Digital Skills and Research Report: Impact of Tech and Social Media

This report delves into the significance of modern technologies in contemporary work practices, emphasizing their impact on effectiveness and productivity. It explores two key technologies: cloud storage, analyzing its benefits, issues, and comparing providers like Google Drive and OneDrive; and tablets, examining their role in enhancing workplace efficiency and communication. The report also investigates the role of social media, particularly Facebook, in various business aspects, including marketing functions, information gathering, and communication. Using the example of Sainsbury's, the report illustrates how businesses can leverage Facebook for brand promotion, customer engagement, market research, and operational communications. The analysis highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements to achieve growth objectives and improve customer relationships. The report also emphasizes the need for data security and the strategic selection of technology solutions based on specific business requirements. This report provides a comprehensive overview of how digital skills and technology are transforming modern business operations and how they are used in the real world.

DIGITAL SKILLS AND
RESEARCH

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Effectiveness of using modern technologies ...................................................................................1
Technology 1: Cloud storage .....................................................................................................1
Technology 2: Tablet .................................................................................................................2
Role of social media tools in various aspects .................................................................................3
Marketing functions by using Facebook ....................................................................................3
Use of Facebook to gather information ......................................................................................4
Facebook as a communication tool ............................................................................................5
Evidences of my presence on social networking tools ...................................................................6
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
The use of modern technology has brought significant changes in the workplace practices
as well as the personal experiences of individuals. Social media and other technical
advancements in information technology has made it possible for people to explore the skills and
knowledge without restricting to any subject or geographical boundary. The modern technologies
including social media has improved the methods of business practices associated with
marketing and customer management (Ngai, Tao and Moon, 2015). The report will analyse the
significance of modern technologies in work practices and their impact on effectiveness and
productivity of the outcomes. It will also evaluate the role of social media in enhancing
communication, information gathering and marketing objectives of business organisations.
Effectiveness of using modern technologies
The workplace operations can be made effective and less time consuming with the help
of several technologies. The use of these technologies enhances productivity and efficiency by
simplifying the processes. Some key technologies which can be used at workplace are as
follows:
Technology 1: Cloud storage
This technology enables business organisation or work groups to store and manage the
huge amount of operational data assets on internet with the help of cloud computing. Within a
short instant of time the data can be accessed, shared and stored. Thus, the workplaces can
eliminate the complex task of maintaining a separate infrastructure for data management.
Benefits and issues: This technology is highly beneficial in terms of cost because with cloud
storage organisations does not required to buy a separate hardware and software for information
management (Ramanathan, Subramanian and Parrott, 2017). Thus, the data stored through this
technology is durable and secure. However, it can be challenging for the workplaces to actively
deal with the security vulnerabilities associated with the cloud storage.
Comparison between different providers of cloud storage: Two of the most popular and
efficient cloud service providers are Google drive and Microsoft one drive. Different
organisations can use their features as per their requirements. For instance if it is required at
work place that cloud data can be delivered in the form of video tutorials and is also supportable
with phone applications in such case one drive can be better solution for the workplace because
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google drive does not provide these features (Best of The Big Three: Dropbox vs Google Drive vs
Onedrive, 2018). However, if there is need of role based approvals for executing tasks then this
feature is not provided by One drive. In such cases the Google drive is preferred. There are
certain features which are provided by both the cloud applications such as remote access, access
control mechanism and document storage which is not provided by other service providers of the
cloud services.
Recommendations: In order to extract the optimum benefits of cloud storage technique it is
essential that the cloud computing must provide features which are in alignment with the
business objectives of the organisation. For instance for the organisation which provide services
globally web conferences and online office applications can are highly recommended while for
the small industries the web based email services may be sufficient in terms of cost and
productivity (Habibi, Laroche and Richard, 2014).
