Project: Impact of Information Technology on Business Operations

This project analyzes the impact of Information Technology (IT) on the business operations of a selected retail firm, specifically Marks and Spencer (M&S). The report begins with an executive summary and table of contents, followed by an introduction outlining the purpose and background of the study. A literature review explores the role of IT in retail, networking technologies, ethical and social issues, and the importance of the internet and intranet. The analysis and discussion section delves into the role of IT in the chosen business, examining different information systems like Management Information Systems (MIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS), various networking technologies, ethical and social considerations, and the stages of the system development life cycle. The project emphasizes the effective use of IT tools for operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and enhanced performance. The project also discusses the ethical and social issues related to technology use and highlights the significance of intranet and internet in business operations. Finally, the project concludes with a summary of findings and a list of references.

Project 2
Impact of Information Technology
on business operations of a <Your
chosen business>
I declare that this project is all my own work and that I have acknowledged all materials
used from the published or unpublished works of other people. All references have been
duly cited.
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Executive Summary or Abstract
The effective use of the Information technology and tools that are been carried out within
the organisation will affect the operations of the organisation which will help in proper accessibility
of the operational measures of an enterprise. As the organisation is required to look after the use of
IT tools and technologies with the passage of time, a range of digital tools and thus supports a
proper assessment of the functions which are carried out by the firm. As the enterprise will see
through the proper management of IT tools, a range of activities are followed. As IT tools are a
better option to improve the performance level, firm in retail sector like Marks and Spencer. The
present report is going to cover the details of the operations related to digitalisation and usage of IT
tools in much effective way.
The effectiveness related to the range of tools and technologies and various networking
tools are analysed which will help in sustainable growth of retail measures. The range of the
products and services which are followed by the firm which are carried out. In an effective way to
enhance the performance level of the retail enterprise. The ethical and social measures which are
faced by firm is used. The types of IT tools like MIS and DSS tools and hence, growth measures are
followed by the firm. The concepts related to LAN, MAN and WAN is used which will help in proper
management of the operations which are carried out within the retail organisation. Besides this, the
phases and stages of the system development life cycle and the proper IT functions management
digital tools and technology is evaluated. All this measures and activities that are been performed
will lead to proper rise in operations which will help in proper growth of the retail firm.

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Table of Contents
1.Introduction........................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Purpose........................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Background..................................................................................................................................4
2. Literature Review ..............................................................................................................................4
2.2 Information Technology and its role in retail business in general................................................4
2.3 Networking Technology, different types in general.....................................................................4
2.4 Ethics and Social Issues of using technology in general...............................................................5
2.5 The importance of Intranet and Internet in business in general..................................................5
3. Analysis and Discussion.....................................................................................................................5
3.1 Role of Information Technology in the selected business............................................................5
3.1.1 Types of different Information Systems that are used in selected business like
Management Information System, Decision Support Systems etc................................................5
3.2 Types of Networking Technologies that used in the selected business ......................................6
3.3 Ethics and social issues in selected business................................................................................6
3.3 The importance of Intranet and Internet in the selected business..............................................6
3.4 List and explain the different stage of system development life cycle ........................................6
4. Conclusions........................................................................................................................................6
5.References .........................................................................................................................................7

