Help University College
Content
ITC 101
Help University College
Bachelor of Business
TEOH KING JI B0700402
Introduction Defining information technology as too a certain extent, basically to provide the general information on Information technology(IT).Most people will perceive IT to be anything to do with the internet, hence the abbreviation (I) and t,not to say that this is wrong but it is just wrongly generalized as a whole. Basically information technology is the domain of managing technology which has to do with anything that controls data. The rough idea is ,anything that display data, information that is in any visual format through any multimedia medium or mechanism and is not tangible the it is considered Information technology. The term for Information Technology (IT) is really broad and could cover almost an infinite number of things. The business world perceives this and simply calls this Management Information Services (or MIS) or also Information Services (or IS).Today in Business with information technology can help enhance the productivity of everyday work. Information Technology caters businesses with four sets of core services. These four core services can be broken down into business process automation, providing information connecting with customers and productivity tools.
INTRODUCTION TO WAL MART
Wal Mart, what is it? It was developed by in 1962 as Variety Store. The pioneer was of course Sam Walton and got things rolling with his first Wal Mart Discount City in Roger, Arkansas.Wal Mart is has exceeded $200 billion a year sales in 2002, with that said almost a 100 million shoppers a week (in 1999) it became the first (private ownership) company in the world to have more than one million employees (Kirk Patrick).Wal Mart Stores Inc is an American base of chain retail stores which has conquered the supermarket industry geographically. The famous quote and vision of Wal Mart came from Sam Walton the pioneer himself, “If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone…we’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.”When brought to this quote, His goal was to help everyone else to save more in financial terms and provide their family or self with something through their disposable income. He understands the needs of consumers around the world as he himself started his career at Jc penney store located in Iowa with a mere monthly salary of $2. Wal Mart functions as retail stores throughout the world which provides and serves a variety of purposes. Various formats of retail stores are Wal Mart Stores, Sam’s Club, hypermarkets, supermarkets, neighborhood stores, cash-n-carry stores and department stores. This will be the introduction to Wal Mart as to educate you with the history of Wal Mart.
Market Pressure First of all, given that introduction is not too fill in the gaps using unnecessary information, that is to educate the readers on basically how Wal-Mart as business organization back then grew into a much mature business organization now. See even as I have to admit that Wal-Mart is a “corporate criminal”, but aren’t all business organization like that, to explain in further detail. Wal-Mart keeps a low price as too many reason, but one of the biggest issue would be outsourcing which means employees are employed in other countries or shipped over to somewhere new. This is because of the minimum wage law in United States of America. It states that a person that is working will have to be paid at least the minimum wage that is given or appropriate. Wal Mart’s strategy is basically stretching every dollar they have to survive and to provide cheaper prices everyday. Many of the society might see this as an issue of slavery but I see this as globalization, if you know India is one of the biggest outsourced jobs given by Wal Mart, looking back then when India was one of the most illiterate countries and now most of the best IT students are found in that country, the gap for India has increased tremendously in the past few years, these are not random information that are generated, all this information has cold hard facts provided. Wal-Mart's outsourcing is more about globalizing its information technology sourcing initiatives.
Market Pressure Everything about Wal Mart is making profits; I do not deny the vision of Wal Mart. This might not be something to admire about but the strategy that they adopt is to be recognized as they have pushed the economy to higher living of standard. The strategy they use is simply by eliminating high cost and practicing higher productivity, the outcome of this would provide reduced cost and higher profit. That is when information technology is used. The nature of the workforce in Wal Mart has changed in the past years, back in the days to actually perform an inventory check it will take hours or maybe days depends on the size the warehouse but now It just as simple as clicking one button because everything is now computerized and stored in the database. This allows the elimination of useless movements hence improving productivity for employees. Elaborating on this topic, I will explain on how employees are now having better productivity due to this technological change. Basically to paint a rough picture, would it be better if information comes to you rather then you searching for it. If you had a thousand different products, to keep track of everyone of them would be difficult but what if you had a system that allowed you to access every single information that you needed using technology hence the word Information Technology (IT).Let’s talk about the job of a cashier In Wal Mart, the base where the income comes in, the use of a bar code and a scanner. The technical basis of a point of sale system. The bar code scanners make it so much easier for employees to determine the price of an item that would not be the only function it provides. IT records the sale of each item and provides that information available for reordering and sales analysis.
