5. The effects of using IT Flashcards
Not enough coverage for this chapter
1
Q
Why do businesses use ICT?
A
Speed
Convenience
Volume
Less paperwork
Less workers
Connectivity
2
Q
What are the effects of ICT on jobs?
A
Fewer workers need to achieve the same amount of work.
Automation in factories (robots doing the work of people)
Increased need for highly trained ICT specialists
Decreased need for ‘labor intensive’ workers
Need for workers to be trained more frequently
Fewer face-to-face meetings as video conferences can be held over the Internet (reduced time and cost)
3
Q
What are the jobs gained due to ICT?
A
Network managers / technicians
Web design
Systems analyst
Programmers
Computer engineers
4
Q
What are the jobs lost due to ICT?
A
Manual repetitive jobs (manufacturing, spraying, packing and assembling)
Shop work - online shopping
Bank cashiers - ATMs
Office work
Telephone exchange
Library work - e-books
5
Q
Part-time working
A
working in shifts but remain on call while off duty and during annual leave.
6
Q
Flexible hours
A
a way of working that suits an employee’s needs
7
Q
Job sharing
A
a type of flexible work arrangement in which two people work part-time schedules to complete the work one person could do in a single full-time job.
8
Q
Compressed hours
A
alternate work arrangement where a standard workweek is reduced to fewer than five days, and employees make up the full number of hours per-week by working longer hours.
9
Q
What are ‘microprocessors’?
A
a tiny CPU built onto a single chip. They are put into electronic devices to control how they function.
10
Q
Examples of microprocessors
A
Washing machine - microprocessors control water temp, valves to let water in, pumps to let water out.
Heating systems - microprocessors control time when the heating is switched on / off, keeping a constant temp.
11
Q
Positive effects of microprocessors
A
Working on the move - allow us to work on the move which means we get to enjoy more free time.
Increased leisure time - task is completed without you actually being there.
Increased fitness - less amount of time to complete everyday tasks -> more free time
Online shopping - goods can be ordered over the Internet and delivered to your door.
Teleworking (working from home)
Entertainment
Research
Online banking
12
Q
Negative effects of microprocessors
A
More time spent gaming
Lack of fitness - devices do most of the work for us
Social-isolation - don’t meet people face-to-face as much.
13
Q
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
A
Causes painful swelling of the wrist and fingers
Caused by doing the same small movements over and over again across a long period of time.
14
Q
Back and neck problems
A
Causes great pain and affects quality of your life
Poor posture
15
Q
Causes of back and neck problems
A
Working in a cramped workspace
Not sitting upright in your chair
Incorrect positioning of the computer screen
16
Q
Eye strain and headaches
A
Causes vision to blur
17
Q
Causes of eye strain and headaches
A
Staring at a computer screen for a long time
Working in a room with bad lighting
Dirt on the screen
Computer screens with glares or flickers.
18
Q
RSI stands for…
A
Repetitive Strain Injury
19
Q
RSI is a range of…
A
conditions affecting muscles and joints in the neck, wrists and hands
20
Q
RSI occurs when…
A
the same groups of muscles perform the same actions repeatedly
21
Q
To minimise RSI, take…
A
regular breaks
22
Q
To minimise RSI, use an…
A
ergonomic keyboard and mouse
23
Q
To minimise RSI, use a keyboard that has…
A
wrist rests
24
Q
Eyestrain is caused by…
A
overexposure to bright screens
25
Eyestrain causes…
headaches and blurred vision
26
To minimise eyestrain, use an…
anti-glare screen
27
anti-glare screen
Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radiation
28
Exposure to ELF radiation from monitors for extended periods of time can lead to…
illness
29
To minimise the risk of ELF radiation from monitors, ….
