Introduction to Information Technology

This report covers the basics of Information Technology and its importance in modern world. It discusses different types of software, their importance and interdependence with hardware. It also highlights ethical and social issues related to IT and their impact on businesses. The report further explores the role of ICT in making businesses more efficient and effective in responding to customer needs. The impact of internet and intranet on businesses and the role of IT in helping managers to manage businesses are also discussed. The report is relevant for students studying IT and related courses.

Introduction to
Information
Technology

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The use of information technology (IT) in increasing forcefully. It uses computer system
for the transmission of data. Information and communication technology (ICT) consists of any
communication devices that is useful for identification, retention, transmission of information.
There are various types of software such as: application software, system software, driver
software. Information and communication technology (ICT) helps any business to operate
effectively and efficiently. Internet permit organization to use information technology and
communication which is very advantageous for administration of business concern. Intranet is
the private net of business enterprise utilized by the organization to assist personal informations.
Information technology let managers to manage overall business.

Table of Content.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................1
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION...................................................................................................1
Discuss different types of software. Which type of software is more important? Can software
exist independent of Hardware?...................................................................................................1
Ethical and social issues are increasing in the digital world. Identify and discuss their
importance to run the businesses.................................................................................................3
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) makes a business more efficient and
effective in responding to customer needs. Discuss the impact of Internet and Intranet on
businesses.....................................................................................................................................5
Discuss the role of IT in helping managers to manage businesses..............................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
In modern world, information technology is playing an important role in every sector. It
generally requires computers networks, and other physical devices to access the information and
data. Information technology (IT) is helpful while communicating, interacting, storing and other
several areas. It has made the work of individual and business enterprise very easy and fast. This
consists of various software which helps in performing various functions (Toyama, 2018).
Through the help of information technology business can be operated in an appropriate manner.
This report deals with the TESCO which is a multinational groceries and general merchandise
retailer headquartered in England, UK. It was developed by Jack Cohen in 1919. This particular
report covers various types of software and its connection with hardware. Different ethical issues
and social issues which are important while operating the business are also discussed in this
report. In addition to this, the importance of ICT in making the businesses more efficient and the
impact of internet and intranet on businesses is also mentioned. The role of IT in helping
managers to mange the business is also covered in this particular report.
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Kirsten Slyter, 2019 “Information Technology is defined as the application
used by the business enterprise to solve the organisational issues and make the work easier. As
business needs to deal with large number of data so with the help of IT it can makes the use of
data. As per Tiago and Maria (2011), “information technology plays a critical role in raising the
business productivity. It assist organisation in increasing economical competitiveness”. It helps
is data transmission, storing the data and making the data user friendly. This leads every
enterprise and individual to manage the data and innovate their processed. According to Johnson
J., “information communication technology is the process of shortening of information and
communication technology”. According to Artur Victoria, 2020 “information technology is the
communication of information through various ways using technology.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Discuss different types of software. Which type of software is more important? Can software
exist independent of Hardware?
Software is a set of programs, instruction, data which is required to run the computer as
well as to execute various types of activities. It is basically gives instruction to the computers and
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other devices how to work and perform the task. If there are no software installed in the
computer, then the system are useless. Some of the example of computer system are Quick
books, google chrome, Microsoft excel, Microsoft business and many more. Software are very
logically in nature as it provides instruction to the business. There are several kind of software
which are performing different work as per the data and information which are explained below:
 System software: System software helps user and hardware to interact which each
other. This is the type of software which helps hardware to run in an effective manner. It
can be said that system software a mediator layer among the hardware and the user. It
makes a level where various software can become capable to work over computer
system (Antonelli, 2019). It usually runs in the background and is not used by the end
users. Linux, Android, macOS, MS windows, USB drivers,BIOS and many other are
considered as the example of system software.
 Application software: Application software is a type of software that is specially
designed to perform the specific task and help user to complete the task. This software is
basically used by end user. Application software are also used in daily lives and helps
individual in finishing their tasks. Their absence doesn't affect the normal functioning of
the system and are considered as non essential software. Office, Power point, MS word,
Adobe Photoshop, Outlook, certain browsers such as Chrome, Firebox and others are
examples of application software.
 Utility software: This software is planned to configure and optimise the overall
function of computer system. This software aids the infrastructure of computer. Utility
software generally helps in identifying the virus and threat while installing, uninstalling,
backing up, deleting of unneeded files and data. This software is responsible to run the
system smoothly. Antivirus software, Disk management tools, Back up utility and many
more are considered as examples of these type software.
 Programming software: This software helps in writing the code for the programmers
and it allows computer software to operate. It allows creator to acquire, compose, test
and rectify other programs of software (Earl, 2018). Compilers, Assemblers,
Debuggers, Interpreters and many more are considered as example of programming
software.
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 Driver software: This type of software is taken into the consideration as a type of
system software. This software controls the devices as well as peripherals that are
connected to system needs a driver to operate. Driver software is accountable to manage
the operating system and any device to communicate with each other. Such software
controls hardware devices of any USB devices, smartphones, printers and other
electronic devices.
