Analyzing IT Strategies at Marks & Spencer: Efficiency and Impact

This report provides an overview of information technology and its impact on businesses, focusing on Marks & Spencer as a case study. It analyzes various types of software, highlighting the importance of application software and the interdependence of hardware and software. The report also discusses ethical and social issues arising in the digital world, such as personal information privacy, employment discrimination, and the use of artificial intelligence, alongside social concerns like voting rights and salary discrimination. Furthermore, it explores how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) enhances business efficiency and effectiveness, particularly through the impact of the Internet and Intranet. The report concludes by emphasizing the role of IT in assisting managers in business operations.

INTRODUCTION
TO
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY

ABSTRACT :
The information technology is key basis of all the operations that is being operating in the
market. In today's world, all the businesses and organisations are hugely dependent on the
technological services. All the departments whether public or private are now using the
technology in order to be effective in the market. But, the use of technology has its various
benefits and demerits. These includes the impact of technology on the business. The success of
the business is also dependent on the use of technology these days. The IT helps in retain the data
and finally converting it into information for the respective users of it. It too aids in maintain a
good relationship with the consumers of the product.

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT :...................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW ..............................................................................................................4
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS ................................................................................................5
Analysis of various types of software and explaining the more essential one.......................5
Ethical and social issues are growing in digital world, there identification and discussion in
running a business..................................................................................................................6
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...............................................................................................................................7
Discuss the role of IT in helping managers to manage businesses.........................................9
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES...............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
The term information technology refers to the use of the technology for various purposes.
The technology includes the software and hardware which works simultaneously in order to
accomplish the desired objective(Chege and Wang, 2020). The technology helps in storing the
data of the businesses in soft copy. It also uses various software to handles these data. The data is
then converted into the useful information by these software for its users. So, information
technology is basically a branch of computer system. The use of technology is increasing day by
day in the present scenario. This can be used in any sector of the market. The company here
discussed in this report is Marks and Spencer. This is a British multinational retail company
whose headquarter is located in Paddington, London, England. This company is listed on London
Stock Exchange. It is established in the year 1884. The founder of this company is Michael
Marks and Thomas Spencer Leeds. This report discussed about various types of software. Along
with this, it helps in business and too that software is dependent on hardware of the computer
technology. Information technology has important role in the business. This report will
essentially evaluate the significance of information technology on business.
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to the view point of Thong & Yap in 1995 , the information technology is
defined as a computer software which provides a support of management , operations, strategy
in an arrangement. Information technology aids in enhancing the transaction of business and its
productivity. Moreover, according to Sharma and Bhagwat (2003) analyse the information
systems on the grounds of operational efficiency of information technology. Similarly, as per the
Levy et al. (2011) in its study , the alliance between the information system and strategy,
friendliness and practicality of the system play an crucial role in the business performance. In
accordance with Sarosa & Zowaghi (2003) it explains that the arrangement use the information
technology to create , procedure, store the data. It aids in communicating with each other in a
manner.

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS
Analysis of various types of software and explaining the more essential one
The term software can be defined as a set of instructions which is used to make hardware
usable in the computer system. The data in software in the form of soft copy. This data is also
intangible. It is very cost effective as no cost is incurred on the purchasing of paper log for the
hard copy of the information.
Types of Software
 Application Software – This software is basically formed for the end users. This is the
very basic software that is almost used by each company in the market. The application
software provides for the various application to the computer system. is used by the
company . The organisation Marks and Spencer is using this application software such as
HCM , word etc. in order to achieve the goals of the company .
 Programming Software – Programming software is planned for computer programmers
in order to write the code . It includes the languages like C++ , Python, etc. for translating
them into which the computer can interpret. Marks and Spencer can use this software to
translate the information into the computer languages .
 Utility Software – It aids the computer system to work in an effectual manner. It allows
the operation system in coordinating and managing the computer system. This also helps
in rising the computer system . This software considers the management of file, data
backup , antivirus and the management tools(Lloyd, 2020).
 Driver Software – Driver Software main work is to control the hardware device. They
are the main handlers of the hardware. It also involves the PC, tablet, smartphone, etc. By
this software various hardware elements which gets attached to these disposition in order
to communicate with the available operating system.
 System software – It is the most important software as it is important for running the
hardware of a computer. There is a connection in between the user and the hardware
which is only possible through this software. This is the one which is responsible for
functioning of each software over PC.
Application software is crucial software. It plays the critical role in the information
technology in market. It too allows to execute task on the computer. The application software
aids in the operating system of business. It too helps in saving time along with the money to by