take regular breaks
30
A safety hazard in the workplace is high temperatures, which…
cause computers to overheat
31
A safety hazard in the workplace is the build up of…
electrostatic charge on carpets
32
A safety hazard in the workplace is drinking…
near computers
33
CAL stands for…
Computer Assisted Learning
34
CAL allows a topic to be delivered in a…
multimedia environment
35
The advantage of CAL is that it suits pupils to their own…
learning style
36
An advantage of CAL for teachers is that it allows teachers to…
monitor student progress
37
Video conferencing is helpful in education because it allows…
absent students to take part in a lesson
38
VLE stands for…
Virtual Learning Environment
39
A VLE allows teachers to…
1. monitor student progress
2. track student attendance
40
A VLE allows teachers to upload…
worksheets or other educational media for the whole class
41
Schools use intranets, which allow…
communication between teachers and students via email
42
Intranets facilitate learning…
outside the classroom
43
The purpose of filters is to…
restrict content that is inappropriate within a school environment (e.g. Social media websites)
44
The impact of ICT on employment is that it has meant that ….. is required to use specific software and equipment
increased training
45
ICT has also …. as a result of computer-controlled robots
made jobs redundant
46
Give an example where jobs have been made redundant by computer controlled robots.
Paint spraying of cars
47
ICT has made new jobs in…
1. software engineering
2. web design
48
Teleworking is the…
use of ICT to work from home
49
An advantage of teleworking to the employee is that it saves…
travel costs and time
50
An advantage of teleworking to the employee is that it means…
living nearby is not required
51
An advantage of teleworking to the employee is that it allows…
flexible working hours
52
A disadvantage of teleworking to the employee is that they may feel…
isolated
53
A disadvantage of teleworking to the employee is that they have to…
purchase office items for an office at home
54
A disadvantage of teleworking to the employee is that they need to be…
disciplined to distinguish between work and home life
55
An advantage of teleworking to the employer is that it allows a more…
global workforce with different time zones
56
An advantage of teleworking to the employer is that it reduces…
overhead costs
57
An advantage of teleworking to the employer is that it reduces the company’s…
carbon footprint
58
A disadvantage of teleworking to the employer is that it means that it is more difficult to…
monitor employee activity
59
Social networking is…
the use of ICT to communicate
60
The advantage of MP3 technology is that it is…
small and portable with a large storage capacity
61
Podcasts are a series of…
digital audio files released over time which can be downloaded for playback on a PC or phone
62
MIDI stands for…
Musical Instrument Digital Interface
63
Music producing using MIDI can be easily…
edited
64
DV stands for…
Digital Video
65
Streaming means that the video plays…
as soon as the compressed data is received, rather than waiting for the download to complete
66
Digital TV features a lot of channels due to its…
high bandwidth
67
EPG stands for…
Electronic Programme Guide
68
An EPG informs users about…
upcoming programmes
69
Digital TV signals are not…
prone to interference
70
Digital TV allows viewers to…
record one programme as they watch another
71
Digital TV has interactive features, such as…
Games
Voting in competitions
Home shopping
72
DV allows the recording of movies in…
digital format onto digital tape
73
ICT has enabled globalisation because it allows…
instantaneous 24/7 communication all over the world (e.g. Text messages, telephones)
74
ICT has enabled globalisation through the rise of…
e-Commerce, which allows goods to be purchased from anywhere in the world without having to leave the house (e.g. Amazon)
It provides a greater variety of stores from all over the world with more items available.
75
ICT has enabled globalisation as a result of 3G technology, which allows…
people to connect to the internet from anywhere in the world, even if they are not within range of a wireless router
76
To reduce carbon footprint, ….. should be used instead of holding a meeting in person
video conferencing
77
To reduce carbon footprint, …. should be installed in cars to monitor fuel usage
computer systems
78
To reduce carbon footprint, computers should be allowed to…
go into sleep mode
79
To reduce carbon footprint, ….. should be used for computers to reduce power consumption
screensavers
80
To reduce carbon footprint, devices should be labelled with…
power saving instructions
81
To reduce carbon footprint, purchase …. such as LCD monitors
energy saving devices
82
To reduce carbon footprint, ensure …. are turned off when not in use
peripherals
83
To reduce carbon footprint, purchase …. such as 3-in-1 printers
multi-functional devices
84
To reduce carbon footprint, follow the legislation on ….
