INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

THE RECORDING AND USE OF INFORMATION BY ELECTRONIC MEANS

ADMINISTRATION DEPT

Routine tasks can be done electronically

Standard letters

Billing and invoicing

Storing and processing data on customers and staff

PERSONNEL (Human Resources Dept)

Staff records can be stored electronically on database packages.

Easy to up-date, to query, relational databases allow all info to be stored but only some accessed at any one time

Security is ensured through hierarchial passwords

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Computer Aided Design – used to research new materials and new product ideas.

Simulations used to monitor the effectiveness of the item in

different situations

FINANCE DEPARMENT

Many firms record all financial information on a spreadsheet.

Accounting packages allow those with limited knowledge to enter data and accounts are created.

What-if scenarios can be entered and the changes to profit calculated

COMMUNICATIONS

Information can be collected, stored, processes and transmitted in a fraction of a second. METHODS INCLUDE

Mobile phones Answer phones E-mail

Fax machines Electronic noticeboards

Paging devices Tele/video conferencing

COMMUNICATIONS 2

Lap top computers – staff do not need to be based in a physical location. Can link to the organisations network and access necessary files, use e-mail, web conferencing.

Time not wasted when travelling

Useful for sales staff, managers, those working from home

COMMUNICATIONS 3

Multi-media communication – organisations can communicate information through a mixture of media. They combine information in the form of text, visual images and audio transmissions.

These packages are often interactive

and are increasingly used in training

as staff can work at their own pace.

COMMUNICATIONS 4

E-MAIL – access to e-mail allows businesses and individuals to communicate with one another via text or images.

Responses may be more immediate, sender can send to groups of people, check if e-mail has been received/opened.

Most web-sites will also have an

e-mail address to allow communication

COMMUNICATIONS 5

THE INTERNET – the number of web sites is increasing dramatically. They can be used for different purposes:

Providing information on the organisationDisplaying product range and stock availabilitySelling products (e-commerce)Gathering/sharing informationProviding research facilitiesAs a portal to other related sites (hyperlinks)

COMMUNICATIONS 7

INTRANET – the internet is not secure and most organisations will set up their own internal network.

•Should cut down on paper•Files can be shared•Messages sent via internal e-mail and web cam•Standard information can be shared and up-dated constantly at little or no cost

PRODUCTION Department

Information on suppliers

Stock records

Ordering system linking with suppliers may be by e-mail

Calculation of costs and break-even points done on spreadsheet

INFORMATION AND SALES

Many businesses have their own website. Government target to increase number using internet for buying and selling.

Many also use the internet to access information on their business competitors

PROBLEMS WITH ICT

Information overload

Managing change

Misuse of new technology

Confidentiality

BENEFITS OF NEW TECHNOLOGY

Increased productivity

Reducing waste

Improving the working environment

Benefits to society

Improvements in communication

Higher incomes

PROBLEMS WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY

COSTLABOUR RELATIONSJOB SKILLSBREAKDOWNSMOTIVATIONMANAGEMENTUNEMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYMENT