Exploring IT's Role: Marks & Spencer's Use of Software and Networks

This report explores the significant role of information technology in enhancing business operations, focusing on Marks & Spencer (M&S) as a case study. It delves into various types of software used by M&S, including application, programming, utility, and driver software, emphasizing the importance of application software in achieving desired outcomes. The report also addresses ethical and social issues arising from IT implementation, such as personal information privacy, harmful actions, communication breakdowns, identity theft, and cyberbullying. Furthermore, it discusses the impact of computer networks, including Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN), on M&S's business operations, highlighting their roles in improving communication and data collection. The analysis concludes that IT is crucial for managing business effectively, enhancing productivity, and fostering positive relationships with clients, ultimately contributing to the growth and competitiveness of organizations like Marks & Spencer. Desklib provides similar solved assignments and resources for students.

INTRODUCTION TO
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ABSTRACT:
Now a days, information technology plays an significant role on in the build and grow the
commerce, business sector for generate the maximum possible output. Information technology is
a business sector that deals with computing, including hardware, software, telecommunication
and generally involved in the transmittal of information or system that facilitate
communications. It is facilitate the better connections between people as well as business and
allow the organisation to work more efficiently as well as increasing the productivity. The
information technology is present in the tangible as well as intangible form which are assist the
organisation for increasing the productivity and make money. This is also assist is the better and
effective decision making which are helpful in the building the positive relationship with client.

Table of Content.
ABSTRACT:....................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................1
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS ................................................................................................2
Analysis of different types of software and which one is more important..................................2
Describing the ethical and social issues . Identifying the importance of them to run the venture
......................................................................................................................................................3
Identifying and discussing the impact of computer networks on business..................................4
Describing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which makes a business
to respond customer needs in an efficient way .Discussing the impact of Internet and Intranet
on businesses................................................................................................................................5
Discussing the role of IT which helps in managing business. ....................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Information technology is refers to that encompasses all form of technology which us
used to create, store, exchange as well as utilize information in its several forms including
business data, conversation, still image, motion picture as well as multimedia presentation. This
is associated with the computer science which are consider the complete study of structure as
well as processing of several types of data. This is also consider the use of networking & other
storage tool which are assist in the business operation for achievement of the objectives and
goals of the organisation. It is helpful in the enhancing the the competitiveness of the economy
of the nation. This report is based on the Marks and Spencer which is a British international retail
organisation which is deals with the clothing, beauty and home products. The headquarter of the
respective organisation is situated in Paddington, London, England. M&S was founded in 1984
by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds. This report is consider the several types of
software which are useful in the business. This is also consider the identification of the
importance of the information technology and these are affect on the growth of the business
(Wager, Lee and Glaser, 2021).
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Sarosa & Zowaghi (2003), it is explains the uses of information technology
by organisation for create, storage and processing of the data. These are assisting in the effective
communication with colleagues in a proper manner.
According to the Thong and Yap (1995), these are explains the information technology as
a software of the computer which is associated with the provide support to operational
management as well as strategies in the organisation. This is assist in he increasing the
operations of the business as well as increase the growth and productivity of the organisation.
As the review of Levy et. al., these are explains the coordination between the information
strategies as well as system, functionality, friendliness of the system which are play significant
role in the performance of the business.
As per the view of Sharma & Bhagwat (2003), these are evaluate the information
performance system which is affect on the efficiency of the information technology (CEO
characteristics, organizational characteristics and information technology adoption in small
businesses, 1995).
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ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS
Analysis of different types of software and which one is more important
Software is a set of computer program and associated with the documentation as well as
data. This is allows the user to perform a well-defined functions or some specified task. This is a
instruction of the written computer code that tells a computer how to behave or perform the
specific task.
Types of Software
 Application software: This is the most common type of the computer software which is
defined as end-user program that assist individual to perform task for achieving the
desired outcomes. This is includes internet browsers, a CRM tool like Hubspot, photo
editing software, word processing application. In context to Marks and Spencer, these are
used this type of application such as Microsoft word, HCM and many more for
achievement of targets.
 Programming Software: These type of software are designed for computer or mobile
devices, programming software is for commuter programmers as well as developers who
are writing code. These are consider the language such as C++, Laravel, Python etc.
which are translate them into computer or mobile language. Marks & Spencer is follow
these type of software to translate the information into computer language (Alazab and et.
al., 2021).
 Utility Software: These are assist the computer for effective as well as efficient working.
This is also assist the operation system in managing, maintaining as well as organising
which improve the working of the computer system. This is consider data backups,
management of life, antivirus as well as management tool.
 Driver Software: This types of software operates as well as controls devices that are
plugged into the computer. These drivers are make it possible for devices to perform their
essential functions. This software help in he building the connection between different
hardware components and communicate with the operating system.
