Identifying the Impact of IT on M&S Performance and Productivity

This report investigates the impact of information technology (IT) on the performance and productivity of Marks & Spencer (M&S) within the UK fashion industry. The introduction highlights the significance of IT in modern business operations, particularly in the fashion sector, emphasizing its role in managing information and improving overall company performance. The research aims to identify the impact of IT implementation on M&S, focusing on developing a foundational understanding of IT in the UK fashion industry, determining the benefits of IT implementation for M&S, analyzing the challenges faced during IT implementation, and exploring effective solutions to overcome these challenges. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of IT in the fashion industry, including its role in enhancing efficiency, supply chain management, and customer communication. It also discusses the benefits of IT, such as improved operational efficiency, streamlined communications, and better customer experiences. The report also explores the challenges of IT implementation, such as security concerns and the need for flexibility. The research methodology and findings are presented, followed by an analysis of the results, conclusions, and recommendations for M&S. The report emphasizes the importance of IT in achieving competitive advantages and maximizing profitability in the fashion industry.

Business and Management

Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
Research aim...............................................................................................................................1
Research objectives.....................................................................................................................2
Research questions .....................................................................................................................2
Rationale of research...................................................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
Knowledge regarding the information technology in context of UK fashion industry...............3
Information technology helps M&S within UK fashion industry in gaining of benefits............5
Challenges or issues that may be face by Marks & Spencer while implementing information
technology...................................................................................................................................7
Effective ways by which Marks & Spencer can easily eliminate the challenges associated
while implementation of information technology.......................................................................8
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................9
RESULTS FINDINGS..................................................................................................................13
ANALYSIS OF RESULT/ FINDINGS ........................................................................................24
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................26
RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................................................27
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................28

Title: To identify the impact of implementing information technology on performance and
productivity of an organisation. A study on M&S within UK fashion industry
INTRODUCTION
Information technology is referring to the study, development, design and also support or
management of computer based information system. It is used to solve organisational problem on
a larger scale. Mainly, it is an equipment that used by business organisation with the aim of
handling all information in an effective manner. Also, it has been found that information
technology impacts on company's performance in different ways. In context to fashion industry,
proper management of information technology is one of the significant factor that contributes in
smooth functions of company in over the world. Furthermore, every activities of modern society
are linked with IT applications as it includes management of networks that support company in
implementing organisation activities in an effective manner (Berman, 2015). In addition to this,
IT brought radical changes within the functioning activities of fashion design professionals. This
can be improving the overall performance of business organisation by managing their activities
effectively. Current research is based on M&S, is a famous business organisation that operate
their business in retail industry. It is specialising in offering clothing, food products and home
products in market place. Company was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas
Spencer. As, it is fashion retailer so that information technology is one of the important part.
This will help in managing all the activities of company and also manage entire information
though which organisation can easily improve their overall performance level. This research
topic provide assistance to company in developing its positive brand image at market place. In
this, communication is major advantage that drive information technology as it helps in
communicating with large number of customers and at the same time also maintain their
necessary information. With the assistance of this, organisation can maximise their profitability
level.
Research aim
“To identify the impact of implementing information technology on performance and
productivity of an organisation. A study on M&S within UK fashion industry.
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Research objectives
 To develop basis idea about the information technology in context of UK fashion
industry.
 To determine the benefits that may be gain by M&S within UK fashion industry while
implementing information technology.
 To analyse challenges that would be face by M&S while implementing information
technology.
 To explore ways by which M&S can easily overcome challenges that are associated with
implementation of information technology.
Research questions
 Explain knowledge regarding the information technology in context of UK fashion
industry?
 How information technology helps M&S within UK fashion industry in gaining of
benefits?
 What are the challenges or issues that may be face by Marks & Spencer while
implementing information technology?
 What are the effective ways by which Marks & Spencer can easily eliminate the
challenges associated while implementation of information technology?
Rationale of research
One of the main purpose of undertaking current investigation is to evaluate the impact of
implementing information technology on performance and productivity of an organisation. It is
also carried out for personal and professional interest of researcher. This study provides them
assistance in enhancing their skills and knowledge that contributes in attaining better career
growth (Chuang and Huang, 2018). By this study, company also acquire detailed information
about how information technology support organisation in developing productiveness at market
place.
LITERATURE REVIEW
In undertaking investigation activities, literature review plays a critical role because it
summarised comprehensive study which is based on the previous investigation. It provides
detailed information through which investigator can easily take right judgement. Mainly,
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literature review is also based on the scholarly articles, books, journals and many other. With the
assistance of this, researcher can easily draw a valid conclusion at the end of the investigation.
Along with this, section of literature review is also including view point of different authors on
the basis of specified research topic that contributes in addressing particular issue present in
research.
