Information Technology in Business: Marks & Spencer Case Study Report

This report provides an analysis of the role of information technology in business, using Marks & Spencer as a case study. It examines various types of software and their importance, ethical and social issues related to IT, the impact of computer networks on business operations, and the role of IT in business management. The report also explores the use of application software by Marks & Spencer, highlighting its impact on operational efficiency, user experience, and decision-making. Furthermore, it discusses the interdependence of hardware and software and the significance of computer networks like LAN and WAN in expanding business operations and facilitating communication. The report concludes by emphasizing the critical role of IT in managing and enhancing business performance.

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 which one is more essential ................................5
Explain the ethical and social issues . Identifying the significance of them to run venture . 6
Describing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that makes a business to
respond customer requires in an efficient way. Explain the impact of Internet and Intranet on
business organisation..............................................................................................................8
Discussing the role of IT which helps in managing business. ...............................................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. 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(Appiahene, Missah and Najim, 2019). 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(Attaran and Gunasekaran, 2019). 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(Asniarti and Muda, 2019).

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS
Analysis of various types of software and which one is more essential
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 (Chen, et.al, 2019).
 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 .
 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(Dong, et.al, 2021).
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. Moreover, the company is required to opt the other type of
application software in order to work efficiently in the market place. These software is being
used by every institution because it aids in accomplishing the desired outcomes. Application
software has various benefits like it aids in analysing improved user experience, increased
productivity, good decision making , increased usage of data. Marks and Spencer apply this
software in organisation that highlights the areas of operations in the company(Farrahi, Nabovati
and Ebnehoseini, 2021).
Hardware and software are the two main features of the computer system. Both these are
interdependent on each other in all ways . There is the existence of huge connection between the
hardware and software. This is because without hardware, the software cannot work. In the same
way, without software the hardware cannot work. Moreover, the company is required to use both
the wares simultaneously in order to execute the functions of the company. Hence from the
above analysis it can be explain that both the elements are mainly inter dependent on each other.
Moreover, the software can not exist without the presence of the hardware.
Explain the ethical and social issues . Identifying the significance of them to run venture .
This study explains that the new wave of digitalization has created the main impact and
putting pressure on public values. The Information technology creates a leading shift in the
environment. Some of these social and ethical issues are discussed as follows-
Ethical Issues
 Personal Information - This is main ethical issues of the technology describes that how
the concerns uses the personal data. Security of data is the main issue as data can be
hacked by various hackers. It can too misuse the personal data of the individual. It can
misuse the privacy of an individual which is his basic right.
 Harmful Actions- The harmful actions could also damage or it can too create problems
for information technology like the loss of ownership, loss of property , etc. in an
arrangement. The technology has both the negative as well as positive effects on the
organisation. Harmful actions requires to destruction of files that drives a loss of
information of the individual(Malik, Pereira and Budhwar, 2021).

 Misinformation and deep fakes - This is the ethical issues in the information
technology. With the help of this, the businesses faces a huge loss because of the
miscommunication of not getting a proper information in order to gain a wider support
basic. Rumours plays a significant role in an organisation . Misuse of information is too
high in present era.
Social issues
 Communication Breakdown – Communication is key of concern. It has been analysed
that communication breakdown which is one of the most crucial ethical issue. This is so
as now a days everyone is occupied on their phones, tablets, laptops and physical
communication is not acquiring done properly and this make an breakdown in the
concern. In context to the company Marks and Spencer, the miscommunication can make
an conflict or hurdles between workers .
 Identity Theft – This is another activity that is getting very serious these days. It is a
social issue as the data could be hacked by anyone and can be exploited the information
that is the threat for institution. Marks and Spencer explains the security policy and
guidelines to defend the information.
 Cyber Bullying - Information technology has too created it very easy to attack on
people by different platform by taking the merit of their personal information. Cyber
bullying effects the reputation of institution which is mainly the case of defamation.
Identifying and discussing the effect of computer networks on business -
Marks and Spencer is a multinational company , that is expanding its operational
geographical boundaries, receiving and sending information rapidly has become of crucial
importance. The computer networks as a group of calculate sharing resources located on supplied
by computer nodes. When two or more computers which is being connected with each other.
This also allows sharing the resources which is known as computer networks(Tien, Phu and Chi,
2019). The nodes include hardware, personal computers, servers, etc. They support various
services and applications. The concern Marks and Spencer uses some common networks which
is mentioned below -
 Local Area Network (LAN)- These are those networks in which the range is minimum
like office premises , flats, etc. LAN is the most multi purpose network that can be used
by the businesses which includes the company Marks and Spencer. This network range is

