The Role of Information Technology and Networking at Tesco: A Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Information Technology (IT) and networking in the context of Tesco, a multinational grocery store. It begins with an introduction to IT and its significance in the retail sector, followed by a literature review discussing the role of IT in business success and failure, various networking technologies (including LAN, WAN, and VPN), ethical and social issues in business, and the importance of Intranet and Internet. The report then delves into an analysis of Tesco's IT implementation, covering the role of IT, different information systems used (such as Management Information Systems and Decision Support Systems), and networking technologies employed. It also examines ethical and social issues relevant to Tesco and the importance of Intranet and Internet for its operations. The report concludes with a discussion of the system development life cycle. The report emphasizes how Tesco leverages IT for strategic planning, customer engagement, and operational efficiency, while also addressing the ethical considerations and the importance of internal and external communication channels.

Introduction
to information
technology

ABSTRACT
This report contains information about the information technology and types of networking
which is essential for the sector of retail. This sector has helped the company to make a
promising growth in the market and they believe that they will continue to do so because of the
wider reach this aspect provides to the company.

Contents
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................2
Contents...........................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................1
Discussion of the role of IT in success and failure of business...................................................1
Networking Technology, different types in general....................................................................1
Ethical and social issues that pertain to running businesses........................................................2
The importance of Intranet and Internet in business in general...................................................3
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION...................................................................................................4
Role of Information Technology.................................................................................................4
Types of different Information Systems......................................................................................4
Technologies of networking used by the business......................................................................4
Ethics and social issues in business.............................................................................................5
Importance of Internet and Intranet in Tesco..............................................................................5
List and explain the different stage of system development life cycle........................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Information technology can be defined as the study or use of systems (especially computers and
telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information. This technology is been
used and operated by business so that they can carry out their operations and day to day to
activities effectively. Present report will lay emphasis on Tesco which is the multinational
grocery store and has been established in United Kingdom. Report will lay emphasis on the role
of Information technology in success and failure of business. It will also explain the importance
of intranet and internet. It will also explain the different type of networking technology and too
in general.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Discussion of the role of IT in success and failure of business
As per the view of Benckendorff, Xiang and Sheldon, (2019) information technology has
one of the most important role in success of the business. If the company is not been involved in
making use of advanced technology than the business might fail. It has been analysed that
information technology has reduced the work load of the employees as all of the work has been
done by the computer itself. This has assisted firm in growing and also achieving their goals and
objectives. It has been analysed that now a days so many of the retail firm has been involved in
making use of advanced technology that has assisted them in motivating employees to perform
better and also achieve their goals and objectives. Information technology has helped firm in
bringing out the most innovative and creative services that is really necessary for the growth.
This has helped company in increasing their productivity as well as managerial efficiency.
Information technology has also helped the retail firm in making interaction with consumers
easy, they have been involved in taking the feedback of consumers through social media
channels. This has assisted many retail organizations in analysing the needs and demands of the
consumers that was really necessary for the growth of firm. It has also been analysed that many
type of software has been used in information technology which has supported firm in storing the
data related to consumers so that their needs and demands can be analysed. This has assisted
them in enhancing the satisfaction level of consumers.
Networking Technology, different types in general
As per the view of Hatakka, Wickramasinghe and Qureshi, (2018) it has been come to
knowledge that eleven type of networking technologies are available such as personal area
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network, Local area network, Wireless local area network, Campus area network, Metropolitan
area network, Wide area network, Storage area network, virtual private network etc. To state
different types of network Personal area network is the smallest type of network which starts and
transmits the data either from a modem, or a computer, phones, tablets etc. and revolves in one
building to one person. Network of this type are usually used for offices which are small and
residential flats. These are managed by one person or firm by a device. Local area network is
considered as one of those networks which are simple and not complex. The working of LAN
starts from the connectivity of computers in a group and devices which are low in voltage and
the distance for LAN is short such as between two or three buildings so that resources and
information can be shared with each other. With the help of using routers Local area network can
be connected to wide area network. Wireless area network that is WLAN is worked as a Wi-Fi
and the functioning of it is similar as LAN. This network do not have to rely on devices as cables
do most of its work. Taking the consideration of campus area network it is larger than LAN but
restricts under MAN that is metropolitan area network. CAN is used usually in colleges or
universities, schools etc. the data which is covered under this network has a capacity to reach
many buildings across the set premises which allows the users to share resources. Considering
MAN it is bigger than LAN but smaller than WAN. Although elements of MAN are similar to
both type of networks. On the other hand WAN is more complex in nature as it takes connection
between computers through a long distance and the physical devices can also be connected
through a long distance. WAN is the provider for internet as it enables the computers to connect
through out the world. Multiple administrators maintain this. The most trend in network
currently is the virtual private network VPN which allows the user to send and receive the data
on a network which is private. Users can access it remotely which will lead them to the private
network.