Knowledge regarding the information technology in context of UK fashion industry
According to Dubey and et. Al., (2017), Information technology is an important aspect
within the company that refers to the electronically storing, receiving and transmitting of all the
necessary data which help business in enhancing their overall performance level. As per current
scenario, IT play a significant role in the apparel industry because it help in making the task
easier and manageable as well. Along with this, fast fashion needs to change the working
activities and models of clothing manufacturing. As it is cluster of computer technology that
support business organisation in storing as well as providing accurate information to their
customers about its offering product and services. Furthermore, information technology also
includes both software and hardware part that manage all the necessary data. This can be
beneficial in improving the effectiveness of entire business operation. One of the main advantage
of implementing information technology is that it helps in resolving issues and provide them
assistance in smoothly running the business activities. In relation to this, IT department also play
a crucial role in handling different functions and also keep all the things systematically. As,
department of IT also able to automate and also create processes that is used for their day to day
activities. With the help of this business can continues to run their operational activities
smoothly. Basically, in fashion industry, the IT department is also related or aligned with the set
goals and objectives of company that transparent in its procedures in an effective way. It may aid
business to attain appropriate input that make overall performance more competitive.
In addition to this, every business organisation is concern for security and connectivity to
maintain a proper standard of services. In this IT is consider as a best activity that not only
resolve the challenges but also increase the possibilities of improving organisational activities.
Now a day's, information technology is a critical or significant part of textile and fashion
industry as it assists in attaining competitive organisational success. In order to get success in
market place, manager of company is responsible for focusing in synchronizing all the crucial
factor and at the same time also develop appropriate synergies of all the inside and outside
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organisational operations. This can be make entire activities and information more effective
through which company can run their business very smoothly. Due to increased competition in
market place, fashion industry take support of IT within the aim of enhancing as well as
improving their supply chain management. This can be beneficial in maximizing profitability
level of the company by serving best quality of services to its customers. Furthermore, textile
company also leveraging the power of technological activities that contributes in adding value
within the business. As information technology used for storing as well as managing their
information about the operational activities and customers. By this, firm can reduce the
possibilities of arising any kind of issues and obstacles in executing their functional aspects in
market place. In addition to this, supply chain management is also get enhanced through proper
information technology as it includes sourcing, procuring, converting and implementing all the
crucial logistic activities that used for eliminating the wastage and at the same time maximising
the profitability level at marketplace. It also leads to increasing the transaction speed by
managing and exchanging data in real time. The main advantage of information technology for
fashion company is that it reduces inventory or maximising sales volume by providing or
fulfilling customers’ requirements more efficiently. Without information technology and proper
system support may reduce the efficiency level as each and every activities or department
including HR, finance, communications, finance, sales and many more are depending with the
information system that provide a path in which operational activities can be done effectively.
Apart from this, in case fashion industry includes information technology within their functional
activities that it can easily protect the integrity of data and also keep it safe from any kind of
technological threats and challenges.
Apart from this, information technology is also used for implementing communication
with the assistance of network and email as it plays a significant role in interacting internally and
externally. As per modern scenario, organisation communication has been developed through
chats and Voice over internet protocol and telephones as well. It also includes appropriate
inventory management system that allow company to analyse as well as track stocks. With the
help of this, company can be maximising their efficiency level by including optimum utilisation
of resources at the time of manufacturing products and services. This is the reason that company
invest in technology that provide opportunities to attain competitiveness in market place.
Basically, information technology includes management of information system that used to
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automate as well as support business tasks activities that contributes in taking proper decision
within the business as it also implement to automate simple, routine task including word
processing, advanced process and many more. In this regards, information technology enables
business to execute as well as operate efficiently and profitably that provide assistance in
capturing competitive advantage from its competitors. Fashion industry have used software,
computer or transform of internet within their business to manage their day to day activities that
keep entire activities of efficient and effective as well. In this regard, technology has been forced
business organisation to remain flexible so that adopting entire new operations and better
advanced technological effectively. Use of information technology may also consist combination
of process improvements, reduction in cost, effective communications and appropriate quality
assurance that assist company to remain competitive and also get favourable advantage within
the company.
Information technology helps M&S within UK fashion industry in gaining of benefits
According to Donohoe, (2019), Information technology play a significant role in business
organization as it helps in managing as well as storing all the necessary information. In addition
to this, it helps company in making productive and at the same time also increase the
performance level. With the help of this, information technology company can save money and
also improve the customers experience, streamline communications that make proper managerial
decision making activities. This make organizational activities in improving customer’s
experiences that support in increasing the profitability level. In addition to this, IT also provide
assistance to company in expanding its business activities at global level and also allow staff
members to access information whenever and wherever they want. In context to fashion industry,
information technology is also used to communicate information to the customers. Mainly, this
type of technologies includes internet of things, artificial intelligence and many more. These are
play a crucial role in making all the operational activities more effective and smooth in nature. In
relation to this, there are some advantages of implementing information technologies for
business organisation which contributes in maximising the profitability level at market place. All
these benefits can be understood by following points:
 More efficient day to day operations: In fashion industry, another benefit of information
technology is to improve the efficiency of operations so that business organisation can
easily be completing their task activities in an effective way. This is possible with the
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help of enterprise software and centralised company data base. By this, organisation can
monitor inventory system and also at the same time also checks the real time level. In
addition to this, customer’s relationship management software is also effective that
automated sales and marketing task. This will lead in managing daily operational
activities that directly support in attaining competitive advantage from its competitors at
market area.