WEEE
85
WEEE
waste electrical and electronic equipment
86
To reduce carbon footprint, store, collect, treat, recycle and dispose of WEEE…
separately from other waste
87
What is video conferencing?
The use of the internet to transmit pictures and sound between computers.
88
What kind of telecommunications line is required to use video conferencing?
A high bandwidth telecommunications line
89
List three advantages of video conferencing.
No travel costs
Allows for both visual and audio contact
Allows for collaboration without having to leave your desk (e.g. Meetings)
90
List three disadvantages of video conferencing.
High cost of initial setup
May lower internet speeds
High bandwidth required
91
What is e-mail?
The sending of messages across the internet
92
List four features of email systems.
Inbox
Address book
Signature button
Attachment button
93
Explain the inbox feature of an email system.
It stores received emails and has a sort feature.
94
What is the function of the signature button in an email system?
It automatically adds a signature to messages you send.
95
What does the ‘Cc’ field do?
Lists email addresses that will receive a carbon copy of the email for information purposes only.
96
What does the ‘Bcc’ field do?
Lists the email addresses that will receive a blind carbon copy of the email.
These recipients cannot see the email addresses of the other recipients.
97
List three advantages of email.
Can be sent at any time
Instant delivery
Cheap compared to telephone calls
98
List three disadvantages of email.
Internet connection is required
Spam can be received
Confidential emails can be sent to the wrong address
99
Give two other names for fax.
1. Facsimile
2. Telecopying
100
Define the term fax.
The transmission of scanned text or images to a telephone number connected to a printer or other output device.
101
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
102
List two advantages of fax.
1. Accurately transmits documents
2. Many modern machines allow the sending of digital files as faxes
103
What does VoIP stand for?
Voice over Internet Protocol
104
What does VoIP allow?
The making of telephone calls over the internet
105
Name one piece of software that supports VoIP.
Skype
106
List three advantages of VoIP.
Cheaper than normal phone calls
Supports video calls
Calls can be made from a PC to a phone and vice versa
106
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
107
State one disadvantage of VoIP.
Internet access is required
108
List two other forms of communication over the internet.
1. Instant Messaging
2. Bulletin Boards
109
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
110
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
111
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
112
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
113
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
114
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
115
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
116
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
117
What is deep vein thrombosis? (DVT)
Blood clot, usually in leg. It can be caused by sitting in a chair that puts pressure on the back of the knees. It can be prevented by standing up and moving around or by ensuring correct posture when sitting.
118
What is repetitive strain injury? (RSI)
Pain in the arms, shoulders or back. It is caused by repetitive actions, poor posture when working or maintaining a fixed position. Can be avoided by using a correct workstation, foot rests, foot stools, adjustable chairs and frequent breaks.
119
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Caused by repeated wrist movements such as typing. Avoided by not doing repetitive actions and frequent breaks.
120
What is ulnar neuritis? (Cubital tunnel syndrome)
Compression of the ulnar nerve in the elbow. Caused by leaning on elbow for long periods of time. Avoided by use of wrist rests, adjustable height of chairs and correct desk height.
121
What is eye strain?
Hazy vision, tired eyes. Caused by looking at a monitor for long periods of time, dehydration of the eyes. Prevented by taking plenty of fluids and breaks. Use correctly adjusted, flicker free monitors.
122
What is back pain/ache?
Muscle spasms. Caused from poor posture, sitting in the same position. Use correct posture and adjustable chairs to avoid.
123
What is fatigue?
Tiredness from continued periods of mental work. Take a five minute break every hour and vary the type of work.
124
What is stress?
A state of mental strain. Caused from overwork or software/hardware not doing what you expect. Take a five minute break every hour or train the software to avoid. ;)
125
Describe trailing wires.
Wires from computers trailing from desks and along floors can cause accidents. Cable management systems can cover wires.
126
Describe fire.
Overheating of computers can cause them to catch fire, overloading of plug sockets can cause fire.
127
How do you prevent fire?
Adequate ventilation and clear space around equipment. Not overloading plug sockets. Correct number of sockets on a brewers. Using the correct type of fire extinguisher (CO2) for electrical fire.
