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Welcome to A-level ICT
CONSEQUENCES OF CHANGE
CONSEQUENCES OF CHANGE
Candidates should be aware of the effects upon;
• the skills required and not required
• organisational structure
• work patterns
• internal procedures
• the workforce (fears introduced by of change)
Working with ICT (Jobs & Work Patterns)
Working with ICT (Jobs & Work Patterns)
Lost jobs – unskilled manual jobs such as filing clerks. Call centres replacing bank clerks Call centres have caused many people to lose jobs as they have been moved abroad where labour is cheaper leading to ICT 'sweat shops'.
New skills required / retraining – acquire skills to use databases spreadsheets emails, programming etc.
New jobs – systems analysts, programmers.
Collaborative working – working together on same electronic document
Teleworking – working from home using computer networks saves on transport cost, time, etc.
Video conferencing – allows remote meetings
Benefits to an organisation of using spreadsheets
Benefits to an organisation of using spreadsheets
speed of operation (replication of formulae, accurate calculations).
macros to carry out specific functions;
exporting/importing to files.
Benefits of a Network
Benefits of a Network
By networking computers in a business this would bring about extra communications facilities and possible changes in working practices such as:-
• Email and being able to transfer information between employees.
• Video conferencing to get expert help on particularly tricky work
• Internet access to research particular procedures or latest developments.
• Wireless access and its benefits
• Ability to telework
• Re-training of staff
CAUSES OF STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
CAUSES OF STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
The introduction of new ICT systems can cause a number of changes in the workplace e.g. PISYS, SIMS for school staff. These changes are likely to bring about a great deal of stress to some staff. e.g.
Statement of Change
Statement of Change
Redundancy with lost jobs//loss of jobs
CAUSES OF STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
CAUSES OF STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
Less staff are often needed to do the same amount of work once computers are introduced.
New system may replace staff who performed manual processes e.g. filing, etc.
Change in work patterns - SHIFTS / HOURS/NIGHT/24/7
Split shifts or change of hours or night work, 24/7. Means that they are not able to work with the same people that they have worked with before/ new hours might not fit in with their family commitments. Breakdown of social groups.
Reduction in status and job satisfaction
Management Information systems means less middle managers are needed so departmental heads may lose power.
Data warehousing means all data is stored centrally and is available to all some departments who used to be asked for the information are downgraded in status
De-skilling the work force / changing of ole reducing the complexity
Change in internal procedures
May make staff take on extra responsibilities for no extra money
Retraining/Fear of looking ridiculous / Having to learn new skills /(Don’t know how to use system
Established staff members may feel their lack of ICT skill and knowledge may make them look incompetent. / Older staff may be stressed by appearing to look stupid in front of younger staff who have the skill
Changes in location/Organisational structure / Relocation
Office space requirements are reduced so need smaller premises with reductions in rents, rates, utility bills.
New premises may not be in original location causing problems with journeys to work. Sometimes they are relocated to different cities which could lead to either loss of job or relocation expenses. E.g. some jobs may go abroad to call centres breaking down friendship groups.
Loss of authority by being bypassed by younger staff or having to move location which could make the journey to work harder
Health risks from working with computers
Concerned about the health risks of prolonged use of ICT equipment e.g. Back problems, eye strain, RSI etc.
For further information on Health & Safety please click here.
Big brother watching
Feeling of being monitored by ICT systems
What management could do to reduce the stresses outlined above
What management could do to reduce the stresses outlined above
Appropriate training/retraining – to ensure all staff understand the new system and wondering what to do.
Explanation of the advantages – so that staff can see how they will benefit by making the job easier/ more interesting / answer any queries
Spell out the implications of the new system (meetings)– to help stop rumours which give people stress / allow staff to express worries
Opportunity to learn new skills – enable staff to improve their job prospects
Involvement in the development of the new system – so that the staff can have a system which is straightforward to use.
Keeping social groups together / not disrupt working relationships – less stress / work together as a team
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