IT AND BUSINESS

Implementing IT in Business

Implementing IT in Business

Introduction

Technology's role cannot be avoided form the development of any business as today's rapidly changing technological advancements have given leverage to businesses as well as made things easier to individuals or consumers. The businesses in the present age function in a systematic manner and with advanced technology. They are divided into various departments which manage their functions and activities in a systematic flow. The management in most of the business organisations has undergone profound changes by absorbing the various technologies and MIS applications such as Just-in-Time, Total Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management, etc. (Manzoor, 2012).

Now it is high time, that the businesses are shifting their production, operations and supervision procedures to the implications of information technology. In addition, rapidly changing technology as well as business environment has opened new doors of doing business in a radically different way (Manzoor, 2012). It is also a fact that information technology is increasingly becoming connected with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the SMEs are usually unable to manage their budget for the huge capital expenditure of traditional resources.

Small-Medium Enterprises also naturally have lower existing computer infrastructure, low level of skilful administration, more flexibility, and lesser capital budgets for acquiring in-house IT technology (Mulholland et al., 2010). This remarkably helps SMEs especially in the emerging markets, where cost reduction can gain them competitive advantage in the market.

BusCymru, in this regard, is a small company that manages its business operations as well as transactions through paper-based or manual administration. However, the most positive thing to know is that the BusCymru has recognised the importance of Information Technology and is willing to transform its existing manual administration into a computerised one. BusCymru believes that this transformation will bring multiple business benefits to the company in terms of cost reduction, efficiency in performance, active customer management and significant reduction in business cycle.

Problem at BusCymru

BusCymru is operating from Llanelli as its headquarter where the company servers to different academic institutions, businesses, clubs and community organisations with its 12 coaches. It is important to know that BusCymru conduct its business in a traditional way without using the aid of information technology. This compels company to manage its records in different kind of paper-based books or registers. For example, company uses separate registers for accepted booking, unconfirmed booking, cancellation book and main logbook. In fact, management of record and transaction in these registers and books increases the amount of time to not only process a request but also to respond the customers. In addition, drivers are bound to keep the company informed by making phone calls at every step from leaving to the client to arriving back to the company.

BusCymru is facing a growing challenge not only from the changes in government legislation to go high-tech but also from the competitive market due to arrival of new entrants with latest technologies. This situation has affected the business in terms of increasing current cost, supplier power and business cycle (Manzoor, ...