1.Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The major purpose behind this research is about using of the digital tools and technologies
which affects the position and carrying out of retail services. As the digital tools and techniques have
became an imminent part of business in today's time, the suitable planning of the operations related
to it is a major concepts and need for the firm. Also, a viable research is been held will support in
developing a proper understanding about the digital tools and technologies which are undertaken by
retail organisation.
1.2 Background
Marks and Spencer or M&S is a UK based merchandiser which operates on multinational
level. They are known for offering high quality clothing, food and home products. In the recent time,
the retail enterprise had adopted the digital operational tools and technologies which is planned to
improve the sales and overall functionality of the firm. The usage of digital tool and technology will
lead the retail entity to have a market sustainability and establishing of the situations which supports
its growth and development. Besides this, M&S will see through the innovative services and
measures which leads to improve the quality of measures and action plans in much effective way.
Information technology (IT) has found an in depth usage within the organization which helps in
following out of the operations. It can be termed as the combination of practices and tools related to
sharing and accessing the information or data that is been utilized by the organisation. The IT tools
that are taken in consideration and assimilated within the system to have a proper and effective
growth. The use of innovative and interactive tools and operations which are developed will support
the retail activities. Hence, the adoption of the latest tools and techniques such as social media
platforms, ERP, DSS, CRM and MIS software's, digital transaction or online payment system and
internet based trading services like e commerce which will help in enhancing the overall
performance level. The report will cover the detail of a retail enterprise like Marks and Spencer to
adopt suitable and appropriate digital tools and technologies which are carried out for significant
growth and execution of retail operations. The firm is one of the major retail enterprise in UK
(Soomro, Shah and Ahmed, 2016). Assignment will lay emphasis on role IT plays in success or
failure of a firm. The ethical and social issues pertaining in business are discussed. Also, various types
of networking measures are differentiated. The importance of intranet and internet is used whereas
the system development life cycle is used.
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2. Literature Review
(You must provide citation to support your claims)
Suitable assessment of different literary resources showcases that taken in IT and digital
tools and technologies which are followed within the firm. It will help in developing the ideology and
understanding regarding the usage of online tools and software's which will help in improving the
overall performance and level of retail services that are followed by the retail enterprise. All these
measures which are followed assists in improving the quality of sales and other operations which are
followed by firm. Other than this, the views of Soomro, Shah and Ahmed (2016) indicates that the
positive and negative benefits of using the IT tools is required to be evaluated. All these measures
improve performance level to a greater extent. Although any sort of technological glitch can affect
the performance level of the organisation. Apart from this, it will guide the management of
merchandising firm to develop and implement suitable strategic plan for sustaining long term
growth. The utilisation of different technologies will have a very deep influence on the performance
and sustainability of organisation to a greater level. The measures like implementing a digital
framework and having a effective functionality supports organisation to achieve its operational and
functional goals. All these measures also enhances the level of growth measures which are
undertaken and followed by the M&S.
2.2 Information Technology and its role in retail business in general
Information technology can be termed as set of tools, technologies and practices of sharing
and gathering the important and vital information. The vital operations and work practices which are
carried out will help in meeting the needs and requirements of customers as well as the organisation
which will lead to establish a positive working practices carried out by the firm. The researches and
findings of Rowley and Farrow (2018), states that information technologies and technical
advancement has led to a very deep and suitable change within the organisation. In the retail
industry, the digital tools and technologies which are carried out by a firm like M&S supports in
achieving their operational goals and improve their efficiency to meet the needs and requirements
of organisation in most suitable way. Most effectively, the networking measures which are taken in
context by the merchandiser supports in developing of a high quality product or services to their
customers.
In contradiction to this, the assessment by Smith and Wong (2016) says that the networks
and IT tools that are used by the retail firm can turn out to be a burden or additional load for the
organisation, if not managed properly. All these measures which are implemented and used by retail
firm will help in enhancing the sales and other operations related to merchandising enterprise. But
proper innovation and improvements are required to be observed. As UK is one of the developed
economy, use of digital tools and measures are required in order to effectively meet the sales target
and improving market performance of M&S. Range of various networking tools helps the
organisation to handle their operations and establish a proper framework. It helps in establishing the
guidelines which will improve the performance level of M&S.
2.3 Networking Technology, different types in general

