Role of IT in Business Success or Failure

This report explores the role of information technology in the success or failure of a business, with a focus on DEBENHAMS. It discusses the significance of IT in DEBENHAMS, ethical and social issues related to technology usage, networking technologies, and the importance of intranet and internet. It also covers the stages of the system development life cycle (SDLC).

Role of IT in the Success
or Failure of a Business

Abstract
Information technology refers exchange of information by having easy way for
transmission of data in different corners of the world. This creates positive impact on the ways in
which operatiosn are being carried out by firm. For this they make use of distinct networking
technologies and tends to identify requirements of their probable customers so thatthey can
furnish services by taking into consideration their requirements. In addition to this as per the
needs they can also opt for new sytems through the usage of SDLC model. This report will
provide an insight into ways in which through usage of IT DEBENHAMS can attain success.

Table of Contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................4
Literature Review........................................................................................................................................4
IT and its role in DEBENHAMS.............................................................................................................4
Ethics and Social Issues related with usage of technology......................................................................5
Networking Technologies........................................................................................................................6
Significance of Intranet along with Internet in business..........................................................................7
Analysis and Discussion...............................................................................................................................8
Role of IT in DEBENHAMS...................................................................................................................8
Networking Technologies utilised by DEBENHAMS.............................................................................8
Ethical as well as social issues in DEBENHAMS...................................................................................8
Intranet along with Internet within DEBENHAMS.................................................................................9
Stages of system development life cycle (SDLC)....................................................................................9
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................11
References.................................................................................................................................................12

Introduction
Information technology is defined as maintenance, development and usage of network,
software and computer systems. This denotes that data is being processed as well as distributed
in precise and concise manner (Afful and Matey, 2019). It involves software hardware, software,
and telecommunications along with transmitting data via having efficacious communication that
has to be conducted. For understanding the concept associated with failure or success of
organisation with reference to IT, DEBENHAMS is taken into consideration which is a British
multinational retailer who renders their department stores in Denmark and UK. They have
franchise in other 178 locations with product range of shoes, fashion clothing, gifts, home &
furniture, cosmetics and toys. This report will provide an insight into different aspects associated
with IT, significance of intranet and internet along with stages involved within SDLC.
Literature Review
IT and its role in DEBENHAMS
Information technology refers to usage of system for storing, reclamation, distribution
and alteration of data. IT has inherent role within each industry irrespective of whether it deals
within aviation, retail, fashion and many more. In context of retail sector or DEBENHAMS role
that is being conducted by IT is specified beneath:
 Information flow: It is key resource that enables firm to conduct their operations in
adequate manner. This involves objective, subjective, external and internal data. With
reference to subjective, it involves that is not known by firm and objective specifies
information that is known. In context of internal data, it depicts environment in which
organisation is delivering their services and external depicts outside surroundings (Cepec
and Grajzl, 2020). Through the usage of IT DEBENHAMS, retail sector have opted to
make use of centralised data centre for extraction of information. When retailers deliver
their offerings at global level then sending via courier or any other means. Data management: While delivering services at broad perspectives, it is essential for
organisation to manage overall information that makes it easy to furnish their
functionalities. For an example details of warehouse as well as inventory needs to eb
maintained by which requirements can be determined in an adequate manner so that they

do not go out of stock. Therefore, servers, database, external or internal hard drives can
be utilised by retail industry to handle information. Productivity: For having enhanced profitability, it is essential for DEBENHAMS to
utilise adequate applications like RDBMS, word processing along with other software
that will enable to ensure that feedback can taken from customers and accomplish their
requirements (Felser, Rentschler and Kleineberg, 2019). This will have an affirmative
impact on their overall operations.
Ethics and Social Issues related with usage of technology.
Ethical issues: The depiction of making adequate choices with reference to right or
wrong for identification of choices is referred to as ethical issue. In this context the ethical issues
that are being faced by DEBENHAMS with reference to ethics are specified beneath:
 Internet privacy: The activities that are being conducted by employees can be monitored.
Thus, it is necessary for DEBENHAMS that any kind of crucial information that can
hamper their overall operations. In addition to this, they can make use of anti-virus
software and firewall so that when third person tends to enter into their systems then they
are blocked.
 Cyber bullying: This denotes harassment that is being caused by usage of electronic
means is referred to as cyber bullying. It comprises of sexual remarks, pejorative
comments and many more but due to enhanced image of DEBENHAMS minimized
impact will be created through this but still then it is important that relevant measures are
being taken (Gautam and Sharma, 2019).
Social issues: This specifies the issues that create an influence on wide range of individuals
within the society. They are specified below
 Hacking: The unauthorized access to computer system or network. For an instance, if
third person gets within system of organization then they can have access to their
confidential information (Könning, Westner and Strahringer, 2019). For this technical
team of DEBENHAMS need to make sure that they have strong system as well as
unauthorized links are not clicked upon by employees.

