Information Technology Applications, Ethics, and Impact on Tesco

This report explores the role and impact of information technology on businesses, focusing on Tesco as a case study. It begins with a literature review covering application software types, ethical and social issues related to technology use, the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on businesses, and the general role of IT in business operations. The analysis and discussion section delves into specific application software used by Tesco, ethical and social issues pertinent to Tesco's technology usage, the impact of ICT on Tesco's business, and the overall role of IT within the company. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and highlighting the importance of IT in modern business environments. Desklib provides access to similar reports and solved assignments for students.

Information
Technology

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
2 Literature Review..........................................................................................................................1
2.1 Application Software and their types...............................................................................1
2.2 Ethics and Social Issues of using technology in general..................................................2
2.3 Impact of ICT on businesses............................................................................................3
2.4. Role of IT in businesses in general..................................................................................4
3. Analysis and Discussion..............................................................................................................4
3.1 Application Software and their types in selected business...............................................4
3.2 Ethics and Social Issues of using technology in specific to the chosen business.............5
3.3 Impact of ICT on selected business..................................................................................6
3.4. Role of IT in selected business........................................................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Information technology refers to the process of transmission or storage of information
which assist in building the network of communication to an organisation. It help a business
concern in safeguarding the data and information and provide assistance in creating and
managing the databases(Szymkowiak and et. al., 2021). Further, it also help the employees of an
entity to solve the problems and provide security and efficiency to the business information
system. In this report, Tesco is taken into consideration which is a groceries and general
merchandise retailer with headquartered in England, UK. This report will cover the importance
of the software and their different types. Further it will discussed the ethical and social issues if
using the technology and impact of information and communication technology on the business.
Apart from this, it will explain the role of information technology and also make analysis in
context to an organisation.
2 Literature Review
2.1 Application Software and their types
Application software is refers to the programmes which performs different functions such
as personal, educational and business functions for the users(Pramono and et. al., 2022). This
includes the various function such as word processor, spreadsheet, database management,
inventory, payroll programs and etc. the main purpose of this software is to provide the specific
task for the end users. There are various types of application software which are describes as
under:
General purpose software: This type of software is also known as off the shelf which
perform the specific task or function such as MS word, Excel, PowerPoint and so on. This also
very cheap so that all can use to perform their task without any problem and it is easily available
in most of the computers. There are also books, user guide , online help and discussion forums
on the internet for support of the users.
Customised software: This type of software are designed to perform the different types of
function of an organisation. This help a business concern in creating, designing, deploying and
maintaining software for the specific purpose. This may includes the railway reservation system,
invoice management system and so on. It is easy to use for the organisation which help in
1

purchasing and downloading with wide availability programs. This software is allowed to be
packaged and commercially marketed and distributed.
Utility software: This is a software which help in maintaining and smoothly functioning
of the computer system . It provide assistance in operating the system in managing, organising,
maintaining, and optimising the functions(Falk and Gandyra, 2022). The tasks includes virus
detection, installations files and uninstallation of unwanted files, data backup ans so on. There
are some example of this software such as disk management tool, file management tool and so
on.
2.2 Ethics and Social Issues of using technology in general
There are some issues which are related to ethics and social that may arise while using of
technology. These are issues are described as under:
Ethical issues
Misuse of personal information: The companies gather information of the persons and
employees in order to provide them better solution of their problems(Rezaei and et. al., 2021). It
enhances their experience, but some times these information are misused by the companies so
that they can make money and get their goals easily to grow their business. Sometime they
exploit the customers by using their personal information and negatively impact on the security
of the users.
Misinformation and deep fakes: The harmful actions any cause the damage or loss of
important information which leads to the loss of users and employee as well. Sometimes, the
wrong information are provide by the people so that they can misuse their identity by using the
different technology.
Social issues
Communication breakdown: Sometimes, people have to face breakdown while
communicating important message which lead loss of connection. This unable users to
disseminate the important information to their families and pother people. This can be happen
when technical errors occur such as internet network become slow or suddenly stoppage of other
apps and programmes.
Identity theft: This is another issues of using technology because there are hackers who
hack the devices to steal the identity and data of the people so that they can use the information
for malicious purpose and to get money. This can be happen while making an online transaction
2

or other activities(Upadhyay and et. al.,2021). The risk of loss of identity and private data are
getting spread since the use of technology has been growing across the world.
2.3 Impact of ICT on businesses
Information and communication technology make the business efficient and effective
because it immediately respond to the needs of the users. ICT provide assistance to the
organisations in performing their activities which may involves designs, manufacturing, research
and development, sales and feedback. There are some negative and positive impact of
information and communication technology which are depicted below:
Positive impact of ICT
Easy communication: Technology has made the communication vary easy because on
can transfer the important information by using different software such as video chat,
videoconferencing, whatsup, Facebook and so on(Benard, 2021). This also made easy
communication between the company and their client. The technology help the people in
transferring their message vis mobile and telephone and so on.
Improving business strategies: Technology plays a crucial role in promoting the
strategies for the business though web, media and other sources. The business have different
branches across the world which can get connected with the help of technology. This also
provide assistance in finding the employees which are skilled and capable.
Dropping business cost: Technology helps the businesses to reduce cost because it
simplifies the work of the offices by gathering information and manage through using software.
The company have database management system in order to manage data of different employee
and the customers or clients.
Negative impact of ICT
Hacking and stealing of data: There is also negative impact of using technology because
there is fear of hacking and stealing of data by some intruders or business competitors so that
they can make fail the business of a company and over come the competitors. The hackers also
misuse data or may sold it to the third person to get money.
Expensive technologies: Technology help an organisation to prosper its business but
these are very expensive because every business concern can not afford it. But some business
buy the technology so that they can improve their productivity and increase their profit. Every
Morden business need technology in order to run the activities.
3

2.4. Role of IT in businesses in general
Information technology plays an essential role in the business which help in building and
maintaining the communication network between the company and the customers(Dias, Gouveia
Rodrigues, and Ferreira, 2021). The roles of IT are described as under:
Security and maintenance of the database: The information and technology department
is responsible for the security of the data of a business concern. So, the database is protected by
using technology and managed effectively. This can be maintained by the administration which
may involve the sales transactions, financial records, customers profiles, marketing activities and
so on.
Analyse data: IT help the business in analysing the data so that it may helpful in making
business plan by using the current trends. It provides the tools which helps in solving the trouble
of the businesses en an efficient manner and enable the company to plan for the growth of the
business. It provide the digital platform to an entity where it can promotes its products or
services to the global market.
Quick and effective communication: IT provides assistance to the business to make
effective communication with their customer to encourage for their products and services. This
can be made through various channels such as email, social media, video chat, webinar and so
on. By the use of IT services, the companies are able to deal with the problems and solution or
demand of the customers.
More efficient daily operations: IT improves the efficiency of the business operation so
that the task of the company can be done quickly and in cheaper way(Wisetsri and et. al., 2022).
Each department of the business uses different technology in order to reduce work load and can
complete the work without any obstacle.
3. Analysis and Discussion
3.1 Application Software and their types in selected business
Application software provides various features to the company which help in performing
the work in an efficient manner without any hindrances(Wei and et. al., 2021) It assist the user to
complete its task and make them capable to analyse and manage their database with great
competence. With reference to Tesco, it uses some application software which are delineated as
under:
4

Presentation software: In relation to Tesco, it uses this software to show the information
in form of slides so that it can be visualise to everyone in form of text, graphs, images and many
more. This help the presenter in the company to represent their ideas so that it can be
understandable to to the audience.
Spreadsheet software: This software assist Tesco to represent their data in a tabular form
and allow to make calculation by using different formulas and functions. This software make an
organisation competent to stored their data in intersection rows and column. The company is also
able to display their data in form of graphs, charts and so on.
Word processor software: This software allow Tesco to formulate the text and
manipulate it accordingly(Du, and Xie, 2021). It helps in using features like creating memos,
letters, faxes and documents and make the content more beautiful with other formatting features.
This enable the users in a company to scan and replace selected words or paraphrase the
documents the whole documents.
Database software: This software help Tesco to manage the data with the help of data
management system because it stores lot of data and allow the user to modify, extract and search
for the information within the database. There are various example of the database application
software such as My SQL, MS access, Oracle and many more.
3.2 Ethics and Social Issues of using technology in specific to the chosen business
There are many ethical and social issues that are arisen when the technology is used in a
company. With reference to Tesco, the ethical issues are considered in a company which may
arise in an organisation. This involves the loss of private data of employees and the profile of the
customers by their competitors in order to gain the competition. The hackers are also involved in
stealing the data that they can misuse the information for malicious purpose. The intruders also
transfer the data to the third person or the competitors in order to get down the business of a
business concern. Sometimes inline gambling can be done by the employees of an organisation
which may lead to get down the reputation of the company and loss of the customers(Fernández-
Portillo, Almodóvar-González, and Hernández-Mogollón, 2020). But, Tesco have its own
policies to maintain the ethical standard in a business entity where each employees have to
maintain the ethical environment in a company.
There are some social issue which are face by the company while operating its business
activities such a protection of personal privacy for which the organization has copyright of their
5

