IT Impact on M&S: Ethical, Social, and Networking Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Information Technology (IT) within the context of Marks & Spencer (M&S). It begins with a literature review, emphasizing the crucial role of IT in an organization's success and failure, particularly within the retail sector. The report delves into ethical and social issues associated with IT, such as cyberbullying, internet privacy, identity theft, and hacking, and how M&S addresses these challenges. It then explores different networking technologies like LAN, MAN, and WAN, highlighting their applications within M&S's operations. The importance of both the internet and intranet for communication, research, resource sharing, and customer service is also discussed. The core of the report examines the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), outlining its various stages: system planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance, with specific examples of how M&S applies these stages. Finally, the report outlines the benefits and drawbacks of IT within M&S. The report emphasizes the importance of IT in communication, inventory management, and information flow, while addressing the ethical and social challenges that come with it, and how M&S uses networking technologies and the SDLC to improve its business operations.

Introduction to Information
Technology

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Literature Review............................................................................................................................1
IT within success or failure of organisation................................................................................1
Ethical and social issues..............................................................................................................2
Types of networking technologies...............................................................................................3
Importance of intranet as well as internet....................................................................................3
System development life cycle....................................................................................................4
Benefits and drawbacks of IT within M&S.................................................................................6
Analysis and Discussions................................................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
References........................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Information technology refers to set of tools, methodologies and processes which are
associated with equipments that are employed for collection, processing and presenting
information (Eason, 2014). Basically, it is associated with computing technologies like internet,
software, hardware, networking, etc. It is a broad field that is associated with various aspects of
processing and managing of electronic information within business world in which systems act
as major part within management of data. To have a clear understanding of this concept, Marks
& Spencer has been taken into consideration for illustration of information technology within
their working environment. M&S is a British multinational retailer which deals in sales on food,
home products and clothing. They are making use of e-commerce for distribution of their
products as well as improvise experience of customers. This report comprises of role of IT,
ethical and social issues, networking technologies and importance of intranet as well as internet.
Along with this, stages involved within system development life cycle are also analysed.
Literature Review
IT within success or failure of organisation
Information technology is integral as well as vital part within organisation. With respect
to M&S, role of IT has been explained below:
 Communication among customers, suppliers and employees: Email is the major
source through which communication occurs (Kiran, Oudshoorn and Verbeek, 2015).
Within every organisation it is major source through which communication takes place.
With passage of time, various communication tools have been evolved. Like M&S can
make use of online meeting tools, live chat systems and video-conferencing systems.
 Inventory management systems: M&S is making use of inventory management for
managing demands of their stock without making irrelevant investment by keeping more
stock. By this, they are able to manage quantity of each item along with triggering of
additional stock when quantities are below pre-determined amount. This also aids
organisation to create a closed information loop among all departments.
 Flow of information: It is the major resource within organisation. Information is
transferred by means of centralised data centre from where all the data can be retrieved.
Information within organisation depending upon their requirements (Law, Buhalis and
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Cobanoglu, 2014). An example can be taken in this aspect, like M&S is spread in
different locations and to carry out their operations in an appropriate manner, it is crucial
for them to have a centralised system from which employees can have access to
information by which they can carry out their operations in required manner.
Ethical and social issues
Ethical issues refer to a situation in which requirements of individuals as well as
organisation are taken into consideration for deciding right and wrong. The various issues related
with technology within M&S are illustrated below:
 Cyber bullying: It is defined as aggravation or harassment through electronic medium.
This comprises of victims’ personal information, pejorative labels or hate comments,
threats, posting rumours, sexual remarks and many others (Marchewka, 2014). These
things can harm reputation of M&S but for dealing with these issues they have highly
secured systems.
 Internet privacy: Every click which has been made by individual or organisation can be
tracked. Management of M&S needs to make sure that what is posted by them on social
media, so that their image does not get hampered within market. They need to make sure
that there systems contains firewall as well as anti-virus through which through person
cannot enter into their systems.
Social issues are defined as problems which creates impact on various individuals within
society. They are generally results of factors which have extended beyond control of individuals.
They have been illustrated below:
 Identity theft: In this case, individual uses the identity of legitimate user to carry out
their illegal or fraud activities. Like an individual can call victim by saying that they are
from xyz and you are our premium member so your details are needed to make some
payments or check the transactions which have been made by you. If victim gives the
detail then there might be possibility that the entire amount gets deducted from their
account (Mehlman and Li, 2014). Management of M&S needs to make sure that there
employees is not involved in such kind of activities.