 Improved organisational communication: One of the important use of information
technology for business organisation is that it supports in communicating via different
platform including email, video chat, conferencing software, company intranets and
many more. In this context, IT also allow business to hold virtual meeting with their
employees and customers around the world without any kind of spending time and
money. One of the major advantage of information technology is to save cost of the
company because employees work remotely within the business.
 Better customer’s experiences: IT is considering as an important activity for business
organisation because it helps in making easier to give positive experience with the help of
improved customers services, effective e-commerce and easier customized. This can be
beneficial in improving customers experience towards the company and its offerings as
well. Information technology also being able to reach the customers as they conveniently
interact with company over its developed websites. For this, social media, email and
custom instant messaging services also used by business to communicate with their
customers. Along with this, IT is also beneficial in tracking customers previous
purchased through marketing software. By this, company can send customized promotion
to meet customers’ needs and wants. With the assistance of this, company also get
positive customer experience and at the same time also enhance their sales volume.
 Information technology and business decision making: In business organisation, the main
role of information technology is to make a proper decision that has been seen in tools
like ERP software and effective decision support system that directly contributes to
manager in improving the performance level. This type of system provides online
dashboard along with proper information towards company related with financial
performance, customers, marketing and sales volume. All these type of information used
by manager of company to decide that which kind of products is promote or stop selling.
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In this, information technology provides proper assistance to manager in analysing the
accurate decision.
Challenges or issues that may be face by Marks & Spencer while implementing information
technology
According to Godinho Filho, Ganga and Gunasekaran, (2016), In business organisation,
information technology is a crucial part in developing as well as implementing entire activities. It
also used for managing or storing huge data that help company in eliminating the issue of any
kind of threat. With the help of information technology, business organisation can communicate
with large number of customers. On the other side, it provides benefits to the company but also
having some drawbacks of information technology that faced by company in executing their
operational activities:
 Safety: It is considering as a major issue of challenges that company face at the time of
implementing information technology. In this safety or cybersecurity is major challenge
as company has amount of data, identities and personal information that they share and
interact daily. Due to huge interaction and sharing information, keeping all the data safe
and secure is become a challenge for company. If organisation fail in managing the same,
then negative image of the firm can be developing that may reduce its customer base.
 Accessibility: In business organisation, accessibility and availability is important because
it may improve entire operational activities in an appropriate way. Thus, it is significant
for business organisation to manage all the data accessible for higher authority so that
they can manager their entire necessary information. Without authority to access data,
company face issue in managing all the necessary information safe. Due to this, business
organization can create issue in accessibility that may put negative impact over the entire
activities of company.
 Strong Networks: It is crucial for business organisation to have strong internal networks
so that each and every activities of company can easily have completed without any kind
of issue or challenges. This is not only providing solutions to satisfy current necessities
but also focus over the future and technological advancement. Thus, company is
responsible for analysing or having strong network that can be effective for attaining
higher productiveness at market place.
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 System integration: In order to improve their performance, it is crucial to make sure that
all the different services, technologies and language are effectively integrating. Mainly,
implementing IT within the business is challenging activity as huge limitation and issues
are arising that reduce the effectiveness of organization. With the help of strong
integration of different technologies may also aid in improving the systems and also keep
all the necessary data safe and secure as well.
 Cost reduction: At the time of implementing information technology, cost reduction is
one of the fundamental aspect within the extrapolation of continuous technological
advancement in fashion industries. In this regards, manager of IT department is also
responsible for analysing as well as developing new technological solution. This may
assist in developing the overall performance of company without any kind of issue or
obstacles in implementing information technology.
Effective ways by which Marks & Spencer can easily eliminate the challenges associated while
implementation of information technology
According to Gunasekaran and et. Al., (2017), Implementing information technology is
not an easy task for company because it required proper management of all the necessary data
and information. The main focus of information technology is to manage day to day operational
activities that may support in developing overall performance of company at market place. In
addition to this, it is also significant for business organisation to analyse overall risk and its
management capabilities that may assist in eliminating the possibilities of arising any kind of
issue and obstacles at the time of implementing information technology. In relation to this, there
are some appropriate ways that can be used by business organisation to manage or eliminate the
issue faced at the time of implementing information technology are as follows:
 Practical steps to improve IT security: It is significant for business to maintain proper
IT security at the time of implementing information technology within the business
activities as it can be beneficial in protecting entire IT system and data as well. In
addition to this, business also use anti-virus and anti-spyware protection and firewalls
that contributes in developing smooth operational activities. It also includes some
appropriate ways to improve IT security within the company. These are follows:
◦ Keep passwords secure
◦ Provide proper training to staff in IT policies and procedures implement in business
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◦ Effectively understand the legal obligation for online business activities.
