Computer in Business for UG students in Management

Computer in Business.

1. COMPUTER IN BUSINESS

2. Computer in Business Almost everyone is aware that Information Technology (IT) has played a very significant role in taking businesses to new heights. Before the advent of computers and relevant technology, b usi ness were totally done using manual resources. As a result, the time taken to complete a task was more, quality of work was not up to the mark, and the procedures also tended to be more complicated. However, as computers started to be used in businesses establishments, the processing of work got more stabilized.  1

3. The Impact of Computers in Business The business process is under the IT revolution, which is transforming the way we do the business. The way our basic business operations like decision making, customer services, operations, marketing strategies, financial management, Human Resources management, etc. are done are being reformed with the use of computers. Most of our current day business operations are dependent on computers either partially or entirely. 2

4. Computers are used in every industry and type of business today. They come in many different forms and new uses are being developed constantly thanks to evolving techn ology. While consumers use computers to communicate and entertain, businesses are primarily interested in computer technology as it relates to com ple ting projects and handling specific business activities . From this practical standpoint, computers have had an important imp act on nearly every level of business operation. 3

5. BASIC REASONS FOR THE USE OF IT IN BUSINESS    Efficient Business Operations     Better Managerial Decision Making    Gaining Competitive Advantage.    Business Process Re-Engineering     Solving Business Problems     Globalization of Business     Spontaneous Activity    Office Automation     Communication & Collaboration     Electronic Commerce    Interactive Marketing Etc.  4

6. MAJOR FIELDS IN BUSINESS WHERE COMPUTING WHERE LARGELY USED 1.Inventory Control and Management - Inventory control and management is a crucial process, especially in establishments related to retail and production. Computers are used for recording all aspects of the goods coming in, details of goods and services, distribution of stock, and storage details. Note, that in small retail and production firms, simple computer software are generally used. Whereas in large corporations, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERPs) are employed. 5

7. MAJOR FIELDS IN BUSINESS WHERE COMPUTING WHERE LARGELY USED 2.Accounts and Payroll Management Accounting and payroll management is also believed to be an important part of the overall system in a company. Be it any kind of industry; computers are largely used for the purpose of managing accounts of administration, sales, purchases, invoices, and also payroll management, which includes recording financial details of employees. These are just some components of the accounts and payroll management system where computing is used. 6

8. MAJOR FIELDS IN BUSINESS WHERE COMPUTING WHERE LARGELY USED 3.Database_Management Database management is associated with filing and recording, managing, and retrieval of data whenever required. For smooth running of businesses, it is very important that they have all procedures and details stored. This storage of data is done with the help of large databases and servers which have to be maintained on a regular basis. These information databases and servers are controlled by computers by appropriate authorities in a company. 7

9. MAJOR FIELDS IN BUSINESS WHERE COMPUTING WHERE LARGELY USED 4.Software_Development It can be said that for every computing need, a software has to be used. Software can only be made using computers for the purpose of helping businesses to combine processes and carry out their work properly. Nowadays, ERPs are largely used in business to blend all their processes together and execute the output as expected. There are many other software and application packages that a business may need to use according to the nature of work. 8

10. Technology has forever changed the business world. In order to stay technically competitive and efficient in today’s information age, the majority of businesses now rely on computers. Computer uses in business range from the scanner at the checkout line of the grocery store to the ATM at the bank and the monitor listing flight arrivals and departures at the airport. In fact, when we really stop to look around, it seems that computer uses in business h ave grown too numerous to count. Computer Uses in Business 9

11. This certainly explains the push of schools, colleges and universities around the world to offer courses, majors and degrees in the fields of computer science and information technology. It comes as no surprise that the number of computer related occupations will continue to grow in coming years. But the question that remains is; which businesses and professions are most computer oriented, and what are the current and future uses of computers in the business world? 10

12. …Communication/networking The world may have grown smaller in the internet age, but only because the power of communication has grown by leaps and bounds. The top computer uses in business include e-mail communication, and networking such as video and web conferencing, social networking, and various other online chat tools. Even faxing, which has become increasingly obsolete in light of new technologies, is still a relevant business use of the computer. 11

13. ... Search Engines and Browsing Computers have provided us with instant access to a world of information. To stay competitive, businesses must utilize search engines such as Google or yahoo to obtain real time information and news and conduct research. 12

