Integrated Professional Skills: Communication Tools Report

This report examines integrated professional skills in the digital age, focusing on communication and collaboration tools, cloud storage, and the comparison of online and offline products. It discusses various communication tools like messaging apps, social media, SMS, web conferencing, direct mail, and voice calling, highlighting their role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaboration tools such as brainstorming and project management are also explored. The report details the advantages and disadvantages of cloud storage and computing, including accessibility, security, cost-efficiency, and the reliance on internet connectivity. Finally, it contrasts the positive and negative aspects of online and offline products and services, emphasizing the shift towards digital solutions in the modern business environment. Desklib provides access to similar reports and solved assignments for students.

Integrated Professional Skills in the Digital Age

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
Different communication and collaboration tools.......................................................................3
Cloud storage and computing......................................................................................................5
Positive and negative aspects of online and offline products......................................................8
Online products or services.........................................................................................................8
Offline products or services.........................................................................................................9
Difference between online and offline products........................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFRENCES.................................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Information and communication technology (ICT) refers to communication technology
which includes, internet, wireless networks, video conferencing, media applications. In this fast
moving world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is important in developing
performance of organization (Al-dweeri and et.al., 2017). Nowadays, communication sector is an
essential part in organization, web conferencing, cloud, cell phones, emails, smart phones,
internet etc. Some skills that are required for a digital age are, emotional intelligence, cultural
intelligence, critical problem solving, adaptability, communication and leadership skills. In
present report different communication and collaboration tools will be described and how they
helped many businesses to survive the current pandemic is discussed. Advantages,
disadvantages, suitability and applications of cloud storage and computing is described in report.
Further, positive and negative aspects of services and products that are being sold online and
offline.
MAIN BODY
Different communication and collaboration tools
Information and communication technology (ICT) has become essential nowadays and it is
even significant during current pandemic. In this modern world all work is done with help of
technology and competition is increasing because every organization want to generate more
revenue. During covid -19 it was difficult for people to do work, but with the hep of technology
such as, smartphones, web conferencing, internet, emails etc. people are able to communicate
with each other and work can be done through online mode (Becker, 2018). Software and IT
companies provide work from home facility to their employees.
Some communication tools are :
Private, group messaging and chat tools : During covid -19 employees were not able to
communicate with each other properly so, managers make groups for every team so that they can
interact and complete their work. Nowadays, there are many apps that are available such as,
telegram, WhatsApp, private messenger that can be used for communicating with each other
effectively. During pandemic most of the companies start conducting their meeting through
zoom app, google meet or any other app. This helps organization in completing their work and
employees are also comfortable and they know what work they have to do.

If task is given in groups then leader of every team communicates meeting time and date,
all members have to attend meeting and work according to instructions given by leader (Huda
and et.al., 2017). Personal groups are made in which employees can do messages or ask if they
have any doubt. This helps businesses to survive during pandemic as with help of technology
almost all companies are able to work from home and it is easy for workers to complete work, IT
companies can do their work from home using laptops, smartphones etc.
Social media : It is one of the best way to communicate with each other. It also helps in
attracting customers and useful for businesses to survive during covid -19. With help of social
media employees can communicate with each other and coordinate how to do work. Social
media such as, Facebook, Instagram or any other app. Groups can be made so that proper flow of
communication can be done. Nowadays, people are more active on more social sites so
employees can work effectively. During pandemic time employees of every organization were
interacting with each other through apps that are available. It helps businesses to survive during
covid-19 and workers can do their work by using modern technology.
SMS text messaging : This is also a tool of communication which can be used by people
to interact with each other (Khalil and Osman, 2017). If a person is not able to communicate
through social networking sites then they can do text message as it is also helpful in interacting
with people. During pandemic time many employees use this communication tool to interact
with their colleagues or their leader. If they are not able to join meeting through apps, they can
ask their query by doing text messaging.
Web conferencing : It is an online way of conducting meetings, conferences or training is
given to employees, presentations are given. During covid -19 workers were not able to
communicate with each other so, this is a tool that is used by most of the companies to conduct
meeting, presentations are given to clients through web conferencing. In this fast moving world
technology is also growing as this web conferencing tool is available to interact with people.
This tool is useful for every organization as it helps in conducting meetings and without any
disturbance. It allows people to easily conduct meetings or seminars online and many people can
join this by staying at their home.
Direct mail : This is also an tool for communication, in this digital world employees can
send their work to seniors by direct mailing them (Marwan, Kartit and Ouahmane, 2018). This is
best facility which help employees in completing work on time and they can mail it to seniors.

