ICT in Organisations- Social & Environmental Impact

ICT in Organisations- Social & Environmental Impact

1. Employment

   • As technology evolves some jobs become unnecessary as computers can replace humans.
     • Factory jobs that involved little skill and repetitive work is now done by robots.
     • Harmful jobs can be done by robots, such as spray painting where the fumes can be unhealthy.
     • Old fashioned jobs like filing and typing are replaced by computer systems that are more efficient.
     • Automatic stock control means no one is employed to count items on shelves in supermarkets.
     • Banks can employ less as tasks can be done by automated systems e.g. ATMs
   • ITC has created jobs as people are needed to create and manage IT systems, robots etc
     • Computer Programmer
     • Systems Analyst
     • ICT Technician
     • Designer- hardware, websites, databases

2. Retraining

   • Because ICT is always changing staff must be taught how to use the newest software.
     • ICT skills need to be as up to date as possible which means companies have to offer training to keep their businesses productive.
     • ICT means training can be done online or on CDs which is more practical as staff don't need to travel to a college and can learn at individual pace.
     • Companies can create computed assisted learning (CAL) software for staff to learn the skills they need.

3. Working Practices

   • The way we communicate has changed due to ICT and this has helped make companies more productive.
     • Mobile phones are always on us and means you don't have to be in the workplace to be contacted.
     • Email is a way to instantly send someone a message instead of waiting for it to be manually delivered.
     • Unfinished work can be done at home thanks to laptops and phone software.
     • Supplies and different goods can be ordered online

4. Tele . .

   • Teleworking means more and more people can work at home using the internet, email and fax which allows them to communicate with their workplace.
     • No travel expenses and time is not wasted traveling to work place
     • Hours can be flexible
     • Office space and facilities are not needed so space is saved
     • Social interaction with co-workers is reduced
     • Distractions can mean less work done
     • Management can't check that work is being done
   • Teleconferencing means meetings can be held using the internet and communicating with microphones and video cameras
     • People don't need to travel so expenses and time are saved
     • Meetings can be short notice
     • No matter where in the world you are you can video call
     • Face to face meetings are needed when important decisions have to be made
     • Equipment such as video cameras need to be bought and installed.
     • Sound and picture quality is not always the best- can be jerky and out of synch

5. Economic

   • Companies can expand their businesses overseas
   • Can advertise their company online to a large audience.
   • Profits are increased as they can employ less people but cater to a wider market.