INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DECISION MAKING

ecision-making is a crucial part of good business. Decision making can be valued by good information, and experience in interpreting information. Consultation seeking the views and expertise of other people also helps, as does the ability to admit one was wrong and change ones mind. There are also aids to decision-making, various techniques which help to make information clearer and better analysed, and to add numerical and objective precision to decision-making (where appropriate) to reduce the amount of subjectivity. Managers can be trained to make better decisions. They also need a supportive environment where they wont be unfairly criticised for making wrong decisions and will receive proper support from their colleague and superiors. A climate of criticism and fear stifles risk-taking and creativity; managers will respond by playing it safe to minimise the risk of criticism which diminishes the business effectiveness in responding to market changes. Decision-making increasingly happens at all levels of a business. The Board of Directors may make the grand strategic decisions about investment and direction of future growth, and managers may make the more tactical decisions about how their own department may contribute most effectively to the overall business objectives. But quite ordinary employees are increasingly expected to make decisions about the conduct of their own tasks, responses to customers and improvements to business practice. This needs careful recruitment and selection, good training, and enlightened management. Types of Business Decisions 1. Programmed Decisions These are standard decisions which always follow the same routine. As such, they can be written down into a series of fixed steps which anyone can follow. They could even be written as computer program 2. Non-Programmed Decisions. These are non-standard and non-routine. Each decision is not quite the same as any previous decision. 3. Strategic Decisions. These affect the long-term direction of the business. 4. Tactical Decisions. These are medium-term decisions about how to implement strategy eg what kind of marketing to have, or how many extra staff to recruit 5. Operational Decisions. These are short-term decisions (also called administrative decisions) about how to implement the tactics eg which firm to use to make deliveries.

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Levels of Decision-Making

Role of Computers in Decision Making The computer does not take decisions; managers do. But it helps managers to have quick and reliable quantitative information about the business as it is and the business as it might be in different sets of circumstances. There is, however, a lot of research into expert systems which aim to replicate the way real people (doctors, lawyers, managers, and the like) take decisions. The aim is that computers can, one day, take decisions, or at least programmed decisions (see above). For example, an expedition could carry an expert medical system on a lap-top to deal with any medical emergencies even though the nearest doctor is thousands of miles away.

BASIC HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE TOOLS

Computers are versatile machines used for processing and manipulating information. And for doing this, many software and hardware tools are required

Hardware Tools:-

The term hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system. The basic hardware of a computer system includes:
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Case: The box that holds the circuitry for the computer. One of the main chips inside is called the central processing unit, or CPU for short. Drives: Nearly all computers have an internal hard drive used to store information. There are many other types of drives, such as external hard drives, CD and DVD drives that can be used to store information on CDs or DVDs.

Keyboard: The device used to type and enter information into the computer.

Mouse: A pointing device used to move the cursor displayed on the monitor. Laptops generally use a trackpad or touchpad instead of a mouse to move the cursor.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Monitor: The screen that shows the information for the computer; also called a display. Newer computers have LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors that are thinner than the older monitors.

Printer: The printer takes the information displayed on the screen and prints it on paper. The most common types of printers are ink jet (left), which are typically used in homes and small businesses, and laser printers (right), which are used in schools and large businesses.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Software Tools:Software is a term used to describe a computer program, which is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. Software can be split into three categories. They are: Programming software. This software is used by computer programmers to help write computer code. Operating system software. This software runs the computer. It has the instructions for using memory, video cards, keyboards, etc. Two common operating systems are Windows XP and Macintosh OSX. Applications software. There are literally thousands of different software applications. A brief overview of some of the more common ones includes: Microsoft Office this combination of several programs includes: Microsoft Word A word processing program that is used to type such things as letters, reports and newsletters. Microsoft Excel A spreadsheet program that can be used to calculate numerical data, store data and make charts. Microsoft PowerPoint A presentation program that is used to make slides of information and graphics. Microsoft Entourage A program that allows users to communicate through email. Web browsers - These programs allow users to navigate the Internet. Some of the more common ones include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari.
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

UTILITY OF INTERNET

The internet is computer based global information system. It is composed of many interconnected computer networks. Each network may link thousands of computers enabling them to share information. The internet has brought a transformation in many aspects of life. It is one of the biggest contributors in making the world into a global village. Use of internet has grown tremendously since it was introduced. It is mostly because of its flexibility. The internet has developed to give many benefits to mankind. The access to information being one of the most important. Types of Internet Connections
Analog/Dial-Up ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) B-ISDN DSL Cable Wireless Internet Connections/Wireless Broadband T-1 Lines T-3 Lines Satellite (Internet over Satellite/IoS)

Advantages/Usage of Internet:-

Email. E-mail is an online correspondence system. With e-mail you can send and receive instant electronic messages, which works like writing letters. Your messages are delivered instantly to people anywhere in the world, unlike traditional mail that takes a lot of time. Email is now an essential communication tools in business. It is also excellent for keeping in touch with family and friends. The advantages to email is that it is free ( no charge per use) when compared to telephone, fax and postal services.

Information. The Internet is a virtual treasure trove of information. Any kind of information on any topic under the sun is available on the Internet. The search engines on the Internet can help you to find data on any subject that you need. There is a huge amount of information available on the internet for just 6

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about every subject known to man, ranging from government law and services, trade fairs and conferences, market information, new ideas and technical support.

Services. Many services are now provided on the internet such as online banking, job seeking and applications, and hotel reservations.

Buy or sell products The internet is a very effective way to buy and sell products all over the world. Along with getting information on the Internet, you can also shop online. There are many online stores and sites that can be used to look for products as well as buy them using your credit card. You do not need to leave your house and can do all your shopping from the convenience of your home.

Communities. Communities of all types have sprung up on the internet. Its a great way to meet up with people of similar interest and discuss common issues.

Online Chat: There are many chat rooms on the web that can be accessed to meet new people, make new friends, as well as to stay in touch with old friends.

Downloading Software: This is one of the most happening and fun things to do via the Internet. You can download innumerable, games, music, videos, movies, and a host of other entertainment software from the Internet, most of which are free.

Disadvantages of the Internet: Personal Information: If you use the Internet, your personal information such as your name, address, etc. can be accessed by other people. Spamming: This refers to sending unsolicited e-mails in bulk, which serve no purpose and unnecessarily clog up the entire system.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY