A2 - Impact of Modern Technologies R

How do modern technologies enable world teams?

• removes geographical barriers

• allows communication online

• enabling global collaboration

3 benefits of multicultural / world teams?

• brings diverse ideas and perspectives

• improves creativity and problem solving

• larger range of employees to choose from → more skills

how does technology support inclusivity / worker needs?

• accessibility tools (screen readers, for example)

• flexible communication methods

what does 24/7/365 mean in terms of modern technology?

• no set work hours

• as team members in different time zones work continuously

2 advantages of 24/7/365 working

• faster productivity and progress

• always somebody available to help / work

2 disadvantages of 24/7/365 working

• communication delays

• mental strain → pressure to work all of the time

what does flexibility refer to in modern technology?

• choosing place of work (home vs office)

• work hours (permanent vs casual)

3 benefits of flexibility (remotely)

• can work from home and won’t need to go to an office → wider pool of employees, wider range of jobs

• do not require an office space → reducing costs of physical resources + reduced time and money commuting

• can work around responsibilities

3 drawbacks of flexible working (remotely)

• separate locations → can’t have a quick chat

• less team interaction → isolation

• struggle to find work / home balance + harder to manage staff

2 benefits of different working styles

• suits individual preferences

• increased productivity

3 private communication methods

• email

• live chat

• voice and video (online meetings, chat)

3 public communication methods

• social media

• website

• videos online

What 3 factors affect choice of communication channel?

• audience

• purpose

• privacy needed

3 types of tools that can be used by organisations to manage teams

• Collaboration (shared calendar, file sharing)

• communication

• scheduling and planning (to do lists, meeting)

4 uses of social media

• provides info about services

• provide info on special offers

• sell goods online

• contact us page

3 types of infrastructure needed

• devices

• networks

• software / platforms

local platform vs web based

local platform

• may run faster than a web based app

• but only accessible on user’s computer

web based platform

• accessible anywhere via internet connection

• requires internet, may be slow with poor connection

What is distributed data?

• data stored across multiple locations

2 benefits of 24/7 access

• can access anywhere

• can take orders at any time

2 drawbacks of 24/7 access

• pressure to work outside of office hours

• may need to employ staff at night and weekends for this → increase wages cost

security of distributed data

• if a physical disaster happens at one location, it’s safe in other locations and usable

• greater threat from hackers as its distributed remotely. requires encryption

3 benefits of modern technology on collaboration

• real-time teamwork (shared documents, cloud tools)

• easier communication across locations

• increased productivity and faster decisions

3 drawbacks of modern technologies on collaboration

• reliance on internet connectivity

• miscommunication (lack of face-to-face cues)

• time zone differences causing delays

3 benefits of modern technologies on inclusivity

• supports users with additional needs → assistive tools enable participation

• enables multicultural collaboration → people from different cultures can work together

• supports different ages/health needs → flexible working and adaptable systems

3 drawbacks of modern technologies on inclusivity

• digital divide → some users lack access to devices/internet

• lack of digital skills → older or less experienced users may struggle

• cultural/language barriers → can cause misunderstandings

3 benefits of modern technology in accessbility

• meets legal requirements → organisations must make systems accessible

• provision of accessibility features → screen readers, text-to-speech, adjustable fonts

• improves access for all users → wider range of people can use systems

3 drawbacks of modern technology on accessibility

• cost of meeting legal requirements → expensive to implement features

• systems may not fully meet needs → incomplete accessibility support

• requires ongoing updates → accessibility must be maintained

2 benefits of flexibility

• better work-life balance

• less commuting

2 drawbacks of flexibility

• isolation

• blurred work/home boundaries