Technology 2: Tablet
Another technology which has brought revolutionary changes in the workplace practices
is use of Tablet. These portable computing devices allow users to perform their work at any
place and at any instant. They eliminate the need of carrying bulky devices from one place to
another. The tablets can simply carried in hands due to their small size and light weights. The use
of smart technologies and touch screen features have even made their use more exciting and
useful. At workplaces it is possible for the staff members to communicate with their clients or
investors through video conferences and to manage their data by using the online applications
related to office. The customers can also interact with the organisation by using the cloud
services which are supported by this technology.
Analysis of technology:
The technology is highly profitable from the business perspective. On just a single touch
the service providers can reach to their target audience. The portable and multifunctional nature
of the Tablets have made them an integral part of the business processes (Lee, Hutton and Shu,
2015). With the increasing dependency of technology it has become vital for the users to protect
their data from unauthorised access. The unsafe and careless use of technology can also lead to
financial losses and loss of valuable information assets. Thus, the software applications of Tablet
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must be updated and secured by using strong effective tools such as antivirus applications or
password protection.
Comparing service providers: The size and storage capacities of different tablets are often
considered as the matter of concern for many users at workplace. Some users who do not find it
easy to use touchscreen for their rapid and regular business operations some tablets are provided
with foldable keyboards. On the other hand service providers such as Apple and Motorol
provides touchscreen features. With tablets it may be difficult for the users to use services such
as email or typing documents. In such cases the service providers such as Microsoft and Dell
provides other alternative options which balances between size, portability and functionality.
Recommendations:
It is suggested that the use of these portable devices can make the business processes
faster and efficient (Agnihotri and et.al., 2016). In order to increase the profitability and
advanced features of the Tablet the organisation can use devices which have attributes such as
which can work on Wi-Fi along with the option to SIM enabled tablet and price effectiveness.
Role of social media tools in various aspects
The business organisations are exploring growth and expansion opportunities by using
social media tools. These advanced technologies such as Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn are
used by the organisations to analyse the behaviour and choices of their customers as well as to
promote their services and products on these social platform. The social networking tools
provides dual benefits to the companies (Ngai, Tao and Moon, 2015). At first they can achieve
marketing objectives by addressing to huge number of customers at low cost and secondly they
can always interact with customers so that customized services can be provided.
The following case example of Sainsbury demonstrates the use of Facebook by
organisation in achieving its growth objectives. Sainsbury is considered as one of the largest and
the most successful chain of supermarket and has established a strong brand presence among
customers through its quality services and social media presence.
Marketing functions by using Facebook
Facebook is widely used by Sainsbury to promote its services among people by regular
interaction and attractive marketing strategies. The organisation has its own Facebook page on
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which it posts various events. For instance the launch of new products, achievements and
business related decisions like mergers or acquisitions are announced on these Facebook pages.
The consumers can get direct update regarding the success and achievements of company. To
sustain the strong brand image of company and to enhance the number of followers Sainsbury
also conduct entertaining competitions which gains the attention of people. (Lee, Hutton and
Shu, 2015) When such huge number of followers likes or react on the company's official
Facebook account then new visitors are also attracted towards the brand and show their interest
in buying products from the company.
The attractive discount offers, profitable offerings during festive seasons or special
occasion promote the services of Sainsbury at very low cost. By using this social networking tool
the organisation also conducts market research which helps it to develop new products and
innovations in its services. For instance by analysing the comments and choices of consumers
and target audience Sainsbury can evaluate that in a particular region which products are in great
demand and what people expect from the company.
When followers on Facebook likes or demands any products which are delivered at home
then organisation can also introduce this idea to initiate home delivery services. Thus, the
response of people towards the organisational activities of Sainsbury help to analyse the
popularity of company among people. The analysis serves as an essential factor in assuring
success of the company as it helps Sainsbury to develop strategies as per the need of people and
the latest trends in business and customer's choice.
Use of Facebook to gather information
Most of the people and organisations are using Facebook for entertainment, networking
and business objectives. Thus, Sainsbury can also use this social networking site for collecting
valuable information asset which can help company to enhance its productivity and innovations
in its services. The organisation can monitor the events and activities of its competitive
organisations which is an essential strategy to ensure the success in business (Ngai, Tao and
Moon, 2015). The popular trends which affects the purchasing decision of customers and their
feedbacks can also be collected from the social networking sites.
