Tag: Technology

Executive Summary

This piece of work covers frameworks used to ensure reliable Information Technology processes. Two frameworks have been covered namely: Six sigma framework and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).  The main purpose of the Six Sigma is detection of defects and developing solutions for them. A previous related study is discussed. Effectiveness of ITIL implementation has been supported. Two IT process, service management process and auditing, and how their importance have been elevated by the frameworks is determined.

Read also Recent Information Technology Failure In a Healthcare Organization

Frameworks for Developing Effective Information Technology processes

Several frameworks have been implemented in organizations to help improve effectiveness of processes undertaken within them. The key areas used to enhance effective running of these frameworks are determined by critical success factors (CSFs). Such CSFs include; teamwork of subordinates, support by top managers and creating a hospitable environment for implementing the framework. Once the factors fail the framework is negatively affected, thus objectives set are not attained. The importance of this paper will be to determine to what extent Information Technology processes frameworks contribute to effectiveness of an organization.

Six Sigma

“Six Sigma is a popular approach to drive out variability from processes using powerful statistical tools and techniques” (Banuelas & Jiju, 2002, p.99). Motorola introduced it back in 1986 to measure performance of a product and work towards improving it. This is its major objective. This framework is used to determine defects in business processes such as procurement, budgeting, software process and IT value management.

Read also Lean Sigma Tools and Techniques at Zaitoon Plastic Factory LLC

(Banuelas & Jiju, 2002) state that Six Sigma frameworks have been tested on effect on a software process, which falls under IT industry. It was done on 100 software companies where each was given a questionnaire. Only 15 companies responded and only 10 of them were using the Six Sigma framework. The companies involved in the study were selected due to fame and global access. Among the respondents, 80% had a managerial position, whereas the other percentages were general subordinates. These questionnaires had two segments; the first segment was meant to determine issues like quality of six sigma, its use in the software process, financial benefits from the framework, and the second segment, which comprised of 12 CSFs, which were ranked in order of importance on scale. It was found that majority of companies that used the framework made very high savings. This is because of the ability of Six Sigma to identify and thus do away with defects of a product prior to its release to the market. The criteria used by the participants to determine how effective Six Sigma was were; financial benefits, ability to identify and reduce detection, ability to minimize costs of poor quality (COPQ), improving capability of software process and increasing consumer satisfaction. Additionally, the companies used the following tools to test their programs, a diagram showing flow of data, analyzing of a gap, process mapping and analyzing customer response (Banuelas & Jiju, 2002). The first two tools were used to indicate the flow in the process while the other two were used to capture what the consumers require and expect from an organization.

The CFCs were to determine to what extent collected data was consistent to enhance a secure Six Sigma implementation. The following features were considered more of much importance; engagement of leaders and top management, changes in norms of organization, aligning the framework to business goals and considering consumers satisfaction. The strategy is governed by strong principles, which will enhance it last many years to come.

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

An increasing number of companies as a tool of improving their IT processes (Pollard & Cater- Steel, 2009) have also embraced ITIL. Having been evolved from the Government of British, this Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) framework is taking dominance in improvement of IT processes. Over years, incorporation of ITIL in institutions globally has been evident. A research carried out in the United States showed an increase in inquiries made by customers about implementing ITIL. Between July 2007 and July the following year, a field study was carried out which revealed almost more than 30% increment in inquiries about this framework compared to the same duration and year before (Pollard & Cater- Steel, 2009).

A report provided by Pollard & Cater- Steel (2009) justifying the effectiveness of ITIL towards four companies, two from the US and the other two from Australia, where they were equally divided from the private and public sector. Choosing the organizations from both sectors of the economy, and different continents was for getting a global view of the results. A case study was carried out, and interviews taken on these four organizations. Those in charge of these IT processes were interviewed one on one. The data collected was analyzed through content analysis. It was found that a noticeable improvement was present in these organizations due to ITIL implementation. Consumer fulfillment and cut costs were present. The CSFs that led to a triumphant ITIL framework were; support from seniors, collaborative departments, effective consultations, training and choosing the right software. All these had a positive impact towards achieving this framework. After the study, three more CFCs were developed which were; maintaining a hospitable environment for ITIL, focus on it wholeheartedly and work towards customer satisfaction. Therefore, in future, all these factors should be implemented in ITIL frameworks.

Implementation of IT Frameworks on Information Technology processes in Organizations

ITIL Implementation on IT Service Management Process

Information Technology, even with its gradual improvement is a company asset not well attended to (Spremic, Zmirak & Kraljeric ….). Effective IT processes should be enhanced to ensure successful organizations. Effectiveness of ITIL methodology on IT service management process has been evaluated in previous research by (Spremic, Zmirak &…). A case study was carried on a company that operated in Croatia. Its IT service management program could not meet all demands of its customers. The company realized that implementing an ITIL methodology would help improve processes involved in the department. This would help to increase satisfaction of customers. Before implementing the framework, the firm had several negative encounters; “lack of quality control, undefined communication among people in IT department, undefined change execution, repeated tasks and unrecognizing goals from IT staff point of view” (Spremic, Zmirak & Kraljeric…., 245). Results to be gotten by the implementing ITIL were based on several Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which tested to what extent customer satisfaction was enhanced.