Leaders will check work done by their team members and tell them if there is any mistake which
should be improved. During pandemic time all employees were working from home so, they
send their completed work to leaders and after checking if they find any mistake they will tell
employee to make corrections.
Voice calling : Voice calling is another tool of communication as it will help employees in
interacting with other people in organization. If workers find any difficulty in doing work or they
are not able to understand, they can ask their leader or any other team member by doing call. For
instance, any member not able to attend meeting and he or she want to know what issues were
discussed in meeting then they can call their team member. During pandemic this was useful for
everyone as they can communicate with their friends, family and can do their office work (Rita,
Oliveira and Farisa, 2019).
Collaboration tools are :
Brainstorming or mind mapping : This is a collaboration tool which helps in generating
new and creative ideas in short period of time. This is tool of collaboration which can be used by
most of the companies for smooth running of business. Mind mapping is a technique which is
used to visually organize information. This helps employees in collaborating during pandemic
time, workers communicate with each other and make plans according to requirement. It is a way
of connecting concepts using images, links etc.
Project management : This is a tool which helps workers in collaboration during
pandemic, employees have to manage their work and all have to finish their given task on time.
During covid -19 all work was done online so managers were managing all activities with use of
technology such as, task management, integration, detailed reporting.
So, communication and collaboration tool helps businesses to survive during pandemic time, all
work was done online and employees have to attend meetings through online apps (Sarkar and
Sabyasachi, 2017).
Cloud storage and computing
Cloud storage helps an organization in saving their data, information or files in an off – site
location that can be accessed by using private internet or public internet connection. When

data is transfer to off -site location for storing then it is the responsibility of third party
cloud provider. It can be accessed from far location using internet.
Advantages of cloud storage
Cloud storage is a useful technique that can be used by many organizations to store their
data. Advantages of cloud storage are, it is usable and easily accessible as this can be
accessed from far location with hep of internet. Another advantage of cloud storage is that
it is safe and secure, if anything is related with internet then first thing is safety and
security (Sousa and Wilks, 2018). Before an organization chooses cloud service then they
check that whether proper service is being provided or not. It helps in saving data and a
person can accessed it form anywhere having proper internet connection. Another benefit
is that it is cost efficient as it does not require much investment. Storing data online
requires less investment and it helps in reducing expenses of internal resources, it does not
require any support to manage data.
Cloud storage is convenient in sharing files as it helps in sharing files with others, file
can be sent to other people for checking data. Most of vendors provide cloud environment
which can be used by two users can share their data (Speicher, Cucerca and Krüger, 2017).
Cloud storage works like hard disk as it stores all information and there may be more than
one user, responsibility of one user will not affect work of other person or user. Hence, all
work is managed and automated, users can easily accessible and store all information
properly. There are many users of a single cloud environment and can collaborate with
same file. Cloud storage is convenient for all vendors as they can make changes or edit file
and there are many users so they can make improvements if they find any mistake.
Disadvantages of cloud storage
Some disadvantages of cloud storage are, all the information is stored online and it is
accessible through internet so it is a drawback that work depends on internet. If there is
no internet then they cannot access data and it may corrupt your data while downloading
file. There are many vendors using a single cloud environment which led to lack of data
security and privacy. All information is kept or stored online, data can be leaked. Best
cloud services are expensive because they are designed for business purpose which
provides facility of safety and security of data (Suhaily and Soelasih, 2017).
Suitability of cloud storage

Cloud storage is suitable for all organizations because it helps in setting clear goals and
objectives that a company wants to achieve. It helps in better engagement of employees
and there is less use of paper as all the information is stored online. It is suitable because it
provides research solutions online and it can be started for free. Employees are more
engage because they have to do work on laptops which is better than paperwork. Cloud
storage also helps in collaboration and offers better insights.
Applications of cloud storage
Applications of cloud storage is that it is a model which help in storing data through
internet, help vendors in managing and operating all activities properly. It is being
delivered on time and eliminates purchasing own data storage infrastructure (Tarhini and
et.al., 2018).
Cloud computing
Cloud computing refers to delivery of different services that are provided with the help of
internet. It is best option for people and businesses as it helps in saving cost, increases
productivity of organization, increases speed and efficiency of employees, improves
performance of employees and provides safety and security. It includes tools and
applications such as, software, networking, servers, data storage. There are three types of
cloud computing i.e., infrastructure as service, platform and software as service.
Advantages
Cloud computing helps in saving cost of as it does not require much investment and no
need to give training to employees for maintaining hardware. It offers competitive
advantage over competitors and it helps, it allows users to access services quickly in fewer
clicks. When data is stored on cloud then it is easy to restore data (Wai and et.al., 2019).
Cloud computing is reliable, having unlimited storage capacity, quick deployment,
collaboration, provides low cost software, web based control and interfaces, location and
device independence.
Disadvantages of cloud computing
Disadvantages of cloud computing are, there may be technical issue because all work is
done by laptops so company may face problem in maintaining standards of maintenance.