completing various task in minimum time with full skill fullness in the organisation. Basically
this software is planned to execute the particular task. Moreover, this help user in acting the
function. It creates the system more beneficial. It comes with the ability of simplifying the
procedure which is very complex along with time consuming. Moreover, it helps in doing the
task by self. The application software are used to execute the managerial functions of the
company on a regular basis.
Can a software exist without hardware?
Both hardware and software are the essential elements of a computer. All the parts of a
computer which can be seen or touched are hardware and the programs installed in the computer
are software of a computer. A software must need a hardware for its administration. Without
hardware it will never be able to operate and without hardware there is no existence of computer.
It means both hardware and software are interdependent over each other.
Ethical and social issues are growing in digital world, there identification and discussion in
running a business
Ethical issues Personal information: It is one of the most important ethical issues affecting businesses
in technology. Customers who make an online purchase from a business can be
persuaded to make a purchase in part by the use of the company's personal information,
which can be found on social media and other websites. Additionally, Tesco is making
their personal information for customers available on its websites, social media, and other
platforms to enhance their customer base. Employment discrimination: Because there might be differences in employment based
on gender, caste, or other factors, which could lead to conflicts, this could be a significant
ethical issue. However, businesses may use this issue to their advantage by assigning
tasks to individuals based on their capabilities and skills. The company will be able to
identify competent and weak employees with this assistance. So that they could educate
the weaker workers and promote the more competent ones(Salehan, Kim and Lee, 2018).
 Use of artificial intelligence: Because of its many applications, artificial intelligence
offers businesses tremendous potential. The most important functions include:
 Health tracking, which is useful in measuring the health conditions of workers and is
essential to maintain a healthy working environment.

 At the workplace, as well as many other features, such as facial recognition, is helpful for
employees' attendance at the workplace and prevents the entry of any fake people.
Social Issues Voting rights: Because people use it to vote for the wrong people or to skip voting, this
may be a social issue. The issue could be used by the business to its advantage because it
could seize the voting rights of people who are voting incorrectly. By identifying who is
voting and who isn't, it could also prevent fake votes. This will let the company know
about any additional votes cast at the location of people who aren't voting, which could
prevent those votes from being counted(Wang and Choi, 2019). Labour union: If a company's employees come together and make decisions that aren't
good for the company, like: If one don't work, demand a lot, strike to get a raise, or do
any of the other things, it could cause conflicts and become a big social problem.
However, since there is a union among employees, they will be better able to
communicate with one another and will be more comfortable working in teams, which
could be advantageous to the company. They will cooperate and support one another,
which may expedite goals-setting for businesses.
 Salary discrimination: The cast or gender of an employee is often taken into
consideration when determining a worker's compensation. This indicates that
discrimination exists, which may result in conflicts and thus constitute a significant social
problem. However, businesses may also use this social issue to their advantage, as it may
result in a decrease in pay for those who are less productive or an increase in pay for
those who are more effective. Employees may also be able to identify their capabilities
and enhance their skills as a result of this.
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
The collection of technological tools for the transfer, storage, creation and exchange of
information is known as information and communication technology (ICT). It is an essential
component of business administration. It enables everyone to interact, communicate and share
pertinent information with one another. It helps businesses run smoothly, which makes them
more effective and efficient for their customers. As a result, it contributes to an increase in the

company's overall productivity. Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a
crucial role in the expansion of businesses because it facilitates effective communication
between employers and employees and helps to dispel misunderstandings and
misunderstandings. This kind of technology is being used by a number of businesses to grow. In
relation to Tesco, the following are the primary functions of information and communication
technology:
 Companies are able to share pertinent information with the stakeholders and customers.
There will be complete raw materials supply to the companies.
 It allows a company to communicate with its employees and is helpful in the
improvement of relationship between employees and the employer resulting in a healthy
working environment within the organisation.
 It also enables the company in having a good relation with its customers as a result of
effective communication. There will an enhanced customer base for the company with
the use of ICT(Zhou, Wu, Li, and et. al., 2021).
 It allows the companies in selling their products and services over internet. It will allow
them in finding the relevant customer. They could supply their clients with their desired
products at anywhere they want. It is also helpful in saving time, keeping privacy and security of customer information
and helps the company from cyber attacks.
Impacts of internet on businesses
The use of internet in growing rapidly across the world. It lets businesses use a variety of
technologies, which helps them keep their systems up to date and manage their time effectively.
It also makes it possible for businesses to advertise their goods and services. Additionally, it aids
in the dissemination of information to its customers and employees. It has altered the entire
structure of the business, including an expanded customer base and increased competitiveness.
At Tesco, the effects of the internet are as follows:
 Using computer vision technology provided by an Israeli artificial intelligence startup
based in London, the company was able to open a store without any hassle thanks to the
Internet.

