Introduction to Information Technology - Tesco

INTRODUCTION TO
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................5
Literature review..............................................................................................................................5
Role of IT in the success of Tesco..............................................................................................5
Ethical and Social issues.............................................................................................................7
Different types of networking technologies................................................................................8
Importance of Intranet and Internet.............................................................................................9
Different stage of system development life cycle.....................................................................10
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION.................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

ABSTRACT
The chosen topic for this assessment is information technology which is beneficial for the
individuals and business organisations in gaining quick growth and success. This is because of
the reason that the information technology is very useful for individuals and organisations for
storing, retrieving, and sending information for the different purposes. The information
technology is assisting both individuals and business organisations in utilising their different type
of data effectively. Organization adopts frequently used computing terminologies so that smooth
functioning of the business can be carried out easily in the cut throat competitive world.
However, social and ethical issues are examined and how are they related with technology are
studied deeply. Additionally, how continuous growth of internet and ICT has affected business
operations are focused more so that corrective measures can be taken at the initial stage. It also
throw light on role of information technology in management and ho it has shared hands in
effective outcomes. Additionally, various sates of systems development is studied so that errors
can be eliminated at the initial stage and best outcomes can be achieved on due time.

INTRODUCTION
Information technology is the study or method of storing, retrieving, and sending the data
among the people and technology systems. Information technology is very beneficial for the
business firms as it is assisting the business firms in performing their day to day operations in an
effective manner. This is facilitating the business firms and operations in running the business
operations more smoothly as the required information can be provided to employees quickly.
The taken firm for this assessment is the Tesco which is an UK based retail store chain having
operations in various countries. The company is providing books, jewellery, household items etc.
to the customers for satisfying their needs (Campbell and Fabos, 2018). This report will discuss
the role played by IT in success of an organisation along with the ethical and social issues that
pertain to running businesses. Further, identification and differentiation between the different
types of networking technologies will be discussed. This report will also cover the importance of
Intranet and Internet in business and the different stage of system development life cycle in
general.
Literature review
Role of IT in the success of Tesco
According to Abid Afzal Butt, (2015) the Information technology has proved its
importance in the last two decades by changing the lives of individuals and business
organisations through the advancements in technology (Role of Information Technology in
Business Success, 2015). Information technology includes online shopping, digital marketing,
social networking, digital communication and cloud computing etc. which are changing the
trends in information technology. The success of organisations depends upon several factors
such as accurate analysis, choosing the right technology and the future vision. This success can
be achieved by investing more in technology which will also enhance the market share, profit
and competitiveness of the companies. Information technology is also beneficial for Tesco due to
which company is heavily investing their money for innovating new technology and
implementing them in the business operations. The information technology is providing the
opportunities to the business firms for measuring the data which is important for the
organisational functions and processes (Nakamura and Chow-White, 2013). IT system are also

helpful for the Tesco in handling the changes which occur due to the advancement in technology
effectively. This will also assist the firm in implementing the measures for eliminating the
challenges so that the organisational goals can be accomplished in a desired manner. Information
technology is also beneficial for the firms in implementing effective communication system
among the different departments which assist them in attaining the both long and short term
goals. The role of IT in the success of Tesco is discussed below:
Decision Making: Speed and accuracy are essential for the firms in taking better and
quick decisions. In order to take effective decisions, organisations needs to conduct market
research through which the management can better decisions based on the responses gained
through the potential audience. The market research in Tesco is conducted through the online
surveys, forums, blogs, group discussions using World Wide Web etc. due to which chances of
human errors becomes less which ensures the accuracy of the information. Example: Recently,
Tesco has taken the decision that sales promotions and public relations are adopted by retail
chain to communicate marketing strategy to customers (Nanehkaran, 2013).
Marketing and Business Growth: Marketing department is the heart of the businesses
which determines the target customers and trends among the market. The marketing department
perform the role of managing the public relation, advertising, promotion and sales etc. through
which business can gain growth easily. The marketing department of Tesco is using the digital
marketing for promoting the products and services of the company. The company is using the
search engine optimisation (SEO), pay per click (PPC), blogging, discussion forum, email shot,
SMS, MMS, social media marketing etc. for influencing the customers to purchase the product
from Tecso stores through which firm can sustain in market. Examples: Tesco is using E-
marketing strategy to promote their product to the customers in the cut throat competitive world.
By doing so firm is able to pull large number of customers towards the product which leads to
increase in sales volume in the market.
Customer Support and Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction is the key for businesses
through which they can enhance their sales and profit. The businesses needs to determine the
needs, trends and behaviour of their customers so as to improve their experience and satisfaction
from their products. Tesco is using internet technology for connecting with their customers in
order to determine their demands, problems and their solutions. Tesco is using various channels

