General Purpose Packages

Implications of GPPs in the workplace

• Since the introduction of the PC into the workplace, people’s jobs have changed dramatically

• Some people have lost jobs, but many more have been created or adapted to new ways of working

Computers in the workplace

How do GPPs change people’s jobs?• People have to be trained to

use a new package• New skills: Word

processing, spreadsheets, databases, webpages etc

• Staff need to attend training courses – these can be very expensive

Why is training worthwhile?

• Staff can make full use of the packages

• The business will be more efficient

• Tasks take less time to complete

• The business is more productive

No more paper?

• Using computers we can store our documents electronically

• This should mean less paper is used

• Costs less• Good for the environment• However….

No more paper?

• People still prefer to read documents on paper

• Backup copies are often printed

• Legal documents need to be on paper

• Junk mail easy to produce using GPPS

The paperless world is still a long way off!

Costs

• There are 3 types of costs:

• Initial• Running• Replacement

Initial Costs

• Initial costs – paying for• Computer systems• Application packages• Training courses• Installing cables and

sockets etc

Running Costs

• Running costs:

• Maintenance• Ink, paper, electricity• Cost of internet connection

Replacement Costs

• Replacement costs• Newer, more powerful

computers• New software• New technologies• Hardware gets worn out

and needs replaced