Introduction to Information Technology

This report provides an introduction to information technology and its concepts with respect to TESCO. It covers computing terminologies, ethical and social responsibility, types of networks, importance of internet and intranet, role of IT in management, and stages of system development.

Introduction to
Information Technology

Abstract
Concepts of information technology with respect to TESCO is discussed in this report
where the various computing terminologies are analysed, ethical and social responsibility is
observed, difference between types of networks are being interpreted, importance of intranet and
internet is examined, role of information technology in the management is determined, stages of
system development is being studied and finally the findings and learnings with a proper
conclusion in context of TESCO.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................1
Task 1.....................................................................................................................................1
Computing terminologies..............................................................................................1
Task 2.....................................................................................................................................3
Ethical and social issues associated with Technology..................................................3
Task 3.....................................................................................................................................4
Difference between types of networks..........................................................................4
Task 4.....................................................................................................................................5
Importance of Internet and Intranet in a business.........................................................5
Task5......................................................................................................................................7
Role of Information Technology in Management of a business...................................7
Task 6.....................................................................................................................................8
Stages of systems development.....................................................................................8
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS.................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
References:.....................................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Information technology is defined as the connections and use of various computers in
order to store, extract, modify, transfer and delete data for personal as well as for the business
operations. It consists networking systems through the usage of internet by which firms can
access the huge information and people to expand it's business (Bannon, Bardzell and Bødker,
2018). Organization chosen here is TESCO, it is one of the leading international supermarket
retail company based in UK. It mainly deals with the products and services like clothing, home
appliances, food items, entertainment part, financial services and many more at all range of
prices and products. The following discussions are made on terminologies of computing, ethical
issues related to technology, types of networks, benefits of internet and intranet, growth in ICT in
business, role of IT in management and stages of SDLC.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Task 1
Computing terminologies
CPU
Central processing unit is considered as a brain of the computer. Because it directs the
computer systems to perform the tasks and it follows the instructions as directed by CPU. User
commands the computer systems to perform actions and accordingly they pursue those activities
and display results on the monitor screen.
RAM
Random access memory is read and write memory where user can modify and stores it's
data. It is known as the volatile memory which means that the it only stores the data as long as
the supply of power is being processed, and again if user starts the systems it's automatically
extracts the data which was save earlier before shutting down the computer last time (Jakkaew
and Hemrungrote, 2017).
ROM
Read only memory is a memory where user can only read the data or instructions that are
given in a computer systems. It is known as the non-volatile memory because if power supplies
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is disconnected, then to this data is stored in the computer systems. User have only the read
access, no modifications and deletions.
Hardware
It is defined as the physical equipment and parts of the computer through which user
makes command to the computer. It is tangible in nature which means that it can be touched and
seen by the human beings. For example, CPU, monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, printers,
joysticks and many more devices which are assembled together for working of a computer
systems properly (Kaddoura, 2020).
Software
It is defined as the systems which are installed in the computer systems which takes the
commands from the user and display on the screen as as result. It is non-tangible in nature which
means that it can neither be touched or seen by a human being. These are programs, operating
systems, Microsoft office and internal thing of a computer through which user exactly works in a
systems.
Input devices
It is defined as the devices which are used to input the instructions by a user so that they
can get the results back. Content which are input by the user must be qualitative because the
accurate results are dependent of the accuracy of input. For example, mouse, keyboard, joystick,
light pen and many more.
Output devices
It is defined as the devices which are responsible for the displaying of outcomes
generated by the software and systems. Quality of output depends on the quality of input
processed by the user. For example, monitor, speakers, printers, plotters and many more (Koch,
2018).
Internet
It is defined as the network of networks which means interconnections between large
number of networks which have the access to businesses and for personal use also. It consist
various communication protocols like TCP/IP for communicating between different networks.
This includes the search results, databases, cloud computing, search engines and many more
which are usually operated by the user.
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Task 2
Ethical and social issues associated with Technology
Security
It is the most important factor which hampers the usage of technology in an organization.
Because as it is said that upgrading technology is more at risk than before, as more and more
technology is updated, more risk is associated with it. It is essential to bear those risks. But some
people breaks this security by hacking the systems in order to damage the important works of an
organization. This leads to the great loss of the firm in terms of it's security systems and backups
associated with the systems (Lloyd, 2020).
Privacy
Privacy must be maintained in an organization because there are lots of confidential data
which must not be shared to any one outside but some employees do the same by using
technology. Reason behind this can be anxiety, revenge or any negative aspects employee is
having so they try to destroy such privacy of the firm. This is considered as an ethical issue
which is done by using the technology.
Data leakage
It is the most common social issue which almost every company faces even after as much
as security is imposed on the systems. There can be a chances of leakage of data sue to the
crashing of systems, corrupted windows and many more issues can be faced by the firm. Some
people takes the advantage of such issues and start leaking and destroying the data which can
harm the firm in an immense manner. It is considered as one of the social issue associated with
the technology (Luftman, Lyytinen and Zvi, 2017).
Misusing of authority
This is the most common human nature, that if they gets any power or authority to the
private data of the firm or private technology then they can start misusing that if their past
experiences with the firm was not good and want to rake the revenge of some unkindness. This
ethical issue can spoil the image and reputation of the firm and the company can also loose it's
loyal customers.
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Task 3
Difference between types of networks
Basis LAN MAN WAN
Full form and
meaning
Local area network: It
is responsible for the
connection of
computers in a small
area.
Metropolitan area
network: It is
responsible for the
connection of
computers in a large
area but within the
country.
Wide area network: It
is responsible for the
connection of
computers in a largest
areas among various
countries.
Ownership It has private
ownership.
It can be private or
public ownership.
It can be private or
public ownership.
Maintenance It is easy to maintain
and design.
It is difficult to
maintain and design.
It is the most difficult
to maintain and
design.
Propagation It's expansion power is
short.
It's expansion power is
moderate.
It's expansion power
is long.
Speed It is containing the
highest speed of
network.
It is containing the
moderate speed of
network.
It is containing the
lowest speed of
network.
Faults It is considered as
most tolerant.
It is considered as less
tolerant.
It is considered as
least tolerant.
Permits It allows only one
individual pair to
communication
between computers.
It allows multiple
devices to
communication
between computers.
It allows large group
of devices to
communication
between computers.
Application It is used in small
areas such as college,
It is used in large areas
such as between two
It is used in large
areas such as between
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hospital, schools,
institutions and many
more.
or more cities or in any
national organization.
two or more countries
or continent or in any
international
organization.
Advantages Internal sharing of of
resources, sharing of
software application,
easiness in
communication, data
centralization, security
of data and Sharing of
internet.
Expense is less, email
sending locally,
comparatively high
speed than WAN,
Internet sharing, easy
conversion of LAN
into MAN and there is
a high security.
Geographical area is
large;y covered, data
centralization,
retrieving data and
files in an updated
manner, resources
and software are
largely shared and
high amount of
bandwidth.
Disadvantages Cost is high in setting
up of it, violating
privacy, threat in
security of data,
regular maintenance
and coverage of
limited area.
Management is
difficult, there is a
speed difference in
internet, most of the
attacks by hackers,
specialised people to
set up and requirement
of more wiring
systems.
High security issues,
highly requires
antivirus and firewall
software, high set up
cost, huge problems
in troubleshooting
and issues in
maintenance.
Task 4
Importance of Internet and Intranet in a business
Internet
Marketing
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Internet has a major a role in marketing because it supports the firm in marketing through
the concept of digital marketing which generally includes social media marketing, search engine
optimization, bulk emailing and many more methods through which the firm can accomplish it's
sales objectives by adopting the method of internet marketing.
Surveys
Internet helps in doing customer or supplier surveys for an effective strategies of
marketing. This assist the firm in analysing the market and customers needs and requirements in
term of the products and services. It is also considered as the part of market research where this
technique is adopted in some questionnaires also (Lugmayr and Grueblbauer, 2017).
Online trading
Internet supports the firm in online trading that means import and export of the product or
online buying and purchasing of an item. This comforts buyers as well as sellers also. Buyer is
comfortable as they can select the product and purchase the same through online payment from
their place. Similar comfortableness is with sellers also.
Customer relationships
Internet helps in maintaining the long term relationships with the customers because
internet assist the firm in doing the instant feedbacks about the product or service they are
providing to them. Solving issues by the customer is also easy through internet which results in
customer loyalty by maintaining the better long term relationships.
Intranet
Collaboration is easy
Intranet is a private network within an organization so that any information couldn't go
out of the firm. Intranet makes easy for the firm to collaborate well in an organization, More
cooperation and coordination is maintained in the firm which shows the better operations with
good efficiency and effectiveness in dealing with the people (Mikalef and Pateli, 2017).
Strong culture of the company
Intranet leads to the strong culture in an organization because it results in maintaining
more discipline and decorum within the firm. So it leads to the reduction in gossips and more
concentration on work helps in maintaining the organizational culture, rules, regulations, norms
and values. This is very important to adopt by every firm not only for technology but also for the
firm's harmony.
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Security and confidentiality
Intranet helps the firm in maintaining the security of confidential information. It is the
most essential aspect for every firm to maintain it's data and information secure. Company needs
to adopt security systems like intranet so that so that they can able to work without any doubt or
risk of data leakage or data breaches (Puaschunder, 2019).
Connection between workforce
Intranet also helps in maintaining the relationships and connections between the
employees. Because it only works with an internal system of an organization which only allows
all the communication either formal or informal within an organization only. It leads to stronger
relationships and connections between the employers and the employees.
Task5
Role of Information Technology in Management of a business
Management information system
MIS is a part of information technology which most of the companies adopt for the
effective operations in the firm. It carries out all the main operations in the firm like human
resource management, financing, marketing, data management, production and as per the
business requirement. It is needed to be installed first and then high skilled person is required by
the firm so as to operate and maintain such a heavy software (Rajaraman, 2018).
