In today's economy, a thorough understanding of ICT is vital to business success. ICT is important for research and development, logistics, customer services, knowledge management, institutional mobility, virtual collaboration and the ability of a business to remain competitive. In line with trends in the global economy, many businesses are looking to ICT to raise productivity and create a competitive advantage. If you enter any business environment and talk to management and employees about the use of ICT in the institution, they will tell you that the purpose of ICT is to make business easier, faster and more efficient. Read the case study and the additional reading material. United Parcel Service, a global delivery system, invests heavily in information systems technology to make its business more efficient and customer-oriented. It uses an array of information technologies, including bar code scanning systems, wireless networks, large mainframe computers, handheld computers, the internet, and many different pieces of software for tracking packages, calculating fees, maintaining customer accounts, and managing logistics. Let's identify the organisation, management, and technology elements in the UPS package tracking system: 1. The organisation element anchors the package tracking system in UPS's sales and production functions (the main product of UPS is a service - package delivery). It specifies the required procedures for identifying packages with both sender and recipient information, taking inventory, tracking the packages en route, and providing package status reports for UPS customers and customer service representatives. The system must also provide information to satisfy the needs of managers and workers. UPS drivers need to be trained in both package pickup and delivery procedures and in how to use the package tracking system so that they can work efficiently and effectively. UPS customers may need some training to use UPS in-house package tracking software or the UPS website. 2. UPS's management is responsible for monitoring service levels and costs and for promoting the company's strategy of combining low cost and superior service. Management decided to use computer systems to increase the ease of sending a package using UPS and of checking its delivery status, thereby reducing delivery costs and increasing sales revenues. 3. The technology supporting this system consists of handheld computers, bar code scanners, desktop computers, wired and wireless communications networks, UPS's data centre, storage technology for the package delivery data, UPS in-house package tracking software, and software to access the web. The result is an information system solution to the business challenge of providing a high level of service with low prices in the face of mounting competition. (Laudon & Laudon, 2021). Additional reading: Darda, M. (2023, June 14). 3 Ways emerging technology is key to company growth in 2023. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/14/3-ways-emerging-technology-is-key-to-company- growth-in-2023/?sh=40a24e77dafb (accessed 15 August 2023). Groomsbridge, D. (2022, October 17). Gartner top 10 strategic technology trends for 2023. Gartner. https://www.qartner.com/en/articles/gartner-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2023 (accessed 15 August 2023). Pauley, J. (2023, February 3). Why innovation will be integral to business success in 2023. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/02/03/why-innovation-will-be-integral-to-business- success-in-2023/?sh=719e93216455 (accessed 15 August 2023) Your organisation has asked you to write a report on the ICT systems and business operations. With the above in mind, use the assignment question to compile your report. How ICT can create value in business is discussed succinctly and clearly. Discussion on the aspects impacted by effective ICT systems such as improving communication, keeping accurate records, marketing and service delivery is discussed clearly with relevant examples provided. Discussion on the value created by ICT with regard to strategic benefits, information benefits, transactional benefits and institutional transformation in business is clear and relevant examples are provided for each benefit. Discuss on the various advantages of ICT to business. Eg: Opening new markets, efficient delivery channels, financial sector reforms, etc., with relevant correlation to students' organisation (or one they are familiar with)