Networking tools technology are the most appropriate and widely used IT component that
help an organisation to achieve their operations in most effective way. As per the views of Schwalbe
(2015), the networking tools are combination of technologies and software's which are used for the
transmission and execution of messages and other activities, respectively, related to merchandising
firm. There are various networking tools and technologies which are used by entity and helps in
sustainable growth. It also contributes in rise in the operations and retail activities which are carried
out by the firm. All these measures which are followed supports an increase in establishing of the
operations that are carried out by organisation. Various types of networking tools such as Local Area
Networking (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networking (MAN) and Wide Area Networking (WAN) are
undertaken by the firm.
The findings of Tarafdar, Gupta and Turel (2015) says that all these networking measures
which are carried out will help in suitable planning of the services. The LAN can be used on the local
outlet level to develop the communication process among different departments or sections of the
retail store. The MAN is used to develop the interconnectivity among the shops in same city or
region. It also helps in monitoring the performance of different outlets in the market. WAN is used to
interlink the stores and divisions on various regional level and countries in which M&S operates.
Besides this, the organisation will look after the various tools and technologies like social media
platforms, messengers and e mail and wi-fi based communication tools are used and can be
improved.
2.4 Ethics and Social Issues of using technology in general
A range of ethics and operations which are carried out by the organization which will help in
maintaining the effectiveness of IT tools which are undertaken and followed by the organization.
This ethics which are carried out and followed within the firm. All these measures which are suitable
management of social issues which are followed by the firm. As per the views of Rowley and
Farrow (2018), different ethical and social issues like maintaining the data privacy, theft of users
account information and protecting the intellectual property of enterprise is a major concern. Other
than this, social issues like maintaining the image, brand value and social based advertising is also a
challenge. All these measures which are followed supports a suitable planning or retail activities in
much effective way. M&S is required to look after the management of these issues in order to
pertain a proper performance level within the UK and global market level. It also helps in achieving
the suitable objectives which are been set by the organization. Besides this, the goodwill and brand
image of the firm with customers is improved.
2.5 The importance of Intranet and Internet in business in general
The findings of Beynon-Davies (2016), suggests that both, Internet and Intranet are a very
useful digital tool in execution of the business operations of a retail firm. The intranet is used to
carry out close ended communication process that taken place on the organisational and functional
basis. This is a small scale communication and IT management system. On the other hand, the
internet forms the system that leads to develop a communication and interaction channel between
the customers and management of organisation around the world.
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Besides this, Bawden and Robinson (2015) suggests that use of digital and internet based
tools like social media platforms, online marketing of goods and services and developing of
innovative products as per the customer needs assists in improving the performance level of the
retail enterprise. Besides this, both the tools also have a significant role in enhancing the brand
image and market presence on a greater scale. It increases the response time of firm and allow them
to meet functional essentiality of merchandising enterprise.
3. Analysis and Discussion
3.1 Role of Information Technology in the selected business
3.1.1 Types of different Information Systems that are used in selected business like
Management Information System, Decision Support Systems etc.
In order to carry out the operations and other retail operations which are followed by the
organisation, a range of IT tools and technologies are been used (Lloyd, 2017). A range of IT tools
ad systems are used that covers the technologies like Management information system (MIS) and
Decision supporting system (DSS), Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. All these measures
supports a greater rise in execution of the functional measures and thus, improves the performance
of organisation. The tools like MIS and DSS are widely used by retail firm as its supports planning and
execution of merchandising functions with more efficiency. The MIS tool is used to maintain and