Can a software exist without hardware?
With the purpose to run the computer system in an appropriate manner, software and
hardware are considered as two most essential aspects of the computer. Hardware refers to
physical part of computer and software are the set of instruction which assists in performing the
task. So, if there is no hardware then computer system will also not exist. So, software will also
be not in use. As hardware and software differs from each other in terms of function, feature but
they are interdependent. Therefore, it can be said that computer system and software both needs
hardware to operate and perform specific task. Both of them are dependent upon each other in
order to work and produce a effective result.
Ethical and social issues are increasing in the digital world. Identify and discuss their
importance to run the businesses
Information technology can store, convey and transfer the information to its end users
with respect to make them understand about the related task. The modern world is becoming so
digital that it has made the work of every individual very easy and fast (Moravejosharieh,
Ahmadi and Ahmad, 2018). But the digital world have some disadvantages also. When any
decision is made which is against the society's and organisations ethics then will be give rise to
conflicts. Due to social issue many individual are affected in the society. Some of the ethical and
social issues are mentioned below:
Ethical issues
 Personal information:This is one of the primary ethical issue where technology use is
impacting the business. As everything is becoming digital so when any individual login
to any social media sites or websites, it ask personal information from the clients.
Through this personal data business organisation tries to reach towards the consumer. For
many businesses, this can be highly valuable as they can know more about the customers
and what kind of facilities they are searching for. In context to TESCO, it also make
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proper use of personal information which are accessible at social media and other
websites in order to enhance the customer base and increase its goodwill in the market.
 Use of artificial intelligence (AI): Artificial intelligence give business a great potential
in order to operate effectively and efficiently. Some of the leading role of Artifical
Intelligence includes:
◦ Through facial recognition the entry of fake people can be removed and privacy can
be maintained within the organisation. Regular attendance of employees at working
environment can be very beneficial to the business as this can also reduce the misuse
of freedom in organisation.
◦ By the help of Health tracking software, business enterprise can easily measure the
health conditions of employees as well as other staff members. Organisation needs to
provide employee with proper working environment (Ruk and et.al., 2019). With
reference to TESCO, it takes proper care of employee by motivating them and
providing medical facilities to them.
◦ Replacement of job: with the help of AI, employee in the organisation can be
provided job security and through this job creation can also be increased. By adopting
different strategies this can reduce the complication of job. TESCO hires the
employee who are capable and have good knowledge so that employee retention can
be increased.
 Employment discrimination: The major ethical issue in an organisation can be raised on
the basis of discrimination related to gender, cast, age and other. This can create conflicts
among the employees. But the organisation can take advantage of this issue and can
identify the employee who have good knowledge, skills, abilities and assign them task
accordingly. This will also allow the business to identify the employees who are capable
and weak while performing the task. So, the employee who are weak can be provided
with trainings and the capable employee can be promoted or organisation can provide
them with financial and non financial incentives.
Social issues
 Breakdown of communication- It is measured that social issues are increasing day by
day because individual are more involved in their mobile phones, laptop, video games.
This leads in breakdown of communication and also reduces the bond with their
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colleagues, families and relatives. Digitalisation have increased the use of technology due
to which consumer are able to purchase the items online as well as delivery and payment
is also done thorough online system (Lorenzen, 2021). In contrast to this, it has reduce
the social interactions of the individual. In context to TESCO, lack of communication
among the employee has affected there performance and through online payments risk
has increased. Customers also visit the stores very less
 Identity theft- Increasing fraud is a social problems as with the help of customer system,
information and personal data of any individual can be used by third person. The fraud is
the social problems as the information can easily known by the computes & the personal
data of the customers and the workers can be used by the other party for their other
purpose by conducting online transactions and the related damaging certain task. With
the purpose to store the data, consumer and the employees of TESCO can keep privacy
for avoiding the frauds and apply proper security while doing bank transaction.
 Online banking- TESCO is providing customers with the online banking services
facilities with the purpose to complete the transactions by the help of their mobile phones
and customers (Peñarroja and et.al., 2019). Online payments are being used everywhere
but it also includes fraud and sometimes payment can be happened due to this. TESCO
have very high possibility of hacking of mobile phone or the computer system that they
use, which can lead to theft of money and personal details.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) makes a business more efficient and
effective in responding to customer needs. Discuss the impact of Internet and Intranet
on businesses
Information and communication technology (ICT) is the various set of tools of technologies and
resources that is used to store, transfer, create or exchange of information and data in electronic
form. It plays a critical function in the business administration. It permit every individual to
communicate, interact and exchange the useful data and content with each other. This can be
very helpful for the business as it assists them to operate the function in a very efficient and
effective and according to the needs and demands of customers. Moreover, it also assist in
raising the overall productivity of the business enterprise. Information and communication
technology plays an important role in the growth of business organization as this assists in
clearing the confusions and misconception. Due to the help of such technology, there is proper
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communication among employer and employees. Several companies are using such technology
for the progression and growth of the business concern. The key roles of information and
communication technology in context to TESCO are as follows:
 It also allows company to provide necessary information and data to the customers which
assists them to maintain customer base. As customers are very important for the
organization and by having improved customer base indicates more earnings per year.