 Identity Theft: Fraud involves usage of internet is increasing. In this case, personal
details of individuals are being utilized by third person for carrying out malicious
activities. For an instance email can be sent pretending to be an employee of
DEBENHAMS.
Networking Technologies
Block of one or more devices through which communication takes place among distinct
departments is referred to as network (Mafundu and Mafini, 2019). Generally, this comprises of
distinct systems that are associated with each other by making use of physical or wireless
connections to make sure that firms have ease in communicating with one other and ensure that
operations are carried out as per desired standards. For an instance DEBENHAMS can opt for
having their own application like instant messaging app, email or chat rooms that will lead them
to have simplified ways to share relevant data. In addition to this, resources can also be shared
among others that will assist them in formulation of decision as well as irrelevant cost can be
eliminated. There are various network technologies like LAN, WAN, PAN, VPN and MAN.
Generally, LAN, MAN and WAN are used by organization to ensure that they are able to furnish
their responsibilities, they are specified beneath:
Local Area Network (LAN): This is accountable for connecting distinct programs, tools
and information that can be shared among distinct personal workstations and computers.
Associations are being formulated through usage of stack or single switches through which
addressing schemes can be addressed by making use of TCP/IP protocols. When few systems are
connected then the transmission speed that will be attained is is high but when this number
increases then this declines. When interaction has to be carried out within single outlet of
DEBENHAMS then this is the best option firm has.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): It is liable for building up linkage between
computers and workstations by which they can cover wide area with respect to LAN. They are
liable for covering entire city and have connections with different local area network through
usage of single cable (Meher, 2019). Toa meet this requirement DEBENHAMS can make use of
coaxial, twisted pair, fiber optical cable and many more. It can be used by retailers to develop a
link for communication with other outlets that are present in different cities.

Wide Area Network (WAN): This denotes geographical area that comprises within same
country or world. The connections can be developed by usage of satellites, telephone lines and
radio waves. This will enable firm to have high speed but the cost associated with this is very
high. Retailers can utilize this for development of enhanced connections that will enable them to
deliver services in a significant way (Peris‐Ortiz, Devece and Hikkerova, 2020).
Significance of Intranet along with Internet in business
Internet: The network that can be accessed by people as per their requirements from
anywhere and carry out interaction, research, financial transactions, online shopping or education
is defined as internet. It is a fast network that enables people save relevant time.
Importance of Internet
 Communication: This allows retailers within carrying out direct communication with
their staff along with clients through usage of video calls without any kind interference
worldwide. Research: With respect to this, DEBENHAMS can gather concise as well as effective
data through which in-depth research can be conducted for formulation of reports,
carrying out analysis, surveys and various other aspects (Pramesti, 2019).
Intranet: This illustrates local area network which can be accessed from only firm and
might be linked with various gateways those are outside organization. It can be used by by
organization for conducting interactions, training & development, sharing resources, storing
information and many more.
Importance of Intranet
 Resource sharing: It will allow DEBENHAMS to have capabilities through which they
can easily render their services in an amplified way. This will enable them to have
relevant knowledge related with different aspects as well as formulate decisions quickly. Better customer service: Firm can have peculiar data from employees related with
response attained from customers in context of services which are being given to them
(Rai and Appiah, 2019). In addition to this, it will enable them to have positive influence
on overall functions that are conducted via them.

Analysis and Discussion
Role of IT in DEBENHAMS
Technology is used by firm to improvise the services which are being rendered by them
for creating adequate environment that will enable them to ensure that services are being
delivered as per desired standard. The role of IT in DEBENHAMS is specified below:
 Expense management techniques can be utilized by organization to track and monitor
overall activities in terms of expenses that have occurred.
 Cask, information and risk management can be conducted in a precise way by making
use of security as well as control operations through handling instruments by making use
of technology (Verberght, 2020).
 Transactions will be automated through usage of artificial intelligence that will lead to
emphasize on recurring actions.
Networking Technologies utilised by DEBENHAMS
There are different technologies that can be used by organisation depending upon their
requirements so that they can render their services as per desired standards and make sure taht
this is being done within peculiar time frame. LAN is being used by DEBENHAMS to share
information within their outlet so that operations can be conducted without any kind of delay
within them (Zapata Márquez and et. al, 2019). MAN is utilized for developing association
among different LAN’s within same city. Along with this, WAN can be used to link different
MANs that are present within different cities. It is being done to make sure that enhanced
communication can be conducted among distinct outlets so that their operations are not impacted
and ensure that affirmatively all the functionalities are being conducted.
Ethical as well as social issues in DEBENHAMS
There are various concerns associated while opting for making use of technology in an
adequate manner. By working on this and taking into consideration above aspects it has been
analysed that information technology within each firm enables them to deliver their operations in
smooth manner but there exist some aspects that may lead to breach and even violate system
(Afful and Matey, 2019). For acknowledging this aspect, an instance can be taken into

