| DRIVE | FALL DRIVE 2013 |
| PROGRAM/SEMESTER | MBADS – (SEM 4/SEM 6) / MBAN2 / MBAFLEX – (SEM 4) / PGDISMN (SEM 2) |
| SUBJECT CODE & NAME | OM0018- TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT |
| BOOK ID | B1326 |
| CREDITS | 4 |
| MARKS | 60 |
ASSIGNMENT
Dear students get fully solved assignments
Send your semester & Specialization name to our mail id :
help.mbaassignments@gmail.com
or
call us at : 08263069601
Note: Answer all questions. Kindly note that answers for 10 marks questions should be approximately of 400 words. Each question is followed by evaluation scheme.
Q.1 Explain about the impact of technological changes on the society.
Answer : Effects of technologies on business :
1. Shrinking world:
Technology has made national and international commerce a much more feasible reality. Today, people and businesses can buy and sell with people all over the world. In past history it might have taken months for a letter to go from one party to another. Now, an email can reach someone in seconds, and a transaction can be completed with the push of a button. While this is terribly convenient for some businesses, it does make some people impatient when they actually have to wait for things. Without historical perspective, people can lose touch with how much power and convenience they have at their fingertips.
2. Dependency:
Q.2 Explain the various dimensions of technology transfer and features of technology package.
Ans : Dimensions of technology transfer and its qualities :
Technology Transfer, also called Transfer of Technology (TOT) and Technology Commercialization, is the process of transferring skills, knowledge, technologies, methods of manufacturing, samples of manufacturing and facilities among governments or universities . Basically technology transfer is categorized into passive and active modes. The modes of technology transfer refer to the transferors role in the application of technology to solve the users problem. The technology transfer is called active, if the transfer methods assist the possible user in its application. In active mode, the transfer process goes after the interpretation of the transmitted information, suggests the user how to use the technology, or shows the applications of the technology for the apparent use
Q.3 Read the following case study thoroughly and answer the following questions:
This case study deals with technology diffusion. XYZ is a small software development company, established in 1970. Their products commanded a good brand value in the market. Their market value was Rs.200 crores by the year 1995. So the company decided to expand its business by offering new products based on cutting-edge software technologies. In this context, the company’s General Manager (GM) decided to buy new technologies and introduce them in the company. When he discussed this matter with company’s employees, they were not enthused because they had to learn new skills to master new technologies. They were comfortable with old skills and showed their reluctance towards new skills. They also though that new technologies may make them redundant. One of the employee also said that the new technologies will add to the company’s costs. After considering all the opinions and suggestions, GM took a decision. He selected two employees who showed an inclination towards learning new things and sent them for training to ABC software company. At ABC the two employees of XYZ received technical know-how with respect to the usage of new software.
After completing their training, the two employees returned to their company and conducted a workshop for one week on the usage of new software. This workshop helped the employees of XYZ to shed their inhibition towards new technologies and the usage of software. Now the employees started using the new software without any difficulty. For any doubts or clarifications, they could freely consult the two employees who had received training at ABC company. The GM felt happy that all the employees had no difficulty working on the new software. The good leadership qualities exhibited by the GM led to the introduction of new software and its acceptance in the company. In the year of 1996, the company bagged a project that especially required the assistance of the new software being introduced. Since all the employees were trained to work on the new software, the new project was successfully completed in a record time. The completion of the new project increased the XYZ’s profit to Rs. 500 crores. The credit for successful diffusion of technology in the company and resulting profitability goes to the insight and leadership qualities of the GM.
a) Why do you think the employees showed reluctance towards adopting new technologies or learning new skills?
Ans : Reasoning for the reluctance :
1. Shock and Fear of the Unknown:
This is one of the key reasons why employees resist change in the workplace. Employees’ responses to organizational change can range from fear and panic to enthusiastic support. During periods of change, some employees may feel the need to cling to the past because it was a more secure, predictable time.
2. Lack of Competence:
This is a fear that is difficult for employees to admit openly. But sometimes, change in organizations necessitates changes in skills, and some people will feel that they won’t be able to make the transition well. Therefore, the only way for them to try and survive is to kick against the change.
3. Loss of Support System:
Employees already in their comfort zones, working with the managers they get along with, and who are operating within predictable routines know their support system
b) Why was the GM eager to introduce new technologies or software in the company?
Ans : 1. Increase in profit :
As discussed above, it is clear that introduction of new technology has increased the total profit. So GM was eager to introduce it because he was aware of its benefits.
2. Revolutionize Operations:
Most businesses, like most organizations, tend at first to use new technologies in very similar ways to the older ones that they replaced. As in above case new
Q.4 Consider the above case and answer the following questions
a) List out the advantages of using new technologies in XYZ company
Ans : 1. Market Expansion:
Innovative technology can help even smaller businesses compete on a global stage. Innovations such as the Internet, for example, allow a sole proprietor to offer her products or services to prospects around the world through the use of a website. She can provide detailed product descriptions and photos of her products to provide prospects with all the information they need to make an informed buying decision. Social media vehicles like Facebook and Twitter also allow her to network with
b) If you were the GM of XYZ company, which type of technologies you would prefer keeping in mind the company’s interests.
Ans : 1. Inventory Control System:
If your business sells goods, you may want to explore an inventory control system. These systems keep track of every item in your inventory, ensuring you do not run out of stock, nor you order too much. When new inventory arrives, the system is updated to reflect the additions and when it is sold, it is deducted from the totals.
2. Customer Relationship Management Systems:
Q.5 Discuss the stages involved in technology life cycle with suitable examples.
Ans : The TLC may be seen as composed of four phases:
(a) The research and development (R&D) phase (sometimes called the “bleeding edge”) when incomes from inputs are negative and where the prospects of failure are high
There are always smaller firms (SMEs) who are inadequately situated to finance the development of innovative R&D in the post-research and early technology phases. By sharing incipient technology under certain conditions, substantial risk financing can come from third
Q.6 Discuss the process of technology based innovation process with suitable examples.
Ans : Technology, technological development and innovation are concepts and words used freely, and often
without a proper understanding, in most economic development and enterprise policy papers. This
section sets out a conceptual framework for the remainder of the think piece.
According to Mokyr (2008, p1) “Technology is the utilisation of natural phenomena and regularities
for human purposes”. Similarly, Dosi (2010) defines technology as a human-constructed means for
achieving a particular end, such as the movement of goods
Dear students get fully solved assignments
Send your semester & Specialization name to our mail id :
help.mbaassignments@gmail.com
or
call us at : 08263069601