The term globalization has gained significant attention in the past few decades. People view it from different perspectives. Some see it as the driver of the world’s economic development and as a process that is irreversible and inevitable. On the other hand, others approach it with hostility and sometimes fear. This kind of attitude is driven by the notion that globalization increases inequality between nations thus causing negative impacts on the social progress and threatening of the living standards and the employment (TOE 10). A recent research study by the International Monetary Fund indicates that the globalization is offering numerous opportunities to countries across the globe. However, the progress of the process of globalization is not even across these countries. Globalization is the process in which geographical distances defines and maintains cross-border political, socio-cultural and economic relations. Therefore, it can be thought as increasing, widening and intensifying the impact of the interconnectedness of the entire world (Reader 25).
The globalization phenomenon has result in the growth of the global market, finance and trade. Consequently, companies in both developing and developed nations are thinking of efficient and effective strategies that will expand their well creation. The intellectual activity that generates added value by designing, manufacturing, inventing and marketing new products is today globalized by these companies to remain at the top of things. According to Lynn and Salzman the second half of the 20th century the typical multinational was vertically incorporated and hierarchically organized. The headquarters of the core function centers were established in the triad economies of Europe and American (Reader 25). For instance, the basic research and development operations could be conducted by the central research laboratories, while advanced research work was carried out at triad facilities. Notably, some engineering works were undertaken in the developing economies (TOE 28). However, the core engineering designing work of the firms was locally restricted. A typical example is Whirlpool facility in India. The facility was set for redesigning of washing machines to survive shipment on the dangerous road, to keep out rats, and to cope with surges in electrical current (TOE 33).
Lynn and Salzman argue that engineering managers at an electronic company in India considered not using their advanced technologies in doing work at the site. The reason was that India did not have market for the products that could be produced using the advanced and newer technologies. The situation dictated that engineers in the uprising economies worked in relative isolation from those at triad facilities and that their contribution was insignificant in the triad economies. The beginning of the 21st century has seen fundamental shifts especially in the geography of technological development. Triad multinationals are racing to shift technology particularly on telecommunications to China (Reader 85). Pharmaceutical and software research is moved to India while advanced aerospace technology has been shifted in Brazil (TOE 45). This uprising pattern in technological shift is what is referred to as the global of engineering. The relaxation of international trade barriers and the advance in technology has allowed global dispersion in engineering work. This trend in globalization of engineering works by multinational companies is facilitated by the rising need to cut costs and the pull of growth markets in the growing economies that require the technological advancement (Reader 25).
A good example of a company that is cutting edge of engineering globalization is Apple. Apple in its early days did not look beyond its home grounds to manufacture its devices. However, by 2004 Apple had largely turned to global manufacturing. The shift to foreign production reached its peak with introduction of iPhone in 2007. About 90% of iPhones parts are manufactured from abroad. For instance, display panels are from Taiwan and (Wooldridge 85). Furthermore, memory comes from Japan and Korea, chipsets come from Europe and rare metals from Africa. Her principal subcontractor is Foxconn a Taiwanese multinational firm and performs the final assembly in China. The primary factors that Apple cited for taking the assemblage in China are labor cost and the ability of its Chinese subcontractor to respond quickly to Apple’s requests. In a good illustration of quick response, Steve Jobs in 2007 demanded the replacement of the plastic screen on his iPhone prototype with a glass screen. Finding a manufacturer who could provide Apples specific screens was not a simple task. But one of the Chinese company’s team of engineers eventually worked with Apple. In addition, the clustering of firms in China also contributed to Apple’s decision to take its assemblage there (Wooldridge 85).
In conclusion, the location of the advanced engineering works in growing economies is quite often today. The dispersion of state of art science and technological advancement has come with numerous benefits. However, globalization of engineering progress has come with challenges too. These challenges include adverse impacts on the emerging economies. For instance, in the case of Apple several of her subcontractors in China are being targeted for poor working conditions. These firms are criticized for long working hours, mandatory unpaid or underpaid overtime, low pay, and poor safety records. Apple executive admits that there is unsolved tension as they try to improve the working conditions of their subcontractors. Globalization of engineering has brought technological advancements. However, measures should be put in place to avoid unhealthy practices.
Works Cited
Reader, John. Globalization, Engineering, and Creativity. San Rafael, Calif.: Morgan & Claypool, 2006. Print.
The Offshoring of Engineering: Facts, Unknowns, and Potential Implications. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press, 2008. Print.
Wooldridge, Dave, and Michael Schneider. The Business of Iphone App Development: Making and Marketing Apps That Succeed. New York: Apress, 2010. Print.