128
Describe electric shock.
Water and electricity can cause an electric shock. Bare wires when touched can also. Don’t drink near computers, all wires should be frequently checked and repaired.
129
Describe unstable surfaces and chairs.
Desks and surfaces that wobble can cause computer equipment to fall off. All surfaces need to be stable before equipment is placed on them.
130
Describe food and drink as a safety hazard.
Liquids can cause shorting and lead to fire. Crumbs from food are a fire hazard. No eating and drinking near computers. ;)
131
How has ICT changed shopping?
Most retailers have websites now. You can buy a lot online.
132
What are 3 advantages of internet shopping?
You can order shopping 24/7, wherever the shop is. Currency isn’t an issue. Sites compare prices to get the best deal.
133
What are disadvantages of internet shopping?
Website might not be genuine. Unhealthy life style, you may never leave the house. Online food shopping - reliant on somebody else picking your food.
134
How has ICT changed medicine?
The use of computers in administration. Computers can help people with hearing and sight disabilities. Improved manufacture of artificial components such as limbs. The internet has made it easier to share research.
135
What are the 2 main areas that ICT has helped medicine in?
Treatment and administration.
136
What are the 3 main areas ICT has affected education in?
Administration, teachers and students.
137
How has ICT affected education?
Electronic registration. Details on students can be stored and accessed easily. Students benefit from internet access to lots of information. Presentation software and handouts for lessons.
138
How has ICT helped the structure of organisations?
There is no need for a company’s headquarters to be in a major city anymore. It can be anywhere. They don’t even need to all be in the same location. New jobs have been made because of ICT.
139
Explain teleworking.
Working from home. Saves travel costs. Controlled by making sure employees are hitting targets on time. Less pollution, no need to travel. Lack of motivation though. Lack of social interaction.
140
Name 3 advantages of ICT systems.
Computers perform the same actions over and over again, quickly and reliably. Computers can search large volumes of data, quickly. Computers can perform tasks that are impossible or dangerous to humans.
141
Name some disadvantages of ICT systems.
People want things done now, not in a few seconds… The software used requires training. We always demand more (bandwith, space, memory, speed) which isn’t always possible.
142
What did Gordon Moore say?
The same amount of money will purchase twice the speed or twice the storage that it did two years previously.
143
Name a few areas of communication.
The internet, intranets, mobile phones, telephone systems.
144
Describe telephone systems.
Relatively old method, but has had a digital upgrade in recent years. You can now have conference calls, have mobile phones, remote access, different ring tones, call forwarding, SMS messaging and more.
145
Describe the internet.
Vast collection of interconnected computers for the purpose of sharing data.
146
What is a big problem with the internet?
It’s outside of any governments control. They can attempt to filter or restrict access but cannot control the content of websites. It can just be relocated to a country that allows the content.
147
Name some disadvantages of the internet.
Anyone can create a website, not everything on the internet is reliable. You don’t know who you’re talking to, how do you know they are who they say? Porn (haha, disadvantage).
148
Describe Email.
An email is an electronic message sent using the internet from one person to another. You can attach documents. Digitally signed emails can be accepted as a contract.
149
The types of jobs that have been lost due to ICT are…
Boring, repetitive jobs
Jobs in hostile environments
Typists and filing clerks
Shops
Bank People
150
A large number of jobs have been created because of ICT such as…
Computer Programmers
ICT Technicians
Hardware Designers
Website Designers
151
Training can be done using…
Websites
Interactive CSs
Computer-assisted learning (CAL)
152
How do people communicate
Mobile Phones
Email
Computers
Internet
153
What are the advantages of Teleworking?
No travel expenses
Flexible hours
No time wasted travelling to work
154
What are the Disadvantages of Teleworking?
There is less social interaction
- There may be more distractions in the home environment
155
What are video conferences?
Using computers linked to internet and can communicate with each other
156
What things do you need for Video Conferencing?
Microphone
Speakers
Camera
Screens
157
What are the advantages of Video Conferencing?
No need to travel
- Meetings can be called at short notice
158
What are the disadvantages of Video Conferencing?
