Assignment 2 Impact on individuals and organisations

For P4 you need to write about the way IT affects individuals' work.

As technology changes and versions of software get updated all the time they need to learn how to use the latest equipment and software. Sometimes it is easier and more user-friendly than older versions but sometimes it can be very new and takes time to figure out, or special training may be needed.

Some jobs may become redundant and so there is a need for retraining, for example where new software allows 1 person to do something that might have taken 2 or 3 people before. Think of some examples and summarise them - eg how it is easy to find information on databases now whereas before it may have taken a long time to search through records. Another example may be in using equipment to check for mistakes whereas before someone may have been employed to check products individually.

For P5 you write about the advantages and disadvantages for an organisation.

Advantages might include:

• more efficient working
• cleaner and/or quieter working environment
• possibly more flexibility in working hours, home working in some cases so less travel time
• displaying a modern and progressive environment - looking better than competitors
• being able to produce more items in-house instead of using specialist agencies (eg web sites, marketing materials)
• lots of open source or free applications
• increased ease of communications globally might enable use of cheaper services abroad (outsourcing)
• video links can save meeting travel time and expense
• offices may not need to be situated in towns or near traditional communication routes so savings on rent, rates etc

Disadvantages might include:

• security risks of electronic data (eg loss of laptops, USB drives containing information)
• legal restrictions relating to new technology or data storage can be complex to understand and comply with
• staff may waste time using equipment for personal use more or access undesirable material more easily
• it is almost impossible to 'switch off' when some work can be done anywhere - increased stress
• more staff may risk developing injury (eg repetitive strain) and liability for this arising later
• costs of new equipment and software, or maintenance, can be high

Assignment 3 P6 The work environment

For this you need to describe some of the ways that IT has an impact on people's working environment.

This could include:

ergonomics 

eg workstation layout, furniture design, positioning of equipment; 

health and safety issues 

eg repetitive strain injury, eye strain, electrical equipment safety, trailing cables

home working 

eg how many people now work at home and use equipment there too, always available, getting e-mail, need to organise time themselves, pressures of 'always available data' etc.

Assignment 3 P7 Room layout sample

click to enlarge

Assignment 3 P7 Room layout

Room layout task

Use the room dimensions illustrated here. You can either print this or make your own. If you make your own take care to get the dimensions right!

room dimensions (click to enlarge)

There are three windows shown by the double grey lines and two doors.

9 people will be based in this room. One is a secretary who has an L shaped work station shown above (that's not necessarily where it goes!). The others have normal desks. There will be a table for printer and copying equipment and an area where they can keep refreshments and also make tea, coffee as well as a tall cupboard which shouldn't be placed in front of a window. Each person has a computer which needs a mains cable and also an internet cable.

table 2m x 2m

desk 2m x 1m

refreshment area 2.5m x 2.5m

secretary workstation 2.5m x 2.1m

tall cupboard 3m x 2m (with doors open)

You can either use the images here which can be copied and placed on your room layout or draw your own. If you draw your own then make sure the dimensions are correct and still in proportion to the room layout.

Position all the items required for the room so that staff can work safely and easily access their desks. Remember to leave space for chairs to move away from desks, for doors to be opened safely without knocking people or furniture and generally work safely. No cables should run across the floor unless they can go under or behind furniture. You should include lines on your drawing to show where these cables would run and show where you suggest electrical sockets are positioned (which must be on walls).