The Use of ICT in the Wider World.

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GCSE ICT B Coursework                                                                                                            Kieran Walsh 10E

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The Use of ICT in the Wider World

ICT (Information Computer Technology) is used throughout the world in many different and interesting ways. In fact without ICT the world would not be as it is now. I am going to research the many ways that ICT is used throughout the world.

Computers in Shops

Not all shops use ICT but the ones that do find every day things such as stock control very quick and easy.

  • Bar codes are the patterns of thin black lines you find on most products. These bar codes are then scanned by a computer to which will then give the price of the product and this can also be used for stock control. The computer then reduces the recorded stock of the product. And when the stocks fall below a pre-set amount called the ‘re-order level’. An order for more stock is automatically sent to the shops warehouse or supplier. This type of system will be mainly used in supermarkets. But smaller shops might have a smaller simplified version of this.
  • Debit payment is where you pay for the items that you have purchased with a debit of credit card instead of cash. The customer will hand over their credit or debit card, it is then swiped, the bank will be contacted, the customer has to sign a receipt to verify that it is their card and the money will be deducted from their bank account. Or in the case of a credit card it will be added to their account ready for them to pay the balance off at a later date. This is called ‘Electronic Funds Transfer at the Point of Sale’ (EFTPOS)
  • Loyalty cards are introduces in some supermarkets and large shops. These contain details of a customer. This card is swiped when a customer buys something, and the details of what they have bought are stored on the computer system. The customer is usually rewarded for their purchases. Rewards such as discounts and vouchers when the spending level rises above a certain level. Also the shop knows exactly what the customer has bought so they can use this information to send the customer personalised mailshots. So if someone were to buy a table and chairs could be told about an offer on tableware.
  • Gas and Electricity TopUp is where people can put money on their Gas or Electricity card and then use the card with their Gas or Electricity meter at home. The card will be handed over at the counter, swiped, and then the requested amount of money is added to the card. The customer then takes the card home and inserts it into their meter and pay for their Gas or Electricity as they go. Not all people choose this method to pay for their Gas and Electricity, the majority of people get a bill through the post.
  • Mobile talk time credit TopUp is where people put money on their mobile phones using an electronic swipe card. The card is handed over at the counter, swiped, and then the desired amount of talk time is added the mobile phone account.
  • Wages, like many employing companies, are managed by a waging system. This would be done using a PC. It can be done manually but it is quicker and more professional using a business version of Windows or MacOS on a PC.
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Computers in Banks

ICT is used in banking in three main ways they have a huge impact on the methods of banking and the banks customers.

        Processing Cheques

  • At the bottom of cheques there are three sets of numbers printed in magnetic ink. Theses are the cheque number, the sort code and the customers account number. The cheque number of simply the number of the cheque in ascending order. The sort code contains identifies the branch where the customers account is held. And the account number is the customers account number used to identify the customers account with ...

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Here's what a star student thought of this essay

The term 'ICT' is incorrect, as the report states '(Information Computer Technology)'. However this should be corrected to '(Information Communication Technology). On the flip side, terms such as 're-order level' are explained correctly and in-depth. Alongside a number of other technical terms within the report.

The report states a number of places where technology is used within Shops. The bullet points aren't a simple sentence, and the student has gone further by explaining the process and how the technology makes that certain task more effective and quicker. This is a similar case with other sections such as 'Computers In Banks' and 'ATM's'. However the section 'Home Baking' could have added detail to explain the extent of the security issues. This is mention, but it's quite vague.

In summary, I would grade the report as a 'Merit'. This is the second highest level in ICT. The report shows a clear understanding of where technology is used and how this is being implemented to improve day-today living within different parts of the world. However some areas need adding detail or some areas need to be correct where errors occur. The report clearly shows a good understanding of how technology is used within a number of locations and environments. This I believe, is explained well and meets the title objective.