◦ Update software regularly
◦ Secure computers, servers and all the wireless networks
 Create a secure online presence: In order to eliminate as well as reduce the issue of
implementing information technology, strong online presence is one of the important
aspect for company. By this, company can easily assess the security of websites, email
accounts, social media profiles and online banking as well.
 Induction and IT training for staff members: Regardless of whether another
innovation professes to be "easy to use," workers actually should be prepared. Not every
person can take to new innovation so effectively, so a little help is expected to ensure
everybody's ready. Preparing new staff and existing staff according to organization's IT
arrangements and methodology. An enlistment can assist worker with feeling good and
comprehend their obligations and business rapidly. Offering help and preparing for new
representatives is a basic part of staff preparing. With the assistance of this technique
organization can Implement new programming inside a business which is significant
method of improving execution and beating the contest. Key changes to ventures and
markets imply that the manner in which associations work is getting more subject to
computerized advancements to meet client assumptions.
 Business insurance: Picking the correct protection cover is a significant piece of
overseeing business, as it assists with overseeing and diminish likely dangers. Being
uninsured or under protected is hazardous, as it opens to expected misfortunes if
something turns out badly in the business. Similarly, having some unacceptable sort of
protection can be a misuse of cash. Organization ought to consistently survey and update
protection, particularly when your business develops or changes. In spite of the fact that
occasionally it is unimaginable for a business to forestall or keep away from all IT
dangers and dangers. This makes business protection a fundamental piece of IT hazard
the executives and recuperation arranging.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology play a crucial role in undertaking an investigation as it provides
appropriate framework in which researcher is responsible for acquiring as well as analysing
relevant data and information on the basis of particular research and objectives (Le Bas, Mothe
9

and Nguyen-Thi, 2015). In addition to this, it also includes various methods and techniques that
applied by investigator with the aim of collecting reliable data so that valid and authentic results
can be easily attained. This is the reason that researcher needs to select appropriate method for
carried out an investigation as it may beneficial in improving the possibilities of attaining
positive outcomes that make overall researcher more effective and valid in nature. In order to
gather accurate information, there are various methods which can be understood by following
points:
Choice of data: At the time of undertaking research activities, there are various choices
in-front of investigator for acquiring data towards the research topic. Thus, it is crucial for
researcher to select appropriate one so that valid conclusion can be drawn (O’Neill, Sohal and
Teng, 2016). Mainly, it is classified on the basis of two methods including quantitative and
qualitative research. Both are effective for carry out the research but for current investigation,
quantitative method is appropriate as it help in gathering data which is measurable in nature. In
context to this, it also used for analysing all the numerical data that can be effective in addressing
the research problem in an appropriate way. It deals with data that are numerical or also
converted into numbers to draw a reliable result at the end of the investigation.
Research approach: It is considering as an important activity that is related with the
appropriate plan and procedure that includes steps of broad assumption that used to collect,
analyse and interpretation of data. Basically, it is divided into two categories such as inductive
and deductive research approach. In this, deductive approach is used to test validity of all the
assumption and on the other side, inductive research approach is also contributing to emergence
of new theories. In order to execute this investigation, deductive research approach will be
applied by investigator that focus on evaluating data by developing hypothesis and convert into
observation test to accept the results. This is beneficial in gathering quantitative data that help
investigator in making appropriate decision within the research activities.
Research philosophy: While carried out the investigation, it is focus on dealing with the
sources and development of knowledge on the basis of particular research topic and area (Pakdil
and Leonard, 2015). Mainly, it is belief or a way in which data should be gathered, analysed and
interpretation data in order to draw a valid conclusion at the end of the investigation. It is divided
into two methods such as positivism and interpretivism research philosophy. As per current
investigation, researcher will apply positivism research philosophy because it includes the views
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that is based over the factual knowledge acquired through observation. Mainly, it is related with
the quantitative research in which data is collected in numerical form.
Research design: At the time of carried out the investigation, design is referring to the
plan that used to answer the specific research questions with the aim of drawing a valid
conclusion. In addition to this, it is also a strategy that used to implement that plan that is closely
related with the study. An effective and good research design ensure that the obtained data will
assist in addressing the research problem in an effective way (Peng and et. Al., 2016). It
contributes in maximizing the possibilities of achieving reliable outcomes within the
investigation. In this context, there are different type of research design including descriptive,
experimental and exploratory research design. For undertaking current investigation, descriptive
research design will be applied by investigator because it allows researcher to analyse the facts
and figures that support in drawing a right judgement. In addition to this, descriptive research is
also used to determine the characteristics of population that being studied. With the use of this
method, investigator can easily analyse the data and make valid conclusion that assist in
developing a reliable investigation.
