Role of IT in Business Success and Ethical Issues

This report discusses the role of IT in the success of a business, including ethical and social issues. It also explains different types of networks and the importance of intranet and internet. The stages of the system development life cycle are also discussed.

Introduction to information
technology
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ABSTRACT
In report it has been described about role of IT in success of business. Abc is able to
make expand and grow with help of IT. Many new and advance system are installed and used by
them. In addition it has been explained about ethical and social issues like privacy, data access
rights, hacking, virus etc which impact of IT operations of business. Also, different types of
network is explained such as LAN, MAN, WAN, etc and how they differ from one another in
terms of range, frequency, bandwidth etc. Moreover, importance of intranet and internet in abc
has been discussed which allows company to share data at global level. In addition, the different
stages of SDLC that are implementing, designing, testing, maintenance and other has been
discussed as well.
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Table of Contents
ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW ...............................................................................................................4
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION...................................................................................................4
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5
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INTRODUCTION
In recent times, advancement in technology has transformed the way of doing business. It
has enabled in rapid expansion and growth (Lloyd, 2020). The use of advance and high tech IT
tools and equipment has ease way of performing business operations. Also, complex task is
carried out in better and effective way. It has led to increase in productivity and efficiency of
business. IT is used in all sector and companies. It has provided a platform to grow and expand.
Along with it, communication has become easy to do and data and info is shared in centralised
way. In this report it will be discussed about role of IT in success or failure of business. Also,
ethical and social issues faced in it along with different types of network technologies used is
explained. Moreover, it will be described about importance of intranet and internet and stages of
system development life cycle.
LITERATURE REVIEW
As elucidated by Desplaces, Beauvais and Peckham, (2020) in use of IT there are several
types of issues which is faced. The issues highly impact on business operations and its
performance. Thus, in order to minimise issues, it is necessary to maintain IT infrastructure and
system. For this, IT expert is hired who looks after overall maintenance. So, the issues are related
to technical, social, ethical etc there are many types of ethical issues faced.
Hacking- it is most common ethical issu which occurs in IT. In this the hacker hack system in
order to steal useful data and info. It is done for financial gain (Frizzo-Barker, Chow-White and
Green, 2020). To hack a system virus is sent into it or unauthorized access is taken through a
fake id and password.
Virus- This is also an issue in which virus enter into a system and interrupt its entire working. It
gets enter either through network or some malicious file. The virus multiply itself and corrupt
files and data stored in it. A virus can be in form of Trojan, spam ware, etc. It damages overall
network.
Data access rights- in this issue the person who has been given data access rights might take
advantage of it and leak confidential data. It occurs usually when access is granted over the
network (Desplaces, Beauvais and Peckham, 2020).
Ergonomy- this is a type of issue which occurs due to poor design of IT infrastructure. The
system and equipment are not installed in proper way which leads to ineffective working of IT
network and many times disruption are observed in it.
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Spam email- there are some spam e mail which is sent anf delivered to employee. The motive
behind this is to steal their personal and confidential info. It results in accessing company info as
well through spam e-mail.
It is stated by Zheng, Zheng and Li, (2019) there are some social issues as well which occurs in
business. They are described as -:
Privacy- this issue lead to privacy of data in which the data privacy is noy maintained. Here
business sells confidential data to third party to gain financial benefit. It leads to creating poor
image of business.
Communication breakdown- here, the communication breakdown occurs due to failure of IT
system and equipment. This results in improper sharing of data and info within employee.
IP issue- Intellectual property is considered to be intangible property created by individuals or
corporations. Information technology has made it difficult to protect intellectual property
because computerized information can be so easily copied or distributed on networks (Desplaces,
Beauvais and Peckham, 2020). Intellectual property is subject to a variety of protections under
three different legal traditions
So, these are issues which occurs within abc. It leads to affecting on storing of data and
info. Without proper IT infra business operations are not performed in effective way. The issue
occurs when there is no proper policy to maintain privacy and security of data and info.
According to Betz, Betz and Phillips, (2019) there are various types of network which is
used by business. The network is a connection of computer systems, server, printer and other
devices. It helps in sharing of data and info and communication. Each network range and
frequency depends on its bandwidth. Therefore, the network is used as per requirement of
business. Basically, different types of network are defined as below
LAN- it is known as local area network and is used in office, school, and other places. It is
highly useful in sharing of resources such as printer, fax machine, server etc. there can be less
than 5000 device connected within a LAN. The data is shared and transferred easily in this.
WAN- wide area network in networks of network and spread across large area. It may be
connection of different LAN. It is spread at global level and known as internet. The data is
shared to wide area.
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MAN- this is known as metropolitan area network and is spread across a limited geographical
area like a city, campus, state etc it is larger than LAN but smaller than WAN. The range of this
network is 50 km. Here, medium used is optic fibre and cable.
PAN- personal area network is used for personal use consists of mobile, computer ot laptop. It
allows in access of network within limited area (Logan, 2020). PAN is connected with WPAN
and other devices can be connected as well in it such as Bluetooth, printer, mouse etc
LAN WAN MAN PAN
In this transmission
speed is high
The transmission
speed is low
Transmission speed is
average
Transmission speed
is high
The propagation
delay is short
It is long in this
network
Propagation delay is
moderate in it
Here, propagation
delay is short.
