Reasons and Benefits of Information Technology Tools Used by Telecom Engineers in a Telecom Industries - Coursework Example

Reasons and benefits of information Technology tools and resources used by telecom engineers in a telecom industries Definition of information technology Information technology (IT) is defined as the hardware and software employed in storing, retrieving and manipulating information. It entails management of information in a compact manner by use of software and hardware. It also employs various operating system and servers. A more recent definition of information technology views it as being hardware and software used in management of database, administration of systems and people using them. According to UNESCO, information technology is a scientific, engineering and technological oriented discipline which entails the study of methods which are effective in the organization of labor that is used to process, store and compute information; organize interact with individuals and facilities used for manufacturing facilities. According to International Foundation for Information technology, IT can be defined in three ways. First, IT entails hardware and software involved in the processing of data, knowledge and information. Second is the study of science which employs hardware and software process and manage data, knowledge and information. Finally, IT refers to an enterprise within a business which uses technology to process and manage data, knowledge and information. Overview of telecom engineering Telecom engineering is one of the main branches of electronic engineering. Telecom engineers designs and oversees telecommunication facilities and equipment installation. Telecom engineering is a very diverse discipline which entails civil, electronics, electrical and structural engineering in addition to having some bits of project management and accounting. Telecom engineers ensure that their clients have access to high speed data and telephone services. The telecom engineers are charged with the responsibility of designing telecomm network infrastructure using various transport media and equipment such as fiber, copper, coaxial cable and radio. The engineers employ accounting principles to keep the records of the firms’ facilities and equipment. They are also involved in overseeing and budgeting projects in addition to acting as bookkeepers. There are several specializations in the field of telecom engineers. Some of these specialties include telecom equipment engineers, central office engineers and outside plant engineers. Telecom equipment engineer is responsible for designing equipment such as multiplexers, switches, routers and other equipment which are designed for the purpose of being used in the telecommunication network infrastructure. Central office engineers on the other hand designs and oversees telecommunication equipment implementation in a central office. Outside plant engineer are also referred to as field engineers responsible for distribution of plants to the destination point. Types of knowledge requiring information technology support a. Information technology in management Management requires IT resources in order to enable firms to manage their resources based on their needs and priorities. Resources to manage may include things such as software, hardware, networks, data and data center facilities. The management also requires IT to manage the human resources of a firm. In addition, IT is essential in carrying out other management functions such as staffing, budgeting, controlling and organizing. Information technology is also essential in implementing change management, software design, tech support and network planning in a firm. Information technology is also spearheading the efforts of firms to manage their knowledge capabilities. It enables firms to store and disseminate knowledge. It is also being employed to facilitate integration and sharing of knowledge within firms. IT provides two approaches that can be utilized in knowledge management. The first one is codification which entails codifying and storing knowledge bases in an explicit and structured form. Under this approach, IT ensures that people share knowledge via a common storage which ensures that knowledge can be reused. Electronic knowledge repositories are examples of IT tools that use codification approach to manage knowledge. The second approach is personalization in which knowledge sharing via direct personal communication. In this approach knowledge is usually tacit and unstructured. Information technology under this approach enables people to locate one another and communicate. Video conferencing tools and knowledge expert directories are examples of IT tools used in personalization approach of knowledge management. b. Information technology in design Many firms involved in designing rely on documents to store and share design information. This often makes it difficult to maintain project information that is among team members. The cost of storing of storing information is often high in such instances. It is also difficult to communicate timelines and scope of the 2-D and 3-D designs. Furthermore, the available tools which only support a single user do not allow quick generation of alternative designs ion groups. Thus there is a big problem of creation, maintenance and sharing of project data that is consistent. The recent advent of new electronic tools has enabled 3-D CAD and 4-D CAD visualization. Thus project designs and schedules can be easily and effectively communicated. However, these tools are limited in that they are only for visualization purposes and hence cannot be utilized for interaction between project team and the 3d and 4D designs. Even though there have been some developments in this area, IT experts still have much to do in order to come up with tools which will allow such interactions. The change that is expected to be brought in project planning, construction and design management strategies by 4D models are tremendous. It is expected