People prefer to meet face-to-face
- The sound and pictures may not be completely synchronised
159
What is ‘The Health And Safety Regulations Act’ and when was it passed?
The act (1992 states a list of regulations that must be followed, and supplied by the employer of the business to ensure health and safety to the employees. The list of regulations includes:
Adjustable screens
Anti-glare screen filters
Adjustable chairs and foot supports
Sufficient lighting
Enough space to work comfortably
Training on how to use the equipment correctly.
160
What is stress?
What are:
-The causes
-The symptoms
-The solutions?
Stress is the constant worry that can torment and distract a person. It can be emotionally and mentally straining.
Causes: Worry of jobs being lost, or lack of skills. Email inboxes can get full up very quick and work can often run over into the employee’s personal life. Also, computers are becoming a lot more difficult to use, leading to possible loss of files and software misuse. This can all make working very pressuring and stressful. Symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, and difficulty of completing tasks, loss of libido. Solutions may be relaxing more often, taking breaks, delegating tasks, sleep longer.
161
What is back and neck injuries and what are the cause, symptoms and solutions for it?
Back and neck injuries are results of sitting in front of a computer all day in uncomfortable positions. Examples would include uncomfortable chairs, screens not at eye level, foot rests. Symptoms include back and neck ache, and headaches. Employers should provide fully adjustable chairs, adjustable screen (to keep the neck at a comfortable level) and footrests to keep the feet in a preferred position. Workers should also take regular breaks.
162
What is repetitive strain injury (RSI) and what are the cause, symptoms and solutions for it?
RSI is caused by repetitive movements for long periods of time without taking a break. It can also be caused by sitting uncomfortably for a long time. Some keyboards/mouse is designed badly, requiring too much pressure to input data. Symptoms include wrist pain, swelling, stiffness numbness burning sensation or aching. Solutions would be adjusting chairs and wrist position, as well using wrist rests. Taking regular breaks is very important.
163
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the design of making things safe and comfortable. In a business, this ‘thing’ would be designing of the workplace. This would include things like wrist rests on computers, adjustable chairs, sufficient lighting.
164
What is eye strain?
What are:
-The causes
-The symptoms
-The solutions?
Eye strain is the stress on eyes, and can cause headaches and blurred vision. Can also cause feelings of tiredness, sickness and itching eyes. It can be caused by staring at screens too long, in inadequate lighting. Symptoms are headaches and blurred vision, feelings of tiredness, sickness and itching eyes. Solutions would be regular breaks or lower screen brightness/sufficient lighting.
165
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
166
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
167
Advantages of using Fax
1. Documents can be signed which are legally accepted.
2. Physical copies of documents can be sent and automatically printed.
168
Advantages of using Email
1. Emails are password protected and there's less chance of data being intercepted.
2. They are received instantly.
3. Attatchments can be edited and sent back.
4. You can send them to many recipients at the same time.
169
Disadvantages of using Fax
1. Data is more likely to be intercepted once it is printed from the fax machine.
2. There can be delays in recieving it due to busy telephone lines an lack of paper or ink.
3. It can only be received during office hours.
4. Not everyone has a fax machine.
170
Disadvantages of using email
1. Cant be used when documents need to be signed.
2. Viruses can be downloaded from attatchements.
3. Unwanted emails can be received.
171
Negative Effects of ICT on employment
1. Office work is being reduced by the use of spreadsheets, word processors and databases (which make the office more efficient)
2. Robots are reducing the employment in the manufacturing industry because they can work for more hours without getting tired, faste and dont require a wage.
3. Retail outlets are opting for online shops to target a wider customer range , more high street shops are closing down and staff are loosing their jobs.
172
Positive Effects of ICT on employment
1. The demand of companies to have web presence, WEBSITE DESIGNERS are required more and more to set up and maintain these.
2. Delivery drivers are needed to deliver the goods bought online to customers.
3. Computer programmers are needed to create operating systems, applications and computer games.
4. Network managers, in charge of maintaining and provide technical support for the computer networks are needed more and more.
173
The effects of ICT on working patterns within organisations
The use of computers has led to a number of employees changing their working hours.