There are instances when customers are not satisfied with the services and due to lack of
communication staff members fails to provide suitable assistance to such consumers. As a result
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they may express their anger on social networking sites so that the attention of concerned
authorities can be drawn. Through such interaction on Facebook Sainsbury can collect the
information which describes the quality of its offerings and how people perceive the
organisation. The innovations are the key to maintain the continuity of success.
The information exchanged on this social platform also contain various stakeholders of
the company as well as the creative individuals who share innovative processes or methods of
marketing and operational activities. Sainsbury can use that information for improving its work
efficiency. The records and details of customers who regularly appreciate the actions of company
can also be identified by using Facebook. The information of such loyal groups or customers can
be used by company to provide loyalty benefits (Lee, Hutton and Shu, 2015). This is one of the
most effective way to appreciate the positive response of people and to encourage them so that
they can regularly provide their support in marketing and promotion of the company.
Facebook as a communication tool
With the rapidly changing technologies the communication tools have also been changing
in the society. The mouth publicity has been transformed into likes, comments and shares on
Facebook. The popularity of this socialising app has been increased to an extent that people
favour the product or organisation which has good number of followers and active participation
on this networking tool. The service users of Sainsbury can interact organisation via Facebook. It
may not be possible for the people to visit every time to store and to contact management
authorities for giving them suggestions or feedback.
However, the organisation can ask its followers or visitors to provide their valuable
suggestions and complains as well (Fuchs, 2017). It will help company to work on areas which
can enhance its performance. The customers can also communicate with the company just to
know the policies and vision of the organisation. The quick response through this tool will
promote Sainsbury as quick in services. The regular interaction between company and people
will also create an emotional and social bonding which is beneficial for long lasting support to
business relations.
The company can also use Facebook for communications associated with the operational
processes. For example for making recruitments the organisation can also perform screening
tests by analysing the Facebook profile of the candidate. It will help company to communicate
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with the candidate with more clarity. By using the Facebook the organisation can communicate
its ideas and strategies to people without spending higher amount of investment cost (Zolkepli
and Kamarulzaman, 2015). The communication via social media tool is also capable to convey
the message to large number of audience without any need of approaching every individual
personally.
Evidences of my presence on social networking tools
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CONCLUSION
From the report it can be concluded that as the per development scenario it is essential for
individuals and business groups to explore the benefits and opportunities provided by social
media tools and other modern technologies. Thus, it can also be concluded that the use of social
media can enhance the skills and knowledge and provide exposure to regular development
opportunities. Thus, these tools must be used appropriately and effectively.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Agnihotri, R., Dingus, R., and et.al., 2016. Social media: Influencing customer satisfaction in
B2B sales.Industrial Marketing Management, 53, pp.172-180.
Fuchs, C., 2017. Social media: A critical introduction. Sage.
Habibi, M.R., Laroche, M. and Richard, M.O., 2014. The roles of brand community and
community engagement in building brand trust on social media. Computers in Human
Behavior,37, pp.152-161.
Lee, L.F., Hutton, A.P. and Shu, S., 2015. The role of social media in the capital market:
Evidence from consumer product recalls. Journal of Accounting Research, 53(2), pp.367-
404.
Ngai, E.W., Tao, S.S. and Moon, K.K., 2015. Social media research: Theories, constructs, and
conceptual frameworks.International Journal of Information Management, 35(1), pp.33-
44.
Ramanathan, U., Subramanian, N. and Parrott, G., 2017. Role of social media in retail network
operations and marketing to enhance customer satisfaction. International Journal of
Operations & Production Management, 37(1), pp.105-123.
Zolkepli, I.A. and Kamarulzaman, Y., 2015. Social media adoption: The role of media needs and
innovation characteristics. Computers in Human Behavior, 43, pp.189-209.
Online
Best of The Big Three: Dropbox vs Google Drive vs Onedrive, 2018 [Online] Accessed through
<https://www.cloudwards.net/dropbox-vs-google-drive-vs-onedrive/>
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