Data collection: It is referring to the important process of gathering data towards the
research topic. For this, there are various sources of collecting data and information that may
assist in attaining reliable results at the end of the investigation. In this relation, there are two
type of data collection methods such as primary and secondary method. Both are play a
significant role in undertaking research because it helps in providing measurable and authentic
information towards the research topic. With the help of this, investigator can take right
judgement and also draw a valid conclusion at the end of the investigation. As primary method
of data collection helps in gathering first-hand information directly from respondents by
preparing a structured questionnaire. It includes different close ended questions asked from them
to understand their view points (Petrou, Demerouti and Schaufeli, 2015). On the other side,
secondary method of data collection is also considering as an effective way to gathering detailed
information from the different sources such as books, journals, articles, magazines and many
more. All these are contributing in analysing in-depth evaluation on the basis of specified
research questions. With the assistance of this, positive and reliable results can be easily attained
that assist in making overall research more authentic and valid in nature.
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Data analysis: In an investigation, analysis of collected data is crucial as it is referring to
the appropriate procedure of cleansing, inspecting and transforming or modelling data that help
in discovering useful information. With the assistance of this, researcher can take a valid
decision that contributes in improving the chances of attaining authentic results within the
research. In order to analysis all the collected information researcher use thematic analysis in
which various themes are develop to evaluate the entire information of the investigation. Along
with this. Ms-Excel is also used within the research as it is statistical approach that help in
analysing gathered data (Sharma and et. Al., 2016). By using this technique, researcher represent
the data and make it more efficient to draw a valid conclusion within the investigation.
Research sampling: It is used as an appropriate procedure of selecting sample size from
the larger population so that valid and accurate information can be easily gathered. It is classified
on the basis of two techniques such as probabilistic and non-probabilistic. As per nature of
current investigation, non-probabilistic research sampling is one of the effective in which sample
size will be selected as per random basis and also provide equal chances to be selected for
sharing their view points. By using this sampling technique, researcher select 20 respondents as a
sample size who will be manager of business organisation. In addition to this, it is also
consuming less time and also assist in providing reliable results within the research activities.
Accessibility and ethics: It is crucial for researcher to undertake investigation in ethical
manner so that it can be successfully completed. In this context, researcher has right to access to
collect information of primary information from the manager of company. This can be beneficial
in managing the authenticity within the research activities. Along with this, it is also effective in
eliminating the legal issues. In context of secondary method of data collection, there is
requirement for investigator to have proper access for collecting data from websites of company
and publication research as well. This will directly contribute in developing the entire activities
in ethical manner and at the same time also complete the whole research project successfully.
Furthermore, it is significant for researcher to follow all the ethical principles at the time of
undertaking research activities. In this context, ethical principles include obtain informed consent
form, keep all the respondents information confidential, eliminate the risk of harm to
respondents, avoid to use deceptive practices and many more (Shujahat and et. Al., 2019). All
these are contributing in completing the research activities more effective and systematic
manner.
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Limitation: At the time of implementing research activities, there are various issues and
limitation that researcher have faced. As it may put negative impact over the end results of the
investigation. At the time of using questionnaire there are some limitation like sometime
questions are not easy to effectively analyse, lack of personalisation, inappropriate time,
respondents may have hidden data, unethical behaviour of selected respondents and many more.
These are the major issues that researcher faced and it also impact negatively in completing the
research activities (Tarafdar, Pullins and Ragu‐Nathan, 2015). Thus, it is crucial for researcher to
manage all these limitations by following all the ethical practices and also develop a Gantt chart
that includes all the activities and task that used to completing the entire investigation. Along
with this, investigator needs to allow respondents in providence their views and opinion on the
basis of specified research topic. With the assistance of this, researcher can easily complete the
investigation and also make reliable outcomes.
RESULTS FINDINGS
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you have any knowledge about information technology?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Does implementing information technology help company in improving
organisational productivity?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) What are the main benefits that may be gain by M&S within UK fashion industry
while implementing information technology?
a) Collecting data about the customers
b) Feedback on marketing decisions
c) More efficient day to day operations
d) Improved organisational communication
Q4) What are the challenges that would be faced by Marks and Spencer at the time of
implementing information technology?
a) Safety
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b) System integration
c) Accessibility
Q5) What are the effective ways that can used by M&S to overcome from the issue of
information technology?
a) Proper training and development session
b) Take major steps for safety
c) Provide accessibility to authorised person
Q6) Does information technology help M&S in overcoming the issue of communication
gap?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q7) According to you, what are different type of information technology used by M&S to
communicate with employees and customers?
a) Mobile device management
b) Cloud computing
c) Network infrastructure
Q8) Is information technology support M&S in keeping all the necessary information safe
and secure?
a) Yes
b) No
Q9) Is implementation of information technology support organisation in expanding their
commercial activities at global level.
a) Yes
b) No
Q10) Suggest the ways to improve overall productivity level by implementing approach
information technology within the company.