 The company can sell its products online thanks to the Internet, resulting in a larger
customer base and increased sales. As a result, the business was able to successfully
increase its profit thanks to the internet.
 The company can effectively communicate with all of its stakeholders and customers
thanks to the Internet's use of information technology and information and
communication technology.
 The company is able to advertise and promote its products more effectively via social
media and other channels thanks to the internet. It enables the business to expand its
customer base. The company is able to accept online payments thanks to the use of a QR code on the
internet. With the use of CCTV, the company is able to provide adequate store security.
Impacts of intranet on businesses
An intranet is a type of personal network that protects the privacy and security of
business data and information. It makes it possible for businesses to securely share pertinent
information with employees. It is useful for working in teams and helps to encourage
communication in the workplace. Tesco's intranet platform ourtesco.com, is beneficial to the
company in the following ways:
 Distributing any new or altered information, policies or others to the members of the
organization.
 Storing crucial documents and information about a company's stakeholders or customers.
 Improving teamwork by bringing employees together. Team members will work more
efficiently and produce better work if they interact properly.
 Overall increase in the company's productivity.
 Supplying co-workers with a central repository of information about the staff, including
information about magazines, charitable events, product and service promotion and other
topics.
Discuss the role of IT in helping managers to manage businesses
Worldwide, the use of information technology is rapidly expanding, facilitating the
expansion of numerous businesses. The term "information technology" refers to the transmission
of information through technology. It enables businesses to analyse data and plan their
operations in accordance with the most recent trends. Software and hardware, in conjunction

with computing, are used in transfer of information through information technology. It improves
a variety of business functions, including agility, staff coordination and collaboration,
productivity, revenue streams, performance, storage solutions and more. Any company's
managers can benefit from it and hence, Tesco. Tesco managers use IT to manage the company
in the following ways: Improved communication with customers: Information technology enables the manager
to communicate with employees in a more effective manner because it facilitates
workplace communication. Better communication prevents misunderstandings and
ambiguities, resulting in more productive work. As a result, Tesco management oversees
employee performance. Enhanced efficiency of daily tasks: Any ambiguity among co-workers is dispelled
because information technology makes it possible for businesses to utilize technology in
the transfer of information. Employees will work with accurate information when they
have a clear vision of any task, assisting managers in running a well-managed business
with completed tasks. Privacy and security of data: Data and information storage and security are made easier
with technology. It is useful for analysing any potential future threat to the data. The
management of Tesco makes use of information technology to predict potential threats in
the future and secure the company's data in the past(Lecerf and Omrani, 2020). Improved customer base: There will be more connective customers with the help of
information and communication technology as it will make more efficient way to interact
with people. Customers are responsible for the success and loss in a company as they
decides which product will stay and which will not.
 Enhanced connectivity: Businesses are using internet which allows them to become
more connecting. Tesco's managers are using such information technology to interact
with their customers, stakeholders and other people associated with the business. This
enables the company in having good relations with their customers and the employees
resulting in enhanced profit.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded that the reason for a more connected world is information technology and
information and communication technology. According to the view point of Thong & Yap in

1995, the information technology is defined as a computer software which provides a support of
management, operations, strategy in an arrangement. The programs that are used to operate
computers and other electronic devices and carry out a variety of tasks are referred to as
software. There are many different kinds of software, including:system software, application
software and a variety of other software, of which system software is more crucial. Software
cannot function without hardware and a computer cannot exist without hardware. Information
and communication technology (ICT) facilitates the exchange of pertinent information, employee
communication, customer base maintenance and many other tasks. Managers can greatly benefit
from IT's assistance in managing businesses, such as: enhanced employee communication, more
effective day-to-day tasks and other improvements

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