovation environments. Information & Management, 58(6),
p.103432.
Magazzino, C., and, et. al., 2021. The nexus between information technology and environmental
pollution: Application of a new machine learning algorithm to OECD
countries. Utilities Policy, 72, p.101256.
Mamurova, D.I., 2021. The role of graphics programs in improving the learning process using
information technology. EFFLATOUNIA-Multidisciplinary Journal, 5(2).
Szymkowiak, A., and et. Al., 2021. Information technology and Gen Z: The role of teachers, the
internet, and technology in the education of young people. Technology in Society, 65,
p.101565.
Tajudeen, F.P., and et. al., 2021. The impact of digitalisation vision and information technology
on organisations' innovation. European Journal of Innovation Management.
Talha, M., and et. Al., 2022. Impact of information technology on accounting and finance in the
digital health sector. Journal of Commercial Biotechnology, 27(2).
Vu, N.H. and Nguyen, N.M., 2022. Development of small-and medium-sized enterprises through
information technology adoption persistence in Vietnam. Information Technology for
Development, 28(3), pp.585-616.
Wang, W.T. and Wu, S.Y., 2021. Knowledge management based on information technology in
response to COVID-19 crisis. Knowledge management research & practice, 19(4),
pp.468-474.