Businesses rely heavily on information and communication technologies (ICT) to integrate information processing, storage, and transmission using various media types. Effective communication is essential for worldwide business operations and the global supply chain. All companies utilize some type of infrastructure for communication, from phones to email to video conferencing. Larger businesses may communicate internally and with customers/suppliers using a variety of media like text, images, audio, and video. Advances in technology, particularly the internet and email, have significantly impacted business communication and operations.

1. Business Communication CP2022 - Lecture 10

2. Overview How computers and communication systems (ICT) integrate information processing, storage and transmission using different media types in a business context

3. Need for Communications Worldwide business communications forms an interlinked network of companies and organisations The global supply chain Survival and growth is made possible by complex interaction between people and between people and computers both inside companies and between different companies

4. Infrastructures All forms of communication require some kind of infrastructure Virtually every type of business (whatever size) needs access to the telephone Growth of mobile phones has created new ways of working Most companies/organisations use a range of communications types

5. Communication types in business Types of communication in business face to face discussion phone letter, memo, reports, etc telex (decreasing) video, CD-ROM/DVD and now electronic mail, video conferencing, internet advertising and multimedia networking

6. Business Sizes and types Self employed -> multinational corporations Specialised / wider scope Sectors: Manufacturing, Retail, Banking and finance, Distribution etc. All transact business between themselves and customers/suppliers ( the supply chain ) ICT used to communicate orders, messages, ‘money’, etc

7. Impact of Technology Telephone - significant, almost impossible to run business without one! ‘ Newer technology’ – has had less time to make impact Fax was important for transfer of text/diagrams and signed documents Email now more prominent Computerised information systems are vital to most organisations (and many individuals!)

8. Impact of Technology Short step: from computers to store/process information …..to … computers as communications interface to transact business Email use has increased EDI (Electronic Data interchange) use is widespread (e.g. automotive/retail industry) Internet shopping/trading has become common place Marketing and information searching - explosion on web

9. Types of information transmitted Computer based communications cater for most types of information transfer text, structured (e.g. database), images, audio (sounds +voice), video, video conferencing multimedia - combines advantages of various types presentations, advertising etc

10. Example types of information Text Email letters, advertising, reports Structured info Orders (EDI), database of products Audio Training material, downloaded and streamed music Image Pictures in advertising literature, catalogues Video Training material, downloaded films and streamed events (product launch)

11. Example – Web information 3 LIGHT FITTING. Brass effect 3 light fitting with white glass dish shades. Height 25.5 cm, spread 46 cm. Max 60 watt. 3 x golf ball bulb BC. Cat. No 123/2345.

12. The Information Society – The Future? Progress (?) towards a society that is centred around use + trade of information Embedding the use of information in everyday life the ‘virtual enterprise’ is made possible with multimedia communications technology No need for physical presence in order to operate Faster access to the Internet will help effectiveness/demand or create more problems Important social/regulatory problems need resolving (read Sloane 2005, Chapter 7 and 11 )

13. Teleworking “ The ability to work from remote location (e.g. home) using telecommunications links” based around ‘information processing workers’ modems, broadband, MM equipment careful planning to ensure appropriate equipment, environment, security/access, and support positive/negative effects

14. Teleworking effects Positive Negative Higher efficiency Less f2f contact Less commuting Social isolation Reduced work stress Increased home stress Less expenditure on transport More expenditure on heating etc More time freedom No clear home/work divide Able to work anywhere Need to provide space to work Able to tune work environment Difficult to tune into corporate ethos (Sloane 2005) p.170

15. Some examples of websites Range of online shopping www.amazon.co. uk web only www.argos.co. uk web and catalogue shops www.hmv.co.uk web and traditional shops Information providers www.ieee.org - publication of standards and research articles (purchase and download) Manufacturers www.philips.co.uk - Details of new products and support updates including old products

16. More example sites www.bizwiz.com The Access Business Online system has 300,000 registered participating companies 186 industry types services to provide information, communication, and transaction capabilities. Sales, Marketing, Finance, Purchasing, PR, IT Human Resources, Distribution, Research, Credit & Collections, Accounting, Legal, Business Development, Manufacturing & Engineering, Travel, Security, Web Management, Investor Relations Customer Relations,General & Administrative

17. Summary Businesses increasing reliance on the Web and internet Communication, promotion, advertising New opportunities (e-business) Supplement to f2f or replacement Likely to increase further with greater use of multimedia information