Read also Information Technology Project Plan For a Start-up Company

Positive results were observed after implementation of ITIL. Based on the KPIs, the company improved measurably, this led to its achievements. There were both direct and indirect benefits to the company; improvement in quality of services offered in the IT department, daily activities were improved, necessity of management was realized and number of problems encountered reduced. This is sufficient evidence that ITIL improves IT processes.

Six Sigma Implementation on IT Problem Management

To illustrate effectiveness of Six Sigma is in process improvement, a case study was carried out in reducing newspaper errors, specifically publishing (Snee, 2004). According to Snee (2004), accuracy of information published in newspaper must be established. The newspaper had published about a new executive in a US corporation but had the name misspelled. They received a call from an unsatisfied customer due to that. On a typical day, the number of errors that could be fixed was around 20. The implementation was categorized into four phases, definition of the project, measurement, analysis, improvement and finally the control phase.

After implementation of Six Sigma, error reduction was by 65%. As a result, savings per year was more than $226,000. Fewer pages required redoing due to this error reduction. Other benefits accrued include; missing of deadlines was fewer, reworking was reduced, the editors’ work was less and information source was reliable. It is evident that implementation of Six Sigma in the error reduction process was efficient. It benefited the newspaper company by reducing costs, therefore, increasing on profits.

Conclusion

According to the literature provided, it is evident that Information Technology frameworks are one of the major contributors towards effective running of a company or organization. Six Sigma showed ability to give quantifiable financial data. With this, it is a powerful framework. The framework still has a future if it continues to provide the same.  ITIL too showed evidence of beneficence to an organization. The company evaluated, after implementing ITIL realized huge benefits.

Information Technology processes, service management, and problem management discussed also have a considerable impact in an organization. For service management, it enhances customer satisfaction. With customer satisfaction, a business runs efficiently, therefore, realizing huge benefits. Problem management is also an important aspect in business, since it, helps identify possible errors and fix existing ones. Just like the case of the newspaper company, it is evident that profits were increased due to proper management of errors. New advanced frameworks and software should continue being developed to enable competitiveness with the continuous development of the internet and technology.

Order Unique Answer Now

Robbin’s organizational model portrays the organization as a product of three components namely complexity, formalization, and centralization (Pertusa-Ortega, Zaragoza-Sáez, & Claver-Cortés, 2010). Complexity is the degree to which the organization differentiates its operations. Most organizations differentiate operations horizontally, vertically, or spatially. Formalization refers to the level of job specialization. The magnitude of formalization varies with the type and size of organization. Centralization is the degree to which the power of decision-making is concentrated at one point. Complexity, formalization, and centralization are impacted by technology in various ways.

Read also How Technology Impacts Work Relationships

            With regard to complexity, technology shapes the way an organization sets up different units and hierarchical level, as well as where it locates its premises (Grint & Woolgar, 2013). A company that uses technology in production is likely to be horizontally differentiated according to nature of tasks and capabilities of machinery. Technology may also lead to the elimination of specific units, particularly ones that contribute to waste or those for which tasks are completely automated. A company may also choose location based on availability and affordability of certain technologies required in the firm’s operations. For instance, technology companies tend to locate their factories in china because of availability of technology among other factors.

Read also How Technology is Changing the Face of Business Today – Walmart

Formalization is also impacted significantly by technology. Notably, technology affects not only how tasks are undertaken but also the level of expertise needed to operate machinery (Grint & Woolgar, 2013). Some jobs may be entirely replaced by automated machines while others may require individuals to shift their roles. Finally, technology can make it easier for a company to manage its operations from a centralized position because of its ability to facilitate communication, task automation, and efficiency (Grint & Woolgar, 2013).          

Read also New Technology Effects on Equilibrium in Product Markets and Economy  

In conclusion, technology impacts complexity, formalization, and centralization in various ways. Key areas of impact include differentiation, specialization, and management styles. A notable example of how technology has transformed organizations can be revealed by Amazon’s use of robots and ecommerce in the management of inventory and delivery of orders to customers.

Order Unique Answer Now

In the course of the past two decades, the world of commodities has been largely influenced by a cycle of rising and falling prices of energy, raw materials, and products due to the onset of an era of new technologies. Indeed, technological innovations, including the adoption of the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics, coupled with microeconomic and macroeconomic trends are now at the core of transformation of the consumption and production of products. These tendencies imply that new technologies have significantly influenced equilibrium in product markets. This essay explores this influence while focusing on the automotive and computing sectors. The justification underlying the choice of these sectors is their maturity as well as their massive economies of scale, oligopoly competition, and capital intensiveness. Specifically, the author addresses two types of technologies: The first type influences the supply curve by improving the flexibility and efficiency of production lines in mainstream products while the second type impacts the demand curve by incorporating ground-breaking features in products.