There are application software is play a significant role on the information technology.
This is allows the computer to perform their task on the computer. The operating system
is require the application software of the business. These are assist in the saving money as well
as time also by the completion of the various task in the minimum time in effective manner.
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These software are specific in nature which are designed to perform the specific task and assist
the individual for performing the task. The application software are used by the every
organisation which help in the achieving the desired outcomes. This software have the several
advantages which assist in the evaluation of the better user experiences, better decision making
and increase productivity in efficient manner. In relation to Marks and Spencer, these are use this
software foe batter outcome and highlights the best areas of the organization (Kim and et. al.,
2018).
There are software and hardware are the two categories of the computer system. The
software as well as hardware both are depends on the each other while performing the task.
There are software can not work without the use of hardware. On the other hand, hardware is
useless without any instruction of the software. There are software are not so expensive but the
hardware could be very expensive. The hardware are includes the input device, output devices,
storage devices and internal components and without these components the software cannot
work. The software are can not be physically touched but still can be used with the help of
hardware. Thus, these are totally depend on the hardware. Hence, there is evaluated that both
categories are interlinked with each other and there is no use of the software without any
hardware (Aphiwongsophon and Chongstitvatana, 2018).
Describing the ethical and social issues . Identifying the importance of them to run the venture
This study is explains that the era of digitalization is cause the major affect and create
pressure on the values of the people. The information technology creates a major impact on the
society. There are some ethical and social issues are present which are mentioned as:
Ethical issues:
 Personal Information: This is the important aspect of ethical issue in information
technology. It facilitates the user having their own hardware, operating system and
software tool to access the servers that are connected to each others to user by network. It
is a major challenge for information technology society as well as the organization to
maintain the privacy as well as integrity of data (Shabani and Shahnazi, 2019).
 Harmful actions: Harmful actions in the computer ethics is explained as the negative
consequences to the information technology such as loss of information, loss of
ownership, loss of property, undesirable substantial impacts and destruction of property.
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 Misinformation and deep fakes: This is also a challenge for the information technology
system which may lead in major losses due to miscommunication or not getting the
suitable information to achieve wider support base. There are misuse of information is
very high (Barrett, 2018).
Social issues:
 Communication Breakdown: There are communication is a essential thing in the
business and the breakdown in the communication is a major challenge and ethical issue
in information. There are several people are engage with their laptops, mobile phones and
tablets which are resulting in the not proper communication that create a breakdown in
the communication. In relation to Marks and Spencer, there are miscommunication create
a challenge between employees.
 Identity Theft: It is occur when someone uses personally identifying information to
commit fraud or other crimes. This is an social issue because the information can be
misuse and hacked by other which a challenge for the organisation. In context to Marks
and Spencer, there are provides some security policies as well as strategies to protect the
information (Taherdoost, 2018).
 Cyber Bulling: The cyber bulling is an intentional activity that are carried out by a
individual or group, using electronic forms of contact, repeatedly and over time against a
victim who cannot easily defend. This cause the major impact on the reputation of the
organisation.
Identifying and discussing the impact of computer networks on business
In relation to Marks and Spencer, it is a multinational organisation which enlarge their
operation and services geographical boundaries, receiving as well as sending information
quickly.
The networking of computer is a set of computer which are used for sharing the
information which are provided by the network nodes. In this process there are more than two
computers are connected together which are used for sharing information and resources. The
nodes is considers hardware, personal computer and servers which supports several applications.
In context to Marks and Spencer, these are uses some network which are mentioned as:
Local Area Network (LAN): This is a collection of the devices which are connected
together in one physical location and the range of this network is minimum such as building,
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office. Marks and Spencer are use this type of networking which is very helpful for the
organization. The range of this network is very limited an it means approx 1 km radius
(Okundaye, Fan and Dwyer, 2019).
A simple simple office is use the local area network for access the internet for
information. In respect to Marks and Spencer, these are use this type of network which create a
major impact on the organisation. These are help in the building a links building computer which
makes organisation very effective as well as productive. This is also assist in the increasing the
communication between different sides or different countries.
Wide Area Network (WAN): The wide area network is a telecommunication network
that extends over a large geographic area and it cover the wide range of locations. With the use
of this network, there are several devices are connected together from different location in the
nation. This is assist in the communicate with other and in the collection of the data. In relation
to Mark and Spencer, this is help the organisation in building a positive connection with the
worker and customers widely (Fernandes, 2018).
The computer network is a major aspect for the business organization which assisting to
the organisation for achieving the objectives and goals. The wide area network is help in the
building a relation with international customers, staff and other person in effective manner.
There are both wide area and local area networks are plays a significant role in the growth of the
business. The local area network is assisting in the saving money because there are several
devices are connected together which are share information. In context to Mark and Spencer,
these are use wide area network over local area network because the organization is a
multinational organisation which are need to connected with the workers and customers at global
level. There are both networks are essential for the organisation.