design so that they can not be theft. The company has its own well known trademark which help
in attracting mores customer. So it has registered itself to get the protection of intellectual
property. The company provide the responsibility to each user of technology to protect the
information from being misused and does not allow anyone to easily access of information.
Tesco has license to use the software so that the piracy of their data can not be done and manage
data by using the technology without any hindrances.
3.3 Impact of ICT on selected business
Tesco, use the information and communication technology so that it can easily exchange
information with the clients and to stay in the competition. The help the company to increase the
satisfaction of the staff because it provides ease to their employees in operating business
activities. By using ITC, the company is capable to increase its operational efficiency because it
improves the communication with the suppliers and the customers as well. The ITC enable to
improves the efficiency a and increase the productivity in many was such as allocation of
resources and low transportation cost. It helps in generating the knowledge of the workers or
employees so they can be more productive(Aledavoud, and Sadeghi, 2021). But sometimes
Tesco has to face the trouble of communication breakdown due to some technical error which
make unable an entity to share important information and ideas to the management and
employees. The company also have fear of loss of information so that it has to buy expensive
technologies to protect the data of the company and able to manage in appropriate mode. The
technology provides the company ability to process the information which saves the time for the
company and also reduce cost of operations. This also help the business to speed up the activities
and utilise the software for the operations of the business.
3.4. Role of IT in selected business
The information technology plays crucial role in the activities of the business of Tesco
which help in improving the communication. It help the employees of an organisation to be more
productive that help in optimising the performance of the business. IT provides assistance to the
company in safeguarding the data and resolving the problem. It enables the company to save
extra cost which may before adopting technology. Tesco uses technology so that it may able to
improve the experience of the customers and provide satisfaction to them. It streamline the
communication system so that an effective communication can be made to the customers. It
enhances the capability of manager to make effective decisions. The technology helps in building
6

relationship between the customers and an organisation and assist in managing the database
through which the information can be collected about the customers profiles and employees.
Tecsco have full record of the inventory in the system which enables it to track the quantity of
each item and also it maintains the enough stocks to meet the demand of the customers. This
make the company capable to expand its business across the world and also allow the staff to
access the information anywhere in the world. This technology allows the company to find more
qualified candidates for hiring and help in the business of Tesco.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion, it has been concluded that information technology has great
importance in the success of the business because its hard to manage the all resource for the
large organisation efficiently. Therefore, the use of technology enables the management to
manage all the resources easily and help in getting the long term objectives of the business. The
report explains that the technology provides great internet services and cloud services through
which company may be able to gather lot of information which help in communication to the
customers. The manger manage organisational resources and also monitor the performance of
each employees. Further, the report has discussed the type of software which the Tesco uses to
run its business activities an d the role of information technology in performing the business
activities.
7

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Szymkowiak and et. al., 2021. Information technology and Gen Z: The role of teachers, the
internet, and technology in the education of young people. Technology in Society, 65,
p.101565.
Pramono and et. al., 2022. The use of accounting application software in micro, small, and
medium enterprises (study case in Bojong Soang). In Islam, Media and Education in the
Digital Era (pp. 259-264). Routledge.
Falk, H. and Gandyra, M., 2022. haRTStone-Feature Extractor Software.
Rezaei and et. al., 2021. Key indicators of ethical challenges in digital healthcare: A combined
Delphi exploration and confirmative factor analysis approach with evidence from
Khorasan province in Iran. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 167, p.120724.
Upadhyay and et. al.,2021. Blockchain technology and the circular economy: Implications for
sustainability and social responsibility. Journal of Cleaner Production, 293, p.126130.
Benard, M., 2021. Impact of ICT Adoption on Small and Medium Enterprises in Ilala District,
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. In Digital Solutions and the Case for Africa’s Sustainable
Development (pp. 13-34). IGI Global.
Dias, C., Gouveia Rodrigues, R. and Ferreira, J.J., 2021. Small agricultural businesses'
performance—What is the role of dynamic capabilities, entrepreneurial orientation, and
environmental sustainability commitment?. Business Strategy and the
Environment, 30(4), pp.1898-1912.
Wisetsri and et. al., 2022. Assessing and comparing the role of information and communication
technology (ICT) and supply chain management (SCM) and its impact on contribution of
e-commerce. Materials Today: Proceedings.
Wei and et. al., 2021. How Do Innovation Types and Collaborative Modes Drive Firm
Performance? An FsQCA Analysis Based on Evidence From Software Ecosystems. IEEE
Transactions on Engineering Management.
Du, S. and Xie, C., 2021. Paradoxes of artificial intelligence in consumer markets: Ethical
challenges and opportunities. Journal of Business Research, 129, pp.961-974.
Fernández-Portillo, A., Almodóvar-González, M. and Hernández-Mogollón, R., 2020. Impact of
ICT development on economic growth. A study of OECD European union
countries. Technology in Society, 63, p.101420.
Aledavoud, S.A. and Sadeghi, N.M., 2021. The Role Of New Information Technologies In
Developing The Performance Of The Supply Chain Of Postmodern Iranian Businesses.
8

9