Technology Management
Lecture 20, 21 General Impact of Technological Change & Process Impact of Technological Change on Organizational Productivity and Quality of Work Life (QWL) Impact of Technological Change and Progress on Environment Somil Mishra
Impact of Technological Change & Progress
Lecture 1 discussed about the role of technology development towards survival and growth of nations and business firms. Technological change and progress bring changes in every sphere of activity.
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Impact of Technological Change & Progress
This impact has been discussed along three dimensions: General Impact of Technological Change and Progress Impact of Technological Change on Organizational Productivity and Quality of Work Life (QWL) Impact of Technological Change and Progress on Environment
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General Impact of Technological Change & Progress
Technology development or change has had significant impacts on human lifestyle throughout human history. As the rate of technological change and progress increases, the society and nation must deal with the positive as well as negative effects of both.
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General Impact of Technological Change & Progress
In many ways, technology development / technological change simplifies human life as under: Treatment for diseases Faster exchange of information Facilitates education of students residing even in remote and non-accessible areas Increases multi-tasking Creates new types of jobs viz. IT professionals Somil Mishra
General Impact of Technological Change & Progress
Leads to reduction in prices by improving process efficiency Creates denser social circles through more connectivity Facilitates global networking of businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers etc. A more informed society and nation can take quicker responses to environmental events, changes and trends
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General Impact of Technological Change & Progress
In many ways, technology development / technological change complicates human life as well: Mankind is becoming a slave to technology; there is dependence even for minor work. The trend is to replace man by machine, wherever possible Sometimes technological progress leads to reduction in the number of jobs (sometimes its Somil Mishra opposite also)
General Impact of Technological Change & Progress
There is increasing disparity between technologically advanced societies and countries and technologically backward societies and countries More people are currently starving now than at any point in the history of mankind (though population explosion may also be responsible for the same) The improvement in transportation technology Somil Mishra has brought congestion in some areas
General Impact of Technological Change & Progress
Too much flow of information may lead to stressful situations, creating new types of social and behavioral problems New forms of entertainment, such as gaming, video games, and internet access are creating adverse impact on academic performance, family harmony etc. Technological change has brought forth increased pollution problems and health hazards
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General Impact of Technological Change & Progress
Technology creates many major ethical implications, for example it challenges traditional ethical norms of society and nation Fast technological changes are sometimes painful for old people as they find it difficult to adjust to the new technological environment Technology development is aiding new types of crimes and terrorist activities viz. electronic meters are being fixed by remote, terrorists and anti-social elements are making new explosives, Somil Mishra etc.
Impact of Technological Change on Organizational Productivity and Quality of Work Life
Introduction or adoption of new technology, or technological change, can have both positive and negative effects on organizational productivity and quality of work life (QWL). Productivity is the relationship between output (i.e. final product) and inputs (used in providing them) of a business system. Higher the ratio between the two, more is the productivity.
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General Impact of Technological Change & Progress
It can be expressed on a total factor basis or on a partial factor basis as under: Total productivity (total factor basis) measured by ratio of outputs to all inputs A partial measure of productivity, for example, is output per labor hour
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Strategies for Improving Productivity
Following strategies can be adopted for improving productivity: Attaining increased output for same level of inputs Under this strategy, focus is on attaining more, or increased output by using almost the same quantum of inputs. For example, converting waste into a useful by-product, improving process efficiency etc. Here, output will increase at a much higher rate accompanied by almost negligible increase in inputs. Somil Mishra
Strategies for Improving Productivity
Using decreased or lower inputs for same level of output Under this strategy, focus is on attaining same level of output by using lesser quantum of inputs. For example, finding low cost substitutes, simplification of product design etc. Here, consumption will decline, but output level shall be maintained.
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Strategies for Improving Productivity
Proportionate increase in output is more than proportionate increase in input Under this strategy, focus is on attaining increase in output in such a way that proportionate increase in output is more than proportionate increase in input. For example, offering additional varieties of product or service, by using existing facilities. Here more output can be generated by minor adjustments in existing plants and capabilities through minor expenditure. Somil Mishra
Strategies for Improving Productivity
Proportionate decrease in input is more than proportionate decrease in output Under this strategy, focus is on ensuring decrease in output in such a way that proportionate decrease in inputs is more than proportionate decrease in the output. For example, dropping an uneconomical product as it is loss making i.e. its costs are more than revenues. Once an uneconomical product is dropped, reduction in costs will be more than decline in revenues. Somil Mishra
Strategies for Improving Productivity
Attaining simultaneous increase in output with decrease in inputs Under this strategy, focus is on attaining increase in output in such a way that it is accompanied by simultaneous decrease in input. For example, use of automation, mechanization and computerization. This will ensure lower wastages, lower resource requirements, more process efficiency and more productivity and thus help in attaining more output accompanied by decrease in inputs. Somil Mishra
Strategies for Improving Productivity
Most of the above strategies call for improvements in current technology, use of new technologies, innovations etc.
