1. Business Communication
CP Lecture 10

2. CP2022 - Multimedia Internet Communication
Overview
How computers and communication systems (ICT) integrate
information processing,
storage and
transmission
using
different media types in a business context
CP Multimedia Internet Communication

3. Need for Communications
Worldwide business communications forms an interlinked network of companies and organisations
The global supply chain
Survival and growth is made possible by complex interaction
between people and
between people and computers
both
inside companies and
between different companies
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 2

4. CP2022 - Multimedia Internet Communication
Infrastructures
All forms of communication require some kind of infrastructure
Virtually every type of business (whatever size) needs access to the telephone
Growth of mobile phones has created new ways of working
Most companies/organisations use a range of communications types
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 3

5. Communication types in business
Types of communication in business
face to face discussion
phone
letter, memo, reports, etc
telex (decreasing)
video, CD-ROM/DVD and now
electronic mail, video conferencing, internet advertising and multimedia networking
CP Multimedia Internet Communication

6. Business Sizes and types
Self employed -> multinational corporations
Specialised / wider scope
Sectors:
Manufacturing, Retail, Banking and
finance, Distribution etc.
All transact business between themselves and customers/suppliers (the supply chain)
ICT used to communicate orders, messages, ‘money’, etc
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 4

7. CP2022 - Multimedia Internet Communication
Impact of Technology
Telephone - significant, almost impossible to run business without one!
‘Newer technology’ – has had less time to make impact
Fax was important for transfer of text/diagrams and signed documents
now more prominent
Computerised information systems are vital to most organisations
(and many individuals!)
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 5

8. CP2022 - Multimedia Internet Communication
Impact of Technology
Short step: from computers to store/process information …..to … computers as communications interface to transact business
use has increased
EDI (Electronic Data interchange) use is widespread (e.g. automotive/retail industry)
Internet shopping/trading has become common place
Marketing and information searching - explosion on web
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 6

9. Types of information transmitted
Computer based communications cater for most types of information transfer
text, structured (e.g. database), images, audio (sounds +voice), video, video conferencing
multimedia - combines advantages of various types
presentations, advertising etc
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 7

10. Example types of information
Text
letters, advertising, reports
Structured info
Orders (EDI), database of products
Audio
Training material, downloaded and streamed music
Image
Pictures in advertising literature, catalogues
Video
Training material, downloaded films and streamed events (product launch)
CP Multimedia Internet Communication

11. Example – Web information
3 LIGHT FITTING. Brass effect 3 light fitting with white glass dish shades. Height 25.5 cm, spread 46 cm. Max 60 watt. 3 x golf ball bulb BC. Cat. No 123/2345.
CP Multimedia Internet Communication

12. The Information Society – The Future?
Progress (?) towards a society that is centred around use + trade of information
Embedding the use of information in everyday life
the ‘virtual enterprise’ is made possible with multimedia communications technology
No need for physical presence in order to operate
Faster access to the Internet will help effectiveness/demand or create more problems
Important social/regulatory problems need resolving (read Sloane 2005, Chapter 7 and 11)
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 8

13. CP2022 - Multimedia Internet Communication
Teleworking
“The ability to work from remote location (e.g. home) using telecommunications links”
based around ‘information processing workers’
modems, broadband, MM equipment
careful planning to ensure appropriate equipment, environment, security/access, and support
positive/negative effects
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 9

14. CP2022 - Multimedia Internet Communication
Teleworking effects
Positive Negative
Higher efficiency Less f2f contact
Less commuting Social isolation
Reduced work stress Increased home stress
Less expenditure on transport More expenditure on heating etc
More time freedom No clear home/work divide
Able to work anywhere Need to provide space to work
Able to tune work environment Difficult to tune into corporate ethos
(Sloane 2005) p.170
CP Multimedia Internet Communication

15. Some examples of websites
Range of online shopping
web only
web and catalogue shops
web and traditional shops
Information providers
- publication of standards and research articles (purchase and download)
Manufacturers
- Details of new products and support updates including old products
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 10

16. CP2022 - Multimedia Internet Communication
More example sites
The Access Business Online system has 300,000 registered participating companies
186 industry types
services to provide information, communication, and transaction capabilities.
Sales, Marketing, Finance, Purchasing, PR, IT
Human Resources, Distribution, Research,
Credit & Collections, Accounting, Legal,
Business Development, Manufacturing & Engineering,
Travel, Security, Web Management, Investor Relations
Customer Relations,General & Administrative
CP Multimedia Internet Communication 12

17. CP2022 - Multimedia Internet Communication
Summary
Businesses increasing reliance on the Web and internet
Communication, promotion, advertising
New opportunities (e-business)
Supplement to f2f or replacement
Likely to increase further with greater use of multimedia information
CP Multimedia Internet Communication