2.1 ICT & its effect in work Flashcards
What is de-skilling?
Some jobs which needed a high level of skill in the past can now be done more easily
Example of de-skilling
print workers today can use DTP software to lay out their work
Advantages of using IT
Better quality products:
. Products made with computers should be of a better quality than before
. Robots don’t get tired so the quality of work is consistent.
. Machines controlled by computer are more reliable than those controlled by humans
. Miniaturisation
Use of Miniaturisation
many electrical items, such as mobile phones and video cameras have become much smaller due to developments in technology.
Effects of e-commerce on businesses
High street stores now find themselves competing with each other for business both on the high street and online
Advantages of selling goods online
. Opens the market to customers nationally and internationally.
. Enables smaller companies to compete with larger companies.
. Reduces in staffing and/or high street stores thereby reducing costs.
. Provides the option to offer 24 hour shopping at minimum additional cost.
Disadvantages of selling goods online
. Stiffer competition- now competing on a global scale rather just in their local community
. Staff reduction- more competition may mean reduction is workers
. Cost of restructuring- moving to e-commerce may not be smooth and may require a lil investment
. Customer concerns- if high stores are closed they may be uncomfortable with doing it online so they may go elsewhere
What is teleworking/telecommuting?
means working from home using modern technology to keep in touch with your business
What do teleworkers require
. a computer with internet access . an email account Maybe also: . a fax machine . a mobile phone . videoconferencing equipment
Advantages for the employer (of a teleworker)
. Office running costs and overheads (rates, electricity, heating, etc) can be reduce
. Travel-related problems may be reduced, eg staff being unable to get into work due to rail or road delays.
. It may tempt better staff to come and work for the company
Disadvantage for the employer (of a teleworker)
Employers need to be able to trust their staff and be prepared to have less direct control over them.
Advantages for the teleworker
. Work in a comfortable environment - their home.
. No commute and no travel costs.
. Work around their family’s needs.
Disadvantages for the teleworker
. Less human interaction - fewer opportunities to meet people, share ideas with, etc.
. More difficult to work as part of a team, especially if they are all office based.
. Greater temptation to spend time on non-work-related activities.
. Difficult to separate personal life from work.
What is video conferencing
means using computers to provide a video-link between two or more people. Instead of just talking to someone by telephone, you are able to see them as well.
Advantages of video conferencing
. Meetings can take place without leaving the office.
. Travel costs and the time taken to travel can be reduced significantly.
. Meetings can be called instantly worldwide with little notice.
. Delegates can still attend meetings even if they are physically unable to.
