IT in Retail: Marks & Spencer Case Study - Foundation Year Report

This report examines the role of Information Technology (IT) in the retail business, specifically focusing on Marks & Spencer. It covers the classification of computers, the impact of IT (both positive and negative), ethical and social issues related to IT, and the growth and importance of the internet and intranet within the business context. The analysis includes how different types of computers are used, the advantages and challenges of IT implementation, and the significance of internet and intranet for Marks & Spencer's operations, decision-making, and customer engagement. The report concludes by highlighting the crucial role of IT in modern retail and the need to address ethical and social concerns.

Introduction to Information
Technology (Marks and Spencer)
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used from the published or unpublished works of other people.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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Abstract
It will be observed that how IT plays an important role in the retail business and
through that how it will serve the business and the company for making it successful. The
report will also analyze the ethical and social constraints which will affect the retail business
and the company on large basis.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................4
2. Literature Review...................................................................................................................4
2.1Classification of Computers..................................................................................................4
2.2 Impact of IT......................................................................................................................5
2.3Ethics and Social Issues of IT...........................................................................................6
2.4 Growth and importance of Intranet and Internet..............................................................7
3. Analysis and Discussion........................................................................................................8
3.1 Different types of computers that are being used in selected business............................8
3.2 Impact of IT with advantages and challenges..................................................................9
3.3 Ethics and social issues of IT in selected business...........................................................9
3.4 Internet and Intranet in a business..................................................................................10
4. Conclusion...........................................................................................................................10
5. References............................................................................................................................12
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1. Introduction
Information Technology is the process of studying the systems for retrieving, storing
and sending information or the data (Li and et.al., 2019). Marks and Spencer is a major
British multinational retailer which specialises in selling clothes, food products and home
products in its own label.
The report will analyse classification of computers will help in knowing what are the
main computer sources which have changed over the technological advancements and are
serving the users best of the services. Along with this, impact of Information Technology will
help in assisting with the fact that what are the positive and negative aspects which the
technology can serve its users and the business. Further, ethics and social issues in IT will be
identified which will help in serving the best of the knowledge about IT and how will it
rectifies the issues that have been arising. Growth and importance of internet and intranet will
help in making realise that they serve the best of what is not available without them and
through these two sources Marks and Spencer would not be able to function. Along with this,
advantages and challenges of IT will be discussed which help in making the point will clear
that there are both positive and negative aspects for the utilization of IT in the company and
the business.
2. Literature Review
2.1Classification of Computers
According to Safonova and et.al., (2018), Computers play an important part in the lives of
people. The technology has evolved since years but the work which is being done through
computers is completed effectively and efficiently through it only. Computers are the key
source which has helped people in making their work easy and has developed scales through
which there accuracy in the work is being achieved. Computers can be broadly classified by
their speed and computing power. These are as follows –
 Personal Computers (PC) – Personal computers are also known as micro computers
which are small in size and are designed for an individual user. They are based on the
technology which is microprocessor which enables the manufacturers to put the CPU
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in one chip. PC’s are designed for linking together different networks in usage of
businesses and in general.
 Workstation – This is the type of computer which uses engineering applications such
as (CAD/CAM), software development, desktop publishing and other types of
moderate amount of applications in computing power. Common operating systems for
workstations are – Windows NT and UNIX. Workstations have high resolution screen
for viewing the graphics and image, having and inbuilt RAM and a Graphical User
Interface.
 Minicomputer – This type of computer supports 250 users through its multi-
processing system. It helps in analysing the functions and the software systems which
are being conducted through minicomputer. The best benefit which it provides is that
it is easy to carry and does not require much of the wirings. This helps in making
work more effective and efficient.
 Mainframe – This classified computer is very large in size and enables in supporting
hundreds and thousands of users at same time. Mainframe enables the functioning and
execution of programs while executing them at large scale of operation patterns. This
helps in making the work easier and effective and the process become easy and quick
to be performed effectively.
