Introduction
The 21st century has been heralded as the beginning of the information age. As such, ICT has become a vital part of everyday life in all facets of life. The world of business, particularly service oriented organizations and firms have had to adopt the use of technology and all its applications to not only ensure effective operations, but also to ensure a reasonable level of competitiveness in the market that it is involved in. the importance of IT applications has become so evident that the very success and growth of an organization is determined by its willingness to adopt and use new and more efficient applications integrated with the technology already in place.
This paper will seek to analyze the importance, use and scope of IT applications. This will involve the use of case studies on a number of companies relevant to the subject matter. The analysis will acknowledge the different types of IT applications used across the selected organizations. The importance of these IT applications will be highlighted while critically looking into the use of these applications in the business operations of the organizations in question.
The extent of use and integration of IT applications in the organizations in question will be looked at in the following areas:
- Knowledge Management Systems
- Transaction Processing System
- E-Commerce Systems.
- Enterprise Resource Systems
- Expert System and Artificial Intelligence
Conclusion
The extent of the advantages and importance of the use and integration of IT applications in business operations cannot be understated. As reflected in the analyses done, IT applications set the pace for an organization’s, or business’ success, productivity and competitiveness in the market in which it is involved in. The use of IT applications as shown I the analysis has greatly improved the productivity of the companies in question in the following avenues:
- Increased Accessibility; by making the company support staff available to the clients or customers, the companies have greatly increased their level of productivity.
- Increased efficiency in business operations through simplification of tasks
- Reduced time required in the completion of tasks.
- Faster and easier customer service response time.
- Convenience I the collection of data.
- Effective management and utilization of knowledge.
The use of IT by companies in the 21st century, especially in the next 10 to 15 years is going to be a necessity in business. The world’s overall economy is moving towards an information centered economy. In this developing economic system, information will be the fuel and driving force of the system where value is put on information and may even be treated as the currency. It is therefore paramount that businesses adopt an IT centered approach to all its business operations. A good IT strategy will be crucial to maintain relevance and competitiveness in the continually evolving market.
The importance of team working is also essential in the efficiency of any business. Thorough team centered approach to tasks within the organization, or business, three can be faster completion of tasks, improved quality in terms of output as there is involvement and utilization of all human resource units within the organization. Through team work, individuals learn the vitals kill of handling different characters, increasing tolerance, understanding and social skills. These aspects work to improve character in an individual by enhancing professional and social skills.
Bibliography
De George, R. T., 2003. The ethics of information technology and business. Malden: Blackwell Pub.
Kollmann, T., Kuckertz, A. & Stockman, C., 2010. E-entrepreneurship and ICT ventures: strategy, organization and technology. Hershey: Business Science Reference.
TV CHOICE PRODUCTIONS, 2009. ICT and business the great revolution. Bromely: TV Choice.
