BABS Foundation Year: Impact of IT on Waitrose Business Operations

This report, submitted for a BABS Foundation Year assignment at the University of Suffolk, analyzes the impact of Information Technology on Waitrose's business operations. It begins with an introduction highlighting the increasing importance of IT and Artificial Intelligence across various sectors, followed by a literature review that explores different types of system software (operating systems, driver software, utility software, and programming software), ethical and social issues related to technology use (including counterfeiting, online piracy, privacy protection, and censorship), networking technologies (LAN, WAN, VPN, etc.), and the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business, focusing on its benefits such as increased productivity, cost reduction, and improved decision-making. The report also discusses the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The analysis and discussion section focuses on Waitrose's specific software systems, networking technologies, and the application of AI within the company. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the overall significance of IT in modern business environments. The report includes references to support its arguments and findings.

BABS Foundation Year UOS IIT Assignment
Introduction to Information Technology Assignment
Impact of Information Technology on business operations of
Waitrose
Student ID:234316
BA in Business Studies (Foundation Year)
University of Suffolk
Date of Submission:19th of March 2022
Word Count:
I declare that this assignment 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used from the published or unpublished works of other people.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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BABS Foundation Year UOS IIT Assignment
Abstract
ICT regulations need to be able to address the ethical concerns raised regarding privacy, intellectual
property, piracy, and many other related issues. Therefore, this chapter describes these ethical
issues and how to deal with them individually or as an organization. It provides information on the
concepts of ethics and technological advances that raise ethical concerns. These include data
protection, information rights, intellectual property rights, and ethical guidelines
find specific issues more efficiently and develop solutions to specific issues. These innovations
improve productivity and performance among other aspects. Informational data is very important to
organizations and represent itself as a valuable resource for safe and effective maintenance.
Furthermore, companies need to use management information systems to track and control
business sales data, expenses, productivity, maximize profit, and identify areas for improvement.
Therefore, most of the many business applications of information technology in business processes
are to improve business performance and build a successful organization.
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Table of Contents
COVER: IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON BUSINESS OPERATIONS OF WAITROSE.........1
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................................................2
1.INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................................................4
2.1 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE IN GENERAL............................................................................4
2.2 ETHICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES OF USING TECHNOLOGY IN GENERAL...............................................................5
 COUNTERFEITING..........................................................................................................................5
 ONLINE PIRACY.............................................................................................................................5
 SOFTLIFTING................................................................................................................................5
 HARD DISK LOADING......................................................................................................................5
2.3 NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY, DIFFERENT TYPES IN GENERAL.....................................................................6
2.4 THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN GENERAL..............................................................7
2.5 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE................................................................................................8
3. ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION...............................................................................................................9
3.1 WAITROSE’S SOFTWARE SYSTEM AND SOFTWARE SYSTEM TYPES...............................................................9
3.2 TYPES OF NETWORKING TECHNOLOGIES USED IN WAITROSE...................................................................9
3.4 THE IMPORTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE SELECTED BUSINESS................................................10
4. CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................11
5.REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................12
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1.Introduction
Information technology has rapidly transitioned from being useful to being indispensable. Its impact
not only reaches businesses of all types and capacities but also people in their private lives.
As well as IT, Artificial Intelligence is a topic that both inspires fear and excitement as it is
continuously brought up these days, and is being developed to help human kind with circumstances
such as disasters and health while reducing the risks, costs and labour.
The benefits that come from relying on IT, range from cutting back on costs, increased productivity,
better time management and less strain and labour. And along with progress, all sorts of progressive
concerns rise, such as social differences and ethical issues. Another example of a rising concern,
which is proportional to the growth and development of IT, is cybercrime. And as result of that, even
more resource to technology has to be used to fight against issues like fraud or hacking.
The purpose of this report is to present the importance of Information technology, system software
and artificial intelligence while addressing different stages of system development, different types of
networks, information and communication technology and the impact of using information
technology in management and business.
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2. Literature Review
2.1 Different types of System Software in general
According to (Rosencrance,2021) a software is a set of commands, programs, and data, arranged to
perform specific functions. The word software is commonly used when running a device with specific
programs, scripts, and applications.