Describing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which makes a business to
respond customer needs in an efficient way .Discussing the impact of Internet and Intranet
on businesses.
Information and communication technology is refers as diverse set of technological tools
as well as resources used to transmit, create, store, exchange and share information. These are
used to manage information and knowledge, including information handling tool which is used
for the information. These are consider telephony, recording, internet and computers and it a
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broad and important concept. This is also a procedure for conversion with the individual with the
use of technology (Ivanov, Seyitoğlu and Markova, 2020).
Information and communication technology is increasing the effectiveness of the
business which are essential for the needs of the customers. This is consider several activities
that includes research and development, design and manufacturing. This is also assisting in the
increasing the profit and growth of the company. This is also includes the several financial and
economical technology which ate play significant role in the growth of the business. This is also
considers digital technologies which are essential for the building a connection between
customers and workers (Eneizan and et. al., 2020).
Impact of internet and intranet on the business
Internet is a global network of the several computers and other electronic devices. The
internet is assist in the possible to access almost any information and communicate with anyone
else in the world. Internet is help in the building a connection with the computer which is also
called going online. Marks and Spencer is also use internet to promote their product and services
and sale their products (Ranisch and et. al., 2021).
This is play a significant role in the conducting business with the help of internet. These
are very useful in the production, advertising, manufacturing, sale and purchasing these all are
done with the use of the internet easily. Internet is also consider the innovation of the
technologies which is use by the organization for their business operations. The internet is a best
manner to implement the several changes in the organisation. This is give the updated
information about the product and services to the customer for this reason internet become a
major part of the every business. The respective organisation is use this for promoting,
advertising and selling their products. These are promote their services and product with the use
of websites and social media, blogs and emails. These are assisting in the attract more clients
towards their product and it is resulting in the increasing their sales (Mahdum, Hadriana and
Safriyanti, 2019).
Intranet is a private network contained within an enterprises that is used to securely
share organisation information and computing resources among the workers. This is used by the
workers for the getting the information and communicate with other in the organisation and help
in the management. Intranet is assist in the encourage the employees to communicate within an
organisation and workers easily access important information, application and links as well as
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database of the organisation record. There are helpful in the increasing productivity and growth
by its business operation process. This is also assisting in save time with the use of its
navigation. In this system the employees are directly wired to the system can log on and remote
workers can gain access from organisation. These are also assisting in the improving the content
management system (Singh and et. al., 2019).
Discussing the role of IT which helps in managing business.
Information technology is assist in the evaluation of the particular information and also
assist in the making the strategies of the business with the use of information. The information
technology is use in the software and computers to run the business operations. Information
technology is play an important part in the growth if the organisation because it organise and
monitor everything. There are several roles of the information technology which are assist the
managers to manage the business (Panteli, Yalabik and Rapti, 2018). These are mentioned as:
Decision making process: The role of information technology in management decision-
making is seen in tool such as ERP software and decision support system that assist the manager
to see organisation performance data in real time so that they can make more informed decisions.
The online platform which make sure for accuracy of the data. The market research can be done
in various manner such as survey as well as other social media which are assist in the taking the
effective decision according to the market condition.
Organisational Communication: The success of the organisation is totally depends on
the understanding the needs, behaviour and satisfaction scale of the customers. The effective and
quick communication is the best way with the dealing with the customers problem and demand.
The information technology is allow the business to communicate with several customers in real
time on a global scale. The communication process is very effective in the growth of the
organisation.
Security of Data and information: It is the essential goal of safeguarding is to protect
data from compromise. The information department will ensure data safeguarding to protect
against destruction, alteration and unauthorised disclosure of the organisation personal data. The
information technology is also ensure abiding by data-protection laws through safeguarding
important information from corruption (Holeman and Kane, 2020).
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CONCLUSION
From the above discussion, it has been concluded that the information technology is play
a significant role in the conducting business. Information technology is considers by the every
type of the organization such as large, medium and small business. This is considers an
explanation of the hardware and software which is state that the software is totally depends on
hardware and both are interdependent in the each other. This is also includes the an explanation
of the information technology and there are several ethical and social issues are present which
are affect in the business. This is also includes several types of network such as local area
network and wide area network. These network are responsible for sharing the information and
build a connection with others. This is also consider the information and communication
technology which assist in the create the most rapidly growing industry sectors. These are also
assist in the improving the efficiency and affectivity of the organisation.
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REFERENCES
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Wager, K.A., Lee, F.W. and Glaser, J.P., 2021. Health care information systems: a practical
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Online:
CEO characteristics, organizational characteristics and information technology adoption in
small businesses, 1995 [Online] Available through
<https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/jomega/v23y1995i4p429-442.html>
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