consideration in context of ethical issues like if third person gets access into private or
confidential information of organisation then this can be utilised for conducting illegal
operations. It will hamper their brand image as customers and employees details will be accessed
by others as well as their is higher probability that it will be misused by them. With reference to
social issues, if intruder makes any irrelevant post to defame DEBENHAMS to attain
competitive edge them then this can also hamper their operations. This becomes necessary that
all the activities are being monitored by them to ensure that they are able to render their services
as per desired standards and any other external force is not able to hamper ways in which they
deliver their operations (Cepec and Grajzl, 2020). This will lead them to secure information and
do not fall into trap formulated by intruder.
Intranet along with Internet within DEBENHAMS
Internet is used by organizations to conduct their operations worldwide by having
relevant channel through which interaction can be carried out. Intranet is utilized for carrying out
their functions in premises. With reference to DEBENHAMS, both internet as well as intranet
has affirmative influence as it enables them to ensure that services are being carried out as per
desired requirements as resources like information, printers, screen, etc can be shared with
others. This will eliminate unnecessary cost associated with certain operations like strategies can
be formulated by making use of video conferences, Skype calls and many more within their
distinct countries (Felser, Rentschler and Kleineberg, 2019). It will lead them to have efficacious
channels for having communication.
Stages of system development life cycle (SDLC).
The process that are related with development of plans, creation, testing and deployment
of IS (information system) is referred to as application development life cycle or SDLC. This is
widely used in configuration of software and hardware like system comprises of amalgamation
of both these aspects. These assist individuals within carrying out conversions of new project
that is being developed in operational activities (Gautam and Sharma, 2019). The various steps
involved in this are specified below:
 Planning: It is a preliminary stage where firms acknowledge needs for new system or
making alterations within existent through which they can attain their strategic goals. It
comprises of feasibility plan that is conducted by organisation such as DEBENHAMS by

which they can acquire resources for furnishing needs of their potential customers. This
will enable them to accomplish requirements of employees, stakeholders and customers.
The purpose of this stage is to determine scope for problems that prevails within and
accordingly define solution to deal with them. In addition to this, factors such as benefits,
cost, resources and time will be also considered.
 System analysis and requirement: It is the second stage in which top executives works in
collaboration with one other for classifying sources that are responsible for causing
problems as well as identifying alterations in needs (Könning, Westner and Strahringer,
2019). If any kind of problem is being faced by them then probable solutions will be
given as well as the best will be taken into consideration as per objectives of
DEBENHAMS. In context of this, functional needs of project are being taken into
account. In addition to this, system analysis will be carried out to identify what is being
expected by end users with reference to new system that is being developed. System
analysis have critical role to acknowledge needs of business as well as identify ways in
which this can be achieved. In addition to this, time needed for carrying out this can be
computed by having review of identical or similar up to some extent projects. For this,
DEBENHAMS require tools for having structured analysis like CAD.
 System design: It is responsible for illustration of crucial features, specifications and
operations that are responsible for satisfaction of functional needs that are related with
proposed system. It is crucial step for organisation for having discussion along with
carrying out analysis of particular business requirements that are related with proposed
system (Mafundu and Mafini, 2019). In this stage, critical aspects or entities are taken
into consideration like networking capabilities; hardware and software of existent devices
along with their processing capabilities o ensure that the new system that is being
formulated is able to accomplish probable requirements of system.
 Development: It is the next stage that involves initiation of tangible work that involves
programming, database development and various aspects associated with new system.
This comprises of formulating new system through usage of flow charts by which all the
processes can be organised with reference to requirements (Meher, 2019). This stage is
liable for terminating initial stages related with process. Along with this, it also signifies

the beginning of process of production. Development stage is categorised within
instillation and modifications will be carried out accordingly.
 Integration and testing: This is the fifth stage which involves system integration along
with testing of programs and procedures upon which quality assurance professionals have
agreed on. This is being done for identification of design meets so that organisational
goals can be ensured. The other section of this involves validation along with verification
that will aid within successful attainment.
 Implementation: It comprises of codes that are being formulated with reference to new
system. Along with this, it involves installation, execution and various other processes for
new system that is being developed (Peris‐Ortiz, Devece and Hikkerova, 2020). Within
this step, data and components within older system will be integrated or moved in. This
may be risky to move so for minimisation of risks this has to be conducted after peak
hours. End users and system analysts will look forward for having realisation associated
with projects in which alterations are conducted.
 Operations and maintenance: This is the last stage that comprises of maintenance along
with regular updates are being made. It is being carried out by end users. This will
enhance overall performance of the system as well as give their feedback to businesses so
that appropriate medications can be made in case it is required.
When IT department of DEBENHAMS identify that there is requirement for alterations
within the ways in which operations are being carried out then they can opt for making use of
SDLC to ensure that each and every step is precisely conducted (Pramesti, 2019).
Conclusion
From above it can be concluded that IT is way through which firm can store, process,
extract as well as transmit data. Through its usage, organization can carry out their activities in
an enhanced way through usage of internet. In addition to this, they can have feedback from
customers and conduct feasibility study so that probable needs can be accomplished. This also
leads to eradicate unnecessary cost associated with different activities.

References
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