Management of Change

Question 1

ICT systems have an effect in the workplace.
Describe 3 possible health issues, which could have occurred with the introduction of ICT systems and the actions that an organisation should take to prevent them [3x2]

Answer 1

Hazard:
RSI repetitive strain injury caused by prolonged working at computers or computer games.
Prevention:
Ergonomic keyboards, wrist and foot supports.

Hazard:
Eye strain or epileptic fits
Prevention:
Correcting lighting in the room, non flickering screens, screen filters

Hazard:
Back problems
Prevention:
Ergonomic chairs, taking regular breaks

Hazard:
Ozone irritation from laser printers
Prevention:
Locate laser printer 1 metre away from user

Hazard:
Radiation affects embryos leading to miscarriages
Prevention:
Screen filters

Question 2

Describe the impact ICT systems could have upon jobs and work patterns. [3x2]

Answer 2

Teleworking - working from home using computer networks saves on transport cost, time etc..

Video Conferencing - allows remote meetings

Lost Jobs - unskilled manual jobs such as filing clerks, ICT sweat shops

Retraining - acquire skills to use databases, etc..

New Jobs - system analysts, programmers

Question 3

Describe three of the changes which are likely to be a cause of stress to the Sadd and the worries each might bring [6]

Answer 3

Job losses -
new system may replace staff who performed manual processes e.g. Filing etc

Learning new skills -
older staff may be stressed by appearing to look stupid in front of younger staff who have the skill

Change in Organisation Structure -
Loss of authority by being bypassed by younger staff or having to move location which could make the journey to work harder

Change in work patterns - split shifts or change of hours or night work, 24/7

Change in internal procedures - may make staff take on extra responsibilities with no extra money

Health fears - concerned about the health risks of prolonged use of ICT equipment

Question 4

Describe two things that management could do to lessen any worries that staff might have about the introduction of the new system. [4]

Answer 4

Appropriate training/ retraining - to ensure all staff understand the new system and wondering what to do.

Explanation of the advantages - so that staff can see how they will benefit by making the job easier/ more interesting/ answer any questions

Spell out the implications of the new system - to help stop rumours which stress people out/ allowing staff to express worries

Opportunity to learn new skills -
Enable staff to improve their job prospects

Involvement in the development of the new system-
So that the staff can have a system which is straightforward to use

Keeping social groups together -
less stress, working together as a team