Marquand Says: Information Technology Has Had Its Biggest Impact on Business

question 15

Short Answer

Marquand says: Information technology has had its biggest impact on business in communication and access to data. With the networking and streamlined communication modalities now available to businesses, businesses can collaborate with each other as well as within a business at different locations with the greatest of ease. Businesses also have access to a greater range of information and at a greater speed than ever before. And with this information being constantly updated, businesses now have the ability to plan in response to market conditions with much greater efficiency than before.
Stevenson responds: Information is important, but what's most important is how that information is used. And there is no more direct way that information technology has helped businesses than the ability to sell directly. Selling online has opened up entirely new markets that allow businesses to make greater profits, with greater efficiency, than ever before. Many businesses, such as Amazon, have been able to use online selling exclusively to dramatic effect: without having to spend money on bricks-and-mortar storefronts, they can make billions in profits selling products at low prices.
Which of the following is at issue between Marquand and Stevenson?
Whether online selling is an important factor in business today
Whether information technology has made a significant difference to businesses
Whether doing business is significantly helped by online communications
What the most important effect of information technology has been on business
What has changed in business since the advent of the latest information technology

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Definitions:

The CPU

The Central Processing Unit, which is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer.

Data

Information that has been collected, organized, and can be interpreted or analyzed for various purposes.

Other Components

Additional parts, elements, or ingredients that are part of a larger system but not specified in the initial consideration.

Microcomputers

Small-sized computers that are powerful enough for individual use, including personal computers.