Frequency table
Q1) Do you have any knowledge about information technology? Frequency
a) Yes 18
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b) No 2
Q2) Does implementing information technology help company in
improving organisational productivity?
Frequency
a) Yes 16
b) No 4
Q3) What are the main benefits that may be gain by M&S within UK
fashion industry while implementing information technology?
Frequency
a) Collecting data about the customers 5
b) Feedback on marketing decisions 4
c) More efficient day to day operations 6
d) Improved organisational communication 5
Q4) What are the challenges that would be faced by Marks and
Spencer at the time of implementing information technology?
Frequency
a) Safety 8
b) System integration 7
c) Accessibility 5
Q5) What are the effective ways that can used by M&S to overcome
from the issue of information technology?
Frequency
a) Proper training and development session 7
b) Take major steps for safety 7
c) Provide accessibility to authorised person 6
Q6) Does information technology help M&S in overcoming the issue
of communication gap?
Frequency
a) Agree 17
b) Disagree 3
Q7) According to you, what are different type of information Frequency
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technology used by M&S to communicate with employees and
customers?
a) Mobile device management 6
b) Cloud computing 8
c) Network infrastructure 6
Q8) Is information technology support M&S in keeping all the
necessary information safe and secure?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 5
Q9) Is implementation of information technology support
organisation in expanding their commercial activities at global level.
Frequency
a) Yes 18
b) No 2
Theme 1: Knowledge about information technology.
Q1) Do you have any knowledge about information technology? Frequency
a) Yes 18
b) No 2
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Interpretation: From the above question, 18 out of 20 respondents do have the knowledge about
what information technology is. Respondents think that the role IT have increase on day by day
and have made everything easy in managing all the activities in one place through these
technology. No matter how big or small the company is, technology have played a vital role to
improve efficiency constantly. This include all digital facilities from managing of employees to
overall operational activities are now done through information technology. Thus the IT have an
impressive role in all performing of an organisation on a various scale. On the other hand, 2
respondents do have any knowledge about information technology and their contribution in
organisational level.
Theme 2: Implementing information technology help company in improving organisational
productivity.
Q2) Does implementing information technology help company in
improving organisational productivity?
Frequency
a) Yes 16
b) No 4
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Interpretation: In above question, most of the respondents are positive response on information
technology and how this have improve organisational productivity. The IT have bring powerful
changes in organisation the way it used to perform previously. Changes are visible and also can
be felty while working. Reducing the manual work saving time and energy. Utilising those time
in something more important have made possible. Now company can focus more than one
activity without any fear of distractions as the technology made possible do multiple work side
by side. In above question 16 respondents think that IT do have influence in improving
organisational activity as they have gain a vital role for any company and made their work easy.
The advancement of technology can be seen through the work which now are performed with
least chance of mistakes are done However, 4 respondents do not feel same about the influence
of information technology in improving organisational productivity.
Theme 3: Main benefits that may be gain by M&S within UK fashion industry while
implementing information technology.
Q3) What are the main benefits that may be gain by M&S within UK
fashion industry while implementing information technology?
Frequency
a) Collecting data about the customers 5
b) Feedback on marketing decisions 4
c) More efficient day to day operations 6
d) Improved organisational communication 5
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Interpretation: As per preceding graphical representation, it can be evaluated that there are
various benefits that company can attain with the help of the implementing information
technology. In relation to this, 5 out of 20 participants give their views that use of information
technology may assist in collecting data about customers and their choices. Along with this, 4
respondents think that with the use of information technology company take feedback on
marketing decisions that may support in improving the overall performance of business.
Furthermore, 6 people said that it also provides assistance in maintaining day to day operations
more efficient. On the other side, remaining 5 respondents share their view point that use of
information technology may also improve organizational communication by which employees
can easily communicate with each other’s.
Theme 4: Challenges that would be faced by Marks and Spencer at the time of
implementing information technology.
Q4) What are the challenges that would be faced by Marks and
Spencer at the time of implementing information technology?
Frequency
a) Safety 8
b) System integration 7
c) Accessibility 5
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Interpretation: While implementing information technology company can face many
challenges also because cyberattacks are growing in size and sophistication. As all information’s
related with company are available online and this information’s are easily accessible by anyone
who using internet facilities. So organizations cannot take IT security lightly. 8 respondents out
of 20 feel Safety as a major challenge for company that may face while implementing
information technology. The function of System Integration refers to the process of connecting
different types of sub system into one single system, which contain the large potion of the system
and its an individual system contain all the sub system performances. As per question 7
respondents feel that this may pose as challenge for the company use this to improve
productivity and quality within the organisation. Sometimes the system create issue as the
chosen system integration may fail due to any technical errors. On the other side 5 respondents
feel Accessibility as a challenge for the company as because data of the company contain
important informations regarding company. Unauthorised accessing of data can be dangerous
and also there is some threat involve in the process.