 Supercomputer - These types of computers are known as the fastest computers
which are being working currently and will be in near future. As these computers are
very expensive in nature therefore, they are utilized for working as specialized
applications that initiates immense amount of mathematical calculations. For example
- fluid dynamic calculations, analysis of geological data etc.
2.2 Impact of IT
As per the Bocij and et.al., (2018), Information Technology is defined as use of
computers to transmit, manipulate, retrieve and store data or information. IT is an important
part of communication process in the business which makes it easier in functioning of the
processes which are considered as important. The operations of business are initiated and
worked through information technology systems on a greater level. IT helps in increasing the
productivity of operations which are to be worked upon. IT has impacted largely the retail
business which has made the process of link between the retailers and suppliers efficient. The
positive part through which IT has made retailing business successful is that it has reached
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through large customers by providing the services and products to be made deliver to them
through payments and have also made effective and efficient 24 hour delivery systems
affordable. Therefore, IT has impacted retail business on a positive note and they have made
process of serving the customers online services and products through easier modes of
platforms. Along with this the changes in technology has made the operational systems in
retail business quicker and effective.
According to Luftman and et.al., (2017), On the contrary, Information Technology
has its negative impacts which has resulted in making retail business less workable. The main
issues which arise through IT functioning are issues of technology which includes credit
management, security etc. With all new technology in the retail business, as some of retail
businesses work on online platforms therefore there is risk of the transaction while
performing online retail business. The consumers find it difficult to trust process of
technology which has adopted various changes in the business and has established work to be
processed on more difficult grounds. The strategies of the retail business have created
implications and difficulties for customers and have made them engage towards what they
have been not looking for in an inappropriate way. Some of security systems fail to serve
customers in the retail business. Therefore, IT also serves these negative impacts which
influences the functioning and process of changing technology for somehow better but
critical situations. Retail business should change the patterns where there are difficulties
which occur in business and does not help company in serving best of what they can achieve.
2.3Ethics and Social Issues of IT
As per the MUDASSIR KHAN (2017), Using technology is not as easy as it seems.
There are various difficulties which are seen as the paths which do not lead anywhere. In the
usage of technology, there are some ethical and social issues which occur. One of the main
ethical and social issues which occur while making the use of IT is personal privacy. To
access the services of technology, the people and retail businesses should create their own
software’s operating tools and hardware’s. As big retailers have to distribute networks on a
large scale therefore, it is the main concern for those retailers to ensure that the technology is
being utilized at its full potential on a positive note and this makes the people trust more on
the updated versions of technology. The data transfer can lead to disclosure of important
information of the individuals which may affect their privacy of data and disclose their
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information through the technological ways. Illegal copy of software is being made which
leads to piracy and this has created another ethical and social issue which is associated with
technology. Through this illegal activity people are caught in the act of making the same copy
of the function and the important information that is being made. This piracy process is being
increased day by day and has resulted in many other problems which is being faced by
people. Courts have been considering this problem as major source through which
information is being leaked and is creating ways of improving or changing the software’s
through which such malpractices is being done. Overall, it can be now said that there are
various problems which are being associated with technology and has made the process of
sharing of information more difficult in such modern times. Therefore, while sharing such
information on any large scale, it should be seen that the technology through which work is
being performed serves more benefits rather than losses. Any technological changes which is
happening does not mean that it will serve best the people rather the negative and its downfall
measures should also be considered for protecting the data and making the information
private. Thus, these ethical and social issues of technology should be considered important
and pondered upon.
2.4 Growth and importance of Intranet and Internet
According to Khurana (2018), Internet and intranet play crucial role in the day to day
life. Technology has provided the user with all the proper facilities of internet. Internet has
changed the lives of many people and this has also changed the process in the business.
