Chapter 11 Business & Technology

Chapter 11Business & Technology Business Essentials  Mrs. Wilson

BEFORE ACTIVITY – Think-Write-Pair-Share • Why is it easier to manage information with computers than without computers?

11-1 Computer Systems • In this lesson, an overview of computer systems, along with various software applications, is presented.

Computers in Society • Computers are everywhere! • Grocery stores, retail stores, schools, offices, homes • Computers in business are used to store, process, and report information • Nearly every business uses some type of computer • A company needs quick, efficient processing to control its operating costs, manage resources, and stay competitive • Each day in banks, stores, offices, factories, homes, and non-profit organizations, the use of computer systems is expanding • Managers must decide how best to use technology to serve the needs of the organization

Computers in Society • Computer system – the combination of an input device, a processing unit, memory and storage facilities, and an output device • Videos gaming systems, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and automated highway toll collection systems all are examples of computer systems • A computer system has 4 basic components: • Input device – mouse, keyboard, microphone • Processing unit – ‘brain’ of the computer • Memory & storage – RAM, ROM, hard drive • Output device – monitor, printer, speakers

Computers in Society • Hardware – the physical elements of a computer system • Examples: keyboard, mouse, camera, speakers, printer • Hardware is constantly changing and expanding • Most computers today can handle sound, graphics, animation, and video • Built-in cameras • Software – refers to the instructions that run the computer system • Businesses commonly use several types of software • Examples: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and communication programs

Computers in Society • Computers in businesses and schools are commonly linked together in a computer network • Organizations link computers together so users can share hardware, software, and data • The Internet is the largest and best known computer network in the world • The Internet is most often used for 2 activities: • The exchange of email • Accessing the Word Wide Web

Input & Processing • The first major component of a computer system is known as input • Data is entered into a computer system with an input device • The keyboard and mouse are common input devices • Other input devices are often used for specific activities: • Touchpads & touch-sensitive screens • Controllers & joysticks • Light pens • Scanners • Voice-activated systems • Microphones & cameras

Input & Processing • How does the data entered by the use of an input device become meaningful information? • The 2nd major component of a computer system is the processing unit • Processing occurs in the central processing unit (CPU) • CPU – the control center of the computer, ‘brain’ of the computer • In a personal computer, the CPU consists of tiny wafers or chips • These chips carry instructions and data using electronic pulses

Input & Processing • The most common way to give instructions to a computer is with a program – a series of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell the computer what functions to complete • The 2 main types of computer programs: • Operating system software – translates commands and allows application programs to interact with the computer’s hardware • What is an example of an operating system? • Application software – programs that perform specific tasks • What is an example of application software?

Input & Processing Types of Application software: • Word processing – allows a user to enter, store, revise, and print text • Examples: reports, letters, memos, forms • Desktop publishing – includes graphics software to prepare charts, graphs, and other visual elements • Examples: newsletters, brochures, business cards • Database software – an organized collection of information with data items related to one another in some way • Examples: iNow • Spreadsheet – formats data in columns and rows in order to do calculations • Examples: payroll records, financial statements, budgets, grades • Presentation software – allows a speaker to show text, data, photos, and other visuals • Examples: presentations for school, work, clients

Memory & Output • The 3rd major component of a computer system is memory • When in use, a program is stored in the computer’s memory • This memory within the computer is also called internal or primary storage • During processing, both the program and any data entered with an input device are stored in memory

Memory & Output • Primary storage cannot hold all of the programs and all of the data needed by computer users • Therefore, external or auxiliary storage that is not part of memory is available for storing both programs and data • A hard disk (or hard drive) is housed inside the computer allowing storage of billions of characters • CDs, DVDs, and flash drives are examples of commonly used auxiliary storage devices

Input & Processing • The final component of a computer system is known as output • This element is of greatest interest to most people • Your score on a video game, the results of a test, or the sales for a new product are important outcomes of data processing activities • There are 4 common types of output: • Text output • Graphics output • Audio output • Video output • Output devices present data in a form that can be retrieved later or may be communicated immediately • Common output devices are monitors, printers, and speakers

Let’s Review! • Give an example of an input device. • Give an example of an output device. • What are the 2 main types of computer programs? • 1 million bytes = a __________

11-2 Business Applications of Technology • Management information systems and other uses of technology, including e-commerce, are discussed in this lesson.

