Technology Management - Research Paper Example

? Technology Management Introduction Over the last two decades, human beings have experienced a propagation of technology in governmental offices. It is not uncommon and surprising to find the computers on every desk in the offices. In addition, there are fax machines, voice mail systems, answering machines and several assorted hardware. Technological advancement and revolution are dramatically changing the way of doing things around the globe (Diamond, 2013). Whether the implementation of advanced technology in this business process is increasing the productivity of a firm or not is a significant question that is left unanswered. This research will try to show that the technological changes in modern era cannot always help the corporation to increase the business productivity. Technological Changes Cannot Always Help It is true that the productivity in several non-white collar jobs has significantly increased due to the implementation of advanced technology. On the other hand, productivity in several white collar jobs has not grown at the same rate. It can be stated that implementation of advanced technology does not have that as much positive impact on manufacturing as it is identified in office jobs. It is quite difficult to measure productivity in white collar jobs. Poor quality and inadequate measurement process and implementation of high automation can affect the productivity of an organisation (Turban, 2007). This part of the research will investigate all the aspects through the implementation of appropriate theories and approaches. Lack of Integration and Knowledge Organisations generally implement a computerised accounting system within the organisation in order to reduce and control the operational time and cost. It is not true that all the time this automation process can reduce time and cost. Lack of knowledge about advanced technology and functions can take more operating time. A specific branch or department of an organisation can use these automotive systems for their internal purposes. For example, several organisations have implemented electronic mail system to reduce the operating cost and time. It can allow the employees to reduce the use of paper. In this case, productivity of the organisation can be reduced as it is important to process the paper documents in appropriate place (Ripin & Sayles, 1999). There are several people outside of the branches or the departments who cannot avail this facility. However, it is important to integrate all the branches and departments all together before implementing the advanced technology in business process. Otherwise, it can reduce the productivity of the organisation. Unmeasured Productivity and Unnoticed Problems It is true that some organisations implement advanced technology and automation process in business practices without thinking about the future consequences. It is very much difficult to measure productivity after the implementation of advanced technology. Inadequate review of technological tools can affect the productivity of the organisation. Inadequate Initial Decision Making Process In certain governmental firms, the purchase of software and equipment is not undertaken with supreme diligence. It is true that several officials do not know how to increase the productivity and efficiency of business process through the implementation of advanced technology. It is very much critical to make a decision about the implementation of advanced technology (Grembergen, 2001). Application of advanced technology automation in business process may not increase the productivity of a firm. First of all, it is important for the management of the organisation to conduct comprehensive and real analysis to make effective decisions. It will be very much difficult for the organisation if they implement process of justifying and deciding the wrong way round. The organisation needs to improve the decision making process based on the notion. It can provide effective solution to the problems. Implementation of Technology without effective Skill Enhancement Productivity of the organisation increases due to mutual interaction between the people and machineries. The employees need to know about the functions of machineries and technological tools to perform effectively. Inadequate knowledge can create conflicts, issues and hazards. First of all, the organisation needs to review the functions and efficiency of the machineries and tools (Mitchell, Inouye, & Blumenthal, 2003). This review process will help the management of the organisation to provide effective training and development programmes to the employees. Workplace hazard is another issue that can rise due to lack of accession knowledge and skills. Lack of effective training cannot increase the competency of the employees as these employees are efficient in the manual process. In initial stages, implementation of advanced technology can be very expensive (Hempell, 2006). Therefore, the management of the organisation should provide effective orientation and training process to increase the skills of employees about that specific tool or machinery. The management need to ensure that all the employees can access the tools and machineries actively. Then only it can help to reduce manufacturing cost and time. Specific Nature of Technologies Computers allow people to gather important data and information within a limited period of time that can enhance the business process of an organisation. The managers of the organisations can easily utilise this process in terms of the promotional activities, but these promotional things and materials need not to be sent to the production experts. When an individual implements advanced technology or adopts computerised automation process, he or she tends to gather more information or data, but existing and available limited data can manipulate the operation of production (Schwalbe, 2010). This process can create more stress and workloads for the employees. On the other hand, too much automation can increase the time and cost of production process. Therefore, it is important for the organisation to allocate and implement appropriate required technology to enhance production process. Conclusion Leading organisations are implementing advanced technology in their business process in order to achieve potential competitive advantages in business process. It is true that this automation process can reduce the operational time and cost. However, lack of integration, inadequate knowledge and skill about technology, and unnecessary products can damage the production of an organisation. Too much automation is not required as this can create several workplace issues and conflicts. They need to basically rely on manual process. At the end of the day, it can be stated that too much automation can affect the business performance of an organisation. References Diamond, J. (2013). Collapse. London: Penguin. Grembergen, W. (2001). Information Technology Evaluation Methods and Management. New York: IGI. Hempell, T. (2006). Computers and Productivity. New York: Springer. Mitchell, W., Inouye, A., & Blumenthal, M. (2003). Beyond Productivity. London: Sage. Ripin, K., & Sayles, L. (1999). Insider Strategies for Outsourcing Information System. New York: Oxford University Press. Schwalbe, K. (2010). Information Technology Project Management. Stamford: Cengage Learning. Turban, A. (2007) Information Technology for management. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Read More