Ethical and social issues that pertain to running businesses
In the opinion of Baller, Dutta and Lanvin, (2016) there are various type of social and
ethical issues that are been linked with by making use of information technology while running
the business. It has been analysed that the company who have been involved in making use of
advanced technology must be involved in making sure that no personal data of consumers or
employees have been leaked. This will assist them in gaining the trust of employees and also the
satisfaction level of consumers will increased by this. They also need to make sure that no illegal
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means is been used by them in order to track the consumers data. Retail organizations also needs
to make sure that the data which has been collected by the company by making use of
information technology have been collected in the best interest so that the trust level of
consumers is been increased. These organizations also need to be involved in following the
ethical code of conduct so that the brand reputation and value of the retail organization has been
increased. This will assist them in achieving their goals and objectives. It will also help the retail
organizations in growing.
The importance of Intranet and Internet in business in general
In the opinion of Prasad, (2017) networks which are private and through which company
shares information securely that is Intranet. It is used so that channels of communications in a
company can be simplified and employees can share it easily. It creates a space which is virtual
and helps the employees to come into the position where they can work together. This helps
when employees are situated in different cities. It is important for the company as it helps them
to make the tasks easier which are needed on a day to day basis and this way it is completed
efficiently. It helps the coordination and communication in the company on an internal basis. It
helps in increasing the level of engagement between employees. Other than this it helps
companies which are dealing in the sector of retail to keep things up to date. It is beneficial for
the retail sector as it allows them to store a lot of secret information securely. This way they are
able to maintain the flown of work and reach their results effectively. Transactions which goes
on day to day basis is improved because of the effective communication. On the other hand
internet is also important for businesses to maintain the transaction. It is because of the internet
that businesses can be marketed digitally and the whole new sector of digital marketing is born.
Business who manage to make their presence successful online can make and reach more
customers as compared to those companies who are not taking the help of this sector. The tactics
which comes under this aspect are official website of the business, social media, marketing on e-
mail are the platforms which are used under this sector to promote the business. The reach of this
aspect has no limit it can go over the world and till all the places where digital operations are
conducted for business. Even if the retail companies are not selling their products online they
have the opportunity to reach more no of consumers through this aspect. For instance there are
any platforms of social media such as Face book and Twitter which can be used for marketing
and even the market that they need to target can be set. Other than this companies can also
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enable the option of paid per click ads for specific type of consumers. On the internet company
also has the scope to increase the awareness of their brand and engage with them so that any type
of feedback by customers can be answered and rectified. This will help the company to improve
the loyalty of the brand.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Role of Information Technology
The sector of Information technology is considered as a necessary aspect for a business to
run and maintain its operations (Dignum, 2018). If Tesco is able to enable this successfully then
this sector can be helpful to them to think and plan strategically in the market. Information
technology can help the company solve various problem which are related with the department
of marketing and organizing in order to maintain the flow of work. Other than this with the help
of this sector the company can engage and interact with their customers as well as their
employees. Employees can help the company to know what challenges is the company facing
and information can be collected through the feedback given by customers, this will help them to
know what necessary changes need to be made in their procedure. This way this sector has
played an important role for Tesco and helped them improved their image in the market
(Marchewka 2016).
Types of different Information Systems
Tesco uses management information system. This software helps the company to gather
all the information about the employees who are a part of the company so that a report can be
taken out and their performance can be measured. This helps the company to take evaluated
decisions (Orlova and Mokhova, 2017). This decisions helps the company to improve their
performance and maintain the coordination required in between the task. This way the company
is able to meet their expected results. Other than this company uses another information system
which is decision support system. With the help of this system company assesses their data and
reduce the issue of taking decisions. This helps Tesco to improve their unit of operation and its
efficiency. This way company takes better decisions which are essential for them in order to
achieve their objectives (Milani, 2019).
Technologies of networking used by the business
Tesco uses different types of networking channels according to the suitability of area of
operations. LAN and WAN are the most preferred by the company. These are types of wireless
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networking by which Tesco is able to share information easily. This reduces the difficulties in
communication and management of the company. For this division and to make it better
company is also providing training and guidance to their personnel. Company believes that this
way they will be able to reduce the disputes in between work and increase the capacity to reach
more consumers in the market (Bannon, Bardzell and Bødker, 2018).
Ethics and social issues in business
Different types of policies has been adopted by the company in order to reduce or solve
the issues faced by the employees and their clients so that brand image of the company does not
get affected. Tesco follows all necessary ethics and guidelines that is necessary and binds them
under the legal obligations. They respect the privacy of their consumers as well as their
employees and take decisions which helps them to keep it safe and does not get released. If the
data is released then both the consumers and employees will loose their trust on the company.
Also it is mandatory for the company to keep it safe as it is confidential information. If anything
goes wrong then company won’t be able to recruit new people for their jobs. In order to maintain
the level of satisfaction for the stakeholders of the company they follow all the necessary and
ethical guidelines of working. Tesco has earned loyalty of their stakeholders because of this
reason. This behaviour has also reflected positively on the sales figures of the company
(Hendela, 2019).