14. …Financial Transactions/E-Commerce Retail purchases, credit card transactions, automatic debits… can all be processed over computers, and through the internet today. Banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions are some of the best examples of computer uses in business. E-commerce is a rapidly growing industry, promising to become one of the top computer related professions in the future. 13

15. …Storage, Archival and Retrieval Thousands and thousands of manuscripts, files, charts or other document types can be stored on a tiny microchip. In the old days, businesses needed file cabinets or warehouses to store pertinent records and data. Today, data management is easy, thanks to computers and computer products that enable businesses to organize, store, and easily retrieve critical information. 14

16. …Design and Presentation Just a few short decades ago, artists were still creating business documents by hand. The advent of graphic design, digitalization and printing technology has enabled businesses to display information more clearly and artistically. 15

17. …Organization The ease with which databases, spreadsheets and data can be compiled on a computer has certainly improved the efficiency and management practices of businesses worldwide. Many offices now uses computer programs to handle scheduling, accounting, billing, inventory management, contact management, etc. 16

18. …Document Processing Word Processing, for letters, manuscripts, proposals, etc has revolutionized the business world. Today, many professionals would actually feel lost without simple editing tools such as spell check. 17

19. …Telecommuting and Remote Business Portable laptop computers, smart phones, wireless internet, air cards and hub spots are the wave of the future when it comes to computer uses in business. Today, business can be conducted remotely from almost anywhere. 18

20. …Marketing So much of marketing has gone online. Social media marketing, website development, blogging, advertising, e-newsletters have all become swift means of marketing in an increasingly globalized society. 19

21. … E-learning, Web-based Training and Software Packages Electronically supported training programs are made possible by computers. Educational software, web training programs and virtual classrooms are all highly utilized in the business world, enabling professionals to learn new skills advance their careers. 20

22. …OTHER USES Accounting -Business success is dependent upon accuracy. Many businesses use accounting software and ledgering systems to ensure the accuracy of their financial status. Customer Interaction - Computers now assist human call centers with answering customer questions, taking payments and providing general assistance. The automated voice systems are available with unrestricted hours and are always friendly. 21

23. …OTHER USES Scheduling -Scheduling is of great importance to many businesses, especially businesses involved in manufacturing and deliveries. Scheduling systems allow businesses to ensure they are meeting their goals while being efficient. Websites and Advertising -The combination of websites, advertising and marketing provide a swift means to vast business globalization. Websites helps the companies to have an ease in-touch to the market 22

24. Types of Applications Used in Business There is a computer application for just about every purpose you can imagine. Software is constantly being written, tested, and marketed to meet every conceivable business need. 23

25. Word Processing Programs Word processing programs are software applications designed to create documents that are primarily text but that may contain a few graphics. Businesses use them to: Write letters and memos Produce research papers and reports Develop business and marketing plans Write contracts Take notes and record meeting minutes Create announcements 24

26. Database Programs Database programs are applications that allow users to store, sort, find, choose, and organize information. The power of the database is its ability to link information together. Companies use databases to: Maintain customer lists Catalog furniture and assets for insurance records Manage time and track billable hours Catalog personnel records Track the searches and purchases of clients visiting Web sites 25

27. Spreadsheet Programs Spreadsheet programs are used to organize, calculate, and analyze numerical data. Businesses use them to: Develop budgets Analyze financial performance Track loans or mortgages Calculate and produce a payroll Manage business assets Track sales and service Conduct marketing research 26

28. Desktop Publishing Programs The invention and rapid development of desktop publishing programs illustrates both the computer’s creative potential and its usefulness for business. Marketers use desktop publishing programs to: Create layouts for newsletters, books, brochures, and advertisements Create professional-looking forms, such as invoices and project planning sheets 27

29. Graphics and Design Programs Graphics and design programs are software applications for creating and modifying images, including: Drawings Designs Photographs Design promotion materials Create logos and letterheads Illustrate floor plans and furniture arrangements Create professional-looking illustrations Create images for presentations 28

30. Presentation Software Presentation software produces slide shows or multimedia presentations. These programs can be used by marketers to: Prepare verbal and visual copy for meetings Present and discuss ideas interactively over the Internet Create slide shows using pictures or Web pages Add voice narration to accompany visual material 29

31. Communications Programs Communications programs enable users to communicate with others around the world through their computers. The key to any communication software is connecting to some kind of network. Broadband technology is a high-speed connection that transmits information through special phone or TV cable lines. This technology allows for videoconferencing, which can reduce expenses for business travel. 31

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