Information Technology and Organisational Change

The provided assignment discusses the impact of information technology on organisational change. It highlights the importance of network technology in facilitating interaction between different organisations and enables resource sharing among employees. The use of structured query language and Sage 50 software is also mentioned for efficient storage and management of information. Additionally, ethical considerations associated with IT usage are touched upon. The document provides references to various academic sources that support its claims.

Introduction to Information
Technology

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Literature Review.............................................................................................................................1
Identification of role of IT within organisation......................................................................1
Ethical and social issues.........................................................................................................2
Networking technologies........................................................................................................3
Importance of intranet and internet........................................................................................5
Stages of system development life cycle................................................................................6
Analysis & Discussion.....................................................................................................................7
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
References........................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Information technology is defined as maintenance, development and usage of computer
systems, software as well as networks. Basically, in this processing and distribution of data is
carried out (Eason, 2014). Data refers raw facts and statistics which is used for gathering for
reference, storage as well as analysis. This report deals with Tesco for understanding concept of
information technology within retail sector. It is a public limited organisation which deals in
groceries and was founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen. Furthermore, it deals with identification of
role of IT within success as well as failure of organisation and ethical & social issues related
with this. Moreover, it also comprises of internet and intranet along with various stages involved
within system development life cycle.
Literature Review
Identification of role of IT within organisation
Information technology systems refer to utilisation of computers by firm for carrying
certain tasks. IT has critical role to carry out certain activities like transactions can be made
easier, management of information can be done by usage of database, different software are
available which makes work smoother (Kiran, Oudshoorn and Verbeek, 2015). In context of
Tesco, there role is mentioned below:
Flow of information: It is a key resource within organisation which comprises of
external, internal, subjective or objective information. External information comprises of
surrounding environment within organisation. Subjective involves description of what is
unknown whereas objective deals with information in terms of what is known. By the usage of
technology a centralised data centre is used for retrieving data. As Tesco is rendering their
services in around 6800 outlets then it is crucial that information must be made available to their
all employees and customers as per their requirements. Through IT, human resources of Tesco
have access to information which makes their daily work easy.
 Workgroup support: Information technology assist organisation in creation of
information sharing environment as employees can interact with other department
without any kind of hindrance (Law, Buhalis and Cobanoglu, 2014). This saves their time
and also makes their work easy. Employees can make use of mediums such as emails,
text chatting, etc. for having the details associated with relevant task. It will make work
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of group decision making and group support systems within Tesco smoother as well as
easier.
 Executive support: EIS refers to interactive MIS which is aggregated with DSS and AI
for assisting managers for identification, addressing problems and also opportunities. EIS
allows management of Tesco to view information from various angles and it also
provides managers with wide range of flexibility for creation of more views for better
understanding of problems as well as opportunities (Marchewka, 2014).
 Data management: With the assistance of database software, Tesco can store all the
applicable data on database. It can be either internal or external. Internal centralised
system denotes that data can be accessed within organisation whereas in external opposite
happens. This implies that organisation will be making use of domain name or remote IP.
Management as well as employees of Tesco can make use of their website for accessing
respective data through passwords.
 Communication: Services like electronic mail allows human resources within Tesco to
communicate with one other easily as well as quickly. It is a great tool which assists in
development of business with usage of advanced communication tools which also creates
significant impact on decision making (Mehlman and Li, 2014).
Certain points have been illustrated above which aids organisation has competitive edge
within market. This can lead to either success or failure of organisation. When management and
IT department of Tesco will execute these efficaciously then the results which will be attained
will be affirmative. But if they are not managed in appropriate manner then the desired standards
cannot be attained and there is a possibility that wrong results can be obtained which will lead to
failure of business as exact information will not be with organisation.
