The term technical complexity measures the extent of control an organization has over its production process. Technology has allowed for predictability and certainty on the production line as a result of mechanization. Continuous process technology is also a result of mechanization. This method of production implies that production of goods and services is an on-going process 24/7. Hence, this means that there is no room for error in a continuous process as it would lead to losses.
Technical complexity is greatest with continuous process technology because it allows for standardization and minimizes the chances of a break down. If one stage of the production process is affected then the entire cycle would be disturbed; therefore, it is extremely important to ensure no such break-downs occur. If manufacturers adopt the batch production for products which need to be of the same standard then there is a chance for product quality to vary in every batch. Furthermore, technical complexity for an on-going process allows for minimization of labor costs as well. (Schoeters, 2010) As most of the process of mechanized the need for human resources is minimized which also leads to a zero-defect approach.
The organizational structure of any firm is dependent upon the business approach which that firm has adopted. Consequently, an organizational structure of a company which uses continuous process technology would have a wider span of control; this can even be said for companies which are highly mechanized. (Jones, 2010) The wider span of control explains the highly mechanized practices since there are fewer people and most of the work is undertaken by machines. Hence, the supervisors or managers may not have a lot of subordinates and there is a possibility that all supervisors are accountable to a single body. (Harvey)
References
Harvey, E. (n.d.). American Sociological Review. JSTOR. Retrieved December 27, 2013, from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2092391?uid=3738832&uid=2&uid=4&sid=21103178506887
Industry experts were asked the question: Continuous Processing - Is The Pharma Industry Finally Coming Round To The Idea?'. (n.d.). Industry experts were asked the question: Continuous Processing. Retrieved December 27, 2013, from http://www.gea-ps.com/npsportal/cmsdoc.nsf/WebDoc/webb8e4klx
Jones, G. (2010). Organizational theory design and change (6th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