Its design and
maintenance is easy
The design and
maintenance is
complex and difficult
Here, design and
maintenance is little
complex and easy
It is very easy to
design and maintain
LAN.
The fault tolerance is
more
It is very less in it It is less in it as well Fault tolerance is
more
The speed and
bandwidth is high
The speed and
bandwidth is low in it
It is moderate in it Here, speed and
bandwidth is high.
The congestion is less It is more in this Here, congestion is
more
It is less in this.
In this only single
pair of device can
communicate
Here, a large group of
computer network can
communicate at same
time
Multiple computers
can communicate in it
In this only single
device can
communicate at one
time.
Cost required to set
up is less
Cost required for
setting up WAN is
high
The cost required is
high
Only minimal
amount is needed
for it.
In the view of Tallon and Kraemer, (2018) it is evaluated that the range snd and frequency of
network varies from one another. However, company uses it on basis of their requirements.
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Mostly large organization use WAN so that they are able to communicate all over globe. But
they have to incur huge cost on its maintenance. This is because if there occur any fault in it this
can lead to entire failure of network. However, best suitable technology is LAN as its speed is
high and it is easy to maintain it. Also, cost required to set up is less. As per the view of stated
that Bergeron, Croteau and Raymond, (2020) technology trends affect businesses activities on
many levels. If an employee to the enterprise are efficient that it turns out to be productive.
Additionally, this is one of the effective term that also build a strong customer loyalty base.
Advancement of technology can make each thins possible in business enterprise. In contrary to
Bergeron, Croteau and Raymond, (2020) stated that Another role of IT in business is to get better
improvement in the efficiency of business operations so that the company can complete tasks
quicker and cheaper mode. This often happens with the help of enterprise software and a
centralized company database. Therefore, use of IT plays vital and integral part of every business plan.
As per the view of Mukhopadhyay, Kekre and Kalathur, (2015) stated that role of technology
in business caused a tremendous growth in trade and commerce. Business concepts and models
also are continually revolutionized as a result of the introduction of the information technological
advancement. However, technical advancement has given the new and better approach on how
to undertake the business activities that aids to give proficient results. Therefore, this also aids to
provide the faster, more convenient and more efficient way of performing business transactions.
In today’s new world of business, IT is well and truly leading business activities.
In the current business world, employees are taking steps towards to have the use of multiple
devices daily, internal business procedures that are largely controlled with help of IT
applications. Therefore, customers work as to communicate with organisations through
numerous digital channels, simultaneously.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
It has been evaluated that IT and its application is required for business to grow. In such a
competitive business environment, IT is useful in enhancing business efficiency. It also helps in
reducing time and cost by improving business operations. In abc there are different types of
software and application are used. It has led to bringing efficiency in process and speeding up
production. Besides that, there is vital role of intranet and internet in company (Mukhopadhyay,
Kekre and Kalathur, 2015). It is identified that intranet is useful in sharing of data and info
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quickly to all employees. The posting of info in company intranet plaform helps in quick access
of it. Also, decision are taken in less time and one way communication is done. It provides an
open platform for stakeholders as well to keep their opinions and views and communicate with
manager along with employees. It is found that in many business e mail are still used for
communication. Another use of intranet is knowledge management. All the info is stored on
intranet which makes it easy for everyone to share it. Each division can use it for their purpose.
Intranet is also useful in improving communication and feedback. The employee are able to
interact with one another in more effective way. This leds to rise jn efficiency of team work.
Moreover, feedback are quickly shared via intranet which enable in finding out where problem
has occurred. Thus, next time issue is considered and then change are made. This allows in
increasing collaboration within staff. The intranet bring in transparency in working. As data and
info is placed at Central platform so it is accessed by anyone, anytime. Thus, the data is used in
analyzing operations and taking decision.
In addition, it has been analysed that internet play significant role in business. It provides
various benefit to it. However, the info sharing is easier with help of internet. So, with just one
click info is shared across globe. Alongside, e mail and digital document are send quickly. Thus,
it helps manager to quickly access crucial data and work with more efficiency. Internet has
provided an open platform to gather market data and analyse it. Business are highly using it to
expand and enhance performance (Lloyd, 2020). Apart from it, with help of internet it become
easy to attract customers. This is done by digital marketing. Hence, it provides new platform to
market and advertise product and service. Besides, a lot of info is gathered as well through it.
Internet allows in getting info about change in trends and needs of customer. So, according new
product are developed. Furthermore, info is obtained about use of new technology, software
within business operations. Thus, with help of it changes are made into operations and efficiency
is improved. This helps in enhancing performance and making innovation in business. Another
importance is internet helps in solving any issue or problem by providing solution of it. So, with
that new method and process is developed as well. Besides, info is shared with other departments
as well so that accordingly method is developed (Frizzo-Barker, Chow-White and Green, 2020).
Internet allows business to gain insight about market demand. With help of it they are able to
develop strategies and plans and find out target market easily. Likewise, marketing and other
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strategies are formed by gathering info from internet. Thus, it has become a useful source for
business to find out any information related to anything.