Technology Pressure How Wal Mart did always had stock in their stores? Even if that they had a million of the same item, it is impossible to keep something that was easily perishable. The technology of telecommunications that links all of the retail stores to the central computer system that leads towards the suppliers computers. See how this works is that everything is organized and all parties would have an easier understanding of the essence of time and coordination. Now it’s easier for employees to see what was missing or is about to run out of stock using this system or even provide automatic reordering. The workforce would be so much easier for both parties; all you need is a web browser and the internet. Accessing the information at your time and decision would be all yours. At its computerized warehouses, many goods arrive and leave without ever sitting on a shelf. Only 10% of the floor space in Wal Mart stores is used as an inventory area, compared to the 25% average for the industry. Wal-Mart has a new technology called the pipeline; the idea is to deliver information to all Wal Mart workers. What better way to provide everyone information with the use of technology rather the conventional way of word by mouth. Basic uses of the pipeline would be news of the day, policies and procedures. Because the Wal-Mart Philosophy emphasizes the key role of associates, sharing information and ideas is Vital. When those associates have important information to relay, They need to know where to send it. Now employees can move or find a better position in wall mart just by going to HR and the system will provide a suitable position to be given’sThss improves productivity
The new technological innovation that wall mart has developed is the RFID also known as Radio Frequency Identification or “smart tags”, these electronic ID tags are clipped on various products such as jeans and underwear, this system provides better control in inventory tracking. Wal Mart employees are able to detect which size of various products or items that are missing, this is to ensure that shelves are optimally stocked and inventory are tightly watched. "This ability to wave the wand and have a sense of all the products that are on the floor or in the back room in seconds is something that we feel can really transform our business," said Raul Vazquez, the executive in charge of Wal-Mart stores in the western U.S.This technology however may or may not provide obsolencenses, technology provides unlimited information not knowledge, it depends on humans to absorb the information and make good use of it.
Competitive Advantage
Wal Mart in its superior business world defines itself as of the biggest organization in the world, there is reasons why that Wal Mart is one of the biggest growing incoming organization. This is explained in the competitive advantages that Wal mart has, which is Distribution capabilities where it includes efficient distribution e.g. cross-docking predominance of Wal Mart, cost savings from lower inventory levels and cost savings that can translate into lower prices and more customer satisfaction. Second would be partnership relationship, this as I have already explained on how Wal Mart integrates Information technology between suppliers that this would improve supply chain and lowers distribution cost. Advance data mining would be the third case, this active collection and usage of customers purchase behavior info will be useful for the suppliers and improves customers satisfaction through a more accurate forecast of demands. This would also create lower cost through reduced inventory and shrinkage. Lastly workforce culture, Wal mart creates a customer oriented workforce by motivating generous monetary participation and believe, good customer service is not compromised by self service and low cost structure and thereby improving customer loyalty.
To even improve Wal Marts competitive advantage using the strategic information system by using the Porter’s Model. The first step is to list the players in each competitive force.Walmarts threats is online shopping which may be offered by e-tailors)electronic retailers).For example,Amazon.com started to sell clothes online. Second would be relating the major
determinates of each competitive force to each player in the market. For example, for Wal mart with respect to online shopping, we can check the switching cost for the buyers propensity to substitute and the convenience advantage of online shopping. Step 3 is to devise a strategy with which Wal mart can defend itself against the competitive forces based on the specific players to counter online shopping. Wal mart can provide playgrounds for children hand out tree samples of products and recognize frequent shoppers personally. Basically the usage of this strategic information system is too provide consumers and better shopping experience and to provide incept customer loyalty.
Conclusion
Technology advances with or without us, we as humans should choose to embrace in the advancement of technology. This may have been more towards the business side of point of view as I am majoring in this subject but to educate readers on technological impacts on business and other views of the world. This is why I will end my assignment by saying that I have understood the information technology on the impact of business in the digital economy. The purpose here is too ask the question of the probability of success if Wal Mart back then continued their business strategy of having low prices without the knowledge of competitors pricing, and their own inventory. If you’re asking why is Wal Mart still so successful till today, the reason is simply because Wal Mart has persist to lead the way in adopting cutting edge technology to trail on the was consumers shop, and to purchase while distributing goods without difficulty and best of all cheaper than other rivals. Now how is this even possible just by using human capabalities.Of course back in the days Wal-Mart had trouble keeping track of their inventory as too lowering their prices to the lowest as that is their main core of strength.The purpose here is too ask the question of the probability of success if Wal Mart back then continued their business strategy of having low prices without the knowledge of competitors pricing, and their own inventory. If you’re asking why is Wal Mart still so successful till today, the reason is simply because Wal Mart has persist to lead the way in adopting cutting edge technology to trail on the was consumers shop, and to purchase while distributing goods without difficulty and best of all cheaper than other rivals.
