CBCT 2203 BASIC CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH HONOURS (BBA)

JANUARY / 2022

CBCT 2203

BASIC CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

NO. MATRICULATION :
NO. CARD IDENTIFICATION :
NO. PHONE :
E-MAIL :

LEARNING CENTRE : SABAH LEARNING CENTRE

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 CBCT 2203 BASIC CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Information Technology or IT and Information and Communication Technology

(Information and Communication Technology) are the technology required for the data
processing process. The scope of the title is very wide, which is about all aspects of
information management and processing. Accurately and simply, the use of computers
and software is to modify, store, protect, process, transfer, view, and retrieve information
regardless of place and time. Information technology from small concepts according to
information systems by Turban consists of hardware, database software, network software
and other equipment as well as skills. The definition of more incentive information
technology is not limited to computer hardware and software only. In fact, it is also
related to the electronic physical forms of information technology, namely electronic,
digital, telecommunications, printing presses, processing equipment and screens.

The definition of information technology can be summarized as a process of technology

-mediated information flow, dissemination, processing and storage. As is well known,
technology is considered a form of facilitator that allows the flow of information to be
very fast. In fact, information technology is not limited to the internet and computers only
but it involves television, mobile phones, and fax, telegram, MSC and satellite systems in
conveying information to recipients.

There are three important foundations in the use of information technology which are:

a) Information technology is to gather information. It is used for editing using

technology for example, by using a computer it can record sound, images and as a
motion detector.
b) Manipulate information and reprocess images.
c) Used to communicate that is it explains how information technology is used to
communicate to obtain information from the source to the recipient for example, the
use of LCD screen electronic devices to deliver lectures.

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TASK 1

2.0 DISCUSSION ON THE USE OF IT WHICH COVERS THE FOLLOWING INFO

2.1 THE USE OF IT IN COURIER SERVICES

Postal and courier services are part of the growing services sector. Global mail and
package delivery is estimated to reach USD500 billion in 2010 and is expected to
increase further by today. However, the industry faces challenges due to
globalization. The Malaysian courier market has grown at an average rate of 7 per
cent per annum; the industry has many challenges ahead in terms of low profit
margins, access to capital, use of technology and quality (Malaysian
Communications and Multimedia Commission, 2018). So this focuses on
innovation, technology, and quality issues in postal and courier services

Generally, courier and postal services are concerned with the delivery of parcels,
packaging, documents, letters, and printed materials. Essentially, the postal
transportation process consists of letter collection, input sorting, arranging mail
movement (global area transportation), output sorting, and letter distribution. The
complexity of the process therefore needs to be assisted by IT to ensure the correct
letter can be received by the customer on time. In the past, the postal industry used
to involve physical communications physical communications, such as packages
and mail delivery. However, the industry has grown to include traditional
positions, courier services, transportation services and e-services in recent years.

Printing, telephone and television play an important role in the media to impart
knowledge and information to the society. However, the dissemination of
information in these media materials is one-way and not as interactive as the
internet. This allows for effective control of information. In fact, most countries
have laws governing printing and television content. For example, in Malaysia,
any printing that is distributed to the public requires a valid permit. The

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emergence of the internet as the latest communication tool promises a platform for
the dissemination of information that strengthens knowledge and information.
The use of advanced technology today allows recipients to get information from
various websites to get knowledge, entertainment and news from all over the
world. This is because; information technology provides many benefits to society
and especially for the courier service in Malaysia. Technology is getting more
sophisticated and its use is also getting easier and easier. The use of technology is
very helpful in business management where as a result of such use, and then the
profit from these online sales will increase.

Secondly, the use of this IT concept in courier services provides more

opportunities for suppliers and merchants regardless of where they operate. The
opportunity referred to here is a sales opportunity. By using technology such as
smartphone telecommunication tools, suppliers conduct conversations to
merchants and merchants can simply transact with their buyers more easily.

Third, the use of IT in courier service is to enhance all exchange of business-

related information. What is meant here is that the exchange of information can be
done by using technologies such as telephones and computers that have access to
the Internet. For example, a merchant wants to change the address for an item to
be supplied to him by sending information about his latest address using email to
the supplier. The supplier will accept and act immediately.

Fourthly, the use of IT in courier business is that it increases efficiency and

accuracy in business management. Not only employers, but also employees can
improve their efficiency, accuracy and abilities in managing the business. A
business with efficient management is able to persuade any company concerned to
work with it. The management meant is like the management of business sale and
purchase filing records and the management of delivery of supply goods.

The fifth is courier services use IT to save on transaction costs. Transaction costs
that can be eliminated or reduced referred to here is including costs related to
rental, control, and transfer of goods or services. Cost savings are among the most

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important things besides being able to save time and energy. Next, merchants can
make promotions by advertising their products through the available Internet
facilities. Globalization now shows that the Internet is the most widely used
technology to run a business or job. Merchants should not squander the
opportunities available to promote their goods or services through the Internet.
Many websites exist such as Lazada, Zalora, Mudah.Com that provide
opportunities to promote courier services like PosLaju , J&T Express, Ninja
Van,Gdex Express DHL Express and more.

2.2 HOW IT SUPPORT THE COURIER SERVICES IN MALAYSIA

IT supports courier services in Malaysia by, networking and integrating between

all the companies that are well connected as buyers and sellers. In this way the
exchange of information and business transactions can be carried out in the blink
of an eye that may previously have been hampered by filling out paper forms and
bureaucracy. Ideally all this can be carried out efficiently by all parties involved in
the e-commerce network and not plagued by issues of incompatibility or standards
of technology and telecommunications are not the same. This has been offered by
Internet technology which uses its telecommunication protocol called TCP/IP
which has been adopted as a standard that allows any computer platform to
communicate with each other and exchange information easily. Web users can also
interact with the Web world easily by simply using Web browser software such as
Google, Mozilla Firefox and others.

The use of IT by a company can also help integrate all the internal parts of the
company with a business transaction to improve the quality of service to
customers. For example, when a customer makes a purchase order through
internet, the order can be immediately sent to several relevant internal divisions
such as the sales division, logistics division and manufacturing division. With this
internal coordination to fulfill the order will be more efficient. IT actually consists
of several components that have their own characteristics and functions such as
Electronic Data Exchange or Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Internet, digital

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certification, digital signatures, digital money, Electronic Funds Transfer,

Electronic Catalogs, Intranets, Barcodes and many more.

Of further use of the concept of IT in courier services is that, it is able to help

companies expand markets around the world. With the advent of the Internet,
merchants can expand their services market in any country in the world by
providing flexible services. Flexibility is meant here which is like the example of
a trader selling phone accessories and he advertises on international sales websites
such as AliExpress which offers delivery services anywhere and abroad. Apart
from that, IT is used in courier services to help integrate all internal parts of the
company with a business transaction to further improve the quality of services of a
business. Businesses with integrity are able to stay in the market longer than
companies with poor service quality in terms of company integrity.

2.3 DOWNSIDES OF USING IT IN COURIER SERVICES IN MALAYSIA

2.3.1 Inability To Display Actual Service Features

Service features have importance in determining user satisfaction and

customer online shopping experience. So of course, users expect the
services used through this online is as displayed during the
advertisement. Thus, good information affects the willingness of
consumers to use the advertised services of courier services. As a
courier service company, online services usually provide a lot of
information about the services offered to the buyer. For example,
buyers can choose various types of freight forwarding services whether
shipping between counties, states, or even overseas. However, this
information still cannot be described in detail in the website so some
people think the service information provided is not enough for users
to make a decision. So of course the advantages of a service offered by
a courier service company cannot be well understood by consumers.
Goods or services that are supposed to meet the needs of consumers

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will be marginalized and rejected by them because information that

should not be clearly displayed. As a result, consumers will be
frustrated because service or product information does not meet their
expectations.
2.3.2 Consumer Trust Factors

The trust factor is also one of the important factors to the use of courier
services. This factor is a fundamental factor in online business. User
trust in a website can increase the level of user confidence to make
purchases online. Through this factor we are able and able to know the
level of confidence and trust of a user in using existing applications.
The study conducted by Harn et al. (2006) found that consumers in
Malaysia are still less confident and trusting in using the Internet to
buy goods and services. The main reason why consumers do not want
to transact online is because of the lack of “trust” factor between
traders and consumers.

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3.0 DISCUSSION ON TWO EXAMPLES OF IT USAGE IN COURIER SERVICES

3.1 J&T APPLICATION

J&T Express is a one of many courier services in Malaysia; J&T Express started
operating fully in Malaysia in 2018. J&T Express is a courier service based from
Indonesia and they had expanded their business worldwide. J&T Express is now
one of the best courier services in Malaysia. J&T Express is founded in 2015 at
Indonesia and had received the Indonesian Top Brand in 2018 and 2019. It is now
valued that the company is worth more than USD 8 billion. On 2021, the J&T
Express launch their J&T Express application. The application can be downloaded
in the App Store or Google Play. The application has 2.6 rating in the App Store
and 3.5 in Google Play. The application also stands in No.16 in the business chart
in App Store while being in the top 20 in the business chart in Google Play. This
application can be used in 3 languages which are Malay, English and Simplified
Chinese. The total MB for the application is also quite small, which is 46.7MB. In
this table below, I will explain how the application works.

Application Description

i. J&T apps in Google Play

and App Store. It is a
free download. You can
download it in your
phone anywhere and
anytime just by using
some internet
connection.