Read also Cultural, Legal, Security Issues and Concerns to Considered when Developing a New Technology

Effects of new Technology on the Equilibrium in Product Markets and the Economy

Technology Influencing Supply Curve

Microeconomics. The entre marketplace is made up of consumers and companies that produce a specific group of products. In economics terms, this includes low-end, mainstream, and high-end or luxury products. The market equilibrium is represented by point A in figure 1, where the demand is equal to the supply of goods. At price P1, the equilibrium output is Q1. The demand and supply curves are not necessarily represented by straight lines as shown in figure 1 in a real world scenario but rather by parabolic curves. The oligopoly tendencies depicted by the automotive and computing markets can be illustrated using a kinked demand curve with elastic demand from a low quantity to the equilibrium point and inelastic demand from that point onwards. Both markets are moving toward perfect competition due to the projected increase in the demand of vehicles and computing hardware.

Read also Microeconomics vs. Macroeconomics And How The Relate To Concepts of Supply and Demand

The introduction of new technologies augments efficiency of production and enhances productivity. As a result, the supply curve shifts to the right in response to the increase in production and decrease in price. Past studies have supported this supposition with Khan Academy (2010) and Boundless (2017) reinforcing the case for lowered production costs and increased outputs. There is also a strong link between these trends and the adoption of new technologies in the production process. The incorporation of technologies is not only beneficial to the firms but also to the consumers because the market is able to supply more vehicles at cheaper prices. Even so, massive automation in factories could cause the rise of unemployment, especially when perceived from a macroeconomic viewpoint.

Read also New Technology Requirements for the Health Care Industry and Their Implementation

            Benefits to some firms may be trivial since the new equilibrium point symbolizes increase inequalities and decrease in prices. The elasticity of the demand curve poses a profound effect for all firms operating in the market. In particular, there’s a huge gap between elastic and inelastic demand curves since the gain minus the loss is relatively higher in inelastic demand. Mainstream products are particularly crowded and have many substitute goods with similar traits, which means that the demand curve will portray elastic behavior and increase the revenue for firms. Thus, it can be argued that firms aim at the production of more products because they are likely to record higher financial rewards, but this profitability cannot be equaled and is quite different from the sales revenue.

Read also Microeconomics: Adam Smith Vs Mercantilists Views On The Nature And Causes Of The Wealth Of Nations

            In perfect competition markets, such as the automotive industry, each company experiences a perfectly elastic demand in which the marginal revenue and the average revenue are equal unceremoniously. Thus, it is anticipated that any company that augments its productions with new technology will record higher output capacities and lower production costs. Nevertheless, it is important to note that not all operations in the firm are profit maximizers, a good case being corporate social responsibility involvement.

Macroeconomics. The introduction of new technology inflates the Production Possibility Frontier (PPF) in the economy. A simple economy that produces two products – computing hardware and C-segment vehicles – is represented in Figure 2. The adoption of new technologies pushes the PPF toward the positive direction from A1B1 to A2B2, owing to the fact that the same capacity of resources generate a higher quantity of goods. Thus, technology brings about an expansion of the economy regardless of the robots vs. human resources debate. When introduced in the long-run, new technology causes to a small increase in aggregate supply, leading to a deflationary boom in which inflation decreases and output increases (EconomicsHelp.org, 2016). Be that as it may, small production outputs cannot elicit noticeable changes in aggregate supply.

Read also Macroeconomics – Economic Activities Effects On Government, Households, and Businesses

Increase in production outputs is advantageous to the economy as a whole because it creates abundance and cuts down unemployment, though extensive adoption of automation may lead to joblessness. The case of unemployment arising from technology has existed since the inception of the steam engine in the eighteenth century and some countries are planning on solving the problem by introducing universal salaries to protect labor forces that are constantly replaced by new technologies.

            Apart from unemployment, the other issue concerning macroeconomics is inflation. Many economists suggest that a level that falls below the target point of two percent is ideal. The monetarists believe that inflation is subject to money supply and central bank policies. Their argument is that expansionist monetary policies lead to lower interest rates when inflation falls below the target point, resulting in cheaper loans, lower savings, higher expenditure and consumption, as well as enhanced investments. Thus, inflation rises after some period, causing opposite effects in the economy. On the other hand, Keynesians embrace monetary policies and consider the role of the government in the control of the economy via fiscal guidelines.

Read also Economic Factors Affecting Demand and Supply of Commodities and the Resultant Price

Technology Influencing Demand Curve

            Microeconomics. When firms include new technologies in products, there are two expected effects in the demand curve. Initially, the products will elicit higher demand because of the new differentiated features (Singh, 2006; Case at al., 2014). Nevertheless, for the case of the automotive industry, another effect could be an upsurge of product sharing such as the situation of Uber. Figure 3 illustrates the increase in demand from QD1 to QD2 and the resultant shift of the equilibrium from point A to point B. This further reflects an upturn of prices from P1 to P2 and the rise of production from Q1 to Q2. Hence, the firm records higher profitability from the produced goods.

