Question 1
More than often, changes in technology affect the level of productivity as it increases efficiency and reduces costs associated with projects. As a means of increasing efficiency, the use of improved technologies allows for achievement of increased faster payoffs as compared to the use of traditional systems of implementation because the programs are designed to specialize on specific functions that are targeted on increasing production. More so, these projects differ in terms of their focus on using systematic software that not only increases productivity but also the product quality. This is because, the software designed seeks to perform functions that human beings initially performed. The projects are not adopted from other tried out researches because they are designed to suit the organizational needs within a specified period. As a result, the time span and costs used in designing and testing products drastically reduces while productivity level increases because the use of systematic software allows for increased competitive advantage (Meridith, 2006).
For example, Monsanto’s use of the software allows for easier identification of genes that do not reproduce healthier and bountiful yield and replaces it with commercially viable options. In the case, of Goodyear tires the software used in the designing and testing of tires using computer simulations allows for easier and cost saving physical testing of prototypes thus, allowing designers to come up with new products that increase productivity in the company’s market. In addition, projects that use computer simulations programs allow for advanced technologies associated with research and development thus, increasing the returns rapidly because the initial cost of new inventions decreases.
Question 2
Changes in technology into advanced computerized systems have seen the company’s record increased productivity in their output levels. More significantly, the increased levels of information technology use in most companies continue to advance as it brings a shift in the way businesses work in unexpected new ways as compared to traditional systems. More so, business values as a result, of changes in technologies have transformed companies’ operational efficiency while it allows for creative boost of the different companies revenues. For example, after adopting changes in its designing technology, Goodyear has recorded $ 5 billion increase in profits indicating that new technological changes allow for effective increase in company’s productivity. In addition, JEA use of new technology to control its plant emissions have seen it increase its productivity level as it records increased levels of profits through the annual savings it makes on its operation costs (Meridith, 2006). Ohio State University Medical Center has also recorded not only increased cost reductions, but also advanced specialized care because the nurses employed are relieved of other duties to allow them administer increased care levels to the patients.
In addition, there have been changes in operation efficiency in terms of time used to complete different tasks using the advanced technology. This is because, in the case of Goodyear tires the time spent in the designing and testing of tires using computer simulations takes nine months as compared to two years in the use of physical testing thus, allowing designers to come up with new products that increase productivity in the company’s market. Nonetheless, the changes in technologies differ in the way they are designed, and the level of either cost or operational efficiency recorded differs as it creates business value to organizations.
Question 3
In most cases, companies change to radical new technologies when they are not performing well this is because the changes are associated with increased productivity and savings on costs. This is clear in the case of Ohio State University Medical Center that intends to save costs associated with activities of moving linen, meals and medical supplies. In addition, the medical facility undertook the project to allow for improved working conditions and patient care as nurses would specialize on attending to patients. JEA also as a public utility sought ways of decreasing costs associated with the product of electricity because of the cost crisis it faces based on increased fuel costs that are used in the power plant.
However, in some instances the changes to new technologies are influenced by other factors that are not associated with crisis. For example, Monsanto’s use of the software allows for easier identification of genes that do not reproduce healthier and bountiful yield and replaces it with commercially viable options. JEA also undertook its project to get right combinations of gas and oil used to produce electricity to minimize the nitrogen emissions (Meridith, 2006). In the case, of Goodyear Company they perceive the change as an introduction of advanced technology in the industry as it intends to use the new technology to come up with innovative products at an increased rate. As a result, the company also looks at expanding and upgrading the use of its technology to improve fidelity of its virtual tests using Linux clusters.
References
Meridith, Levinson (2006). “IT Innovation: Robots, Super-Computer, Al and More” CIO
Magazine, August 15, 2006.