monitor the range of retail operations followed by the firm. All the sections or departments of firms
are interlinked in order to develop a communication channel which helps in generating the
information and ensuring its transmission which are followed by an organisation.
On the other hand, DSS is a digital or IT tool which is used on a wider scale. It will cover the
operational measures and activities which are followed by the enterprise in order to see through the
activities and action measures used to decide appropriate functional measures and performance by
M&S. Various attributes that affects the decision making and influence its implementation within
merchandising entity are monitored and looked after by M&S (Monaghan and Melgaço, 2018).
Rthe positive factors are fostered which improves the effectiveness of the digitalisation and
implementing of IT tools within the business. Other than this, the DSS system helps in identifying and
mitigating the measures which can lead to have the adverse impact on performance of M&S.
3.2 Types of Networking Technologies that used in the selected business
M&S, being a leading retail firm will look after the usage of a range of IT tools and
technologies which can affect its performance to a higher scale. The networking tools and
technologies like LAN, MAN and WAN are used on different level and scale by retailer (Thakur,
2016). The LAN, is smallest as compared to MAN and WAN. The Local Area Networking measures
which are followed by organization is required to improve the communication on store stage. Te
various section of retail outlet like warehouse, selling area and cash counter will be in coordination
with each other to carryout the sales and other retail function. On the other hand, the MAN is an
effective tool which assists the connectivity between different retail outlets on a local or regional
level (Kuhlmann, Stegmaier and Konrad, 2019). It is a utilized to maintain the operations on
relatively specified region an all the systems of retail stores in that area are connected to each other
to monitor and track down the performance on higher scale in comparison to LAN. On the other
hand, the WAN measures are utilized on a higher and wider geographical area that contributes in
sustaining and tracking down the performance of retail firm within the countries in which M&S
operates. This supports a rise in suitable maintaining of network from one country to another in an
effective way.
3.3 Ethics and social issues in selected business
M&S is greatly susceptible to face the ethical and social issues, which will support its
performance on a larger level (Wang, Chaudhry and Da Xu, 2016). Decrease in sales, customer
and employee turnaround and decrease in sales measures are certain factors which will help in
improving the ethical and social operations which are carried out within the firm. The ethical issues
like maintaining the privacy of users with a account within the form, protecting the intellectual
property and sustaining the price schemes of the organization. As the digital systems are very prone
to get infiltrated and hacked, proper security measures and action plans are required to be taken in
consideration.
Other than this, the social issues like constant change in customer needs and demands are
required to be taken in consideration which will help in proper assessment of the action plans and
measures which are followed by the firm (Soomro, Shah and Ahmed, 2016). The constant changes
in the demands or requirements can cause the firm to face stiff losses. Use of digital technologies
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like networking and social media tools will help the firm to identify the measures which are carried
out and will help in improving the sales measures which are followed within the firm. Other than
this, the difference in demo graphical and purchasing power is also evaluated.
3.3 The importance of Intranet and Internet in the selected business
The intranet and internet are the two major IT tools that are followed and implemented by
the organization for a sustainable growth and development measures which is used in functionality
of M&S. The Intranet will guide the organization to have an internal communication process which
will help in suitable planning of the services (Ploeg and et.al., 2018). All these measures which are
carried out will help in maintaining the performance level of the organization. It will help in inducing
proper communication on the functional level and hence impacts the overall operations which are
been carried out by firm. As the work place communication is improved, the performance will be
enhanced, leading to rise in the effectiveness of the organization to have a higher market
sustainability.
On the other hand, the internet is used on wider operational level. It includes the use of
various tools and technologies which are followed by M&S at its outlets. The firm will see through a
range of operations which are followed to monitor and take strategic measures to survive in current
market and face the adverse conditions in an effective way (Davidson and Barrett, 2018.). It has a
very important role in maintaining the performance level and enhances the performance level of
organization. Besides this, it supports the firm to operate in a strategic and more significant manner
that is carried out by the firm.
3.4 List and explain the different stage of system development life cycle
(Please note this may not be revenant to the selected business, however, you must provide a generic
answer)
In order to observe the suitable growth and observation measures which are followed, M&S
will look after the adoption and implementation of Management Information System (MIS). This will
include the process of system development life cycle (SDLC) which adopts the following components
or phases:
Planning: This stage covers the feasibility study and planning of the services measures which
are carried out by the firm. The problems related to managing the information's within the firm are
identified and various threats or security issues related to it are carried out (Benhamou, 2019).
Analysis: This stage covers the identification of the measures that affects the system
requirement specification (SRS) and identify the best and most suitable measures which are followed
within M&S. This is the most time consuming process where multiple options are required to be
evaluated to select the best one for MIS system.
Designing: Once a system architecture is analyzed and evaluated, the designing or
development process is initiated which will help in developing the MIS framework. The trial and run
approach is adopted where the project is been developed which will help in carrying out operations
merchandise firm. Once the system is been satisfactory developed, it is forwarded for
implementation.

Implementation: Once the MIS system that is developed by the organization on an effective
scale, it can be said that the implementation measures which are followed by the firm are carried
out (Ransbotham and et.al., 2016).
Maintenance: This is a post implementation stage that includes the suitable handling of the
further improvement and management measures that are carried out with passage of time.
4. Conclusions
Based on the interpretation of the suitable measures which are carried out by the firm is
been followed by the retail enterprise. As the information technology and online networking has
became a very important tool for the organization, this can be said that it will help in improving the
functionality and overall operational quality of service measures which is followed by the firm in
most suitable way. Other than this, all the measures which are carried out within the organization in
most suitable way. The IT is been a very active and most utilized aspect within an enterprise in
present era. Especially in retail industry, the IT tools plays a very deep and significant plan which is
followed by the organization. The firms like M&S uses IT tools in its operations which plays a very
important part in their growth.
The assignment covers the details of IT tools and technologies and the role which they play n
operations of the organization. The range of the networking technologies like LAN, MAN and WAN
with communication network tools like social media platforms, emails, messengers etc are used. The
different typology shows the scale of usage it has while being used by the firm. On the other hand,
the ethical and social issues related to retail operations is used and the significance intranet and
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internet has within the retail business is evaluated. All this measures indicates that IT tools helps in
having a proper growth at the work place. Besides this, it helps in identifying the customer trends
and develop suitable products and services as per the needs that has been raised. All these
measures showcases the importance of IT tools within retail enterprise.