My coursework (Sept 2003- April 2004)
Models of Capitalism and the implications on Technology
Management
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Capitalism is a specific form of economic and social organization within an economy. Capitalism is a difficult, problematic term and it applies to a diversity of phenomenon spread across disparate historical cultures with substantially different worldviews. A variety of capitalisms coexist. This variety can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, every economy has a different set of goals, different kind of people and institutions constituting it. A single form of socio-economic system i.e. a single generic model of capitalism cannot support all these differences. Secondly, the diversity of political institutions and political processes suggest a variation in the capitalist systems in different nations. Finally, the development of a particular model of capitalism is path dependent and is shaped along a trajectory set up by the historical background.
It is apparent that capitalism is not a homogenous social and
economic entity but it
exists in a variety of forms. In the
following section we discuss the different models of capitalism. A suggested
taxonomy identifies four major brands of capitalism: Market led capitalism,
company led capitalism, social democratic capitalism, and state led capitalism
[3]. We examine each model of capitalism with a focus on key characteristics
such property ownership, markets, level of competition, pricing system, role of
government, labor markets, education system etc. We also discuss the
implications each model has on technology management.
These models coexisted in their classical form until the 1980’s. However, after that- there have been significant changes in the world as a whole due to factors such as globalization. These changes have forced many nations to restructure their economies. There are contrary views regarding the fate of capitalism. One view suggests that these different models of capitalisms will continue to coexist. Some others feel that there will be a convergence of the models. In the third section, we look at the contrary views on the fate of capitalism.
Innovation in Telecommunication
industry
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The paper looks at the evolution of the telecommunication industry from three main perspectives: Market and Organizational Perspective, Technological or product perspective and social perspective. This paper categorises evolution from each perspective in two main phases, the period before 1970’s and the period after 1970’s. The period before 1970’s is referred to as the analog era while 1970 to date is referred to as the digital information age. The paper then draws on the theories discussed by relating them to a case study on BT.
Organic Farming and conventional farming as two rival
technologies
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This essay examines conventional farming and organic farming as rival technologies. The first section is dedicated to the description of the two agricultural practices. Conventional farming involves the use of artificial substances in farming activities. Organic farming is more ‘natural’ and does not involve the use of artificial substances in farming activities. The second section focuses on examining organic farming technology as the superior technology on the basis of health safety and environment friendliness. The third section is dedicated to examining the causes for low market share of organic foods, despite being a superior technology. In particular, this section discusses how the economy is locked into the inferior technology. The last section looks at the ways in which the superior technology can be promoted.
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
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Research can be
defined as scientific investigation or inquiry. It involves close and careful
study of a specific issue [3]. Management research refers to the
inquiries and investigations carried out in the organization by the managers. The
two main approaches to management research are quantitative and qualitative
research.These two approaches are not polar
opposites. In fact, elements of both designs can be used together in
mixed-methods studies to provide more information than could be obtained by
using either one alone [7].
In the essay, I look at the differences between the two approaches on the basis of the nature of data collected, the data collection and data analysis techniques, philosophical assumptions, the research strategy, ethical issues and certain other criteria. I first look at the nature of data involved in quantitative and qualitative research. Next, I give a descriptive account of the various quantitative and qualitative research methods. Some important quantitative research data collection methods are true experiment, quasi-experiments, analytic Surveys. Some of the important qualitative methods are descriptive surveys, case study research and ethnography. To differentiate on the basis of philosophy, I explain the different epistemological and ontological assumptions underlying quantitative and qualitative research methods. Furthermore, I discuss inductive and deductive research strategies. I finally evaluate quantitative and qualitative methods on the basis of internal validity, external validity, and reliability.
Theories of Technology - Technology Determinism and Social
shaping of technology in the context of Information systems
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The relationship of technology and society can be understood from several different perspectives. There are several theories conceptualising these perspectives such as technological determinism, Social Shaping, Social Construction and Actor network theory. Technological Determinism characterises the traditional view of technology. It is a technology led theory of social change emphasizing that technology conditions social change. As opposed to this, Social shaping, Social Constructivism and Actor network theory emphasize on the social forces behind the development and implementation of technology. To limit the scope, this essay focuses on the discussion of Technology Determinism and Social Shaping. These theories have been discussed in context of information systems.
Nanotechnology
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Nanotechnology is an emerging manufacturing technology. The products manufactured using nanotechnology are designed to be of nanoscale dimensions. A nanometre is one billionth of a metre. Hence nanotechnology is called the ‘small science’. Thus the products are expected to be lighter, stronger, cleaner, less expensive and more precise.
I have a descriptive account of Nanotechnology. I have explained the technology and discussed its impact on many disciplines. I have also discussed both the positive and negative impacts of nanotechnology. Since this technology is still in its nascent stage, most of the consequences stated as either benefits or concerns are predictions. However, it is possible to effectively manage the development and use of this technology so that we can get the best from it and at the same time address the threats and concerns. I have discussed the steps that need to be taken to effectively manage technology.
Traditional principles of management and the role of
Information Technology in Organizations
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The most important aspects of an organization with respect to management are its administrative principles, management theory and process, its organizational structure, the decision making approach used and the role of technology. The essay comprises four main sections, each section discussing one management aspect. The first section examines scientific management and traditional administrative principles, from a critical perspective. Fredrick Taylor and Fayol were the most influential in proposing traditional views of management. They advocate a command and control, rigid, mechanical model for business [8]. Their views are discussed critically. The second section is dedicated to the discussion of bureaucracy; the traditional structure of organizations. Dysfunctional aspects of bureaucracy such as depersonalisation, red tapism and inefficiency are discussed. The third section is dedicated to the traditional rational decision making approach. It begins with the description of the various stages of rational decision-making process and proceeds with the discussion of the limitations of the rational decision making model. As will be seen later, most of the limitations are derived from certain assumptions underlying the rational decision making model. The fourth section, examines the role of information technology in businesses. It begins with a descriptive account of information systems. Organizations become more competitive and efficient by transforming themselves into digital firms where nearly all core business processes are digitally enabled [5]. Information technology is seen to provide a more structured environment for management and decision-making. However, studies show that there is no apparent positive relationship between information technology spending and performance. Furthermore, the deployment of information systems is a socio-technical process. Issues of feasibility, return on investments and change management usually make information systems unsuccessful.
Technology Forecasting
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Technology forecasting/ assessment can be defined as a procedure by which managers try to foresee unknown technological trends or evaluate the success of existing technologies. There are several techniques used for assessment and forecasting of technology such as Delphi, Cost Benefit Analysis, Contingent evaluation, Life cycle analysis, Scenario writing, strategic niche management, multi-criteria decision Analysis, Back casting, World modelling. Delphi and Scenario-writing, examined in this essay, are two among the most popular forecasting techniques.
The first section is dedicated to the discussion of Delphi. The second section is dedicated to discussing Scenarios. The essay examines the strengths, weaknesses and applications of these two techniques. The essay also discusses how firms can use Delphi and Scenario- writing to aid the process of decision-making for formulation of technology strategies. In conclusion, the essay also examines how these techniques differ with regard to their application in firms.
Should Boeing and BAe merge?
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The Seattle-based Boeing Company designs, develops and manufactures approximately ⅔ of the world’s civilian airliners. It is also one of the biggest global defence contractors. During the last year, considerable attention has been given to speculation of a merger between The Boeing Company and BAe Systems, another major player in the defence market.