The Great IT Horror Story
31 mins, 1999 This film tells the story of how a computer project drove one company almost to bankruptcy. Comic distributor Craven Books bought a new IT system with the aim of improving its efficiency. But the system was over-ambitious – they went for the “big-bang” approach. The result: disaster. Craven lost many customers. It… Read more »
IT Decisions
28 mins, 1998 Three companies have to make difficult decisions about their IT systems. Choosing a new system: The computer system of tour operator Avalon Travel is old and breaking down. What do they replace it with? This system doesn’t work: Copier company Comtex brought in a database system – but it isn’t working. Should… Read more »
IT At Work
28 mins, 1998 This video includes cases studies of small businesses, a local council and an ambulance service. Applications demonstrated include databases, electronic mail, image processing and voice recognition. The video also examines the impact on jobs and on people’s health.
Business Systems
28 mins, 1998 The video demonstrates how a firm’s information systems work through a lively, dramatised case study, set in the backstabbing world of the Comtex copier company. Systems examined include invoicing, email and customer database. Comtex boss Tony Spence wants “push-button” efficiency, but things don’t go to plan.
Going Live
28 mins, 1994 A bakery swaps from its old information system to a new one — and runs into disaster. First they have to choose the system, then make sure it works. At last comes the day when the new system goes live – and it’s then that things really go wrong. Lack of training… Read more »
Inside A Factory: How They Make The Jaguar
30 mins, 2013 Jaguar is a world-famous name for quality cars for the rich and famous. This film takes us inside the famous Castle Bromwich factory in the West Midlands, UK, to see how they make one – in this case, the Jaguar XJ. PRESS SHOP: First stage is pressing the various body panels out… Read more »
Systems In A Theatre
27 mins, 2005 A star from Eastenders, Toyah and a load of corny gags – the pantomime at the Marlowe Theatre has the lot. But how do their information systems work? TICKETING: The computerised ticketing system reserves you a seat and even warns if there’s bad language in the show. But the real prize is… Read more »
What’s Going On In Market Research?
28 mins, 2005 Market research is big business, with clients demanding more and better ways of finding out what their customers want. Case studies show how market research is changing and the impact of new technology. CLASSIC DIVISIONS: The internet is now widely used in market research – as are mobile phones and other new… Read more »
Managing Personnel
26 mins, 2006 Jenny Wooledge has one of the most important jobs in a supermarket – personnel manager. Crucial to her job is a computer system. This film tells the story of what she does in Sainsbury’s, Thanet branch. RECRUITMENT: First you need to get the workers to manager. Sainsbury’s goes in for what’s called… Read more »
Systems In Local Government
35 mins, 2006 Local councils are often huge organisations, providing a wide variety of services, from running libraries to keeping the roads free of ice. Critical to their operation are information systems. This film visits Cornwall County Council to explore how five of these information systems work. ADMINISTRATION: Councils are vast bureaucracies generating mountains of… Read more »
Enterprise Case Studies 2: Technology & Innovation
35 mins, 2007 Many people start up new businesses looking to make money from technology and innovation. But what are the realities of starting a technology-based business? The following case studies illustrate both the possibilities and the pitfalls. SELLING GLASSES ONLINE: Three years ago Jamie was in university. Today he’s the boss of £3 million… Read more »
Designing A Website
30 mins, 2007 The worldwide web has given birth to a new profession – the website designer. What does a website designer do? How do you design a website that works? Mark Shufflebottom, lecturer in interactive media design at Bournemouth University and Catherine Tidnam, web manager of the Food & Drink Federation, give their views…. Read more »