Read also Demand Shifters – Constant Things In A Demand Curve

On account of technology, the demand curve is likely to have elastic behavior primarily because the new products contain new features which make the market more tolerant to price alterations. Small changes in production could cause a pronounced increase in price in the case of increased production. Oppositely, more elastic curves can be characterized by smaller changes in price in response to bigger changes of production (Gillespie 2015). The combination of both effects can be illustrated by a shift of the demand curve to the right and less elasticity. This translates to an advantage for firms operating in the markets since it can lead to high production until marginal costs equate to marginal revenues, with additional benefits of increased revenues.

Read also Demand Estimation – With Sample Answer

            It is important to note that when differentiated products, such as autonomous cars, include new features, some firms would lose their innovation and result in higher elasticity in the market. This will be most likely the case with C-segment vehicles which can present an analogous demand curve branded by a small increase in demand, because of the added value of new technological functionalities. Under the new equilibrium, the mainstream segment of products would enjoy the advantage of an augmented demand, which would further translate to higher prices, outputs, and revenue.

            Macroeconomics. With assumption that a set of mainstream products contain a new technological feature, the resultant trend would be the solution of a common problem in the society. For instance, if autonomous driving goes mainstream in all vehicles in the C-segment, the general society would experience the effects of fewer accidents, more time because of less driving tendencies, fewer taxi drivers, among other implications. People could use the saved time for other activities like schooling, working, or even entertaining themselves. Notably, this additional time can have numerous benefits for the economy especially for the case working individuals (Caselli & Coleman II, 2006). Figure 4 shows the effects of expanded PPF.

The inclusion of new technology in products can also lead to demand pull inflation, a case where the economy experiences an increase in inflation and national output. Considering the case of autonomous driving, the increase of demand and consumption of vehicles with revamped features along with an increase in investment by companies, and thus increasing stocks and assets, could compel the government to boost expenditure through the implementation of updated transport systems and the export of goods in the case of countries that manufacture those products. The increase of national output is particularly beneficial to the economy although an increase in inflation can elicit mixed effects based on the closeness to the inflation target. In this case, Keynesians and monetarists would apply the method discussed earlier.

All Industries

            In general, new technologies affect the supply curve while other minor aspects of technology modify the demand curve. With regard to the equilibrium price point, the supply curve slopes left to right while the demand curve slopes downwards. The intersection of the two is called the equilibrium price point. Adoption of technology in a bid to augment production most commonly shifts the supply curve. This is because technical advancements in production imply that firms can produce more products at lower costs, thus pushing the supply curve from left to right. Further, this lowers the equilibrium price point with the exception of special cases where demand rises to meet the augmented production at the current prices. Contingent on the type of good under scrutiny, technology can eliminate demand completely. For instance, a good can become obsolete after technological advancements facilitate the production of a more effective substitute good that sells at the same price point. Technological advancements can also ease the process of market entry in some industries or even make a sector more attractive to suppliers. The entry of more suppliers in such a case would push the supply curve outward owing to the increase of goods in the market at the same price point.

Conclusion            

In sum, this essay has explored the effects of new technologies on the equilibrium in product markets and the economy in general. Firstly, the author has concluded that technology can lead to improvements in production lines and consequently affect the supply curve. In a microeconomic point of view, technology brings lower prices to consumers and higher revenues to firms due to lower cost of production of each product. Even so, profitability may not equate to revenues because of factors that dominate the case of each firm. Taking a macroeconomic approach, it can be said that technology can enhance PPF and augment a country’s production output. Even so, it may have adverse effects on employment since the inclusion of technology in production lines eliminates the need of human labor. Secondly, the author infers that the incorporation of technology in products can cause an increase in demand. In a microeconomic viewpoint, the adoption of technology in products introduced product differentiation which further causes a reduction in elasticity of the demand curve. Finally, the macroeconomic discussion finds that products that are differentiated on the basis of technology save time and effort which can be used for other productive activities that are beneficial to the economy. Decisively, it can be surmised that new technologies lead to increased production in all industries, additional supply of products to the market, reduced prices for the consumers, higher revenues for firms, higher unemployment rates, conservation of time and effort, and higher productivity in the economy.

Order Unique Answer Now

The future of technology is indeed worrying as its misuse has led to a deviation from the roles it was intended to have within the society, to the adoption of more controlling role that domineers over every aspect of human existence, frequently shakes the cultural foundation upon which individuals thrive, redefines social structures on a daily basis, informs change in perspectives, gives the media an incredible amount of status within the society and even has the capacity to affect individuals’ moods and emotions (Sasvari, 2012). It is incredibly unusual that technology, especially the internet, has had such modifying effects on every aspect of human existence; from manufacturing to commerce to education, medicine, research and even social interactions. These achievements would have been impossible for prior technologies that focused on improving production, and manufacturing processes and increasing the life expectancy of human beings.

Read also Modern Trends in Information Technology

 It is incredibly worrying that the world went from industrial oriented, practically harmless technology that was limited to the manufacturing processes and increasing the level of productivity due to an increased demand for processed goods that had been brought about by the dramatic increase in the world’s population as a result of an increase in the life expectancy of human beings, due to new innovations in science, to the full-blown world wide web in just a couple of decades (Illing, 2018). We should be worried that we were not given enough warning or time to adjust to the kind of change that would be brought about by the new technology. Families have not had enough time to educate their children on the negative impacts of technology as they are still ignorant of these effects or are still trying to adjust to its presence in their everyday lives in the first place.