References
"SWOT ANALYSIS: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats - Strategy Formulation, Strategic Management Tools." Ten3 BUSINESS E-COACH. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. <http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/swot_analysis.html>. Patsuris,, Penelope . "More Weakness From Wal-Mart - Forbes.com." Information for the World's Business Leaders - Forbes.com. N.p., 30 Sept. 2002. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. <http://www.forbes.com/2002/09/3> Kotler, Philip. "Segmentation,Targeting,and Positioning." Principles of Marketing,Asian Perspective. Singapore: Prentice Hall, 2005. 193. Print.20 Mar.2011 MSNBC (2007a):Wal-Mart to air ads countering attack, The Associated Press.20 Mar.2011 MSNBC (2007b): Wal-Mart considers not-so-Super centers, The Associated Press.20 Mar.2011 MSNBC (2006): Wal-Mart turns attention to upscale shoppers, The Associated Press.20 Mar.2011 Kotler,P and Armstrong,G(2011) Principles of Marketing-Global Edition 13th edn.,Pearson Education.20 Mar.2011 Wal Mart is has exceeded $200 billion a year sales in 2002,with that said almost a 100 million shoppers a week(in 1999)it became the first (private ownership)company in the world to have more than one million employees KirkPatrick, David. "Inside Sam's $100 Billion Growth Machine Sam Palmisano has two huge goals: to get this giant growing again--and return IBM to greatness.." Cnn Money Fortune. Fortune, 14 June 204. Web. 20 Mar 2011. <http://citationmachine.net/index2.php?reqstyleid=1&mode=form&reqsrcid=MLAWebDocume nt&more=yes&nameCnt=1>. ^ a b Barbaro, Michael. "It's Not Only about Price at Wal-Mart." The New York Times. March 2, 2007. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
Help University College
Bachelor of Business
TEOH KING JI B0700402
Introduction Defining information technology as too a certain extent, basically to provide the general information on Information technology(IT).Most people will perceive IT to be anything to do with the internet, hence the abbreviation (I) and t,not to say that this is wrong but it is just wrongly generalized as a whole. Basically information technology is the domain of managing technology which has to do with anything that controls data. The rough idea is ,anything that display data, information that is in any visual format through any multimedia medium or mechanism and is not tangible the it is considered Information technology. The term for Information Technology (IT) is really broad and could cover almost an infinite number of things. The business world perceives this and simply calls this Management Information Services (or MIS) or also Information Services (or IS).Today in Business with information technology can help enhance the productivity of everyday work. Information Technology caters businesses with four sets of core services. These four core services can be broken down into business process automation, providing information connecting with customers and productivity tools.
INTRODUCTION TO WAL MART
Wal Mart, what is it? It was developed by in 1962 as Variety Store. The pioneer was of course Sam Walton and got things rolling with his first Wal Mart Discount City in Roger, Arkansas.Wal Mart is has exceeded $200 billion a year sales in 2002, with that said almost a 100 million shoppers a week (in 1999) it became the first (private ownership) company in the world to have more than one million employees (Kirk Patrick).Wal Mart Stores Inc is an American base of chain retail stores which has conquered the supermarket industry geographically. The famous quote and vision of Wal Mart came from Sam Walton the pioneer himself, “If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone…we’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.”When brought to this quote, His goal was to help everyone else to save more in financial terms and provide their family or self with something through their disposable income. He understands the needs of consumers around the world as he himself started his career at Jc penney store located in Iowa with a mere monthly salary of $2. Wal Mart functions as retail stores throughout the world which provides and serves a variety of purposes. Various formats of retail stores are Wal Mart Stores, Sam’s Club, hypermarkets, supermarkets, neighborhood stores, cash-n-carry stores and department stores. This will be the introduction to Wal Mart as to educate you with the history of Wal Mart.
