XSIQ
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Business Management - Technological development

Technological development

The rapid rate of change in the area of technological developments has
had a dramatic and significant impact on organisations. IMAGE.

Technology refers to 'that body of knowledge of information and of skills
and experience which is developed for the production of goods and services.
It includes scientific and technical knowledge related to products,
processes and methods of production; engineering knowledge required to
design, develop, implement, produce, operate, install, service, maintain,
and adapt machinery; and, also, managerial knowledge required to marshal a
labour force, operate plant and equipment, obtain and administer funds, and
identify, establish and satisfy markets.'

Management will be forced to alter their policies and procedures to take
advantage of the direct and the indirect benefits of this development and
to counter any disadvantages that may arise. Benefits may include:

* an increase in productivity

* a reduction in high risk tasks and unpleasant tasks for employees

* alterations in current work arrangements allowing greater flexibility
and adaptability of the organisation's workforce

* improvements in quality of process and output

* increases in competitive edge or advantage from decreased costs and
improved quality

* decreases in time taken to complete tasks

* a reduction in waste and material costs

The use of technology impacts on all aspects of an organisation's
operations. The impacts may be seen in terms of:

* the type and level of equipment used within the organisational
processes

* what the employees and management have to actually do in terms of tasks
and procedures

* the composition and skill requirements of the organisation's workforce

* managerial style and skills employed

* training and education programs implemented

* remuneration policies for employees

* how the various sections of the organisation and the technology used
within those sections are coordinated

* the environment within which the organisation operates.

Examples of technology that organisations may have to take into account
includes computerisation, automation, robotics, CAD/CAM/CIM processes,
information technology including, email, ecommerce, managerial information
systems, elecommuting, and teleconferencing.

The use of technology provides organisations with the opportunity to
standardise their operations and work practices and, in the process,
establish benchmarks against which to measure organisational performance.
This will enable management to more effectively coordinate and control the
operations of the organisation and to achieve organisational objectives.

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