ICT in management Free Essay Example

How the organisational structure, culture and management style inter-relate in the business and evaluate their impact and that of ICT on the performance of the business. Many of the internal styles and choices of management interlink with one another. The strategy Sainsburys chooses in each is essential to the overall profit and general running of the Sainsburys system. Without the other aspects the other one would not function as well.

Sainsburys use a Matrix hierarchal system. This structure helps Sainsburys meet its objectives because it motivates and develops employees as well as giving then a sense of purpose and security.

It also encourages the company to be more flexible which helps in the ever-changing business world. It also helps to focus on tasks necessary for business success. It interlinks with the management style Sainsburys use. Since Sainsburys use a management style that means they can adapt to consumer, employee and company needs they need a management structure that allows them to back this up.

This also interlinks with Sainsburys relaxed culture, as they tend to have a relaxed style. Obviously more pressure builds up as you progress through the hierarchical structure but by adapting to the problems they face this eases pressure and strain.

As Sainsburys is modernising ICT becomes increasingly a bigger and bigger part of the Sainsburys cog. It is not just the points above that interlink; there is also ICT, which interlinks with all three. An example of ICT in management:

Chief executive manager can sit in his/her office in front of his computer and receive reports, files and other documents from for example the secretary.

Then he may then wish to send the documents to his non-executive managing directors in other parts of the world (or locally) using e-mail software. They then could read the report and a video conference (video visual meeting) could be set-up. It also has links with product suppliers – Possibly the biggest impact ICT has had was in the field of effective trade communications. It enables Sainsburys to sell more goods through online shopping.

ICT is also used all up and down the hierarchal structure, from the till (which automatically tells another computer what has been sold, to ease stock count) to the managers who use ICT for reports, memos and a variety of other things. It eases pressure and makes life generally easier for many aspects of Sainsburys. Another example of how ICT is used is in stock control. ICT enables memos, emails and generally all information to be sent around the company/companies of Sainsburys. It interlinks with now nearly every aspect of Sainsburys life. ICT definitely has a positive affect of how Sainsburys achieves its objectives.

Another method of quality control: To cope with the pace of development, Sainsbury’s Research and Development team may employ a product review methodology. All software is peering reviewed and version-controlled using the latest revision control systems. For example, if I were to suggest another method of quality control for Sainsburys I would suggest they use something along the lines of what I have described below.

Using the latest in Surface Mount Technology, SMT, each product could be manufactured on site and would then be able to undergo a series of manual and automated tests and checks. All products could then be logged electronically using bar-coded serial numbers before packaging for shipping. The advantages of this are that:  1. Any information relevant to user documentation, software, hardware, faultfinding reports and customer enquiries could be entered into a specialised software package.

2. Once this information is entered into the system, it could then be collated to form a comprehensive file of data for one project or topic. 3. From this file email messages are compiled and sent to relevant parties, keeping them informed and up to date about any actions they may be required to take. 4. These procedures ensure the consistency and quality of production while enhancing the speed with which new products are brought to market.