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Quality of Work Life (QWL) Programs
QWL Programs are programs which aim at creating work situations that enhance employees' Motivation Satisfaction Commitment These programs include attempts to humanize the workplace and may contribute to higher levels of organizational performance.
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QWL Approaches
Some of the commonly used QWL are: Work Restructuring This is usually carried out by simplifying and routinizing the job to make it easy to perform with high degree of safety and convenience.
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QWL Approaches
Job Enlargement and Job Enrichment This is usually carried out by adding tasks, stimuli etc. It helps in reducing boredom from monotonous or repetitive tasks and variety of skills of workers are used by enlarging scope of the job. Job Enrichment is brought through vertical change, usually by adding higher level tasks. It gives more satisfaction to the workers / employees.
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QWL Approaches
Quality Circles (QCs) These are circles, i.e. groups, where small number of employee meet regularly on a voluntary basis to solve problems related to working conditions and quality of work that they perform. Quality circles lead to better working conditions and better quality.
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Benefits of QWL Programs
Some of the benefits of these programs are: Increased job satisfaction Increased organizational commitment Reduced turnover of employees Increased productivity and profitability
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Management of New Technology in Relation to Organizational Productivity and QWL
Introduction or adoption of new technology, or technological change, can have both positive and negative effects on organizational productivity and QWL.
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Management of New Technology in Relation to Organizational Productivity and QWL
Introduction of new technology may increase or decrease organizational productivity It may increase organizational productivity if new technology facilitates lower consumption of inputs, lower processing time, lower wastages, lower defective or seconds generation, more ease and safety in manufacturing, and more efficiency.
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Management of New Technology in Relation to Organizational Productivity and QWL
Organizational productivity may decrease if new technology leads to suspicion of workers due to likely adverse impact on employment level and demoralization due to impending retrenchment, deterioration of working environment, more stress on workers, more accidents etc. New technology may kill existing products as well, thus leading to decline in productivity.
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Management of New Technology in Relation to Organizational Productivity and QWL
Introduction of new technology may increase or decrease QWL. It may increase QWL if safety at work increases, human convenience at work increases, pollution decreases, ease in manufacturability increases, change is properly managed etc.
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Management of New Technology in Relation to Organizational Productivity and QWL
QWL may decrease if safety at work decreases, human convenience at work decreases, pollution increases, ease in manufacturability decreases, changes bring in uncertainties and there could be resistance to change.
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Management of New Technology in Relation to Organizational Productivity and QWL
Proper management of the new technology calls for: 1. Providing training to employees to handle new technologies and technological changes 2. Managing resistance to change i.e. managing change 3. Offering incentives for creative and innovative ideas 4. Seeking worker participation
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Management of New Technology in Relation to Organizational Productivity and QWL
5. Problem solving instead of avoiding problems 6. Ensuring effective communication across the organization 7. Use of multifunctional teams 8. Bringing R&D closer to manufacturing and marketing 9. Seeking regular feedback 10. Continuous technological assessment 11. Regular technology audit Somil Mishra
Impact of Technological Change and Progress On Environment
Environmental conditions are worsening day by day and alarm bells are ringing across the globe. The main reason for worsening environmental conditions is technological progress. Most technologies have negative environmental side effects, such as pollution and lack of sustainability. Some technologies are designed specifically with the environment in mind, but most are designed Somil Mishra first for economic or ergonomic considerations.
Impact of Technological Change and Progress On Environment
The negative effects of technology on the environment are both obvious and subtle. Immediately visible short-term negative effects (obvious effects) are: Depletion of non-renewable natural resources (such as petroleum, coal, ores etc.) Increase in pollution of air, water and land Increase in noise pollution etc.
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Impact of Technological Change and Progress On Environment
Long-term negative effects (subtle effects) are: Global warming Destruction of ozone layer Acid rains, smog Sub-soil water pollution Deforestation, natural habitat destruction, coastal wetland loss etc. Depletion of natural resources due to water shortage Somil Mishra
Impact of Technological Change and Progress On Environment
Adverse impact on productive systemsubstantial decline in numbers; many species are becoming extinct Destruction of flora and fauna Imbalance in eco-system Health and social problems Generation of new set of wastes that were previously unknown to humans viz. toxic waste, radioactive waste, electronic waste etc.