Read also Impacts of Technology on Development of Children, Teens and Tweens with Reference to the Film Growing up with Gadgets

We are creating a world where people believe that ‘friends’ on the internet can substitute real social interaction and social support, where individuals spend more time on their smartphones talking to strangers than they spend creating new relationships or building on existing relationships with family and friends (Bryant, 2006). It is ironic that social media platforms were to reduce distances, foster communication and enrich the social lives of individuals yet people who are addicted to social media often suffer from incredible isolation, have dysfunctional or non-existent relationships with their family and friends and often experience incredible anxiety when they are not connected (Al Yousef, 2006). We are creating a world where people do not want to experience reality, where individuals express an incessant preference for a virtual reality where everything is controlled to their own liking as opposed to the real world where things happen at random (Illing, 2018).

Read also Emerging Health Care Technology with Potential to Overcome Current or Emerging Barriers to Care

Despite the seemingly attractive nature of this virtual reality, it will lead to a situation where we lose touch with our reality, with the peculiarities that make us human and become mindless and uninteresting. Meanwhile, advances in technology will be looking at engineering the human species by changing genetic codes and their expression to create a human being that is more suited to a particular purpose, and at the same time transform artificial intelligence forms to a form that is more adaptable, thinks, acts and learns much like a human being does (Illing, 2018). We will create a world where we become predictable and AIs become less so, the potential implications of this kind of society are disastrous to the human race.

Read also Cultural, Legal, Security Issues and Concerns to Considered when Developing a New Technology

Even as we enjoy the benefits of technology such as; paperless environment, education, e-commerce, employment opportunities, effective time management and diversity in the ways to use our free time through the convenient access to reading materials, music, videos and games, we must also consider that once technology is misused, it cancels out its benefits in the same way that it provided them (Adebiyi, 2012). A paperless environment is good for the environment but a power hungry computer is detrimental to energy conservation initiatives. E-commerce has provided for a convenient trading environment, but it has also increased the level of Cybercrime and risks associated with making online transactions. Employment opportunities have been created in the form of; social media influencers, graphic design and virtual assistants, just to name but a few. However, jobs have also been taken away as a result of automation, and the use of artificial intelligence (Adebiyi, 2012). Moreover, the provision of effective ways to manage our time through the variety of applications, that offer this service as well as the provision of a variety of ways to utilize our free time has led to inactivity, increased violence due to the violent content of the entertainment material present on the internet and have contributed immensely to obesity becoming a public health threat in developed countries.

Read also Transformative Impact of Computational Technology in My Life

Despite cancelling out the benefits that it aims to provide, the acquisition of new technology is an expensive affair Smartphones companies upgrade device features and value almost on a daily basis. This creates overwhelming social pressure on individuals as the acquisition of expensive technology has become a mediator of social status. People who cannot afford expensive technology often experience a sense of isolation due to the reduced face to face interactions and their inability to connect with other members of the society through this new technology (Adebiyi, 2012).

Read also Development of Science, Medicine, and Technology Between 3000 BC and AD 476

The influence of technology in the future is terrifying and the future is bleak for individuals who will continue to immerse themselves into the benefits of technology without giving any consideration to its negative effects. We must learn to exercise restraint and advise future generations, through constructive dialogue, about these negative effects and protect them from them up to a certain age when they are responsible enough to handle themselves around technology without becoming completely addicted (Younes & Al-Zoubi, 2015).

Order Unique Answer Now

The 21^st century exhibits increased establishment and advancement of information technology, which has become an integral part of modern society daily life. According to Pylkin et al. (2019), information technology refers to the study, design, application, development, and management of computer-based information systems. Information technology has served as an agent of change in various aspects of society and business. It is a game-changer in resolving social and economic issues. This paper seeks to discuss modern trends in information technology, including various software and hardware, and how they have transformed the lives of people. As part of information technologies, social media have become very popular in recent years and have changed the lives of different individuals, both positively and negatively.

Read also Issues Facing The Information Technology Manager In Constantly Expanding And Changing Information Technology Environment

However, as technology develops and expands, the rates of cybercrimes have grown consistently and exponentially with the growth of information technology. Fortunately, the government has formulated cyber laws that assist in cabbing these criminal activities. Information technology, such as various software, hardware, and social media, has transformed modern society significantly. However, information technology has also brought vices, such as cybercrimes, which have negatively impacted the community, leading to the formulation of cyber laws as an attempt to combat the evil.