 Hacking: It is defined as unauthorised access to a computer or network. Within this a
third person tries to get access into a system of a victim and if successful then can do
anything. If it is social media then might post anything irrelevant, send annoying
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messages or can do anything. If entered into a system then intruder can get access to
entire detail which is present in it. Therefore it is necessary for IT department of M&S
that security of their system is not breached and employees do not click on any of the
links about which they do not have any knowledge (Neuhofer, Buhalis and Ladkin,
2014).
Types of networking technologies
Network refers to block of two or more devices which can communicate. It consists of
number of computer system which is connected by wireless or physical connections.
Management of M&S use networks for communication between different departments and
different or same organizations via chat rooms, instant messaging, emails, etc. Apart from this
they (Marriott) share storage devices by usage of shared data and information. Network
technologies are elaborated below:
LAN: Local area network is responsible for connecting different devices through which
programs, information and tools can be shared between various workstations as well as
computers. Connections are established by usage of single switches or their stack and addressing
schemes by usage of TCP/IP protocols. As there exist very less systems then this leads to
enhanced data transmission speed (Santoro, 2015). Tesco can make use of LAN for carrying out
interaction within single working premises.
MAN: Metropolitan area network are used for covering large area, which covers a city.
Basically, in this various LAN networks are connected to form a single network either by wired
or wireless medium. Connections can be built up by usage of cables, optical fibre, coaxial cables,
etc. Management of Tesco utilises MAN to carry out interaction with different outlets present
within city.
WAN: Wide area network is spread in larger geographical area; it covers entire world or
country. Connections can be established by telephone lines, satellites and radio waves. But it is
highly expensive and provides high speed (Schwalbe, 2015). Management of Tesco can opt for
WAN network while sharing their resources and information with their outlets which are present
outside specific country.
Importance of intranet as well as internet
Internet is a kind of network which allows people to interact with one other throughout
the world. In this location or time for accessing information are not taken into account. It
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provides various features to an individual like online shopping, carrying out research, doing
financial transactions and there exists many more. With respect to M&S, importance of internet
is illustrated below:
Importance of Internet
 Communication: M&S can have face to face communication via internet through usage
of video call and online conferencing without any hindrance. This will enable them to
formulate their strategies with other outlets (Nieves, Quintana and Osorio, 2014).
 Research: Through internet management can gather information related with their
competitors and new entrants within market. Along with this, the exact information can
be gathered about products which are furnished by them. This will aid then to make
alterations in their services.
Intranet: basically, it is LAN (Local area network) or private network which has been
used by an individual or an organisation for some specific work. This can be utilised for carrying
out internal communication, training and development programmes, online storage of data,
sharing of resources and many more (Pardo and Siemens, 2014).
Importance of Intranet
 Resource sharing: M&S have their own storage space within organisation where they
share events, store them and can also conduct online programmes for their employees by
which skills can be improvised.
 Better customer service: M&S have the details about their customers and the trends in
which they buy products. This assists them to analyse their preferences and produce the
services accordingly. It will assist them to enhance their customer services.
System development life cycle
SDLC refers to process of development of information system. It denotes a detailed
process which needs cautious management, execution and planning. It is a conceptual model
which has been used within management of project, along with this various stages which are
involved in information system development project are found (Sampson and Makela, 2014).
The various stages which are involved in SDLC are illustrated below:
Stage 1: System Planning:
It is the crucial step within creation of successful system as in this IT department within
M&S will identify exactly what is needed through which their sales margins can be enhanced
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and the problems which are faced by an organisation. With respect to this, IT department is
responsible for defining problem, their objectives as well as resources like cost and personnel.
Ability of alternative solution is analysed after addressing the requirements of consultants,
suppliers, employees and their clients (Santoro, 2015). After analysis has been carried out
organisation will have three options like develop a new system, improvise the existing one and
leave it.
Stage 2: System Analysis:
In this requirements of end users must be identified and authenticated with respect to
expectations of system and ways in which they will be carried out. By this feasibility study of
project will be carried out which will be used for determination of whether they are
technologically, socially, economically, organizationally feasible or not. It is crucial for
maintaining strong communication level with clients for making sure that clear vision of product
is attained and their functions also.
Stage 3: System Design
This phase comes when good understanding associated with requirements of customer's
have been developed. This phase defines elements within a system, modules, components,
architectures and various interfaces associated with the same. Along with this type of data which
goes within system is also defined (Schwalbe, 2015). A system design can be carried out by
M&S for identification of system and how it will function along with detailed and expanded
system design is generated which will meet technical as well as functional requirements,
physically and logically.
Stage 4: Implementation and Deployment
This phase comes after completion of understanding of system specification as well as
requirements. It denotes construction process of illustrated design for requested system. In this
coding is done along with configuration and fine tuning for hardware. In this, system must be
installed as well as deployed in premises which are ready for execution (Wang and et. al, 2016).