that 4D will drastically reduce project schedule, costs and risks. The 4D tools available in the market enables team members to schedule and communicate the design of a construction project; maximizes the utilization of 3D and 4D in designing tasks in addition to planning task; to generate and revise 4D models quickly to act as a reflection of changes made in the design and schedule; and allows team members to provide feedback and input without requiring acquisition of expensive 4D tools. c. Information technology in field work A mobile worker in the field can use the voice inventory management system (VIMS) to retrieve and store information more easily from the web based warehouse database by use of natural speed dialogue in real time. The consumer of the system can request for any specific product and ask for any information about the product. The user can also browse through the system alphabetically to retrieve any information stored in the system. Another information system that can be utilized in field work is the Voice Time Management System (VTMS). This system allows data entry by use of speech. A mobile phone can be utilized to input time of crewmembers into the system. Thus, the system allows the user to keep track of the hours spends on each activity and the information collected is stored in a database which can be accessed at any time in the future. Field data can be collected faster and help in timely decision making if multimodal, wireless, handheld devices are employed to deliver text, voice, graphics and video. For instance a concrete technician can use hands free voice input to collect inspection information by use of phone enabled PDA and wireless headset. The entered information can either be stored locally or transmitted via wireless headset to the database server. This can allow real time communication of field inspection information to allow decisions to be made on timely basis. The information can also be stored easily for future retrieval and use. d. Information technology in construction Information technology can be employed for information management in the construction industry. IT is also utilized in construction industry for creation of new in formation; information distribution; information search and retrieval; and person to person communication. Information technology in construction is also concerned with the interaction of material and information process. In addition, information technology in construction is concerned with how IT can be employed to re-engineer and facilitate the information process. Thus IT is used to support designing activities in construction industry. IT is also employed in transfer of information throughout the process of construction between firms, engineering disciplines and lifecycle stages. Most of business processes in construction which employ IT include general administration; design/drawing; scheduling and resource planning; book keeping, project management; costing/budgeting; invoicing/claims; tender preparation and bidding; technical calculations; bill of quantities; material control and purchasing; engineering analysis; office supplies purchasing; specification writing; facilities management; document tracking and management; and economic and risk analysis. e. Information technology in manufacturing Information technology is applied in research and development in the manufacturing industry. The main software that has been employed in manufacturing industry is the enterprise resource planning (ERP). This system dictates the way business operates at many levels of the firm. The systems allows the firm to carry out functions such as customer order fulfillment, accounting, manufacturing, human resources, material management and financial systems in an integrated manner. Many manufacturing firms are employing in its operations management. Some IT systems employed in manufacturing support operation and production functions of the firm. Some manufacturing plants are using computer integrated manufacturing to automate production processes. These systems have increased efficiency in production, improved utilization of resources in production, reduced inventories and improved customer service. f. Information technology in decision support Decision making support tools allows users to analyze different situations and come up with the best solution for the situation at hand. It involves contrasting and comparing different approaches and technologies prior to making the best choice. It puts into consideration several factors including construction, management, operation, costs, scalability, financing and institutional requirements, community involvement, case studies and geographic locations. The user interface is accessible allowing users to effectively make decisions. g. Information technology in continual learning Information technology has been found to be instrumental in knowledge management. However, IT alone does not imply that knowledge will be created, distributed or used. Thus the management ought to create a job environment and culture which encourages continuous learning and sharing. Studies have indicated that collaborative and individual information technologies in addition to individual learning are very significant to organizational learning. Thus firms with high knowledge intensity levels frequently employ IT tools and organizational learning practices. E-mail interviews a. With Sales assistant Do you utilize any information technology in your work? if yes how has it been helpful in your work? if no, do you thing that its utilization may make your work easier. Which IT tools/resources do you currently/ would you like to use? How do/would these resources/tools impact on your current job? Which software do find useful to your job and how is useful? b. With shop manager Do you utilize any information technology in your work? if yes how has it been helpful in your work? if no, do you thing that its utilization may make your work easier. Which IT tools/resources do you cirrently/ would you like to