Read also Information Technology Certifications Research Paper

Information Technology System/ Software

Information technology includes various layers of management systems, virtualization, and operating systems, among other system software. System software includes computer programs that use the primary computing systems. Some of the modern software trends include the following:

Blockchain

Blockchain software is synonymous to Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency revolution. The software has triggered a significant impact in modern development. The advantage of the software is its decentralization character. Blockchain can store any data in a public-facing database, which is almost impossible for hackers to corrupt or alter (Siddiqui et al., 2016). Blockchain is among the newest developments in information technology, and software developers are looking for exciting and new ways to implement it. Blockchain has impacted the financial industry significantly as it has eliminated the need for intermediation and reconciliation between traders by enabling direct transactions between business partners.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is among the trending software systems all over the world. From a smart microwave to Bluetooth trackers, devices connected to the Internet do not relegate to cellphones and computers. The rollout of 5G technology has enabled more users to take the opportunity of power efficiency and wireless bandwidth (Pylkin et al., 2019). The ability of IoT to write code for small Internet-connected and energy-efficient devices has remained a powerful achievement in recent years. The Internet of Things has transformed modern society’s life significantly. For instance, it has enabled doctors to access their patients’ information faster. Wearable Internet-connected devices track a patient’s blood pressure, pulse, and heart rate accurately, in a compact manner, and affordably.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence software is a program that mimics the behaviors of humans by learning various patterns, data, and insights. The future of the software includes voice and speech recognition, machine learning, and virtual assistance, among others. Through machine learning, deep learning, or wider artificially intelligent software, organizations rely on artificial intelligence to fundamentally transform their companies (Mauerhoefer et al., 2017). For example, artificial intelligence has significantly improved the quality of healthcare services. Artificial Intelligence software like IBM Watson provides more immediate and error-free answers with accurate and fast data mining. Additionally, the software has increased human safety due to the implementation of artificial intelligence sensors.

Cloud ERP Software

Cloud EPR software is a program that enables users to access Enterprise Resource Planning software through the Internet. The software has significantly reduced upfront cost since computing resources are ordered monthly instead of purchasing and maintaining the software within business premises. In recent years, companies have realized the increasing need for data recovery and high accessibility. This need has forced both public and private entities to adopt cloud technology for both business and human life significantly. Cloud technology eliminates numerous costs for firms (Pylkin et al., 2019). Store data with the help of the cloud allows eliminating most paper file costs. Moreover, the need for servers is unnecessary when a company transfers to cloud computing. Additionally, the system enables employees to access all of their data from any location.

 Progressive Web Apps

In recent few years, android software developers have realized the benefits of mobile apps and websites. This software has led to the emergence of the progressive web app that appeared to have gotten a perfect middle ground. These apps are straightforward to maintain and to develop and therefore attract numerous mobile developers’ organizations. What is more, it is possible to upload these apps rapidly even with slow Internet connection. While a website provides accessibility convenience from any browser, apps entirely embrace the software and hardware capabilities (Siddiqui et al., 2016). Progressive Web Apps have combined the best features of both realms.

Information Technology System/Hardware

Hardware is the physical components of a computer. Hardware includes constituents inside a gadget, such as RAM, processing unit, sound card, graphic cards, power supply unit, and others. Some of the recently developed hardware include the following:

 Mobile Payment Devices

Mobile payment devices are credit card readers from organizations such as Intuit, Payanywhere, Shopify, and other providers that have revolutionized the payment sector in recent years. The ability for entrepreneurs or organizations to receive payment from clients on mobile phones has made it easier to attract more entrepreneurship and has increased gross profit. The high demand for contactless payment from consumers is due to its security, rapidness, and its simplicity to use it. The account information then passes from a card or a mobile to a reader device (Mauerhoefer et al., 2017). However, a customer’s card credentials are not revealed to a seller, making it more secure than other typical card payments, hence its popularity.

Read also Mobile Computing and its Business Implications

Smartwatches

Smartwatches are closely related to mobile devices, and they are no strangers to the past decades. However, the modernized device facilitates better integration, app usage, and functionality. The latest trending smartwatch is Apple Watch SE. The watch contains numerous business applications, such as enabling communication via emails, phone calls, texting, managing to-do lists, receiving trip or calendar itinerary notifications, and translating texts (Siddiqui et al., 2016). Moreover, it is possible to explain the smartwatch popularity through its features of monitoring individual health and location tracking while exercising.

Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo, commonly known as Alexa, provides various potential business applications, mainly a consumer device. The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) was released in 2020 and operated not to be limited to native capability. Many additional functions are applicable in its talents’ repertoire, such as dictionary/spell check and time tracking translation. A business function provided by modernized Alexa is compelling and diverse. Some of the features that help improve workers’ efficiency include using vice-assistant calculation and research, coordinating meetings, translating, tracking travel details, and finding service providers, tasks, or expenses (Pylkin et al., 2019). A consumer ordering goods through Amazon can use New Alexa.

Virtual Reality/Augmented Devices

Virtual reality devices appeared as a game-related novelty concept. However, virtual/augmented devices may offer benefits to businesses as well. Virtual/augmented devices, such as Oculus Quest 2, allow the retail industry’s customers to interact with their commodities (Siddiqui et al., 2016). For example, Oculus Quest 2 assists in planning and designing to simulate the required business outcomes. Additionally, the real estate industry can utilize Oculus Quest 2 to show virtual tours. What is more, Oculus Quest 2 can help in training, education, and even in surgeries. Finally, it is possible to work with various data using Oculus Quest 2.