Market Pressure First of all, given that introduction is not too fill in the gaps using unnecessary information, that is to educate the readers on basically how Wal-Mart as business organization back then grew into a much mature business organization now. See even as I have to admit that Wal-Mart is a “corporate criminal”, but aren’t all business organization like that, to explain in further detail. Wal-Mart keeps a low price as too many reason, but one of the biggest issue would be outsourcing which means employees are employed in other countries or shipped over to somewhere new. This is because of the minimum wage law in United States of America. It states that a person that is working will have to be paid at least the minimum wage that is given or appropriate. Wal Mart’s strategy is basically stretching every dollar they have to survive and to provide cheaper prices everyday. Many of the society might see this as an issue of slavery but I see this as globalization, if you know India is one of the biggest outsourced jobs given by Wal Mart, looking back then when India was one of the most illiterate countries and now most of the best IT students are found in that country, the gap for India has increased tremendously in the past few years, these are not random information that are generated, all this information has cold hard facts provided. Wal-Mart's outsourcing is more about globalizing its information technology sourcing initiatives.
Market Pressure Everything about Wal Mart is making profits; I do not deny the vision of Wal Mart. This might not be something to admire about but the strategy that they adopt is to be recognized as they have pushed the economy to higher living of standard. The strategy they use is simply by eliminating high cost and practicing higher productivity, the outcome of this would provide reduced cost and higher profit. That is when information technology is used. The nature of the workforce in Wal Mart has changed in the past years, back in the days to actually perform an inventory check it will take hours or maybe days depends on the size the warehouse but now It just as simple as clicking one button because everything is now computerized and stored in the database. This allows the elimination of useless movements hence improving productivity for employees. Elaborating on this topic, I will explain on how employees are now having better productivity due to this technological change. Basically to paint a rough picture, would it be better if information comes to you rather then you searching for it. If you had a thousand different products, to keep track of everyone of them would be difficult but what if you had a system that allowed you to access every single information that you needed using technology hence the word Information Technology (IT).Let’s talk about the job of a cashier In Wal Mart, the base where the income comes in, the use of a bar code and a scanner. The technical basis of a point of sale system. The bar code scanners make it so much easier for employees to determine the price of an item that would not be the only function it provides. IT records the sale of each item and provides that information available for reordering and sales analysis.
Technology Pressure How Wal Mart did always had stock in their stores? Even if that they had a million of the same item, it is impossible to keep something that was easily perishable. The technology of telecommunications that links all of the retail stores to the central computer system that leads towards the suppliers computers. See how this works is that everything is organized and all parties would have an easier understanding of the essence of time and coordination. Now it’s easier for employees to see what was missing or is about to run out of stock using this system or even provide automatic reordering. The workforce would be so much easier for both parties; all you need is a web browser and the internet. Accessing the information at your time and decision would be all yours. At its computerized warehouses, many goods arrive and leave without ever sitting on a shelf. Only 10% of the floor space in Wal Mart stores is used as an inventory area, compared to the 25% average for the industry. Wal-Mart has a new technology called the pipeline; the idea is to deliver information to all Wal Mart workers. What better way to provide everyone information with the use of technology rather the conventional way of word by mouth. Basic uses of the pipeline would be news of the day, policies and procedures. Because the Wal-Mart Philosophy emphasizes the key role of associates, sharing information and ideas is Vital. When those associates have important information to relay, They need to know where to send it. Now employees can move or find a better position in wall mart just by going to HR and the system will provide a suitable position to be given’sThss improves productivity
The new technological innovation that wall mart has developed is the RFID also known as Radio Frequency Identification or “smart tags”, these electronic ID tags are clipped on various products such as jeans and underwear, this system provides better control in inventory tracking. Wal Mart employees are able to detect which size of various products or items that are missing, this is to ensure that shelves are optimally stocked and inventory are tightly watched. "This ability to wave the wand and have a sense of all the products that are on the floor or in the back room in seconds is something that we feel can really transform our business," said Raul Vazquez, the executive in charge of Wal-Mart stores in the western U.S.This technology however may or may not provide obsolencenses, technology provides unlimited information not knowledge, it depends on humans to absorb the information and make good use of it.