Resource management
Information technology helps the firm in managing the resources by applying the concept
of maximum utilization of resources, nothing can be wasted. Such software in a firm leads to the
improved operations which ultimately results in an increment of productivity of the firm with
reduced cost and better sales and revenues.
Improves decision making
Information technology assist the business in decision making. There various software
which are developed by the IT companies which supports the firm in making the decisions in a
very appropriate manner without any hindrances. Decision making is the most important part for
any business so it is necessary to adopt such software for the smooth functioning of an
organization (Taylor, 2020).
Increment in connectivity
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Information technology has a nature of wide reach through the usage of internet. It helps
the firm in maintaining relationships with various stakeholders including external and internal
stakeholders. They include customers, competitors, suppliers, employees, employers, managers
and all those who are directly or indirectly associated with the business with the help of it's
global reach feature (Theis and Wong, 2017).
Task 6
Stages of systems development
SDLC
System development life cycle is defined as the process where all the stages are covered
from planning to maintenance. It is a pathway through which the software can be developed in a
more effective and efficient way. It is mostly developed for the smooth of an organization
because it consist the features which can lead to the firm with better and improves operational
performances.
Stages
Planning
It is the very first step in the process of development of the software because without
planing and setting an objectives, further more stages cannot be accomplished as they all the
related with the first step that is planning. Planning of software includes the problem definition,
setting goals and as per the business requirements (Watrous-deVersterre, 2019).
requirements defining
After the completion of proper planning of the software, now the business knows the
targets and problems so it can easily identify the requirements which are needed in the
development of the software. It includes hardware and software requirements, feasibility study,
cost effective and what else according to the needs of the software.
Designing
After planning and discussion about the requirements in software installation, now it is
the time of designing part. It is mainly the paper work. Designing is done through diagrams,
figures, facts, data and architecture making on a piece of paper so that during the time of
development, it becomes more easier to analyse the structure of the software (Watrous-
deVersterre, 2019).
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Development
After designing the structure if the software. Development part is the most important part
which is now need to be done. Because it needs the high tech knowledge and coding of a
program so it is mainly done by the special skilled people who have gained the thorough
knowledge specifically in the IT field can do this development part very easily.
Testing
Software development is incomplete without the proper testing of the software. This is
done by the user who don't have any knowledge about the code. So that they can test each and
every minute point also in a software. Without testing, software cannot be hand over to the client
because if any bugs arrives then it can be difficult for the software developer to tackle such
conceptions. Therefore, it is good to test before hand only (Watrous-deVersterre, 2020).
Maintenance
Every software needs maintenance from time to time because information technology is
upgrading day by day so it is important to be up to date in order to improve the performance of
the software which ultimately leads to the betterment of the operations in a firm. Without
upgrading the software, it can create an issue of security because as old as the software, more
less secure it becomes so this is an another factor for the maintenance of the software.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS
There is a great role of information technology in TESCO because uses the updated
technology in their operations and sin services to the customers. They have adopted the
information systems in order to improve it's management like management information systems,
which supports the business in resource management, improvement in decision making and
increment in connectivity. There are various ethical and social issues that are associated with the
technology and the TESCO which are related to the security, privacy data, leakage of
information and misusing of authority but TESCO has sorted out such issues by updating and
upgrading the technologies they were using to the advances so that any issues related to the
technology cannot be faced by the company. TESCO is a vast organization which uses the WAN
type of a network that is the wide area network which works internationally across various
countries so that the work and operations can be coordinated among all the stores and offices of
the firm. TESCO has the connection of both the types of network that is the internet and the
intranet which means that the internet is used to communicate with the world and intranet is used
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for the communication within an organization for a safety purpose. Company has used the
concept of SDLC stages for the new development of the software which they use to enhance
their operations for betterment and effective management in an organization. Moreover,
terminologies of the computer is necessary to understand so that company can easily understand
technical terms and can easily handle the technical issues and can maintain and update their
technology at the right time for better management in an organization.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded that information system is essential for a business to operate in any
department either in human resources or financing. It is upgrading day by day and bringing new
ideas and convenience every time in a business. That is why it is important to adopt the
technology in a business for smooth functioning in an organization. Internet is another thing
which is mandatory with technical equipment as it guides the business that how it can improve
it's performance in coming time. Therefore, basically it helps the firm in overall growth and
development with increase it's sales and revenue generations. This report covers all such things
which is related to the business like computer terms, social issues, importance of internet, role of
IT, system development life cycle and various networking types.
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References:
Books and Journals
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Springer, Cham.
Koch, C., 2018. Introduction to Information Technology. Scientific e-Resources.
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Rajaraman, V., 2018. Introduction to information Technology. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd..
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Watrous-deVersterre, L., 2019. IT 101-001: Introduction to Information Technology.
Watrous-deVersterre, L., 2019. IT 101-003: Introduction to Information Technology.
Watrous-deVersterre, L., 2020. IT 101-002: Introduction to Information Technology.
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