Management Information Systems • Managers need information to make business decisions • Management Information System (MIS) – a coordinated system of processing and reporting information in an organization • The 4 main components of an MIS are: • Gathering data • Analyzing data • Storing data • Reporting results • These activities allow an organization to obtain needed information in 4 main categories: • Financial information (p275) • Production & inventory information • Marketing & sales information • Human resources information

Management Information Systems • The information for an MIS comes from several sources: • External data sources are outside an organization • Examples: Financial institutions, government agencies, & customers • Internal data sources provide input from within the organization • Examples: accounting records, inventory information, & company sales figures • The operation of the MIS involves the following steps: • Identify the information needs of the organization • Obtain facts, figures, and other data • Process, analyze, and organize data in a useful manner • Distribute information reports to those who make decisions • Update data files as needed • Computer networks are often used in an MIS to distribute information to managers, employees, and others

Technology in Service Industries • More than 60% of workers in the U.S. are employed in service industries • Public Service • Government agencies use computers to keep records (IRS, military, Social Security) • Education • Computers have become vital teaching devices in schools and offices • Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) – the use of computers to help people learn or improve skills at their own pace • Health Care • Computers widely used in hospital and other medical facilities • Uses range from keeping patient records to monitoring medications during surgery • Financial Services • Electronic banking and other financial services have made it possible for consumers to do business beyond usual banking hours • Examples: Paying bills online, checking your credit report, and selling stocks and bonds

E-Commerce • E-commerce – refers to conducting business transactions using the Internet or other technology • Have you ever bought or sold an item online? • Almost every function of a company has been adapted to e-commerce • The most common e-commerce activities include: • Providing product information • Promoting a company • Selling online • Conducting market research • Making payments • Obtaining parts and supplies • Tracking shipments • E-commerce opens up opportunities to companies previously limited by geographic or financial restrictions

Let’s Review! • What is the 1st component of a management information system? • What is the use of computers to help people learn or improve skills at their own pace? • What is e-commerce?

11-3 Other Technology Issues • This lesson considers some of the workplace and personal applications of technology, along with various social concerns.

Workplace Technology • Computers are present in almost every business situation • They help improve efficiency and productivity • Robotics – mechanical devices programmed to do routine tasks, such as those in many factories • Example: assembly line work that requires repetitive tasks – see video! • Early robots did only simple tasks such as tightening a bolt on an automobile • Today, robots exist that can see, hear, smell, and feel • Robots can work 24 hours a day • They can work in dangerous situations • The use of robots is also growing to include automated checkout clerks, airline ticket agents, and hotel desk clerks

Workplace Technology • Telecommuting – involves the activities of a worker using a computer at home to do a job • Telecommuting saves travel time and costs • It results in less traffic along with reduced noise and air pollution • What would be some disadvantages to the employer and employee?

Home & Personal Technology • Computers not only change the way you work, but technology also affects almost all aspects of life • School & homework (p282) • Home robotics • Household record keeping

Social Concerns of Technology • New technology will continue to expand the potential uses of computers in business • New software will eliminate some jobs while increasing job growth in others • Expanded computer use has resulted in concerns about health and safety, criminal activities, and privacy • Employment trends • Many people think computers are taking away their jobs • What is actually occurring is a shift in the job duties and skills needed to work in business and industry • Computer literacy is vital to each person’s economic survival • Health concerns • Some people encounter discomfort resulting from on-the-job activities • Examples: eyestrain, vision problems, muscle tension, nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome

Social Concerns of Technology • Computer crime • Widespread computer use has led to an increase in white-collar crime – illegal acts carried out by office or professional workers while at work • Workers may steal money, information, or computer time through improper use of databases or illegal access to computer systems • Piracy – stealing or illegally copying software packages or information • Computer virus – program code hidden in a system that can later do damage to software or stored data • Privacy concerns • Identity theft has become a major concern for consumers and companies • Thieves obtain information online about a person

Let’s Review! • What is telecommuting? • How have computers affect our lives at home? • What are some examples of concerns with the use of technology today?

AFTER ACTIVITY – Review & List • List the 4 basic components of a computer system. • Identify each of the following items as hardware or software: • Monitor • Word processing program • Chips • Keyboard • Operating system program • Disk drive • Mouse • Printer

Chapter 11 Business & Technology