 Information and communication technology is used to communicate with employees and
other staff members in an organisation (Alduayj and Rajpoot, 2018). Therefore, by
creating positive working environment, it leads in improving the relation among
employee and employer.
 It permits the organisation to exchange the information in any form with its stakeholders
and other investors. Through this companies utilise their resources and manpower in an
effective and efficient manner.
 Information and communication technology is cost effective, occurred as a better security
of information, helps in managing time and it allows the organization to reach towards
the customer very fast and prevents organization from cyber attacks and other frauds.
 It is utilized by the organization for selling the products online by the help of internet
which results in improvement in selling of organization's products. Online selling has
enhanced the base of customer which is helpful for the organisation. Whatever and
whenever they want things they get it at their place through online services.
Impact of Internet on businesses
The use of internet is increasing so rapidly in the modern world as it allows user to
connect with the people over the globe. Internet helps the business organisation to wide variety
of technologies which makes the work more easier and the task is also completed before the time
(Burbules, 2018). It permits business organisation to develop innovative as well as dynamic
products and services. It also assist in transforming of information to its employees and
customers. It has changed the entire structure of business considering the enhanced base of
customer and increased competitiveness. The impact of internet at TESCO are mentioned below:
 Internet allow the company store the data using computer technology that is provided by
Israeli Artificial Intelligence startup in London.
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 Internet permit the organization to sale its products online which helps them to connect
with the customers at any time period and the organisation have strong customer base as
well as enhanced sales. Moreover, with the help of internet organization successfully gain
more revenue.
 Internet helps business organisation in utilising information technology and
communication technology through which they can communicate effectively with its
employees and customers.
 Internet assists the organisation to publicize and promote its products and services more
effectively with the help of social media platform and other channels. It permits the
company to reach towards more customers.
 Internet help business enterprise to adopt online payments with the help of QR code. It
also assists company in having proper security of stores with help of CCTV camers.
Impact of Intranet on businesses
Intranet is a type of private network involving privateness and security of the data and
information of business concern (Singh and et.al., 2018). It allows enterprise to share important
data securely among the worker. It is helpful in enhancing the communication at the work place
as it is very important while working in teams. Tesco has ourtesco.com as a intranet platform that
is facilitating company in:
 Sharing any type of information, concept and regulations and many more in the
organisation.
 Storing essential data file and information of company's stakeholders or customers.
 Connecting worker together assists the team member to perform more productively.
Appropriate interaction among the team members will raise their working that results in
more profits.
 Overall increase in the productivity of the company.
 Providing employees a central hub which focus on providing information related to
product and service with the help of promotion, magazines, charitable events and other
thing.
Discuss the role of IT in helping managers to manage businesses
The utilization of Information Technology is exploding across the globe that permit many
enterprise to heighten the growth. Information technology represents transmission of data with
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the help of technology. It allows business organization to analyse data and plan business
according to current trends. Information technology is concerned with the utilization of software
and hardware (Shabani and Shahnazi, 2019). It is facilitating the improvement of business
enterprise, staff coordination and cooperation, business productivity, gross streams, storage
solutions, performance of business and many more operation of business. It is very helpful for
the managing director of any business organization and for Tesco too. The ways in which
managers of Tesco uses IT to manage the business:
 Privacy and security of data: Technology is facilitating the business in storing and
securing of data and information. It is useful in examining any kind of future threat that
may harm the data. Tesco's managers uses information technology to forecast future
threats so that it could secure pervious data.
 Improved communication with employees: Information technology is useful in
communicating at the work place, it also permit the managing director to communicate
with the worker in an appropriate way. Improved communication prevents any type of
confusions and misunderstandings that results efficient work of organisation and r=team
members. Therefore, the managers of Tesco manages the working of its employee.
 More efficient daily tasks: Information technology permit business concern to
utilization technology to transfer information, as it clears any kind of doubt in between
employees. With the clear vision about task, the worker will work with appropriate data
that helps the managers to have a well managed business.
 Enhance connectivity: Information technology let business concern to use internet
which is the reason for more connection in world (Han and et.al., 2018). This permit
managers of TESCO in having more connectivity with the consumers, stakeholders and
other businesses. This will permit the organization in having more number of customers
which is facilitative for managers to manage the businesses.
 Improve customer base: Technology permit the modern world to be more connective
and is helpful for interaction, communication and many more. Customers are very
important to any business as they are accountable for the success or failure of any
business and overall management of business is also managed. Tesco concentrates more
at its customers. With the help of IT, there is more strong customer base which is
essential for the organization.
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CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that, information technology and
communication are the reason for more connective world. Information technology is the
utilization of computer hardware, software, services for the administration and transmission of
informations can be done. Software are the system which are utilized to function computers and
other electronic devices which perform various tasks. There are different types of software
adopted by the business organisation to grow smoothly. A software requires hardware to operate
and there is no existence of a computer without hardware. ICT is helpful in exchanging relevant
information, communication in among the employees of the organization, helpful in maintaining
customer base and many more.
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REFERENCES
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