BTEC Level 3 Unit 1: Information Technology Systems – Assignment Brief 2026

BTEC Unit 1 Assignment Brief

Vocational Scenario Or Context

TechHouse is a growing home appliance retailer that offers a wide range of products, including refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, and small kitchen appliances. Due to increased customer demand and successful business growth, TechHouse now operates five physical stores across the country and plans to launch a fully integrated e-commerce platform.

The company is owned by Michael Turner, who is responsible for all key business decisions. As the business expands, managing sales, inventory, employees, suppliers, and customer data across multiple locations becomes increasingly complex. Currently, many business processes are partially manual and not fully integrated, which can lead to reduced efficiency, data duplication, and delays in decision-making.

Michael Turner wants to use information technology (IT) to:

• Improve overall business efficiency
• Centralize operations across five stores
• Implement online sales and digital services
• Improve in-store and online services
• Create instant and convenient access to business information

Task 1

You have been hired as an IT specialist/consultant to prepare a report on the business needs of TechHouse. Your task is to assess the current state of the company and prepare a report on how its IT systems and infrastructure can be used to support its continued growth and future e-commerce activities.

Analyze TechHouse’s IT needs and explain how appropriate IT systems can be used for the company’s operations, employees, and customers through physical stores and an e-commerce platform.

IT Requirements – TechHouse

Access to IT systems so that all employees can perform their duties effectively.

• A centralized data storage system for employees, suppliers, products, customers, and sales transactions.
• An e-commerce system that allows customers to:
• view and select products
• check availability in real time
• place orders and make secure payments
• choose delivery or pick-up
• POS (Point of Sale) systems for sales and automatic stock updates across all stores.
• Inventory management tools — track inventory levels, manage suppliers, and receive alerts for out-of-stock items.
• Communication systems that ensure efficient information exchange between stores, head office, warehouse, and customer service teams.
• Online system that allows management to securely view reports, sales data, and stock status.
• Reliable internet connectivity for all stores, including secure employee networks and optional free customer Wi-Fi.
• Security measures to protect business and customer data, including access control, data encryption, and regular backups.

Checklist Of Evidence Required

• Written IT Report
• Identified IT Solutions (with Examples)
• Students should demonstrate at least one real solution for each requirement, for example:
• Diagrams (at least one)
• Tables
• Screenshots / Mock-ups
• Screenshots for e-commerce

Criteria Covered By This Task:

Sources Of Information To Support You With This Assignment

• Turban, E., Pollard, C., & Wood, G. (2018) – Information Technology for Management: On-Demand Strategies for Performance, Growth and Sustainability. Wiley. ISBN: 978-1119542106
• Covers IT infrastructure, e-commerce systems, cloud computing, and IT management strategies.
  Laudon, K.C. & Laudon, J.P. (2020) – Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Pearson. ISBN: 978-0135191759
• Explains IT systems for business operations, databases, ERP, CRM, and e-commerce platforms.
  O’Brien, J.A. & Marakas, G.M. (2019) – Introduction to Information Systems. McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 978-1260085707
• Introduces IT system types, hardware, software, networks, and their applications in businesses.
  Turban, E., McLean, E., & Wetherbe, J. (2019) – Information Technology for Management. Wiley. ISBN: 978-1119542106
• Focuses on implementing IT solutions for business efficiency, cloud systems, and IT strategy.

Other Assessment Materials Attached To This Assignment Brief

e.g., work sheets, risk assessments, case study