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CBCT 2203 BASIC CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ii. In this application you

can choose to create
account using apple
mail, or Google mail
and Facebook.
It is very easy to use.
Once you click down
what application you
choose to sign in with,
you can create a J&T
account in under a
minute.
i. This is the view of the
J&T application. In this
application you can
search for tracking
number of your parcel.
There are two ways you
can search for your
parcel, firstly by using
the tracking number in
your parcel and
secondly you can
simply choose to scan
the barcode of your

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CBCT 2203 BASIC CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

parcel.

ii. In this application, you

can choose the single
order if you are only
sending 1 parcel at a
time while the bulk
orders button are for
sending more than 1
parcel.

iii. This application also

provides international
shipping. With 1 click in
this application, you
can fill in the details
and ship your parcel
right away to other
countries.

iv. This J&T application

also allow customer to
check out their
shipping rates. The
shipping rates will tell
customer the price for
shipping a parcel by
weight and size.

v. You can also see in this

application, they
provide the E-wallet
payment which is very
convenient. You can fill

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CBCT 2203 BASIC CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

in the details of your

parcel and just pay
directly with online
banking.

vi. The J&T applications

also offer a
membership price.

vii. Claim support in the

J&T applications helps
customer with lost
parcel or broken parcel
to claim their loss.

viii. Upon filling the details

for your parcel you can
request for door pick-
up, which will be very
convenient. This helps
customer to post down
their item without
going to the J&T center.

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 CBCT 2203 BASIC CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

i. Using the J&T

application is very easy.
You can fill in the
details and this
application will help
you to calculate the
estimation of your
shipping rates.

The main reason why I choose this application or this courier service than other
because, Firstly J&T, is available 365 days a year.I can choose to post my parcel
any day I want. This is also very convenient because, I don’t have to go to the
J&T post office. With the J&T application, I can fill in my details of parcel and get
it deliver from my door steps. Secondly, this application is top notch because it
provide 24 hours of customer service. I have experienced a lost parcel once from
J&T and when I call their customer service, they assist me and provide me a good
help to retrieve my parcel back. This happen on January 2021 when I lost my
parcel from Sabah to Johor Bahru, the customer service named Alvin assist me
and help me to track down my parcel. 2 days after filing my complaint with J&T
application, I received a call from Alvin the customer service. He was in charge of
my complaint and, he then track down the missing parcel and send it back to the
receiver. From my personal experience, J&T application and customer service is
very reliable and trusted. Other than that, I choose this application because it is

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very easy to use and understand. From the application itself I can choose the
service I want and the cost estimation of my parcel. Finally the top reason why I
choose J&T application courier service because it is the cheapest courier service
in Malaysia. While they provide a cheaper service than most of the courier service
I had use, this courier service also had the fastest delivery service.

There are a lot of benefits that we can gain as a customer using this
application. Myself have way too many experience using this application as a
courier service. This application has been my favourite because it helps me saves
time. You can use this application whether in your phone, personal computer or
even laptop. This application only need an Internet access so that you can choose
whatever service you want in this application. Other than that, it is very cost
efficient. This application doesn’t require a payment when you download it. You
only need to do the payment when you use their service. With the E-wallet service
in this application, there is no need for customer to go to the bank to make
payment. With one click,all of this service and payment will be available in the
application.

All and all, there’s no doubt that Information Technology had help us evolve
throughout this decades. IT helped people to connect, share information and make
it easier for us. This application is by far the best application in the courier service
industries.

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4.0 CONCLUSION

Information technology through e-commerce not only provides benefits to consumers, but
also provides convenience and benefits to merchants. From time to time, e-commerce will
provide countless opportunities and challenges to our economy and society. In addition,
not only the people who receive the benefits, but this also has a great impact on the
country. This situation shows that Malaysia is now able to compete with other developed
countries.

For merchants, information technology can increase sales and reduce production costs as
well as be able to identify new suppliers and business partners as well as be able to
interact directly with consumers. However, consumers should also be careful as there are
some risks that they will face. More systematic preparation is necessary if this e-
commerce concept is to be implemented. Therefore, control measures, especially security
aspects need to be emphasized in an effort to increase the scope of Internet -based
business. This action is important so that the public's confidence and trust in Internet
business. As such, the authorities and the government should control the use of the
Internet in business, so that this facility is not abused by those who are not responsible.

Strictly speaking, these online transactions have their own negative and positive effects.
However, if utilized properly, this transaction can bring the country's products and image
to the international stage and be able to compete in the world economy without borders.
Therefore, all parties need to work together to move the country's economy to be more
developed and on par with foreign countries.

(2 993 Words)

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TASK 2 (ONLINE PARTICIPATION)

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Robin.materese@nist.gov. (2021, August 26). Information technology. NIST. Retrieved

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Delivery & Courier Service. J&T Courier Service. (2021, April 14). Retrieved March 31,
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