Read also Reflection Essay on the Use of Virtual Reality in Employee Training Programs

Drones

Though drone devices have been there for decades, the technology advanced when Amazon started delivering packages using drones in 2017. Other companies have implemented the use of drones in their operations. For instance, UPS was awarded a certificate by the FAA to use drones on healthy campuses throughout the country (Mauerhoefer et al., 2017). Other business uses of drone devices include security surveillance, photography, and aerial exploration. Drones, such as DJI Mavic Air 2, are important devices in the photography industry. This device fits with OcuSync 2.0 transmission that offers a crystal-clear HD feed, making it perfect for long-distance flights as it enables a user to view everything on a remote control screen in real-time.

Read also Drones And Recent Drone Technology

Social Media

Social media is an Internet-based technology that enhances the sharing of thoughts, ideas, and information through virtual network building and communities. Social media may involve a computer-based design that provides faster electronic communication content. Such content includes documents, personal information, videos, documents, and photos.

Read also Can Social Media Tools Such As Facebook And Twitter Enhance The Organization Image And Create A Competitive Advantage

Facebook

Facebook is the largest social media site globally, with about two billion users engaging with it every month. About sixty-five million businesses and more than seven million advertisers promote their products on this social media (Mauerhoefer et al., 2017). Its popularity is associated with its compatibility with almost every content format, including stories, live videos, video clips, images, and texts. However, the social media algorithm prioritizes content that enhances meaningful interactions and conversations between individuals, especially friends and family.

Read also Is Facebook Making us Lonely? – Short Argument Essay

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a messaging app with more than 1.5 billion users in more than 180 nations globally. Initially, individuals only used this social media to communicate with friends and family. Eventually, social media expanded to allow business communities to share information via WhatsApp. WhatsApp has been developing their business platform to enable corporations to have a better business profile, offer customer support, and update customers on their activities (Siddiqui et al., 2016). For small enterprises, the social media has developed the WhatsApp Business app. Additionally, the social media has developed the WhatsApp Business API suitable for large and medium businesses.

Read also Mobile Phone Application – WhatsApp

YouTube

YouTube is a platform with 1.9 billion users and the second most used search engine after Google. YouTube is a video-sharing platform where individuals watch billions of videos daily. The reason for YouTube’s popularity among businesses in recent years has been that it harbors potentially massive audiences for corporations and the ability to tag keywords on videos to have a good opportunity for accessibility during searching. Moreover, YouTube has been assisting in studying languages, traveling, and other procedures. Real estate and travel companies have been using YouTube to show virtual tours of their properties and services.

Ethical Issues Related to Facebook, Whatsapp, and YouTube Uses

Most individuals live by their ethics and morals, and everybody has their own belief about what is wrong and right in life. However, it appears that when it comes to online presence and social media usage, some companies and individuals believe ethical behavior is arguable. Some of the ethical issues that relate to the use of social media include transparency. Transparency in the social media context implies accountability, communication, and openness. Many individuals and companies in social media tell white lies. Some businesses use social media to avoid losses and secure gains (Hosseini et al., 2018).

Read also Facebook Legal and Ethical Role in Stopping Facebook Live Killings

Another ethical issue associated with the use of social media is anonymity. Each individual has the right to privacy; however, social media changes the concept of anonymity in some cases. Allowing individuals the freedom to log in as anonymous has caused issues to both individual and company reputation. Confidentiality is one more ethical issue associated with the use of Facebook, Whatsapp, and YouTube. For example, an institution’s, such as a hospital or a bank, code of ethics requires them to maintain high confidentiality about their clients. However, when these companies advertise their services on social media, they expose their clients to the public, which is a breach of confidentiality. Lastly, social sensitivity is the ability to understand, perceive, and respect the viewpoint and feelings of others. An example is when an individual posts disturbing content, such as photos taken in an accident scene or videos demonstrating other individuals’ private affairs without considering their feelings.

Cybercrime in the UAE

Cybercrimes are criminal activities targeting or using computer networks to undertake fraudulent activities. These activities are economically, financially, politically, and ideologically motivated. In the United Arab Emirates, cybercrime activities involving money laundering, identity frauds, cyber-extortion, and corporate data theft are rampant (Pylkin et al., 2019).For instance, Ramon Abbas displayed a lavish lifestyle to his followers on social media. Furthermore, he uploaded a video focusing on how he was tossing money, claiming he was a real estate developer. However, the federal government got suspicious of his extravagant life. On tracking the digital trails of evidence, the lifestyle he led was financed from money laundering, whereby he hacked millions of dollars from mega-companies in Europe and America (Al-Ali et al., 2017). Following this crime, Ramon Abbas was arrested and jailed for fifteen years as per the Anti-Money Laundering Law of the UAE.

Read also Impacts Of Cybercrime At The National, Local, And Individual Levels – Computer Hacking

Conclusion

In conclusion, information technology advancement has become an integral part of society, promoting social and business changes. Computer software, such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud ERP, and Progressive Web Apps, are modern software developments that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of different activities in society. Computer hardware, such as mobile payment devices, smartwatches, Amazon Echo, Virtual Reality, and drones have enabled proper monitoring and learning through quick collection and dissemination of information. Nevertheless, these advancements have influenced ethical issues concerning transparency, anonymity, and confidentiality of data across agents. Furthermore, instances of cyber-crimes have become rampant, making governments to establish laws to deal with various crimes exclusively.

