Introduction to Information Literacy 1

M07:Impacts of Information on the Economy and Society

Introduction to Information Literacy 2

Outline Impacts on the economy

The importance of information in the new economy E-commerce, e-government and other e-applications

Electronic Transactions Ordinance Related technologies and applications

Impacts on the society Virtual community, social relationships, computer

addiction, computer ergonomics, green computing

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Factors Contributing to the Important Role of Information Increasing complexity of business

activities due to:International EconomyWorldwide CompetitionShrinking Time FramesSocial Constraints

Hence, the role of information becomes more and more important.

Introduction to Information Literacy 4

Facilitating Technological Capabilities Improved computer capabilities Improved data and telecommunication

capabilities Users’ computer knowledge Availability of computers

Introduction to Information Literacy 5

Major Developments

Based on the nature of transactions, electronic commerce can be briefly classified into:Business to consumer (B2C)Business to business (B2B)Consumer to consumer (C2C)

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B2C E-Commerce

The transactions include retail transactions with individual shoppers.

Examples:www.amazon.com, www.dell.com.hk,

www.parknshop.com.

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B2B E-Commerce

All of the participants in this type of EC are businesses or other organizations.

These transactions include inquires on products, customer, supplier, production, and transportation, as well as billing, invoicing and payment, and are conducted between and among organizations.

Examples are www.Bigboxx.com.hk, www.StaplesLink.com,and www.b2business.net.

Introduction to Information Literacy 8

C2C E-Commerce

In this category, consumers sell directly to other consumers.

Examples include individuals selling residential property, cars, and so on in classified ads (e.g., www.classifieds2000.com).

In addition, the auction sites allow individuals to place items up for auction (e.g. www.ebay.com, yahoo!shopping)

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e-Government

It is the use of IT in general, and e-commerce in particular, to providecitizens and organizations with more

convenient access to government information and services;

delivery of public services to citizens, business partners and suppliers, and those working in the public sector.

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Examples of e-Government

www.ESDLife.com (Hong Kong) www.e-Government.govt.nz (New Zealand) www.Whitehouse.gov (USA) www.eGov.gov.sg (Singapore) www.localegov.gov.uk (UK) www.gov.tw (Taiwan)

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Some Popular e-Applications

Online banking, e.g. www.hsbc.com.hk Online shopping, e.g. www.parknshop.com Online brokerage e.g. www.shkfg.com Online auction e.g. www.ebay.com Music sharing, e.g. www.boxup.com

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Electronic Transactions Ordinance (ETO) in Hong Kong It is an ordinance

to facilitate the use of electronic transactions for commercial and other purposes,

to provide for matters arising from and related to such use,

to enable the Postmaster General of Hong Kong Post to provide the services of a certification authority and to provide for connected purposes.

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Related Technology Applications

Electronic payment methods Short Message Service (SMS) Wireless technology Example of New Telecom Services

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Electronic Payment Methods

Credit card for relatively more expensive itemse.g. The e-shopping Master card issued by

the Hang Seng Bank. PPS Debit cards, e.g. EPS Stored-valued cards, e.g. Octopus

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SMS Short Message Services (SMS) is a facility

for sending short text messages on GSM cell phones.

SMS can also be used to authorize payments in a “Two-factor Authentication” system

Personal Banking

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Wireless Communications

Second Generation (2G) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

(2.5G) Third Generation (3G) Wireless LAN, Bluetooth

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Example of New Telecom Services PCCW’s new generation of fixed-line

services including personal assistant, auto receptionist, and fixed-line SMS

Others, such as home electronics control

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Virtual Community and Social Relationships Virtual community

NewsgroupsDiscussion forumsChatting, such as ICQ, MSN, Yahoo

MessengerOnline games

Social relationshipsFinding your matchMaking friends

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Computer Addiction

A habit so strong that one cannot give it up in online games, online chat, online bulletin board, online surfing, and online pornography etc.

It occurs when these activities consumes one’s entire social life, and is also a growing health problem.

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Computer Ergonomics

It is to incorporate comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of computer and associated equipments in the workplace, to avoid injuries, disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Could you name a few examples of these devices?

Introduction to Information Literacy 21

Green Computing

It involves reducing the electricity and environmental waste while using a computer, which includes:Electricity and paperDisposal of obsolete computers and devices