INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN CONTEXT:

PURPOS
INFORMATION E
SYSTEM
PROCESSES

PARTICIPANTS DATA/INFORMATI INFORMATION

ON TECHNOLOGY:

Exercise 1.1:

1. Why have Australians been quick to adopt the latest

developments in technology?
Australians have been quick to adopt the latest developments in
technology because of our geographical location; technology takes down
the time taken to transfer information. Therefore it makes it easier for
Australians to communicate with the rest of the world and across large
distances within Australia.
2. What is Information Technology?
Information technology (IT) refers to the electronic hardware and software
used to process information. A major component of information
technology is electronic computers.
3. How has digital communication improved the transfer of data?
Local Area Networks (LANs) allow computers to communicate information
and share resources.
4. What has been the impact of information technology on
organisations?
Information technology has had a huge impact on organisations, it has
been used to save time, reduce effort, increase output, develop new
products and save money.
5. Describe the recent changes in banking that have resulted from
information technology?
Information technology has resulted in major changes in banking, with the
use of automatic teller machines (ATMs), plastic cards, EFTPOS, and
internet banking and bill paying, which are transforming the way we use
money.
6. How do pilots use information technology?
Pilots use information technology through flight control systems which
guide their aircraft to their destination. The aircraft’s position, speed and
other information needed by the pilot are monitored using sensors
7. How can information technology benefit an organisation but be a
disadvantage for an individual?
 Information technology may benefit an organisation but be a disadvantage
for an individual in the case of new information technology may increase
productivity so it would be a benefit to the organisation but a
disadvantage for an individual because it could mean staff redundancies.
If individuals do not have access to information or are unable to use
technology then they will be disadvantaged.
8. List some of the ethical issues that have been raised by the
introduction of information technology?
Ethical issues raised by the introduction of information technology include:
• Privacy of an individual
• Security and accuracy of data and information
• Changing nature of work
• Appropriate use of information
• Copyright laws
• Health and safety concerns