Order Unique Answer Now

Drones

A drone, or technically referred to as an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) is an unmonitored air gadget that operates without a pilot as in the case of jets and other aerial vehicles. For a drone to operate, it has to be controlled from the ground, a process that could be run by a human being or automatically by a computer control system using the remote technology. The collective system that allows and enables the operations of drones is called an unmanned aircraft system, or rather, the UAS consists of the drone, the ground remote controller; manual or automatic and lastly, it also comprises of the communications that are transmitted between the two to complete the cycle. With their original purpose being to aid in military operations that the man workforce saw as too delicate, dangerous and full of peril, drones have since then a transformation in the field and their purposes have gone to be even more. Their stealth nature to a high degree and ease of use makes them popular among the different categories of humans that use them for the different purposes they have them for. The attribute of versatility in the drone functionality is greatly boosted by the fact that cameras are fixed onto their surfaces to aid in location and observation. The size of the camera depends on the size of the drone as proportionality is key to the effectiveness of the drone.

Read also Pros and Cons of Using Surveillance Drones In The Police Department

Recent Drone Technology

In July 1849, the first form of drone was used by the Austrian army while trying to suppress the city of Venice, Italy where they delivered balloons safely and caused the intended mayhem the balloons were intended to accomplish. However, the fact that some of the balloons were blown back to Austrian territories and even destroying some of their military artillery and bases meant that there was a lot that needed to be done to improve the drone industry.in the second World War, the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company came up with an aerial bomb destroyer that would explode at a programmed time and would not require a human figure in the cockpit to man it.

It is credible to say that over the years challenges that come with some military operations that involve manpower and human presence while executing missions rendered scientists to assess the risks they carry with them and thus develop more sophisticated technological mileages that would cover for that risk. That meant introducing new drones that would present features of matched efficiency and stealth. The American Air Force, in the year 1959 realized that it was losing a lot of pilots whenever they plied enemy territory and this thus prompted them to adopt the idea of using unmanned aircraft. This meant that they could carry out aerial military attacks on enemies without the risk of losing soldiers. In fact, the process was worsened after the Soviet Union took down an American U-2 in the year 1960. The renowned program dubbed “Red-Wagon” was launched within a week’s time and the design and invention of the first American UAV found feet. The first UAV to be fitted with a camera for the purpose of the surveillance was introduced during the War of Attrition and I was done by the Israeli team of intelligence. After delivering back photos of the Sue Canal to the Israeli intelligence, the world knew that a new age had dawned and was about to grace all its corners. (Dunstan, 2013. P.16). the advantages of using drone strikes in place of real time plane and jet bombings was explained by General George S. Brown who said that “The main and paramount reason we need the UAVs is because they do not have the necessity of directly putting the safety and life of the personnel in the cockpit.” In the same year, General John C. Meyer who was the commander of the strategic air operations made a statement that praised the drones and gave a little but comprehensive response to the importance of drones. In his statement, he said, “we let the drone do the high-risk flying. It is true that the risk levels are high and so are the losses. However, the military is willing to risk and lose more of them. The drones save lives.”

Factors Considered in Drone Making

Ethology

This is a term that stands for the imitation of animal features and characteristics. This involves methods such as the imitation of the structures of the birds and the insects. This give them stealth and make them suitable for surveillance missions. From the bird’s features, the industry has been graced with the Nano Hummingbird, the sub-1g microUAV takes after a fly and has the ability to make landings on dipping surfaces. Another insect the technology of drones has taken from is the unscrewed beetle among other insects.

Endurance

Owing to their small sizes, less output of vibrations and low weight, UAVs have a tendency to consume less fuel since they do not require any fuel mixtures for traction and engine cooling. Additionally, this is made possible by the use of the Wankel rotary engines since they are not subject to shock-cooling during their process of descending in sky heights. Thus, the drones can last over longer distance coverage and even make larger deliveries of weight load. On top of this kind of engine, smaller drones can use flapping wings like those of a locust and enter through even narrower spaces like house windows and chimneys. They are stealthy and their efficiency is top-notch. Solar powered UAVs are also on the rise and work efficiently where solar power in abundance. That also happens to be the major limitation as they cannot operate well in areas with low solar energy intensity. They are however best suitable for activities such as weather observations and analysis, disaster monitoring and recoveries distant communications and lastly, capturing images of the earth’s surface. To boost endurance too, manufacturers have adopted the idea of using microwave power transmission and it has worked wonders alongside laser power beaming that can also power an UAV and achieve excellent results.

Reliability

As for the attribute of reliability, it entails all collective features and qualities to achieve excellence with any UAV. The levels of engineering attached to drone manufacturing and assembling is therefore of high caliber and all aspects are geared towards achieving brilliance with the gadgets. The fact that they can be relied upon in regards to stealth, power and swiftness shows their brilliance and companies always make sure they are putting everything into making them better each time better than the previous one.

Order Unique Answer Now