Competitive Advantage
Wal Mart in its superior business world defines itself as of the biggest organization in the world, there is reasons why that Wal Mart is one of the biggest growing incoming organization. This is explained in the competitive advantages that Wal mart has, which is Distribution capabilities where it includes efficient distribution e.g. cross-docking predominance of Wal Mart, cost savings from lower inventory levels and cost savings that can translate into lower prices and more customer satisfaction. Second would be partnership relationship, this as I have already explained on how Wal Mart integrates Information technology between suppliers that this would improve supply chain and lowers distribution cost. Advance data mining would be the third case, this active collection and usage of customers purchase behavior info will be useful for the suppliers and improves customers satisfaction through a more accurate forecast of demands. This would also create lower cost through reduced inventory and shrinkage. Lastly workforce culture, Wal mart creates a customer oriented workforce by motivating generous monetary participation and believe, good customer service is not compromised by self service and low cost structure and thereby improving customer loyalty.
To even improve Wal Marts competitive advantage using the strategic information system by using the Porter’s Model. The first step is to list the players in each competitive force.Walmarts threats is online shopping which may be offered by e-tailors)electronic retailers).For example,Amazon.com started to sell clothes online. Second would be relating the major
determinates of each competitive force to each player in the market. For example, for Wal mart with respect to online shopping, we can check the switching cost for the buyers propensity to substitute and the convenience advantage of online shopping. Step 3 is to devise a strategy with which Wal mart can defend itself against the competitive forces based on the specific players to counter online shopping. Wal mart can provide playgrounds for children hand out tree samples of products and recognize frequent shoppers personally. Basically the usage of this strategic information system is too provide consumers and better shopping experience and to provide incept customer loyalty.
Conclusion
Technology advances with or without us, we as humans should choose to embrace in the advancement of technology. This may have been more towards the business side of point of view as I am majoring in this subject but to educate readers on technological impacts on business and other views of the world. This is why I will end my assignment by saying that I have understood the information technology on the impact of business in the digital economy. The purpose here is too ask the question of the probability of success if Wal Mart back then continued their business strategy of having low prices without the knowledge of competitors pricing, and their own inventory. If you’re asking why is Wal Mart still so successful till today, the reason is simply because Wal Mart has persist to lead the way in adopting cutting edge technology to trail on the was consumers shop, and to purchase while distributing goods without difficulty and best of all cheaper than other rivals. Now how is this even possible just by using human capabalities.Of course back in the days Wal-Mart had trouble keeping track of their inventory as too lowering their prices to the lowest as that is their main core of strength.The purpose here is too ask the question of the probability of success if Wal Mart back then continued their business strategy of having low prices without the knowledge of competitors pricing, and their own inventory. If you’re asking why is Wal Mart still so successful till today, the reason is simply because Wal Mart has persist to lead the way in adopting cutting edge technology to trail on the was consumers shop, and to purchase while distributing goods without difficulty and best of all cheaper than other rivals.
References
"SWOT ANALYSIS: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats - Strategy Formulation, Strategic Management Tools." Ten3 BUSINESS E-COACH. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. <http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/swot_analysis.html>. Patsuris,, Penelope . "More Weakness From Wal-Mart - Forbes.com." Information for the World's Business Leaders - Forbes.com. N.p., 30 Sept. 2002. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. <http://www.forbes.com/2002/09/3> Kotler, Philip. "Segmentation,Targeting,and Positioning." Principles of Marketing,Asian Perspective. Singapore: Prentice Hall, 2005. 193. Print.20 Mar.2011 MSNBC (2007a):Wal-Mart to air ads countering attack, The Associated Press.20 Mar.2011 MSNBC (2007b): Wal-Mart considers not-so-Super centers, The Associated Press.20 Mar.2011 MSNBC (2006): Wal-Mart turns attention to upscale shoppers, The Associated Press.20 Mar.2011 Kotler,P and Armstrong,G(2011) Principles of Marketing-Global Edition 13th edn.,Pearson Education.20 Mar.2011 Wal Mart is has exceeded $200 billion a year sales in 2002,with that said almost a 100 million shoppers a week(in 1999)it became the first (private ownership)company in the world to have more than one million employees KirkPatrick, David. "Inside Sam's $100 Billion Growth Machine Sam Palmisano has two huge goals: to get this giant growing again--and return IBM to greatness.." Cnn Money Fortune. Fortune, 14 June 204. Web. 20 Mar 2011. <http://citationmachine.net/index2.php?reqstyleid=1&mode=form&reqsrcid=MLAWebDocume nt&more=yes&nameCnt=1>. ^ a b Barbaro, Michael. "It's Not Only about Price at Wal-Mart." The New York Times. March 2, 2007. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