use? How do/would these resources/tools impact on your current job? Which software do find useful to your job and how is useful? c. With a manager Do you utilize any information technology in your work? if yes how has it been helpful in your work? if no, do you thing that its utilization may make your work easier. Which IT tools/resources do you cirrently/ would you like to use? How do/would these resources/tools impact on your current job? Which software do find useful to your job and how is useful? d. With a technician Do you utilize any information technology in your work? if yes how has it been helpful in your work? if no, do you thing that its utilization may make your work easier. Which IT tools/resources do you cirrently/ would you like to use? How do/would these resources/tools impact on your current job? Which software do find useful to your job and how is useful? Use of information technology in telecom engineering Following deregulation of several economic sectors in US, there have been increased efforts directed toward increasing service delivery and competition in addition to lowering prices of both services and other products. The enactment of the 1996 Telecommunication act in US has seen many new firms emerge. The new firms are engaged in provision of new services such as wireless and data networks in addition to competing with established firms which provide wire line telephone services. The provision of new services has been enabled by emergence of new technologies such as optical fiber, the internet, digital switchboards and web standards. Of great importance has been the utilization of information technology by many firms to cut down the costs of running business in the telecommunication sector. This has seen many firms try to build an information system that could integrate the complex telecommunication sector. This has been a daunting task and was even complicated further by changes that were made in the central office switch. Information technology has been employed in provision of voice and data services to firms which use broadband, and DSL (digital subscriber line). This has reduced the costs of telecommunication sector as opposed to the traditional leased lines and analog loops. Currently telecom engineering employs IT to develop the software employed in the main exchange. The main exchange software that are currently employed include ISDN signaling software, signaling system 7 (SS7) software, operations and management software which includes network management. The IT platform also provides a platform for enabling telecom firms to handle over 20 call attempts. IT is also being utilized in the provision of services such as intelligent network. In addition, IT has been employed in the development of V5.1 and V5.2 protocol software which forms the core exchange that allows third party AU (access unit) connection to the exchange. This has drastically reduced the cost per line especially when usage is high. IT experts are also being employed to design and implement Main Exchange software which can support Internet telephony gateways, Internet access and ATM interfaces. The advent of optical fiber has telecom engineers increase the number of lines. Adoption of Information technology in engineering Recent studies indicate that many businesses are increasingly adopting IP telephony and moving away from traditional telephone service. The voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is attractive to many firms because it enables them to cut down their expenditures. IT experts are being employed by telecom firms to install, troubleshoot and maintain these IP networks. The development of VoIP was enabled by advances in IT. Information technology is being used to turn analog signals into digital packets. VoIP allows voice, data and video to be integrated into a single communication channel. These IT based digital solutions have allowed telecom firms to offer PC based distance learning solutions, live webcasting, video conferencing, video streaming, team management and collaboration. Other service provisions that have been enabled by VoIP include contact center application, unified messaging and remote multimedia solutions. In addition, IT knowledge is also being adopted in the management of these new networks to reduce cases where firms heavily rely on outsourcing for such services. Telecom firms are also increasing adopting converged networks which enable them to run data, voice and video on a unified channel. This is being encouraged by reduced costs of bandwidth and the ease of maintenance. The adoption of this technology has prompted firms to source for IT based software to help in billing since converged networks has made billing to be very complex. How IT has transformed engineering organizations Just like in other firms, IT has become integral in the running and management of telecommunication engineering firms. Many telecom firms are increasingly adopting new technologies such ads wireless and data networks which enable them to offer their customers high speed telecommunication services. IT has also been instrumental in transforming these organizations from relying on analog loops and leased lines in transmission of information and instead introduced DSL and broadband services which are faster and cheap. Due to changing business environment, firms are often forced to change in order to remain competitive. This often results in adoption of new IT technologies to ensure that the opportunities presented are utilized fully. Telecom engineering firms which have the capability to utilize information technology are usually able to use it in identifying needs and selecting the appropriate IT to be assimilated by the firm. IT has made many telecom firms to increase their production, investment and innovation capabilities. Increase in production has been enabled by employment of IT technologies which have enabled the firms to cut down their expenditures while at the same time increasing the speed of data and voice service delivery to customers. Information