Ethical and social issues
Ethical issues: They are defined as reflection on morality. Along with this, they give
brief elaboration about right and wrong through evaluation of choices available. In context of
ethical issues in IT, success of business is entirely dependent on mobility of goods as well as
services with high speed and accuracy. Certain issues with respect to ethics within Tesco are
discussed below:
 Personal privacy concern: At present scenario, IT is core of various industries as it
makes work smoother and faster (Neuhofer, Buhalis and Ladkin, 2014). But on the other
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hand it also renders certain problems as data and information is exchanged on wider
context from various parts. There comes a risk of violation of privacy of individuals as
well as groups due to dissemination at wide level. It is major responsibility of Tesco to
ensure privacy and security of data as it will be causing negative impact on organisation.
It also includes precautions from unauthorised disclosure to third party.
 Harmful actions: It comprises of various negative consequences like loss of property,
information or unwanted impacts. This principle focusses on prohibition of usage of
computing technologies as it causes harm to general public, employees, employers, users
and organisation on the whole (Nieves, Quintana and Osorio, 2014). Harmful actions
include modification of files or programs which can lead to unnecessary expenditure or
serious loss of resources. An example can be taken with respect to Tesco, like if a virus is
sent by their any competitor or intruder, then there is possibility that they can crash their
hard disk or erase complete information of system. It completely depends on strength of
virus.
Social issues: They are defined as problems which creates impact on large number
individuals within society. With reference to society, social issues are illustrated below:
 Identity Theft: Fraud takes place via usage of IT. For this an example can be taken into
consideration like an individual can pretend to be an employee of Tesco and sends a
message to customer that they have awarded certain amount and send their details for the
same. If the details have been sent by customer then transactions can be carried out by an
intruder. This is referred to as identity theft (Pardo and Siemens, 2014).
 Hacking: It refers to unauthorised access to a network or network. With respect to this,
third person can enter into a system of an individual or organisation for having access to
personal information of them. Tesco have their own IT department which is responsible
for making sure the security of their systems. Along with this they provide their
employees training with security aspects so that hardly any chance of security breach
occurs within their systems.
Networking technologies
Network refers to block of various devices by which interaction can take place within
working premises of organisation (Sampson and Makela, 2014). It includes different systems
which are associated with each through usage of networking devices which are connected with
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systems via wireless or physical connections. Management of Tesco can utilise these networks
for carrying out communication with different within same organisations or others which are
present in different corners of world by usage of instant messaging, chat rooms, etc. Moreover,
Tesco can share storage devices by usage of shared data as well as information. There exists
various networks but basically LAN, MAN and WAN are used. They are elaborated below:
LAN: Local area network is responsible for connecting different devices through which
programs, information and tools can be shared between various workstations as well as
computers. Connections are established by usage of single switches or their stack and addressing
schemes by usage of TCP/IP protocols. As there exists very less systems then this leads to
enhanced data transmission speed (Santoro, 2015). Tesco can make use of LAN for carrying out
interaction within single working premises.
MAN: Metropolitan area network are used for covering large area, which covers a city.
Basically, in this various LAN networks are connected to form a single network either by wired
or wireless medium. Connections can be built up by usage of cables, optical fibre, coaxial cables,
etc. Management of Tesco utilises MAN to carry out interaction with different outlets present
within city.
WAN: Wide area network is spread in larger geographical area; it covers entire world or
country. Connections can be established by telephone lines, satellites and radio waves. But it is
highly expensive and provides high speed (Schwalbe, 2015). Management of Tesco can opt for
WAN network while sharing their resources and information with their outlets which are present
outside specific country.
Difference between LAN, MAN, WAN
Basis LAN MAN WAN
What it is Systems are present
close to each other
either within building
or office.
These are large
networks which
connect different
organisation.
In this two or more
LANs are connected to
cover large
geographical area.
Distance covered It covers around 2500
meters or 2 miles
(Santoro, 2015)
It is limited to around
200 km or 100 miles.
It has unlimited range
but normally around
1000 km but for
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extension of range
connectivity devices
are used.
Speed Speed is high as small
number of systems are
connected. It is around
1000, 100 and 10
Mbps.
