Unit 04 – Impact of the Use of IT on Business Systems p1,p2,m1,d1

Part 1 of the assignment is research based to show the benefits, reasons and the impact of various IT developments could have on the Full of Beans business, you will not make a final specific proposal for Full of Beans until Part 3. Using independent research undertake the following:- P1 Create a report structure (Introduction, Table of Contents, Page Numbers and Bibliography). You need to thoroughly research technology advancements within the last 3 years and explain the beneficial reasons for Full of Beans of upgrading their IT. Hardware developments e.g. increasing power, increasing capacity and sophistication of computer platforms, increasing sophistication of communication technologies. Software developments e.g. increased sophistication and integration of application software; specialised support software e.g. management information systems, expert systems, security software; e-commerce. M1 Continue the Report and write reasoned explanations of why Full of Beans feel change is necessary/keeping pace with IT developments; such as external pressures e.g. complying with/changing of regulatory and legal frameworks (such as web compliance), keeping up with competitors; enhanced business opportunities (benefits) e.g. increasing globalisation, potential for outsourcing, improving customer service (means keeping current customers and attracting new ones P2 Continue the Report and explain the impact that the IT changes will have for Full of Beans such as cost; impact on procedures; impact on staff e.g. upskilling/training, dealing with redundancies, balancing core employees with contractors and outsourced staff, enabling home and remote working, dealing with impact of regular restructuring on staff; integration of legacy systems; security; legal requirements e.g. data protection and copyright related to the business with regard to patents and design. D1 Conclude the Report by evaluating the impact of the IT development (benefits of the changes when weighed against the risks of the changes) for Full of Beans. Benefits - Below are some ideas for benefits of the changes, explain how …. • Better staff satisfaction and production (new machines and supporting software) • Better overall management (managers can monitors activities; track orders online; access customers, staff, suppliers, etc. online) • Better data management (trough having a database) • Better financial system (specialised software) • Better ordering system (specialised software) • Better communication internally and with external entities • Increased globalisation • Improved customer service • Improved profit • Possible business growth Risks - Below are some ideas for risks of the changes, explain how …. • Staff accepting/rejecting change • Complexity of staff training • Manage the change process • Creeping expenses • The transition period • Website project, success/failure Conclusion Close the report with a Conclusion in light of the benefits and the risks identified.