It is analysed that SDLC is process which is followed for developing a software or
project. It provides a framework that how to develop, design and maintain particular software.
So, it defines a method that enable in maintaining quality of software and its process of
development. With help of SDLC high quality software are designed to fulfil customer needs.
There are various types of models which is used in it such as waterfall, spiral, big bang and many
more. But it depends on nature and type of software project that which type of model is suitable.
Generally, there are 7 stages in SDLC which is followed. They are defined as
Stage 1 – Planning and requirement analysis – it is most important stage in SDLC as it enables in
defining the requirement for software. Also, proper planning is done to identify that how project
activities are to be undertaken.
Stage 2 defining requirement- in this stage the requirement defined are approved from customer
and by doing market analysis (Desplaces, Beauvais and Peckham, 2020). Here, software
requirement specification document is prepared. It contains all requirement to be included in
design and development of software. Thus, hardware, software and other system are mentioned
in it.
Stage 3 design of product architect- based on SRS document the product architect is designed.
Here, more than one approach is used for designed and on basis of it design document
specification (DDS) is developed. All the stakeholder view DDS on various parameters such as
risk, budget, quality, etc. then after it best design is selected. It clearly defines all the
architectural modules of the product along with its communication and data flow between
internal and external parties. The internal design of all the modules of the proposed architecture
is defined with details in DDS.
Stage 4 development of product- it is a stage where product development takes place. The
programming is done as mentioned in DDS. The code can be generated more faster if design is
appropriate. Also, developer needs to follow guidelines mentioned in document. It depends on
developer and nature of design that which programming language is to be used in it. There are
various of language such as C, C++ , Java etc apart from it, on basis of type of software language
is selected.
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Stage 5 testing- this stage is followed in all above SDLC but specifically testing is done on
product where defects and errors are identified. It enables in removing those errors. Besides that,
testing is done until product work in effective way and as per quality standards set in SRS
document (Desplaces, Beauvais and Peckham, (2020).
Stage 6 implementation – after testing phase the product is launched in the market. The software
has to be properly tested ao that there is no error or defect are identified during implementation.
In this the product may be launched in limited market just for testing purpose. Then, after taking
feedback from it and again making changes in it by testing and after its successful outcomes, the
product is entirely launched in target market.
Stage 7 maintenance and monitoring – it is last stage of SDLC in which product maintenance and
monitoring is done. This enables in ensuring that software efficiency is not impacted and it
works properly. Moreover, any change required in it needs to be reported.
Thus, these all are stage of system development lifecycle which enable in developing of
software and its design. Generally, it is followed in all types of projects related to software
development. It is integrated with models as well so that effective software is designed
(Desplaces, Beauvais and Peckham, 2020). Any change in one stage highly affect on other as
well. But if any one is missed than it is difficult to develop software.
CONCLUSION
Hereby, it is summarized that information technology plays vital role in success of business.
It provides new tools and techniques which is used to enhance efficiency. There arw various
types of ethical and social issues which occurs such as privacy, data integrity, etc also, different
network technology is available that is MAN, WAN, LAN. Inranet and Internet is important for
business as it ease in sharing of data and info, for effective communication, providing of market
and other data, etc. this helps business to improve operational efficiency and take effective
decision. Along with that, there are many stages in SDLC like testing, implementation,
requirement analysis etc.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Lloyd, I., 2020. Information technology law. Oxford University Press.
Frizzo-Barker, J., Chow-White, P.A. and Green, S., 2020. Blockchain as a disruptive technology
for business: A systematic review. International Journal of Information Management, 51,
p.102029.
Desplaces, D.E., Beauvais, L.L. and Peckham, J.M., 2020. What information technology asks of
business higher education institutions: The case of Rhode Island. Journal of Information
Systems Education, 14(2), p.9.
Zheng, G., Zheng, C. and Li, L., 2019. Bringing business intelligence to health information
technology curriculum. Journal of Information Systems Education, 25(4), p.6.
Betz, U.A., Betz, F. and Phillips, F., 2019. Surveying the future of science, technology and
business–A 35 year perspective. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 144,
pp.137-147.
Logan, P.Y., 2020. Crafting an undergraduate information security emphasis within information
technology. Journal of Information Systems Education, 13(3), p.3.
Tallon, P.P. and Kraemer, K.L., 2018. Investigating the relationship between strategic alignment
and information technology business value: the discovery of a paradox. In Creating
business value with information technology: Challenges and solutions (pp. 1-22). IGI
Global.
Mukhopadhyay, T., Kekre, S. and Kalathur, S., 2015. Business value of information technology:
a study of electronic data interchange. MIS quarterly, pp.137-156.
Bergeron, F., Croteau, A.M. and Raymond, L., 2020. A framework for research on information
technology governance in SMEs. In Start-Ups and SMEs: Concepts, Methodologies,
Tools, and Applications (pp. 1567-1588). IGI Global.
Online
SDLC stages, 2017. [online] available through:
<https://www.tutorialspoint.com/sdlc/sdlc_overview.htm >
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