There are two key categories of software be acquainted with:
 Application Software
 System Software
The primary function of an application software is to perform particular instructions as the user requests,
and only when the user requests (BI India Bureau, 2020).
Microsoft Word, an everyday tool used for work and academically, is an example of an application software.
For example, when using Microsoft Word, by pressing the letter “A” on a keyboard (hardware), the user
sends a command that enables the letter A to be typed, resulting in it being showed on the screen.
A system software is the link between the user and the hardware, defined as what is in charge of running a
device like a computer, while holding a platform to operate and control application software such as
Microsoft Word.
Within the system software there are different types:
 Operating system – Responsible for managing the software, utilities, and applications. communicates
with the hardware and controls the tasks performed. Without an operating system the
computer/device does not start.
Example: MacOS.
 Driver software – Specific type of software that enables the operating system to connect the device
to a different hardware.
Example: Printer.
 Utility Software – It is used to perform small but important functions that support the operating
system. These functions can be carried by programs to analyse, maintain, or configure.
Example: Disk management tool
 Programming software – This software form is a tool used to develop programs through to the
creation of instructions using programming language.
Example: Eclipse.
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2.2 Ethics and Social Issues of using technology in general
There are behavioural principles to follow concerning the use of technology. These principles are
controlled through legislation and measures much like GDPR, Intellectual Property Rights, and Data
Protection. Laws and regulations along these lines, exist to answer to gaps facilitated in the use of
technology. What is at stake are values such as intellectual property, which is the product of
someone’s creations and knowledge, and privacy, particularly the security of sensitive information.
Fake news
We are constantly bombarded with real-time breaking news, in contrast to how information was
accessed prior to the internet. Celebrities and political figures can share their views on social media
without first verifying their veracity, and these views are then aggregated and spread regardless of
accuracy. The precise process that was used to share information on news articles and books is no
longer used to confirm information.
Intellectual property
Intellectual property is anything created with intellectual, like art or inventions, or designs. With the
emerging use of ICT, there is difficulty to control the violation of copyrights, patents, trademarks,
etc. leading to issues such as piracy.
The illegal use of someone’s work without their permission.
 Counterfeiting
 Online piracy
 Softlifting
 Hard disk loading
Privacy protection
As technological progress tends to increase, privacy rights seem to have less meaning, especially
when it comes to data protection. Concern regarding personal information and security is raising due
to cybercrime since it is currently wired into the use of internet. Nowadays there is no such thing as
too much care about credential details, bank information, military secrets, or business database. The
issues to be aware in this matter are things like identity theft, hacking, trade secrets, fraud, etc.
Digital activism or “hacktivism”
The use of technological resources like the Internet, social networks, email, and digital devices to
boost awareness and raise discussion about social or gender concerns.
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Geolocation
Another issue that might come with use of ICT is the fact that smartphones and tablets use GPS chips
to detect people’s locations and target customers by location while violating privacy rights with third
parties.
Censorship
Regulation or censorship as to what can be allowed to access, posted, or seen as on the Internet
imposed by policy makers or limitation towards the type of information that can be shared online.
2.3 Networking Technology, different types in general
Data systems are used in network technology to manage and deliver digital resources over a
computer network. Computer system hardware and software are used in industries to maintain a
network, but they must be handled by specialists. A network is used to transfer data between
networked infrastructures in an efficient manner (WatElectronics, 2021). The disadvantages of
networks are that they might be quite tricky to set up and conduct, and there is also the constant
need for security upgrades due to privacy threats.
Different types of networks:
 Local Area Network (LAN)
 Personal Area Network (PAN)
 Virtual Private Network (VPN)
 Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
 Storage-Area Network (SAN)
 Wide Area Network (WAN)
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
 System-Area Network
 Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)
2.4 The Artificial Intelligence and its importance in general
According to (McCarthy, 2004) the science of making intelligent machines and computer programs is
what Artificial Intelligent stands for. Nowadays the world relies more and more on technology and
artificial intelligence has become somehow, a necessary instrument, it can simulate human
intelligence and assist in carrying out numerous tasks. Although many may not be aware, AI is
present in a variety of devices such as smartphones, cars, smart home devices and even robotic
vacuum cleaners. Due to its benefits, AI technological development has resulted in great ground-
breaking in business, finance, health, and manufacturing amongst other sectors. (Oza, 2021).