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Impact of Technological Change and Progress On Environment
However, it is now being planned to utilize technology to solve various environmental problems and manage me environment as: Using technology to seek cleaner rivers, cleaner ponds, cleaner air etc. Monitoring environmental changes and planning for safety and growth of flora and fauna Using technology to increase population of endangered species viz. by cloning, monitoring genetic variation and establishing gene banksSomil Mishra
Impact of Technological Change and Progress On Environment
Development of technologies which enhance natural resources i.e., which make them more productive or richer Development of technologies that turn waste into useful products Development of technologies which save natural resources - developing renewable energy technologies
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How to Seek Sustainable Development ?
Sustainable development can be achieved by taking the following measures: Creating awareness and culture for protection of environment Adopting pro-active measures for protection of environment instead of reactive measures Providing strong legal setup for protection of environment
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How to Seek Sustainable Development ?
Seeking development and use of sustainable technologies which reduce damages, enhance and save natural resources, turn wastes into useful byproducts. Research & development of renewable energy technologies also needs to be encouraged Developing technologies that are most appropriate to the environment and culture that they intend to support
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How to Seek Sustainable Development ?
Adopting environmentally sound technology and management methods, and encouraging use of eco-friendly products or services
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Few Key Terms related to Environment Management
Environmental Policy Environmental policy is a written statement that defines an organization's mission, attitude and framework of action towards the environment. It includes vision and core values of the organization, compliances with legal and other requirements and commitment to protect the environment.
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Few Key Terms related to Environment Management
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) EIA refers to analysis and assessment of potential impact of a proposed project, to be launched by an organization, on humans beings, eco-system and environment.
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Few Key Terms related to Environment Management
Environmental Management System (EMS) EMS refers to a system installed for managing an organization's environmental programs in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented manner. It embraces organizational structure, planning and resources for developing, implementing and maintaining the policy for protection of environment.
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Few Key Terms related to Environment Management
EMS incorporates the following activities: Clearly defining objectives for EMS, in writing Documented or written procedures involving procedures of the organization (which facilitates standardization of procedures) Assigning responsibilities to employees for environment management Conduct of regular environmental audit Commitment of top management Meeting legal requirements under various Acts. Somil Mishra
Few Key Terms related to Environment Management
Industrial ecology Industrial ecology is a part of business ecology. It involves redesigning production methods on the pattern of biological eco-system, which is self regulatory and self sustaining. It calls for developing such production methods that would have considerably very less impact on the environment. Here every output of manufacturer should be re-manufactured or re-cycled for further production or sent back to eco-system.Somil Mishra
Environmental Audit
Environmental audit is a detailed periodic evaluation of an organization's performance against set objectives. It is an objective and documented verification of the process to obtain evidence to determine whether EMS of an organization conforms to the criteria laid down by it.
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Objectives of Environment Audit
Environment audit is usually carried out with the following objectives: To identify mass balance of various materials used and the performance of various process equipments so as to review rate of usage, rate of wastages, and conversion efficiencies etc. To identify the areas of water usage and wastewater generation and determine the characteristics of waste-water
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Objectives of Environment Audit
To determine emissions, their sources, quantities and characteristics To determine the solid wastes and hazardous wastes generated, their sources, quantities and characteristics To identify the possibilities of waste minimization, and recovery and recycling of wastes To verify compliance with regulatory provisions
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Objectives of Environment Audit
To determine the performance of existing waste treatment / waste control systems so as to modify additional / alternative waste treatment/ control equipment To determine the impact on surroundings environment and 'accordingly' identify preventive/corrective measures To check (a) effectiveness of organizational set up (b) environment policy
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Environmental Accounting
It is a set of aggregate national data linking environment to economy which will have a long run impact on both economic and environmental policy making. Environmental accounting should not be confused with the valuation of environmental assets, goods or services (it is not merely a process of arriving at monetary value) nor it is social cost vs. benefit analysis
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Green Marketing
Green marketing goals may be summed up as: Eliminate the concept of waste Reinvent the concept of a product Make prices reflect actual and environmental costs Make environmentalism profitable
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Green Marketing
Green marketing includes the following diversified aspects: Ecologically safer products Recyclable and biodegradable packaging Energy-efficient operations Better pollution controls
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