technology tools in telecom engineering Name Description Knowledge work supported Adobe Creative Suite This is a collection of wed development applications and graphic design that incorporates numerous capabilities ensuring high quality designs Design SPSS This computer program is commonly used for text analytics, data mining, survey authoring and deployment, collaboration and deployment, statistical analysis. Analysis SPSS Effective and efficiently used in this scenarios Synthesis Automated Test Equipment It incorporates Device Under Test capabilities that allows for quick evaluation and measurements of ant test. Testing Numerous software and tools This allows for determination of appropriate change mission or the most appropriate strategy that ensures success of any planned telecommunication project Modeling and Simulation PRINCE2 This software allows for control, management and organization of projects Project Management Competent team This team ensures that any thing done by the telecommunication institution is documented in a manner that is clear and easy to follow, and for future references Documentation management Quality Assurance Team This team determines whether all the materials and tools utilized are of the right quality, determining the appropriate standards and code of practice, ensuring that the resulting product is optimum. Quality assurance and control Financial Team This team estimates the cost of the entire project and also allocates finances depending on the requirements Cost estimation Information technology resources in telecom engineering Name Description Knowledge work supported Portals These are data banks that allows for retrieval and deposit of telecommunication resources Information repositories / portals Government The government with the help of its institution determines and sets regulations that must be followed ensuring high standards of safety, health, and quality of the end products Regulatory bodies Standardisation Organisations These are those organisations that sets normal and reliable conditions that ensures quality of services are measured across the world, resulting in provision of certificates and other acknowledgements Standards bodies Reflection/summary This assignment has been instrumental in my understanding of the role of IT in telecom engineering and other fields. The telecom engineers as I found out are charged with the responsibility of designing telecomm network infrastructure using various transport media and equipment such as fiber, copper, coaxial cable and radio. The engineers employ accounting principles to keep the records of the firms’ facilities and equipment. From my research I have found out that various IT tools and resources have been developed which can allow telecom engineers to perform these functions in a more faster and efficient manner. Telecom engineering firms usually undertake projects which require budgeting skills. Instead of going back to class to learn budgeting skills, telecom engineers can now utilize different software to out various duties while implementing such projects. From this task I have also learned that telecom engineers are also tasked with the responsibility of taking care of certain facilities and equipments which may be numerous. IT tools have been developed to aid such engineers in keeping records that can help them keep track of such facilities in an easier manner. From this task I have also learned that telecom engineers have various specialties such as equipment engineers, central office engineers and outside plant engineers which require various IT tools and resources to make their work much easier. Some of these tasks have been automated to cut down costs of running engineering firms and spur them to profitability. The assignment has also enabled me to learn various types of knowledge that require IT support. Some of these knowledge areas include management, design, fieldwork, construction, manufacturing, decision support and continual learning. It is apparent that telecom engineering requires almost all these knowledge areas and thus information technology is almost essential in all areas of telecom engineering. Apart from learning the knowledge areas that IT can be applied, I have been able to find out various benefits of IT in telecom engineering. One of the benefits that I found out is that IT increases service delivery and competition in the telecom sector. Moreover, I found out that IT has been instrumental in lowering the cost running a telecom firm and hence telecom engineering firms can now be able to offer their services and products at a lower price than ever before. In addition to this, I also found out that new IT technologies have allowed telecom firms to offer new services to their clients implying that IT has been instrumental in spurring innovation and creativity among telecom engineers. From the assignment I have also found out that many telecom firms are increasingly adopting VoIP in order to cut down the costs of running their businesses. Thus this IT technology is allowing telecom engineers to convert analog signal into digital packets which allows voice, data and video to be integrated into a single communication channel. I also learned that IT knowledge is also being adopted in the management of these new networks to reduce cases where firms heavily rely on outsourcing for such services. From the analysis of available literature, I have found out that various engineering firms are employing IT in running and managing their firms. This has seen many firms increase their productivity, investment and innovation in addition to reducing their expenditures. References Pramongkit, P., and Shawyun, T. 2002. Strategic It Framework for Modern Enteprise by Using Information Technology Capabilities. Engineering Management Conference, 2002. IEMC '02. 2002 IEEE International. Taylor, W., and Doherty, W. 1996. Managing with technology: A Predictive Information System for Remote Supplier Development. 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