Stage 5: System testing and integration
By bringing various subsystems and components all together, the entire system can be
incorporated. Along with this systems are introduced with diverse inputs for obtaining and
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analysing their outputs. Behaviour and functions of systems are also analysed. Testing becomes
more important for making sure satisfaction of customer's is attained and it needs no knowledge
with respect to design or hardware configuration and coding (Eason, 2014). Testing can be
carried out by specialised personnel as it is automated and systematic for ensuring that actual
results can be compared and desired outcomes are attained.
Stage 6: System Maintenance
Periodic maintenance for systems can be carried out for making sure that system is not
obsolete and it will consider replacing of old hardware and evaluation of system's performance.
Along with this, latest updates can be carried out with respect to certain components through
which latest technologies as well as standards associated with security and threats can be
attained.
Benefits and drawbacks of IT within M&S
Benefits: Information technology creates an affirmative impact on M&S, it has been elaborated
below:
 IT smoothen the way retail sector executes there services such as comparison among
services offered by them and online bookings (Kiran, Oudshoorn and Verbeek, 2015).
 M&S can conduct their operations and formulate strategies as well as policies with
management of their other outlets through video conferences.
Drawbacks: The drawbacks which M&S can face due to IT are specified below:
 Configuration WAN is very expensive along with this it is complex. Furthermore, high
bandwidth is needed through which transmission of data can be carried out effectively.
 Tools and software which are needed for different operations are expensive. M&S needs
to make lots of investment but if they may opt for cracked version then this might take
them into legal problems.
Analysis and Discussions
Information technology has become vital part of every firm as it makes easier work of
organisation (Law, Buhalis and Cobanoglu, 2014). It is defined as process of utilisation,
development and maintenance of system, software and network for processing & distribution of
data. IT plays an important role within M&S for transmission of information and resources. By
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this an affirmative impact will be created on overall performance of organisation as the ways in
which activities are done will be enhanced. Like by making the products and their services online
, they have increased their shares within market in terms of their customers, profitability and
productivity (Marchewka, 2014).
Utilization of information technology will lead to enhancement of organisation and lead
them to carry out their tasks in effective manner. For managing information management within
Tesco, they make use of management information system. Through this, management will be
able to devise strategies as well as implement them. Furthermore, from this Tesco can make use
of software like Sage 50 for enhancing accuracy of their operations and services (Mehlman and
Li, 2014).
Conclusion
From above mentioned report, it can be concluded that within information technology data
is stored, retrieved and transmitted through usage of computers. Most of the operations are
carried out effectively and accurately if there is no error in input given by humans. Information
can be accessed via internet whenever it is required. Network enables an individual to carry out
interaction with anyone either within or outside the organisation. Along with this, information,
resources such as fax, printers, scanners, etc can be shared. It is responsible for enhancement of
overall operations of organisation. Apart from this, firm can formulate strategies by looking on
what is being offered by their competitors. They can make use TPS (Transaction processing
system) for carrying out their transactions, SQL (Structured query language) for maintaining
their database.
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References
Books & Journals
Eason, K. D., 2014. Information technology and organisational change. CRC Press.
Kiran, A. H., Oudshoorn, N. and Verbeek, P. P., 2015. Beyond checklists: toward an ethical-
constructive technology assessment. Journal of responsible innovation. 2(1). pp.5-19.
Law, R., Buhalis, D. and Cobanoglu, C., 2014. Progress on information and communication
technologies in hospitality and tourism. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality
Management. 26(5). pp.727-750.
Marchewka, J. T., 2014. Information technology project management. John Wiley & Sons.
Mehlman, M. J. and Li, T. Y., 2014. Ethical, legal, social, and policy issues in the use of
genomic technology by the US Military. Journal of Law and the Biosciences. 1(3). pp.244-
280.
Neuhofer, B., Buhalis, D. and Ladkin, A., 2014. A typology of technology‐enhanced tourism
experiences. International Journal of Tourism Research. 16(4). pp.340-350.
Nieves, J., Quintana, A. and Osorio, J., 2014. Knowledge-based resources and innovation in the
hotel industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 38. pp.65-73.
Pardo, A. and Siemens, G., 2014. Ethical and privacy principles for learning analytics. British
Journal of Educational Technology. 45(3) pp.438-450.
Sampson, J. P. and Makela, J. P., 2014. Ethical issues associated with information and
communication technology in counseling and guidance. International Journal for
Educational and Vocational Guidance. 14(1). pp.135-148.
Santoro, G., 2015. Evaluating performance in the hotel industry: An empirical analysis of
Piedmont. Journal of Investment and Management. 4(1-1). pp.17-22.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Wang, D. and et. al, 2016. Assessing hotel-related smartphone apps using online reviews.
Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management. 25(3). pp.291-313.
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