INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
HARDWARE
1. MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
• Large computers that process huge amounts of info for a firm quickly
• However, they are expensive and only used by very large organisations.
2. PERSONAL COMPUTERS
• Most common form of hardware.
• Can use a number of software packages.
• Can be linked to other PCs or equipment using a LAN or WAN.
3. INTERNET
• Worldwide system of computers.
• Accessible to millions of people.
• The Web is the most popular use of the Net.
• Can be used to do business. E-COMMERCE
WHY HAVE A COMPANY WEBSITE?
• Can be used to advertise your company to a wide audience.
• Can have an online shop that is open 24/7.
• Can sell to a wider market, opens new markets
• Can do online questionnaires.
• Give potential customers info about firm and products
• Let customers compare products
• Can gather information on your customers.
• Allows customers to email with queries.
4. ELECTRONIC MAIL
• Now replacing the normal mail system for many businesses.
• Can add attachments which can be sent anywhere in the world in an instant.
• Can send one email to various people.
• However, there has been an increase in the number of junk mail or spam.
• Reduces interpersonal skills.
• Only useful if people are trained and use the system.
5. TELETEXT
• Provides useful info for a business but in a read only format.
• Picked up through TV sets.
6. INTERACTIVE VIDEO
• These are used for training purposes.
• Trainee given scenarios/simulations where they have to make responses and see what happens with the choice they made.
• E.g. Flight simulations for pilots Hazard perception tests
7. VIDEO-CONFERENCING
• Used to hold a virtual meeting.
• Means that people who work in different locations or countries do not have to come to one place.
• Saves the firm travel and accommodation costs.
8. FAX
• Used to send an exact copy of a document to another machine.
• Usually very fast and low cost.
• Slowly being replaced by e-mail
9. EPOS
• Stands for ELECTRONIC POINT OF SALE
• Records the purchases made by customers, which can be used to identify trends and help with forward planning.
• Some firms, like Tesco, link the system with their loyalty card to get a customer profile.
SOFTWARE
1. WORD PROCESSING
• Used to produce documents, such as letters and memos.
• Documents can be easily edited and have thesaurus and spell checking facilities.
2. DATABASES
• An electronic filing cabinet used to store records.
• Records can be easily edited and updated.
• Use of mail merge allows standardised letters to be produced, inserting the correct names and addresses.
• In a database it is easy to search and sort info.
• Most database software will also allow you to produce reports to summarise info.
3. SPREADSHEETS
• This allows computers to do calculations by using formulae.
• Can use WHAT IF? This allows a manager to evaluation different courses of action.
• Can also be used to produce charts and graphs. E.g. Sales figures for the last 6 months for easy comparison.
4. DESK TOP PUBLISHING
• Allows users to produce materials, like newsletters and pamphlets, to a professional style.
5. PRESENTATION SOFTWARE
• Make slide show presentations that can be used for training purposes.
6. PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE
• Computerised accessories for the busy manager. Includes:
– Diary– Calender– Notepad– Address Book
ICT IN DECISION MAKING
• ICT greatly helps in the decision making process as it helps to process data into meaningful information.
• ICT gives easy access to a whole load of info that could help a firm make effective decisions.
ICT IN PRODUCTION
• ICT has lead to greater product research, design and testing.
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) helps to design products to a high quality.
• Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) has helped to produce high quality goods quickly, with less waste.
COSTS OF ICT
• Price of hardware and software• Cost of installation and upgrading• Cost of staff training• Loss of efficiency while getting use to system• Errors/glitches in the system = lost work time• Possibility of data loss• Possibility of work being stolen. COMMERICAL
ESPIONAGE/HACKING• Health and Safety concerns.
BENEFITS OF ICT
• Increased speed of info handling and decision making
• Flexibility of integrated systems• Increased efficiency• Enhanced reputation.• May get a competitive edge• Reduction in staff costs• Facilitates home working• Able to relocate to cost effective locations
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