Theme 5: Effective ways that can used by M&S to overcome from the issue of information
technology.
Q5) What are the effective ways that can used by M&S to overcome
from the issue of information technology?
Frequency
a) Proper training and development session 7
b) Take major steps for safety 7
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c) Provide accessibility to authorised person 6
Interpretation: As per the responses 7 respondents out 20 feel proper training and development
sessions should be provided to the user of the company's data and files. Proper handling of these
data and how efficiently to use them ensure the safety of information of the company. This way
company can overcome with the issue. Along with this, 7 respondents feel that voluntary step
towards major safety by the company can overcome with the issue in information technology. By
using different online safety software system which reduces unwanted threats from various
websites or from many fraud users of information. Whereas, 6 respondents think that by
providing accessibility to authorised person can help with the issue of information technology. In
this way company can allow limited person with company's authentic data and files with less risk
since these people are company's most trusted persons.
Theme 6: Information technology help M&S in overcoming the issue of communication
gap.
Q6) Does information technology help M&S in overcoming the issue of
communication gap?
Frequency
a) Agree 17
b) Disagree 3
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Interpretation: Information technology refers to the application of technology that used to
resolve organizational issues and at the same time also secure all the necessary data of company.
Along with this, it is also use for storing, retrieving, transmit and manipulate data in order to
improve overall performance of company at market place. In relation to this, 17 out of 20
respondents give their views that use of information technology is help to bridge proper
communication among workers as they can easily share their view points with one person to
another. On the other side, remaining 3 participants think that information technology give
platform to communicate but at the same time it creates miscommunication that put negative
impact over the company and its performance as well.
Theme 7: Different type of information technology used by M&S to communicate with
employees and customers.
Q7) According to you, what are different type of information
technology used by M&S to communicate with employees and
customers?
Frequency
a) Mobile device management 6
b) Cloud computing 8
c) Network infrastructure 6
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Interpretation: It is managed through mobile devices, Mobile Device Management is now
trending as they are handy and easily manageable. The data store in mobile devices are easily
accessible at any time. The device also allow some features that sometimes Pc set set can not
provide. The apps in mobile have made more easy in handling data if lost the data can be easily
recovered. 6 out of 20 respondents think that with this IT company use to communicate with
their employees and customers. Whereas 8 respondents think that cloud computing is used by
company. This technology have many advantages as cloud facilities are more promising in
business point of view. The facility allow video conferencing, real time accessing information on
different portals connected in one set up, keep connected to one another and clients of the
company in a personal manner, provide messaging platforms that allow company quickly and
efficiently communicate with each other. It also provide document sharing through cloud which
is provide better and more effective collaboration. Remaining 6 respondents think Network
infrastructure method is used by company. It is a hardware and software system of an entire
network that enable connectivity, communication, operations and management of the company
in single point of network. It also provide communication path and services between users and
provider.
Theme 8: Information technology support M&S in keeping all the necessary information
safe and secure.
Q8) Is information technology support M&S in keeping all the Frequency
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necessary information safe and secure?
a) Yes 15
b) No 5
Interpretation: As per the questions asked many respondents feel that information technology
do play an important role in company's different working areas. As these provide trustable
support from establishing internal communication to the customers, managing data, ensure safety
over internet from external threats like stealing of company's confidential information by third
party, hacking of system etc. 15 out of total 20 respondents feel that information technology
support M&S keeping all the necessary information safe and secure. In order to keep up with
competition as a result of internet commercialization, companies are increasingly turning to
information technology, or hardware, software and telecommunications networks, to streamline
services and boost performance. As such, IT has become an essential feature in the business
landscape. IT have help company in cut costs, improve communication, build recognition and
release more innovative and attractive products. Whereas some people do not realise the power
and effectiveness of information technology so here 5 respondents do not agree with the
statement that IT can helpful or support company in managing all necessary information safe and
secure.
Theme 9: Implementation of information technology support organisation in expanding
their commercial activities at global level.
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Q9) Is implementation of information technology support organisation
in expanding their commercial activities at global level.
Frequency
a) Yes 18
b) No 2
Interpretation: Nowadays the formula for business success is simple: drive innovation with
information technology. Information technology fosters innovation in business. Innovation
results in smarter apps, improved data storage, faster processing, and wider information
distribution. Innovation makes businesses run more efficiently. And innovation increases value,
enhances quality, and boosts productivity. Innovation through information technology has
created the radical changes for the company. With this company have made a global mark and
this have helped company to reach their customers around the world with smarter way. Company
with the help of information technology have establish communication with other countries with
very ease, which results in expand their commercial activities. 15 out of 20 respondents believe
that IT have supported the organisation with this. Whereas remaining 5 respondents does not feel
the role of information technology in support organisation to expanding their activity at global
level.