In this also speed is
high, typically it
ranges around 100
Mbps.
Its speed is slow as
large number of
systems are connected
and depends on
wireless technologies
which are being used.
Usually it is 1.5 Mbps.
Technologies used Wireless (like Zigbee,
WLAN), twisted pair,
locally installed and
fiber optic cable.
It is based on common
carrier like fiber optic
cable, twisted pair or
they are locally
installed.
They are either locally
installed or use
common carrier like
coaxial cables, fiber,
twisted pair cables,
wireless or cellular
network (Schwalbe,
2015).
Importance of intranet and internet
Internet: It refers to a network which can be used by an individual from anywhere and at
any time for accessing information, carrying out communication, maintenance of financial
transactions, doing research, online shopping, education and many others. It will make network
work faster as well as save time (Wang and et. al, 2016).
Importance of Internet
 Communication: Tesco can carry out face to face interaction with their clients or other
outlets which are spread worldwide by making use of video conferencing without any
kind of problem and also facilitate employees to be a part of meetings through video
calls.
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 Research: By this management of Tesco can collect information related with their
competitors and what they are offering to their customers. This information gathered is
accurate as well as effective as it has been carried out through in depth research, surveys
and analysis (Eason, 2014) (Kiran, Oudshoorn and Verbeek, 2015).
 Financial Transaction: TESCO perform their financial transaction across the globe with
the use of internet without any delay and get timely payment from their suppliers,
customer and other stakeholders.
Intranet: It refers to private or local area network that can be accessed within
organisation and also can be associated with gateways which are outside organisation. This can
be used by making use of resources such as storage of data online, internal communication,
sharing of resources, training and development programmes, sharing of resources and many
others.
Importance of Intranet
 Resource sharing: Tesco have a workspace within organisation where they store data,
share events, carry out online training programmes to their employees through which
their knowledge as well as skills can be enhanced (Law, Buhalis and Cobanoglu, 2014).
 Better customer service: Management of Tesco can have access to information about
customers from their employees with respect to services of organisation. This would aid
them for enhancement of customer services.
 Better internal communication: As per TESCO, the company can have better internal
communication though hubs, doing announcement, memos and news related to staff
which they control and access any time.
Stages of system development life cycle
SDLC refers to multi-set process of software which are structured within a
methodological manner. It refers to project management model which defines various stages
concerned within bringing a project from initialisation to its completion. The various stages
involved in this are elaborated below:
 Planning: Within planning, R&D department of Tesco is responsible for defining the
problem as well as scope of their existing system. Along with this, objectives of of new
system are determined (Marchewka, 2014). Moreover, feasibility of project is confirmed
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by giving appropriate schedule. R&D team within Tesco is also responsible for
identification of integration, constraints, threats and security of entire system sis taken
into consideration.
 Analysis: With respect to this, information is gathered, analysed and validated by top
executives of Tesco. They are also responsible for evaluation of priorities of requirements
along with these needs associated with information required by end user and improvises
the system goals (Mehlman and Li, 2014).
 System design: It comprises design of database, network, application, system interface
and user interface. Operation plan, maintenance, training and contingency plan is created.
Furthermore, this design is reviewed by executives to ensure that design has been created
meets all the requirements associated with SRS document. SRS document refers to
logical structure which comprises of complete and detailed specifications which are
executed by usage of programming language.
 Implementation: IT department of Tesco is responsible for implementing design via
coding into a source code. It aggregates all modules into a training environment which is
responsible for detection of errors as well as defects. Along with this, test report is
prepared by usage of test plan like test case generation, allocation of resources for testing
and testing criteria (Neuhofer, Buhalis and Ladkin, 2014).
 Support/Maintenance: This department includes activities like physical, on-line or
phone support for users which are needed for installation of system. Changes can be
implemented on software over a certain period of time and execute new needs after
software has been deployed at location of customer.