Importance of Internet and Intranet in Tesco
In order to maintain their operations and keep a continuous check on them it is essential
for the company to take use of both the aspects that is Internet and Intranet. Considering Intranet
it has helped Tesco to improve the internal aspects of the organization that is coordination and
communication effectively. This way they are also able to assess the needs of the consumers who
the company deals in local market. This improves the experience of customers and company is
able to provide quality service. Intranet also provides them a place where they can store the
confidential data and where only company has the access. On the other hand Internet has helped
the company to market their products online and reach a large no of audience across the world.
Apart from it this platform allows the company to sell their products online with high level of
engagement with customers. By going online company has open the scope for themselves to
increase their share in market and rise the level of profits (Theis and Wong, 2017).
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List and explain the different stage of system development life cycle
There are various different stages related to the system development life cycle, following
these steps are really necessary so that the goals and objectives can be achieved. This will
include the following:
Planning: This is the first and the most basic important step, in this the organizations
making use of information technology will be engaged in thinking about the different type of
software or other technology that can be used by them in order to enhance the satisfaction level
of consumers (Lloyd, 2020). This will assist them in also planning for the various threats related
to technology that can be faced by them in near future.
Requirements: In this the various organizations who are going to make use of particular
informative system will be involved in analysing the requirements which are necessary for
installing. These requirements can also include the budget and the labour required to complete
the project.
Design: In this process the software will be given a design and too according to the needs
and demands of consumers as well as employees. The project manager will make sure that it is
been designed according to the view point of all stakeholders (Trantopoulos and et.al., 2017).
The ethical code of conduct must be followed while designing the informative system. This will
help them in enhancing their trust level.
Testing: In this process software testing will be done. It is basically been done to check
upon the quality of work which has been done by software. This will also help project manager
in checking whether the software used is according to the needs and demands of stakeholders or
not.
Deployment: In this stage retail organization will be involved in making sure that no errors
occur while installing the informative system. This will assist them in enhancing the quality of
the work which has been done by them.
Maintenance: In this the various retail organizations will be involved in checking upon the
inventory required to maintain the quality of system. They will monitor the performance of
software on quarterly basis.
CONCLUSION
From the above studies it has been concluded that companies such as Tesco who are dealing in
the sector of retail has the possibility of dealing with the sector of information technology and
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maintain their operation successfully. There are many guidelines and ethical code of conduct that
is followed by Tesco that is in compliance with the ethical code of conduct of the sector of
information technology. With the use of this sector the company can assess the needs and wants
of current market and match with the current trends so that their products do not look obsolete
and they are able to make substantial amount of sales. By taking the help of internet the company
has been able to improve their draft of sales, measure their performance all over the world easily
and helps to engage with customers. Other than this there are various types of network which is
available to the company such as WLAN, WAN, MAN, VPN but the most preferred network by
the company is LAN and WAN as they are less complex and can be easily use for effective
measures. Company is also providing training to its employees for this section so that they can
use it in a even more better way. This way company will be able to achieve more of their results
and will result in earning high amount of profits.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Lloyd, I., 2020. Information technology law. Oxford University Press.
Baller, S., Dutta, S. and Lanvin, B., 2016. Global information technology report 2016. Geneva:
Ouranos.
Benckendorff, P.J., Xiang, Z. and Sheldon, P.J., 2019. Tourism information technology. Cabi.
Trantopoulos, K. and et.al., 2017. External knowledge and information technology: Implications
for process innovation performance. MIS quarterly, 41(1), pp.287-300.
Prasad, P., 2017. A Brief Introduction on Cyber Crime Cases under Information Technology Act:
Details & Analysis. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Hatakka, M., Wickramasinghe, N. and Qureshi, S., 2018, January. Introduction to the Minitrack
on Health Information Technology for Development: Use of ICTs for Health Equity.
In Proceedings of the 51st Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.
Theis, T.N. and Wong, H.S.P., 2017. The end of moore's law: A new beginning for information
technology. Computing in Science & Engineering, 19(2), pp.41-50.
Hendela, A., 2019. IS 265-001: Introduction to Information Systems.
Bannon, L., Bardzell, J. and Bødker, S., 2018. Introduction: Reimagining participatory design—
Emerging voices. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI), 25(1),
pp.1-8.
Milani, F., 2019. Introduction to Business Analysis. In Digital Business Analysis (pp. 1-29).
Springer, Cham.
Marchewka, J.T., 2016. Information technology project management: Providing measurable
organizational value. John Wiley & Sons.
Orlova, N. and Mokhova, I., 2017. Introduction of Information Technologies in the System of
Corporate Governance. Electronic Scientific Professional Journal “OPEN
EDUCATIONAL E-ENVIRONMENT OF MODERN UNIVERSITY”, (3), pp.355-365.
Dignum, V., 2018. Ethics in artificial intelligence: introduction to the special issue.
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