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ANALYSIS OF RESULT/ FINDINGS
As per preceding primary and secondary analysis it is find out that implementation of
information technology within business organization is effective as it provides assistance in
keeping all the information safe and secure. This can be contributing in eliminating the
possibilities of arising issues in managing important data of company. Basically, it is an
application of technology that provide assistance to business in storing as well as manipulating
data with the aim of making entire organisational activities more efficient. One of the main
advantage of implementing information technology within the company is that it includes all the
digital technologies that provide assistance to company and employees in reducing the
communication gap at working area and at the same time also improve the effectiveness of
executing the business activities.
In addition to this, information technology also plays a crucial role in fashion industry as
manager of company needs to focus on all the factors and developing synergies along with
outside organizational operations. Due to increase competition in market place, company is
taking support of information technology to increase its supply chain management that
contributes in attaining competitive edge from its competitors. Basically, various fashion
companies are also leveraging the technical power to adding values within the business that may
support in improvising the productivity level of company at market place. With the support of
information technology, organization can manage all the issues related with the supply as a result
manager can take right and quick decision. One of the main advantage of using information
technology for company is that it may support in tracking outdated stock, manage customer
services and also reduce long procurement time. Therefore, proper flow of information among
supply chain members is significant because it may assist in improving overall supply chain
operations. As it includes data about customers and their demand, production and promotion
plan, shipment schedule and many more. All these are including in the implementation of
information technology by which company can enhance their productivity level and also develop
its competitive advantage from its competitors.
 Rapid increase in use of technology have created advantages but these advantages have
also some issue while implementing them on a large scale in a company. The role of
information technology in business refers to the application of computer and
telecommunications equipment with the goal of storing, transmitting and handling data.
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 Some of the significant difficulties can be drawn as; Safety one of the primary difficulties
that IT needs to confront today is the wellbeing or online protection where enormous
measure of information, characters and individual data are shared, Accessibility of
information and accessibility is vital, particularly for the profiles with higher duties in the
organization, getting Strong Internal Networks that are safe and versatile is a fundamental
angle and an extraordinary test too, Making sure that System Integration written in
various innovations or dialects, incorporate effectively is an execution IT is another test
and in conclusion Cost Reduction is a crucial viewpoint yet testing in the extrapolation of
the nonstop mechanical progressions of society, organizations, and ventures.
 To guarantee the proceeded with financial and social turn of events, it is imperative to
incorporate advancements and apparatuses to make step by step simpler the joining of IT
inside organization's cycles and day by day undertakings. Around there, organization will
solidify the start of a street brimming with promising circumstances and development.
 A quick development in organization faces numerous special difficulties. The
administration climate is continually changing and the influential positions quickly
developing. There is a need to keep a solid, imaginative culture in spite of a consistent
inundation of new representatives and a steadily growing product offering that should be
created notwithstanding restricted assets. In the midst of this evident chaos lies an
interesting arrangement of data innovation the executives challenges.
CONCLUSION
As per preceding report it has been concluded that implementation of information
technology is significant for fashion industry as it provides support in storing as well as
manipulating data and information. In relation to this, use of information technology at
operational activities may easily contributes in improving the productivity level and at the same
time also established its famous brand image. Therefore, IT is also beneficial for company as it
assists in gathering all the necessary data about the customers and their preferences towards the
company products and services. In addition to this, it also contributes in making day to day
operations more effective and efficient. Apart from this, company also face issues in
implementing information technology including safety related issue, system integration and
accessibility. All these are put negative impact over the operational activities of fashion industry
and at the same time also reduce organizational performance at competitive market place. In
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order to overcome from these type of issues or challenges fashion company is responsible for
using appropriate ways to manage entire aspects of information technology. With the assistance
of this, organization can easily enhance their productivity level and also established its
competitive image at market place.
RECOMMENDATIONS
From above research, it is recommended that company must utilise its power of information
technology to improve internal and external relation of the company. Company should be more
productive and must think innovative way to do routine work so that employee’s engagement
could be effectively utilised. While dealing with web or cloud workers ought to know about
information security is significant. Trainings ought to happen with relatable, certifiable models.
Whenever mindfulness has been raised, it is dependent upon the board to guarantee that workers
are prepared early and regularly with respect to information security. Organization should give
preparing according to needed consistently which can be given through a show, a web based
preparing, or a marked agreement. Organization ought to consider moving the vast majority of
their information and applications to the cloud. A few advantages of this remember persistent
reinforcement for different areas, expanded adaptability with admittance to information
whenever in any spot requiring just a web association, and by and large, utilizing the cloud is
more affordable. Since information technology is emerging and one stop solution for company's
managing work from securing data of customers to provide different service to customers as well
as internal employees, company must use it most effective and efficient way to extract its power
on top by eliminating the negative sides of implication so that its benefits should be counted
only.
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