1. Employees can access their office desktop from a different location.
2. Employees can log into an intranet to communicate and access share resources with other staff.
3. Employees can check their emails or have web conferences with peers.
4. Phone calls and emails can be diverted to personal smartphone from office accounts.
All of this has lead to a wider range of working patterns like part-time working, flexible hours, job sharing and compressed hours.
174
Full Time Working
Employees normally work over 5 full days and complete between 35-40 hours a week working from 9 to 4/5.
175
Compressed Hours
Employees work full time hours but the total amount of hours are completed over less days. They will work more hours per day to have less days of work.
176
Part Time Working
Employees who work less hours over a week than a full time employee. They can work outside of the traditional hours of work (evenings and weekends).
177
Job Sharing
Where the hours of a full time job are divided between two part time employees. Both employees have the same responsibilities but they work at different hours.
178
Flexible Hours
The employees can control the hours that they work following a set of rules input by the employer.
They are given flexibility to decide where they start and end the working day and when they take breaks.
Employees can also accumulate extra hours worked in to have a day off.
179
Positive Effects of microprocessor controlled devices at home
1. The devices doing many things for yyou increase your leisure time which you can use to stay fit, relax, do work related tasks...
2. Devices can have an effect on social interaction: you can easily find people with the same interests as you, cheaply talk with friends that are far away, easily spread the news of social events and it also helps disabled people to interact if they cant leave the home.
3. You dont need to leave the house to stay entertained so even though there's bad weather or you are disabled you can do something fun, you can also complete day-to-day tasks even if you are sick or cant leave the home.
180
Negative effects of microprocessor controlled devices
1. When devices do everything for you, you can become lazy and at the same time we can become unfit because we arent doing as much hard manual work than before.
2. Because there's no need to leave the house to interact with others or be entertained, social isolation and decreased fitness (=obesity) are developing.
181
Potential Health Problems related to ICT
1. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
2. Back and neck problems
3. Headaches and Eyestrain
182
RSI
It is the painful swelling of the joints caused by repetitive clicking of the mouse and continual typing.
It is prevented by using a wrist support when typing, taking breaks to rest your hands and using ergonomic keyboards and mouse.
183
Back Problems
They are caused by a poor posture when sitting, working in a cramped space and incorrect positioning of the computer screen.
They are prevented by taking breaks to stretch, using ergonomic adjustable chairs and tilting the computer screen just below eye level.
184
Headaches and Eyestrain
Caused from staring at a screen continuously and having bad lightning in the room.
To prevent them use anti glare filter to reduce the reflection that tires the eyes and use LCD screens instead of CRT to reduce the amount of flickering.
185
Use of ICT equipment to minimise health risks
1. Ergonomic chairs are adjustable to the needs of the user.
2. Ergonomic designed work stations.
3. Use ergonomic keyboards and mice.
4. Use voice recognition software to reduce the amount of mouse clicking and typing.
186
Strategies to minimise health risks in ICT
1. Take regular breaks to stretch joints and muscles.
2. Look away from the monitor at regular intervals.
187
What is an Open plan office?
A large room where several staff work at individual desks. The area may be subdivided with movable screens, but resources are shared (e.g. a printer)
188
What are three
disadvantages of an open plan office?
Bad:
1) It is very difficult to get privacy. Work on screen may be confidential, and conversations may be overheard.
2) Concentration may be affected. There will be a lot of noise and activity, making it easy to be side-tracked and distracted.
3) Sharing printers may be more economical, but it can be time efficient if more than one person wants to print at one time.
189
What are three advantages of an open plan office?
Good:
1) Can be efficient. If people are sharing equipment, this will save money.
2) Techniques can be learned from colleagues, as they are always surrounded by people with similar experience.
3) Being surrounded by other people and sometimes socialising with them may improve morale and motivation to work.
190
What is ergonomics?
IS the science of designing the workplace so that it is both
comfortable and safe for the
employees
191
What is teleconferencing?
The use of telephone technology to conduct a meeting between groups of people in different locations. This can be a sound or video link
192
What is video conferencing?