such as email, webinar, social media, member portals, online newsletters etc. for communicating
with their customers so that high level of satisfaction among the customers can be ensured for the
success of business (Rainer and et. al., 2013). Example: X company is using digital marketing to
promote their product in the market. Customers are more active on social media platforms and
firm can research customers demands and preferences easily through internet. It will lead to
increase in sales volume as well as customers emerging preferences can be fulfilled accordingly.
Through feedbacks received from consumers and working on it accordingly will help the firm to
bind clients for longer time duration and trust for company can be created in the eyes of the
customers.
Ethical and Social issues
According to Bill, (2013) due to the advancement in information technology, business
organisations heavily relies on technology due to which they faces various issues related to the
ethics and society (10 Social Issues Computers Have Created, 2013). The social issues can
heavily impact the business performance in terms of customer dissatisfaction, reduced sales and
profit etc. These issues should be determined by the business firms so that effective measures can
be taken for reducing their impact. Some of these social issues which are impacting the success
of Tesco are discussed below:
Addiction to social networks and computers: As people are becoming more addicted to
social network they involve less in physical activity due to which society people are facing lot of
health issues. Due to less participation in physical activities, obesity is increasing day by day
among people. It directly or indirectly affecting the living standards of the community. Involving
more in computers and other technologies or other social networking sites customers are
becoming more rude and selfish by nature which is creating a negative impact in the society. It
has been seen that addiction to social networks has reduced the creativity level among people
due to which development in society has been slowed down (Rajaraman, V., 2018).
Defamation of character: It has become a social cause because by false information
regarding any brand in the society creates negative impression as well as profitability ratio
decreases at a rapid scale. Defamation of character in any sector brings negative aspects for the
society and directly reduces productivity level in the society. Due to which living standards of
the people are affected at a tremendous scale. This issue is also faced by the business firms and

individuals due to which their reputation and brand image get affected as false statements for
these are communicated to the different persons. This will impact the business firms as their
brand image in the market get reduced due to which customers will not prefer to purchase the
products. In order to eliminate such issues, Tesco is taking strict actions against the faulter so
that brand image can be maintained.
According to the Karehka Ramey, (2012) There are several ethical challenges or issues
which are arising among the business firms due to the increased use of information technology in
the business (Ethical Challenges Of Information Technology,2012). These ethical issues can
results in customer dissatisfaction due to the various reasons as discussed below:
Security: Due to the enhanced use of information technology, it is easy for hackers to
steal the personal or professional information of the employees and individuals by using their IP
addresses. Hackers can also steal the data of the firms using the IP address and can gain access to
the system while the user is performing its work. For example: When user is doing some
transaction online, then hackers can use the IP address and can steal the whole amount of money
due to which both users and their bank account get impacted (Tan, and Ding, 2013).
Privacy issues: Employees personal data need to safeguard by the organization so that no
one misuses it in wrong way. It comes under ethics of the business associates to protect the data
of its staff members. If the confidential information related to the workers are leaked out then
employees losses trust and faith for the organization and negative image is created for the firm in
the market place. Privacy need to mentioned by the firm so that any informative details does not
leak out and is not illegally used in the cut throat competitive world. The information technology
is helping the individuals and business firms in sharing and finding the relevant information
through online sources. Due to the increased use, this technology is also exploiting the freedom
of privacy. The privacy can be exploited in different ways such as use of internet webcams and
social media. For this, Tesco has implemented strong firewall in their computer system which is
not easily penetrable by hackers in order to protect their employees and firm from privacy issues.
Different types of networking technologies
According to Stéphane Bourgeois, (2016) there are different types of networking
technologies which are used by the organisation and individuals in performing their operations
and activities (Types of Networks, 2016). These networks facilitate the sharing of information

across the different channels in the organisations through which essential information can be
acquired easily (Tsohou, and Kiountouzis, 2015). These different type of networks which are
used by Tesco are discussed below:
Local area network (LAN): It is the type of network in which two or more computers
are connected with each other. This network is different from Personal network as it assist in
sharing the information among the different users of the company. Personal area network give
access to single user whereas LAN give access to multiple users at a same time. Tesco is using
this network by transferring the data through routers within the company.
Wide area networks (WAN): This type of network is capable of connecting the
different systems in a wide area. The area can be another building or any other location due to
which different remote functions can work together. It is different from LAN as it cover huge
area whereas LAN covers local area.
Wireless local area networks (WLAN): It is a type of LAN however the data is sent and
received through wireless mediums due to which the cable transfer does not required. This
network is used by Tesco due to not having any issues of cable maintenance and for connecting
the computers.
Storage area network (SAN): Such networks are independent of WAN or LAN. In this,
the data is stored at a server which can be utilised according to needs. This storage is done by
taking the help from different network and use them effectively (
Vaishnavi and Kuechler, 2015).
Metropolitan area network (MAN): Metropolitan area network is a type of network
which is used by the Tesco for directly connecting with their customers through a local computer
network in wider area.
Importance of Intranet and Internet
Organization is benefited by both internet and intranet in the cut throat competitive
world. Here, both of them aid the business associates in their growth and success as well as to
gain competitive advantages in the market place. The importance of internet and intranet are
discussed as follows:
Use of internet in Tesco: In the 21st century internet is playing a vital role in the
upliftment of the business in the global village. The increasing advancement in the technology

and digital marketing Tesco is adopting the platform of websites and web portals in order to raise
customer base of the product. When company carried out two way effective communication with
the customers regarding the product or the services then it aid to increase sales volume at large
scale. It also, directly or in-directly creates strong relationship with current and potential
consumers. As there are various software available in laptops, computers to safe confidential
information and customers demands which can be used satisfy the emerging needs of the
customers. The day by day improvement in technology is resolving the emerging problems of the
customers which is positive sign for the firm. In today's world through internet and video calling
facilities clients issues can be solved within no time and feedbacks are suggested for better
improvement in product and services of Tesco accordingly. By doing so it aims in framing
internal and external networks at national and international level. This indirectly raised sales
volume and market share in the cut throat competitive world (
Woolley and Howard, 2016).
Use of Intranet in Tesco: Intranet assist Tesco to adopt modern technologies in their
organization with requirement of work as well as allows staff members to freely use the
networks in their working. By adopting this it decreases the chances of error by is carried out by
users while working day and night to meet the set goals on time. It also safeguards information
related to Tesco so that competitors can not use it for wrong motive. Organization is holding
special IT departments who secured database used by professionals and they are allotted the
right to use them. Moreover, intranet allows professionals to work in distinguished sectors such
as, framing of applications, designing, pilot testing etc. which are developed or created by
experts. Tesco is given strong platform to enrich market ratio as well as to raise profitability
volumes by using digital marketing in the market.
Different stage of system development life cycle
Systems development cycle is the method which is used by the engineering firms in order
to describe their various process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying an effective
information system. This cycle is widely used by the organisations in order to implement an
effective information system at the workplace. This cycle provides six stages through which
organisations can implement effective systems for improving the growth and success. These
stages are discussed below:

Planning: It is the first stage in which the business organisations needs to identify the
advantages and dis-advantages of distinguished range of projects. In an organization without
effective planning no software can be developed in the cut throat competitive world. In the era of
modern world business associates are stretching hands in designing innovative electronic
payment system in order to set standards for the competitors. This will be helpful for the IT
department as it transform relevant information which can be used for future success.
Analysis: In this particular step developed software performance is examined at every
single stage so that errors can be rectified at the initial sage. By doing so organization can be
clearly understand the advantages and disadvantages of electronic payment design and can make
certain tactic to effectively implement it in the market place.
Design: When all the work is completed then designing of the product or services come
which indirectly accomplish the project as a whole. Business associates search out all possible
ways to frame attractive design for the product in order to raise sales volume.
Development and implementation: When the product is completely ready say
electronic payment system then the very next step is to execute it in the market. This steps a
vital role in the cut throat competitive world.
Testing: In an organization when the product is ready for the users before that testing is
done. By doing so errors can be rectified at the earlier stage and goals can be achieved
respectively. Moreover in this particular case testing refers to as pulling out real working
outcomes of the developed software by information technology department.
Maintenance: Product work for longer time duration when it is maintained effectively
with the phase of time. Companies new product required adequate maintenance so that it can
meet out the emerging needs of the customers in the competitive market place.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Information technology plays a significant role in the growth and success of the business
across the globe. With the help of this business can flourish in the international market and
emerging needs of the customers can be achieved on time. In today's world information
technology is developing at a rapid scale which leads in positive outcomes in the cut throat

competitive world. Advancement in technology helps the company in resolving problems and
indirectly creating positive image in the eyes of the customers.
Advantages of Information technology:
1. Enrichment in information technology aid in streamlines of communication. Which
directly or indirectly helps to bind effective employees for longer time duration.
2. Advancement in information technology facilities creative thinking which leads to
innovative and unique product or services in the competitive world. As well as tough
competition is created for competitors in the market.
3. Modification in information technology has given the world many apps and software
were confidential data can be stored so that it can not be misused in illegal way (
Woolley and Howard, 2016).
Dis-advantages of Information technology:
1. In the 21st century with the increasing modification in information technology it has
increased the number of unemployment rate in the country. As modern software does all
activity so there is no need of human assets in an organization. It directly raising the ratio
of unemployment in the market.
2. Information technology with its advanced features made the work easy but on the other
hand data are hacked and are misused in illegal without known by the person. It si
creating a sense of insecurity among people (Tan and et. al., 2013).
CONCLUSION
From the above it can be concluded that information technology can either flourish or
wind-up a organization. It is necessary for the business associates to develop software in order to
set tough competition for competitors in the market. Moreover, various stages of system
development cycle is designed so that errors can be identified and can be rectified accordingly.
Company is affected by both internet and intranet as well as plays necessary roles in growth and
success of the business at global level.

REFERENCES
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