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Reduction of time and increased productivity – The ability to perform automated and repetitive
tasks has a heavy impact in businesses, considering many sectors like industry, transport, and
communications are able to produce larger quantifies in less time. Not only that, but when using AI
technology, the decision making part also takes part faster, since emotion, habits or any risks that
might lead to resistance aren’t involved, the process of making decisions is unbiased and fast..
Reduction of costs and labour – AI itself is a big investment, the constant updating of software,
hardware and maintenance costs have quite on the budget of any business, however the increase
productivity and efficiency make up for it. This technology doesn’t take paid breaks, doesn’t need
sleep, holidays or health insurance, and produces at higher rates for less amount of capital. It also
reduces a large amount of human labour, which can lead to better health and quality of life.
Human error – Machines with intelligent programming facilitates accuracy and objectiveness,
meaning that the chance of error is reduced. Some machines are actually capable of learning from
previous errors and low results in order to increase efficiency.
Memory – The memory limits on AI machines are higher and of faster access than the human mind.
Healthcare – Artificial Intelligence advances provide solutions in performing medical treatment,
recognizing patterns, report accurately, build prosthetic limbs, containing the spread of diseases,
diagnosing, and also allow patients to reduce commuting to hospital.
Emotional Intelligence –facial Detection, and skin Response are some examples of affective
computing devices that are capable of recognition, interpretation, and to process and replicate
human feelings.
Research and data analysis – Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to examine data considerably
more quickly. It can aid in the development of predictive models and algorithms for processing
information data and understanding the possible outcomes of various trends and events.
Furthermore, AI's sophisticated computing skills can expedite the processing and analysis of data for
research and development. For instance, this can be applied to databases and cctvs used in law
enforcement to scale back crime and resolving crimes.
2.5 Software Development Life Cycle
SDLC is in essence, the process used to develop systems and software engineering and information
systems.
The stages of software development life cycle:
1) Problem definition – First things first, defining the problem. Understanding where and what
is the problem as well as determining the objective of the new system by planning,
deconstructing, and analysing the system piece by piece.
2) Program design – Framework all details to develop layouts, data language, diagrams, user
and system interfaces, network requirements along with multiple other aspects to complete
a new system.
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3) Coding – In a nutshell giving instructions to the computer in a language that can carry out
specific functions. During this stage, modular and subsystem programming code is to be
completed. Individual modules must be tested before being integrated into the main
project. Each module must be tested before being integrated into the main project, meaning
that this phase is and the next are affiliated.
4) Debugging – The process of removing the “bugs” or errors found while coding, to set the
structure for further phases in development.
5) Testing – As previously mentioned the coding element is tested at different points to find
errors.
6) Documentation – Registering and listing every step of the SDLC process, allowing other
people to apply the process accurately. Its also important for legal reasons regarding
patents, maintenance and upgrading.
7) Maintenance – Ensuring that the software remains fully functional and that nothing goes
wrong. That might imply improving software to deal with new flaws or requirements, which
sometimes takes longer than developing the software.
8) Extension and redesign – If there is room for expansion, this stage enables the extension for
further development of the software, making sure that the software does not become
obsolete and outdated. This last step entails additional design and starting over.
In fact, there are several more SDLC models streamline the development process, each with
different features, that the assigned development team must decide which is best for the project.
Occasionally, a combination of the models may be more ap suitable. Other existing models are for
instance: waterfall model, V-shape model and the incremental model.
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3. Analysis and Discussion
3.1 Waitrose’s software system and software system types
According to (Company history, 2022) Waitrose & partners grocery retail supermarkets has had an
eye for exceptional products since the journey first began in 1904. Since then, improvements over
the decades kept up with the development of internet and technology, meaning that the systems
used in the business hold the latest technology and AI. From management information technology,
to e-commerce, there are many types of system software involved. These are some used by
Waitrose:
POS (point of sale) – Hardware and system software combined, used to take payments and record
transactions. Waitrose’s desktop POS is used by employees to perform transactions, but there are
also Kiosk POS’s available, which allow customers to do their own product scanning and payment.