Analysis & Discussion
Information technology refers to development, maintenance and utilisation of network,
system and software for carrying out processing as well as distribution of data. Within this,
information is stored, processed, manipulated and transmitted over a network. Within Tesco IT
plays vital role for attaining higher accuracy and work is also made easier. Network technologies
have been used within Tesco for sharing information along with resources between various
organisations (Nieves, Quintana and Osorio, 2014). As they deal within retail sector, it is
essential for them to make use of IT so that customers can have adequate resources as per their
requirements. It will also assist Tesco to improvise their operations and the way in which they
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are carried out. By this, they can conduct their operations in enhanced manner and performance
of employees can be improved. This can be understood by usage of example such as by using
digitalisation products are made available in different countries. This will lead them to have
enhanced profitability as well as productivity.
Information technology plays crucial role within retail sector as by this customers can
carry out online transactions and can compare the prices which are offered by Tesco with what
other organisations are offering (Pardo and Siemens, 2014). By this customers can make
comparative analysis through which they can differentiate with features provided by them with
other products. IT will also assist help organisation to create strategies, manage various
operations and share them with employees. Social and ethical issues with reference to this have
been evaluated. WAN technology is used by management of Tesco as they are carrying out their
operations worldwide. By this they can efficaciously address needs of entire organisation as well
as customers. But major drawback is that its implementation is complex and very costly.
Utilization of information technology will lead to enhancement of organisation and lead
them to carry out their tasks in effective manner. For managing information management within
Tesco, they make use of management information system. Through this, management will be
able to devise strategies as well as implement them. Furthermore, from this Tesco can make use
of software like Sage 50 for enhancing accuracy of their operations and services (Sampson and
Makela, 2014).
Conclusion
From above it can be concluded that, information technology refers to transmission of
information, its retrieval and storage by usage of computers. Most of the operations which are
carried are effective as well as accurate. Information can be retrieved by making use of internet
when anything is required by organisation. Network technology refers to interaction which
occurs in between various organisations via usage of network. Along with this, resources such as
printers, scanners, etc. can be shared among different employee s. Moreover, management Tesco
can make use of software such as structured query language and Sage 50 for storage of
information as well as carrying out organisational objectives. This will lead them to attain their
organisational goals within specified manner.
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References
Books & Journals
Eason, K. D., 2014. Information technology and organisational change. CRC Press.
Kiran, A. H., Oudshoorn, N. and Verbeek, P. P., 2015. Beyond checklists: toward an ethical-
constructive technology assessment. Journal of responsible innovation. 2(1). pp.5-19.
Law, R., Buhalis, D. and Cobanoglu, C., 2014. Progress on information and communication
technologies in hospitality and tourism. International Journal of Contemporary
Hospitality Management. 26(5). pp.727-750.
Marchewka, J. T., 2014. Information technology project management. John Wiley & Sons.
Mehlman, M. J. and Li, T. Y., 2014. Ethical, legal, social, and policy issues in the use of
genomic technology by the US Military. Journal of Law and the Biosciences. 1(3).
pp.244-280.
Neuhofer, B., Buhalis, D. and Ladkin, A., 2014. A typology of technology‐enhanced tourism
experiences. International Journal of Tourism Research. 16(4). pp.340-350.
Nieves, J., Quintana, A. and Osorio, J., 2014. Knowledge-based resources and innovation in the
hotel industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 38. pp.65-73.
Pardo, A. and Siemens, G., 2014. Ethical and privacy principles for learning analytics. British
Journal of Educational Technology. 45(3) pp.438-450.
Sampson, J. P. and Makela, J. P., 2014. Ethical issues associated with information and
communication technology in counseling and guidance. International Journal for
Educational and Vocational Guidance. 14(1). pp.135-148.
Santoro, G., 2015. Evaluating performance in the hotel industry: An empirical analysis of
Piedmont. Journal of Investment and Management. 4(1-1). pp.17-22.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Wang, D. and et. al, 2016. Assessing hotel-related smartphone apps using online reviews.
Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management. 25(3). pp.291-313.
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