Through internet the efficiency of the business is also increased. Furthermore, intranet is an
important part of the human life. It helps in making the process of sharing the data and
information to the other people. This engages in making the communication fast of people
through the services which intranet offers to general public. The usage of internet and intranet
helps in making the individual work upon the changes which makes it easier for them to
access through different processes which are being made functional through the internet
processes. Internet and intranet are an important source through which individuals and people
are inclined more towards. Online services are served through the internet which makes most
of the works of the individuals easier and makes them travel less to each and every place.
With the help of intranet stakeholders are able to take decisions regarding the strategies
which are framed for the purpose of effective interaction in the company and among the staff
members. Intranet is also used in knowledge management which helps in delivering the best
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of the knowledge of technology. The use of e-mails and chat bots engages in making the
business more effortless and easier. Thus, information is shared quickly via intranet and
internet which increases efficiency and productivity of the work been done. Internet also
plays vital role in business. It helps in making the decisions faster and working of the
business procedure are done quicker in no time. The retail business is able to engage large
customer base which makes the business run successfully. The operations of the retail
business helps the company in making the procedures through technology reach as faster to
the customers as it functions in the company itself. Through the services of internet, the
company is able to gather the data in the market, analyse the data and make specific decisions
which helps in growth and development of company and the business. Therefore, internet and
intranet are helpful for future perspective also.
3. Analysis and Discussion
3.1 Different types of computers that are being used in selected business
It is analysed by studying the different types of computers that each generation
computer has served the best of what the users required. Technology has helped in making
the work and the process of company better and with up gradation in the technology, the
ways and the process of operations have become easier. It is also analysed that through
Personal Computer’s (PC’s), workstation, minicomputer, mainframe, supercomputer
technology has changed the ways of the operations of these computers and the devices which
have been linked to it (Guri and et.al., 2017). As computers have served in making the work
easier through these systems, it was also viewed that different computers offer different
services which have upgraded to the changes and requirements in technology by users. These
services are being fully utilised as an important aspect which has helped the users make their
businesses and work easier and effective. Marks and Spencer focuses on PC’s and mainframe
computers more as they provide the functioning of both working as an individual and
working along with hundreds and thousands of users. Marks and Spencer seeks growth in
upcoming years or near future to make the business and the technological aspects more
efficient and effective. Therefore, through this discussion it is analysed that PC’s and
mainframe computers are being used effectively in Marks and Spencer to make business run
with more growth and development.
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3.2 Impact of IT with advantages and challenges
IT has impacted people and business at large scale. The changes in the technology
have lead to many effective developments which are being seen since the past years till now
and forwarded till future. It is analysed that technology has served both the positive and
negative aspects to the users and in the business. It has made the process also easier but has
created more theft of information and data through online sources. Advantages of IT which
has served to the users is breaches in security, made communication better, expenses of
implementation and expenses have become null, safeguards and stores information, remotes
access and telecommunicating process made easier (Stepnov, 2021). Through these
advantages IT has made the progressive efforts for the users to make them aware of the
changes and the development which have been made. The challenges which are seen in the IT
are cyber security or safety of the data and information, accessibility issues which arise,
difficulties in integrating the system, cost reduction methods. These are some challenges and
advantages which are faced by the users in Information Technology. And through this
discussion, it is analysed that there are positive and negative aspects which are to be
considered for the betterment of future and for the growth and development in the business
areas. Thus, IT has great impact on business and the lives of individuals.
3.3 Ethics and social issues of IT in selected business
With regard to the ethical and social issues related to information technology it is said
that the issues which have been discussed earlier like the privacy, piracy and unauthorised
access of the users, it becomes difficult for Marks and Spencer to makes their information
and data private. One of main ethical and social issues which arise is loss of property which
affects the retail business (Mantelero, 2018). Marks and Spencer is also affected by ethical
and social issues which creates difficulties in the business. There are different factors which
affect the retail business of company and through this, the technology which should be
helpful enough in making the processes easier serves as most difficult procedure. Marks and
Spencer can restrict outsiders from suing professional and personal data stored to them. So, it
can be analysed through this discussion that if the company uses proper privacy techniques
then the data and information will not be leaked and on the other hand the company will be
able to safeguard their policies and protocols. Along with this, patent and copyright are also
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the ethical issues which arise and are associated to IT to an extent. There is some legislation
which should be followed which is being served for the copyright. These legislations should
be followed by company and should be analysed for better future implications of working of
the business.