The POS software used at Waitrose is from Flooid Solutions.
Inventory Management Software – System to analyse and keep track of stock.
Retail Management Software – This system enables the companies management department to
analyse data and conduct accounting, finance and business operations.
E-Commerce Platform – since 2000 Waitrose utilizes software, more specifically in their website, as
an online platform which allow customers to purchase their products
Workforce management – In order to record working hours, payroll and cost control, Waitrose uses
Kronos Intouch software.
3.2 Types of Networking Technologies used in Waitrose
LAN (Local Area Network) - Used in management to control stock through the use of scanners and
also used by customers to scan their own shopping for self -checkout.
VPN (Virtual Personal Network) – Used by management and workers to secure sensitive data while
using the company’s network remotely and also for remote access from employees with things such
as schedules, and training.
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3.4 The importance of Artificial Intelligence in the selected business
As mentioned before AI is present in more ways than one, and at Waitrose the importance of
Artificial intelligence lies in applicabilities such as:
 Automated email responses
 Surveillance
 Filtering unsolicited emails
 Smart devices that adjust according to behaviour
 Intelligent search
 Product recommendation
 Shopping predictions
 Fraud sales and business forecasting
 Security for online purchases
 News feeds
 Automatic web layout change
 AI chat bot agent
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4. Conclusion
In summary, we can come to conclusion that ICT is as important to Waitrose& partners
Supermarkets as it is to any other business. The boom of technology and internet came quickly, and
quickly became indispensable, for productivity, efficiency, speed and functionality. Despite all the
present risks such as cybercrime, profit, privacy violation and hacking, the benefits are bigger. From
software systems that aid in business management, to AI machines that facilitate the response of
emails or even save lives when used for medical care, the benefits surpass the ethical and social
issues and the upcoming improvements are some thing to look forward to.
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5.References
 Uni Assignment Center (2018). Role Of Information Technology In Business
Information Technology Essay. [online] Uniassignment.com. Available at:
https://www.uniassignment.com/essay-samples/information-technology/
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 SearchAppArchitecture. (n.d.). What is Software? Definition, Types and
Examples. [online] Available at:
https://www.techtarget.com/searchapparchitecture/definition/software.
[Accessed 19 March 2022]
 Business Insider. (n.d.). Difference between Application Software and
System Software. [online] Available at:
https://www.businessinsider.in/difference-between-application-software-
and-system-software/articleshow/69523128.cms. [Accessed 20 March
2022]
 Techopedia.com. (2019). What is a Device Driver? - Definition from
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March 2022]
 Learn Computer Science. (2020). What Is System Software? | System
Software Types, Functions Explained. [online] Available at:
https://www.learncomputerscienceonline.com/system-software/.
[Accessed 21 March 2022]
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 Weinstein, J. (2019). What is Coding Used For? A Guide to the Many Uses of
Coding. [online] Career Karma. Available at:
https://careerkarma.com/blog/what-is-coding-used-for/. [Accessed 21
March 2022]
 Lumenlearning.com. (2010). Ethical and Social Issues in Information
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https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-introductiontobusiness/chapter/
ethical-and-social-issues/.
 Oza, H. (n.d.). Importance And Benefits Of Artificial Intelligence | HData
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
 Waitrose.com. (n.d.). Waitrose & Partners. [online] Available at:
https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/content/about-us/company-
information/company-history. [Accessed 20 March 2022]
 Lumenlearning.com. (2010). Ethical and Social Issues in Information
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 Preston, M. (2021). 7 Phases of the System Development Life Cycle Guide.
[online] www.clouddefense.ai. Available at:
https://www.clouddefense.ai/blog/system-development-life-cycle.
[Accessed 19 March 2022]
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 Bourgeois, S. (2016). Network-types. [online] belden.com. Available at:
https://www.belden.com/blogs/network-types. [Accessed 21 March 2022]
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