Another negative point is that internet connectivity as cloud computing needs good internet
connection, it provides lack of support to customers.
Suitability
Cloud computing is suitable as it helps in reducing IT cost of managing and maintaining
information technology system. It is suitable for small and medium businesses because
they can manage their work and store data online which is simple way. It helps in
continuity of business, increases collaboration efficiency and encourage employees to
work effectively so that goals and objectives can be achieved (Wang and et.al., 2018).
Applications of cloud computing
Applications of cloud computing are, test and development , cloud storage, big data
analytics, data backup, disaster recovery. Cloud computing helps in engaging employees
because it is easy to use and provides data security.
Nowadays, almost all companies are storing their information on laptops as it reduces
paper work and there is less chances of doing mistakes. By using latest technology
managers can store their data safely and employees have to do less work.
Positive and negative aspects of online and offline products
Products and services are available online as well as offline. In this digital world, all
people are working so they like to buy goods or services online with help of various apps that are
available. Buying products online or offline have positive as well as negative impact. If
customers buy products through online mode they will get offers, discounts or benefits will be
provided to attract them. Buying or selling goods and services online is easy for consumers
because home delivery services is provided by seller. In this digitalised world technology is
changing and good products or services are provided by manufacturers to attract customers.
Many facilities are provided by companies so that consumers can get good services and this will
help organizations in increasing productivity (Venkatesh and Eastaff, 2018). Earlier all
customers were going to market and purchasing products from shops according to requirement.
There are two ways of buying and selling goods and services i.e., online and offline.

Online products or services
When goods or services are provided online then it is easy for consumers to buy products
as they have to give order and home delivery service is provided. So, customers do not have to
go anywhere and they will get products. There is no difference in buying from online or going to
market and purchasing from shops. During covid -19 all people start purchasing products or
services from online apps, it is easy to buy products from online apps as it requires less time. The
convenience of online shopping is that it saves time and efforts as people do not have to go
anywhere to buy products, they have to just give list of goods that they want and it will be
delivered at their home (Zhuang and et.al., 2018). During this pandemic people are safe at home
and they have to just give list of products. The convenience of shopping at home, variety of
products are available to customers they can select according to their taste and preference.
While buying goods from online shops they provide good discounts or goods are
available at lower prices or offer is given to customers. It is a strategy that is used by companies
to attract more customers and increase their sales. When customers are buying goods from online
apps they get detailed information about the product and comparison can be done by other
brands or models. Online shopping is a positive point for customers as they can compare prices
of products from other shops or identify that at what prices those products are available in
market. It requires less cost, covers wide area and reaches to large number of customers (Vasić,
Kilibarda and Kaurin, 2019).
Negative points of online buying goods is that there is lack of interaction between
customers and sellers. Sometimes, due to poor communication confusion can be created or
wrong products are delivered to customers. All work is done with help of internet so this is also a
negative aspect, if proper internet connection is not available then customers cannot buy products
from online app. Consumers will face difficulty in returning product or sometimes there is delay
in delivery of products.
Offline products or services
Customers can buy goods by going to shop and purchasing things that they require. This
method of buying product is used by most of people who are not liking to buy goods from
online app. Products are available at store or services are limited to particular location.
Positive points of buying products online is that, customers get same product they want, it
builds good relationship between buyer and seller. Customers can check prices of products,

various distribution channel are available, less chances of returning back because
consumers check the products and then purchase (Larson and DeChurch, 2020). Variety of
products are available and there is no much difference then buying products from online.
Some negative points of offline buying are, it involves high marketing cost, time limit,
limited accessibility, it does not cover wide area or doe nit reach large audience. Discounts
or offers are given for a limited time period and customers have to move from one place to
another for buying a particular brand.
Difference between online and offline products
Basis Online products or services Offline products or services
Time frame Online product or services are
available all time, there is no
time limit. Consumers can buy
products according to their
convenience.
In offline buying products
there is time limit, it is fix that
shops will be open for
particular time period. So,
consumers have to manage
their time according to
shopkeepers.
Prices When consumers buy goods
from online app, shopkeepers
provide discounts or products
are available at lower prices.
When consumers are buying
from a store they do not give
much discount and offers are
given for a limited time
period.
Area covered Online shopping covers wide
area of market and it reaches
more consumers.
Offline buying of products
does not cover wide are and it
does not provide goods or
services to large number of
audience. It reaches limited
audience because they are not
having any source. They do
not provide home delivery
services to customers.

CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it can be summarised that, communication and collaboration
plays an important role in an organization. There are some tools of communication and
collaboration which has been described and they are helpful for businesses to survive during
pandemic time. Email, social media, text messaging, web conferencing, private groups or chats
has been discussed in report and their importance during pandemic time. Cloud storage and
cloud computing was discussed, its advantages, disadvantages, suitability and application.
Further, difference between online and offline products had been discussed, positive and
negative impact of online and offline products or services had been described.

REFRENCES
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