3.4 Internet and Intranet in a business
It is being discussed and analysed that by using internet business is able to gain large
knowledge and information about what is to be done in the near future. Also, by analysing the
present status if the company, the business helps it in making full benefits of how and what
are the key sources through internet which can make the business achieve heights and grow
on progressive scale (Horn, 2018). Internet has also helped in increasing the efficiency and
productivity in the business which Marks and Spencer is doing online through the official
website and through other digital platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
etc. In addition to this, it is also analysed that intranet has also helped in making the
processing and procedures of retail business faster and effective. The sharing of information
and data is being done within no less than time through it. Therefore, it becomes easy for the
company to access the data and information quickly and efficiently. The decisions of how to
grow and communicate in the business has also become easier through intranet and internet
services. Therefore, after this discussion it is analyzed that internet and intranet is of great
help in the retail business and is beneficial for Marks and Spencer as well. Also, by serving
customers best of company’s services they are able to engage effectively in it.
4. Conclusion
Thus, it is concluded from the above report that classification of computers helped in
knowing what are the main computer sources which have changed over the technological
advancements and are serving the users best of the services. Along with this, impact of
Information Technology helped in assisting with the fact that what are the positive and
negative aspects which the technology can serve its users and the business. Further, ethics
and social issues in IT were identified which helped in serving the best of the knowledge
about IT and how will it rectify the issues that have been arising. Growth and importance of
internet and intranet also helped in making realise that they serve the best of what is not
available without them and through these two sources Marks and Spencer would not be able
to function. Along with this, advantages and challenges of IT were discussed which helped in
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making the point clear that there are both positive and negative aspects for the utilization of
IT in the company and the business.
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5. References
Books and Journals
Bocij, P., and et.al., 2018. Business information systems: Technology, development and
management for the modern business. Pearson.
Guri, M. and et.al., 2017, July. LED-it-GO: Leaking (a lot of) Data from Air-Gapped
Computers via the (small) Hard Drive LED. In International conference on detection of
intrusions and malware, and vulnerability assessment (pp. 161-184). Springer, Cham.
Horn, T., 2018. Internet-Intranet-Extranet: Potentiale im Unternehmen. Walter de Gruyter
GmbH & Co KG.
Khurana, A., 2018. Role of Web Engineering in the growth of the Internet. In Papers of
Canadian International Conference on Advances in Education, Teaching &
Technology 2018 (p. 136).
Li, T.C. and et.al., 2019. Dynamic information technology capability: Concept definition and
framework development. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems.28(4).p.101575.
Luftman, J. and et.al., 2017. Enhancing the measurement of information technology (IT)
business alignment and its influence on company performance. Journal of Information
Technology.32(1).pp.26-46.
Mantelero, A., 2018. AI and Big Data: A blueprint for a human rights, social and ethical
impact assessment. Computer Law & Security Review.34(4).pp.754-772.
MUDASSIR KHAN, M.A., 2017. Cyber Security and Ethics on Social Media. Journal of
Modern Developments in Applied Engineering & Technology Research.1(2).pp.51-58.
Safonova, I.E. and et.al., 2018. TRAINING PROGRAM ON METHODS OF
PRESENTATION OF DATA IN VARIOUS TYPES OF COMPUTERS. Information
Innovative Technologies.(1).pp.101-106.
Stepnov, I., 2021. Advantages and Challenges of Digital Technology. In Technology and
Business Strategy (pp. 295-308). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
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