limited up to 1 km radius. This means it is only in the office area. An easy office LAN is
always being connected with the other computers over the internet in order to access the
information system of the company. The organisation Marks and Spencer uses this
network in order to create the major impact on the institution. This links the computer
devices with other computers in the office area . It makes arrangement very effective and
productive . It aids the company Marks and Spencer in communication between various
sides or entities of the various nation.
 Wide Area Network (WAN) - Wide area network is the most easy form to cover
geographical area of the computers in operations. This covers the different locations of
the computer systems. They connected devices from various locations across the world.
This aid in store the data and to communicate with other . Marks and Spencer takes
advantage of this system to connect with worker, customers world-wide(Shams, 2019).
The computer networks creates a major impact on the concern. It helps organisation to
achieve the aims of the company. Wide area network aids business to connect with global
employees , customised, investors, etc. in an effectual way. Both the LAN and WAN aid
businesses and play a leading role. The main benefit of WAN is the size . LAN networks assists
in saving the cost as of connected devices that shared resources. The company Marks and
Spencer uses WAN over LAN. This is so as the company is large as well as it may need to
connect with the individuals globally with various sites. LAN equipments are affiliated with the
WAN that effects the individual experience. Both the networks shows a crucial role in the
survival of concern. Moreover, it can also connect with in office premises and WAN connects
them to rest of the global(Masucci, Brusoni and Cennamo, 2020).
Describing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that makes a business to
respond customer requires in an efficient way. Explain the impact of Internet and Intranet
on business organisation.
The Information and communication technology is a tool that can be used to store, share,
create, share or exchange the data. It aids in creating the most fast growing industry. So, it
includes the internet services, computers , recording along with the use of telephones. It is a
broad conception . It is the procedure of conversion with people with aid of technology. The
ICT can also frame a business more effectual and efficient in acting to needs of the user. It
includes different activities such as design , Research as well as development. The Information

and communication technology assist in enhancing the growth of the concern in the market
place. It explains various topic like financial , economical along with the technological factors
which plays an leading in the development of concern. It includes all digital technology which
assist organisation in connecting with respective in the organisation.
Impact of internet and intranet on the business
Internet is very useful in the present scenario. Almost all the companies are using the
internet these days. All the applications on the computer system are generally operated with the
help of the internet. It can be used to increase the output of the company. The company Marks
and Spencer always takes advantage of internet in almost all the department of the organisation.
These departments includes the sales department , production department, planning department,
etc. So the internet plays a vital role in the operations of all these department of the company.
For instance, in accounting department, the entries of the business transactions is entered on
online data storage platform(Mishra, Sarkar and Ghoshal, 2021).
Intranet is basically used by workers for searching an information , communicate with
people across the arrangement and also in manage the work of the company. Intranet is also a
type of private network. It helps worker to communicate with each other to cooperate with each
other. It is the source of sharing institution information securely between the worker. It also
assist the operations of the business in a certain manner in an organisation. The intranet helps
businesses in using the time as its navigation in the organisation. Intranet helps in rising the
content administration system of the company(Sanaei and Sobhani, 2018).
Discussing the role of IT which helps in managing business.
The Information technology assist in analysing the peculiar data. In addition to this, it too
aids the future of the concern by using trends and information which is being presented in the
data. The businesses use this information technology by the use of computers and software in
order to run the business operations in more reliable manner. There are specific roles of
information technology that aids the managers to manage the business which is discussed as
follows-
 Decision making process - Information technology aids the business in making
decisions as per the present situation. The market research could be operated in different
ways by the means of social media, surveys, blogs and other platforms which would aid

the organisation in taking the decisions as per the research and examinations . These
online platforms enable the accuracy of the information.
 Organisational Communication - It is one of essential use of information technology in
concern by which different platforms like email, video chat and etc. It aid in business in
virtual meetings with worker, clients across the global without investing more time and
money on travel activities(Ocloo, et.al, 2020).
 Security of information and Data - The chief goal of safeguarding is to assist the data .
The information technology section will ensure that the data of the institution should be
safe. IT department is accountable for the security processes.
 Customer Satisfaction - The consumer is the key of attainment of goals in the
business. Business success mainly depends on the level of satisfaction in customers.
Communication aids in understanding the needs of an respective and this can be possible
only with the information technology. This is so as it provides many channels to connect
with existent tailored all over the globe.
 Management of resource - Resource administration is the essential part of the business
success. So, when it comes to large scale arrangement , it becomes very hard for the top
administration to manage all the resources rightly(Yeniyurt, et.al, 2019).

CONCLUSION
Information technology plays a crucial role in a business organisation. It is an integral
part of the concern . It suppose to every kind of administration small, medium, large. It is
impracticable to run the business without the aid of information technology in present market.
The above report explains that the software can not work without the help of hardware. So, the
Information technology has various roles that aid the help managers in negotiating the business
like decision making procedure , in securing the data of the institution , management of
resources, etc.

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