It’s when the use of computer’s
technology creates a video link
between groups of people in
different locations.
193
What are the advantages of video conferencing?
Good:
1) Allows face-to-face conversations, allowing it to be easier to converse.
2) Meetings can take place almost anywhere - no need to travel to different places. (saves time)
3) Time and money efficient. (no travel costs)
194
What are the disadvantages of video conferencing?
Bad:
1) The equipment can still expensive.
2) Bad Wi-Fi may be bad and so lead to bad
connection and therefore time is lost.
3) Documents cannot be shared during the meeting.
195
What is flexitime?
Is when an employee is allowed to vary their working schedule to fit in with their social and family requirements. They may have to add up to a certain number of hours a week.
196
What are the advantages of flexitime?
Good:
1) Commuting doesn’t need to be done at the busiest of times.
2) Staff could be more motivated with more morale so would be more productive.
3) Allowing staff to do this would reduce the likelihood of getting stressed
197
What are the disadvantages of flexitime?
Bad:
1) May make it difficult to contact employees.
2) May lead to lack of staff.
3) People may be less motivated to work
198
What is a cellular office?
Each individual has their own private room in which to work. They have their own resources e.g. printer.
199
What are the disadvantages a cellular office?
Bad:
1) It is harder to monitor individual workers.
2) Since each room has to be built, with individual equipment, it can be very expensive.
3) Teamwork is much harder because everyone works behind closed doors.
200
What are the
advantages a cellular office?
Good:
1) There is plenty of privacy, for both calls and anything on screen.
2) Concentration may be improved.
3) Things are less likely to be misplaced and/or lost.
201
What are the 5 advantages of using the internet to research?
202
What are the 5 advantages of using the internet to research?
1) Secondary market research is a quicker way to find out about what the market wants and needs.
2) Commercially available research would have questioned a larger sample of people (more reliable)
3) Electronic information is easier to edit and place in other documents.
4) Saves time; take info from other competitors rather than visit them individually.
5) Can be done anywhere, do not require to go to certain places such as the library (Save fuel costs)
203
What are the 5 disadvantages of researching online?
1) Can be expensive to buy the market research findings.
2) Have to check that the company who found the findings are trusted and well known
3) Business must satisfy itself that the information is up-to-date and accurate.
4) Research must be conducted within a similar region. (e.g. Business wouldn’t go for research from Wales if based in London)
5) No copy rights on the information otherwise they could sue.
204
What are the 5 advantages of having a website?
1) Can give a business a global presence.
2) Some companies aren’t necessarily located anywhere so a website means they can realistically serve a very wide area.
3) E-commerce means the business is open 24/7 which can drastically increase revenue.
4) Producing the information as a brochure and other forms of advertising would be very high.
5) Anyone can find them (Google search)
205
What are the 5 disadvantages of having a website?
1) Costs of creating one can be high depending on the complexity and size of the site.
2) Requires a powerful database to run the stock-control systems and booking systems. (Takes time to develop)
3) Require secure systems so other people cannot access their info and buy goods fraudulently.
4) Global trading means it must have the stock available to service the demand. (could lead to bad reputation if not)
5) Not all customers wish to use a website.
206
What are the 5 advantage of using the internet for communication via email?
1) Usually arrive very quickly after they’re sent.
2) Allows businesses to communicate easily with their customers. (Improve reputation)
3) Quicker to write an email than a business letter as it does not require a formal layout. (Save time)
4) Sending emails rather than posting saves money on buying post stamps, paper and envelopes.
5) Encryption can be used for confidential emails making the email system very secure.
207
What are the 5 disadvantage of using the internet for communication via email?
1) Email system relies on everyone having the equipment to send/receive emails and checking their inbox regularly.
2) Can be easily sent to the wrong person giving a lack of confidentiality.
3) Some people receive too many emails which can cause stress.
4) Possible for email systems to be hacked into.
5) Some documents must be scanned into the computer in order to be sent as an attachment which can take longer than a fax machine.
208
Describe the fax process [4].
Original document is scanned by a fax machine
This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy
