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The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management (Pty) LtdRegistered with the Department of Education as a private higher education institution

under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration No. 2004/HE07/003

Management of Technology

Certificate (MOTI)

CMOT

Learner Guide

Latest Review: 09 October 2015

Learner Guide – Certificate: Management of Technology (CMOT)

PURPOSE OF THIS MODULE................................................................................................3LEARNING OUTCOMES.......................................................................................................3LEARNING MAP...................................................................................................................4THE DA VINCI TEACHING AND LEARNING APPROACH.........................................................7

THE LEARNER GUIDE:..............................................................................................................................................7EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING APPROACH:.........................................................................................................................7THE ROLE OF THE FACILITATOR:................................................................................................................................7THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY:...............................................................................................................................8PRESCRIBED AND RECOMMENDED READING:...............................................................................................................8RESEARCH:...........................................................................................................................................................8

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:.......................................................................................................................................9ICONS:...............................................................................................................................................................10

TOPIC 01: DEFINITION & HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY............................................11

1.3.1. Science, technology & society...................................................................................................12

1.3.2. Technology, innovation & the advent of the internet...............................................................13

TOPIC 02: TECHNOLOGY S-CURVE...........................................................................14

TOPIC 03: ETHICS & TECHNOLOGY..........................................................................16

3.2.1. Culture and political approaches..............................................................................................16

3.2.2. Engineering ethics.....................................................................................................................17

3.2.3. Ethics of specific technologies...................................................................................................17

TOPIC 04: TECHNOLOGY DRIVERS...........................................................................18

4.2.1. Elements that drive technology................................................................................................19

4.2.2. Elements that drive workplace efficiency.................................................................................20

TOPIC 05: TIPS INTEGRATION...................................................................................22

5.2.1. Management of technology.....................................................................................................22

5.2.2. Management of innovation......................................................................................................23

5.2.3. Management of people............................................................................................................23

5.2.4. Managing the systems way......................................................................................................23

TOPIC 06: STAYING AHEAD.......................................................................................25

6.2.1. Benefits of keeping up-to-date.................................................................................................25

6.2.2. Sources of information..............................................................................................................26

FINALLY..........................................................................................................................28

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Purpose of this moduleManagement of Technology invites the learner to explore the most current and comprehensive knowledge about technology, and to integrate years of experience and learning about the products and processes created by people in organisation, to meet our needs and wants. This approach guides the student to collaborate when managing technology in an organisational context and creates understanding how it integrates with systems.

Management of Technology includes a strategic business approach which will equip the learner to plan for, and adapt to the complex and changing environment of this business sector.

There are 6 major areas which you as the learner will explore namely:

Define technology and study the history of technology; Discover and apply technology S-Curves; Understand the significance of ethics in technology; Determine ways to stay well-informed of technology trends; Find methods to use and integrate technology with the TIPS model; Establish and utilise technology drivers.

The study material will serve as a framework or reference for the subject content. It will also guide you to prepare for class participation and assist with self-study, by presenting specific outcomes and assessment criteria for each study unit.

Learning outcomesManagement of Technology is founded on the idea that whatever the technology platform, students need to develop skills in managing that technology rather than assuming that the technology improves the working environment. The real issue is working smarter for business advantage.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Understand why technology matters in organisations; Define technology as used in their own organisational context; Unpack and listing their organisation's technology drivers; Explain how organisations improve efficiency and effectiveness by integrating

technology; Develop a technology evaluation checklist; and Evaluate their ability to interact with technology and to remain up-to-date.

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Learning mapTechnology matters to what happens in the workplace and in significant ways. How it matters can vary, depending on the particular technology, the habits and attitudes of the individuals concerned, and the context of learning and use thereof.New technology can be integrated into the organisation using different technologies effectively and efficiently in the general context of the organisation, and to learn how to apply technology skills in meaningful ways. This module has been divided into 6 core topics. Each with its own set of specific learning objectives. The learning topics are as follows:

• Topic 01: Definition & history of technology

Organisations are not isolated and therefore business practices and outcomes of these activities have an impact on the apparent admiration of the organisation. The intensity with which leaders engage amid these happenings and be responsible for using technology in innovative ways to manage them, is detrimental in the organisation’s endurance.

So, what is technology then? Simply put; technology is the extension of our human capability, in order to satisfy our needs or wants.

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Topic 01Definition & history of technology

Topic 02Technology S-Curves

Topic 03Ethics & technology

Topic 04Technology drivers

Topic 05TIPS Integration

Topic 06Staying ahead


ResearchMOT200_01-What-is-Technology

• Topic 02: Technology S-Curves

Schumpeter (1939) defines a cyclical pattern in technology trajectories, however it was only many years later (Fisher & Pry; 1971), that the S-curve was described and adopted as a means to project cyclical behaviour in entities and endeavours.

Although S-curves started by studying natural ecosystems, it soon became apparent that they could be effectively applied in modelling non biological aspects using the same basic principles.

The S-curve is in essence a mathematical model designed to forecast the path of a technology.

Find it onlinehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_life_cycle

• Topic 03: Ethics & technology

Ethics in technology is aimed at understanding ethics as a socially embedded principle in organisations and societies at large. The emphasis of ethics in technology is as follows:

o It focuses on discovering the ethical use of technology;o It protects against the misuse of technology, and o It invents common principles to guide new advances in technological

development and application to benefit society.

The concept “ethics in technology” is nowadays more commonly referred to as Technoethics, which supports the notion that technology and ethics can be conceptualised as interconnected happenings, which are embedded in life and society as a whole.

• Topic 04: Staying ahead

Keeping up to date with technological developments have a few benefits associated with it, which are briefly as follows:

o It aids prompt identification of threats and opportunities, which may result in an increase of the organisation’s competitive advantage;

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o It assists with creating and maintaining a sphere of influence by staying abreast of technological developments;

o It alerts changes in thinking processes and alters the course of trends;o It contributes to making better decisions.

• Topic 05: TIPS Integration

In topic 5 you are afforded the opportunity to display your ability to integrate your understanding of technology with the DaVinci TIPS model.

• Topic 06: Technology drivers

Technology has been identified as a key driver in the evolutionary development of man. So what then drives technology? Business nowadays dictates that technology, as a competitive driver, should play either a defensive or an offensive instrument in the execution of its endeavours, in both its external and internal environments.

ResearchMOT200-03-Drivers-in-South-Africa-365-328-1-PB

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The Da Vinci teaching and learning approachThe learner guide:

This learner guide is designed to serve as a guide for the duration of the contact sessions and as a framework resource for afterwards. It does NOT cover all content in detail, but it is intended as a broad framework that will assist you during workshop discussions in developing the skills and knowledge as stipulated in the learning outcomes for this module.

Do not try to follow along in the study guide as the facilitator takes you through the material because it is intended to stimulate discussions during the facilitation which will be conducted as a workshop and not a series of lectures.

We suggest that you:o Make notes and diagrams that will help you to clarify or retain information and

follow through in the guide as well as the pre-course material after completion of activities in class;

o Jot down things that work well or ideas that come from the group. Also note any points you would like to explore further;

o Participate actively in the skill practice activities as they will give you an opportunity to gain insights from other people’s experiences and to practice the skills; and

o Do not forget to share your own experiences so that others can learn from you too.

Experiential learning approach:

An experiential learning approach will be followed throughout the learning process.

This implies that the programme is: o facilitated and not taught, with an emphasis on self-discovery derived through a

number of practical activities;o followed by practical application, building on what has been discovered; o by learning from each other’s experiences; ando resulting in the ability to apply the course content in the workplace.o After the initial workshop with your facilitator, you will be provided with additional

support through Moodle, Da Vinci’s e-learning platform.

The role of the facilitator:

o Clarify the meaning and outcomes of the module and themes via this study guide, and guide discussions during contact session.

o Give the necessary background and context that will enable you to understand certain phenomena or problems.

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o Stimulate your (critical) thinking so that you can evaluate and alter perspectives when necessary.

o Provide a conducive atmosphere and guide you to solve whatever problems you might encounter with concepts, contexts and application;

o guide you toward successful completion of your post modular assignment; and;o Assess your post modular assignment and help you correct any misconceptions.

The student’s responsibility:

You are responsible for mastering the learning outcomes specified for every topic and the module as a whole. The facilitator is only a guide, as is the wrap-around guide! To master the module you need to study as effectively as possible. You are expected to supplement the contents of this guide with the reading of sources. Most of the recommended sources can be found in libraries as well as on the internet.

As such, each module is introduced to you through one or more facilitated contact session, most or all of which are to be facilitated at The Da Vinci Institute (Da Vinci). The contact sessions are designed to focus your mind on the module topic, provoke your thinking about the main concepts around the topic and to introduce a theoretical background while linking the topic to the workplace.

The contact session will end by briefing you on the Post-Module Assignment (PMA), and you will complete one for each module in the programme. Assessment on this programme will be continuous and will include an assignment per module as well as evidence of on-the-job experiential learning and performance experiences per module.

Prescribed and recommended reading:

This learning material for Management of People (CMOP) is also available for download on the Moodle, Da Vinci’s e-learning platform. The platform will host video clips and other reading material and/or references aimed at enhancing your learning journey.

Review of additional study material is not compulsory; however, at a Certificate level you are required write an Exit Level Assignment. You, therefore, are expected to consult a wide variety of sources such as textbooks, articles, literature and relevant websites.

Research:

Additional research material and links to relevant research on Management of People are available on the Moodle, Da Vinci’s e-learning platform.

References specific to the topics in this module student guide are provided throughout. You are encouraged to do your own research as well and we would like to suggest that you share relevant and current research with your fellow students.

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Integrated assessment:

Da Vinci’s formal assessment process consists of a pre-work assignment (PWA) and a post-module assignment (PMA). The purpose of the PWA and PMA is described below:

o Pre-work assignment (PWA)Taking into account your life experiences, as well as your previous learning experiences, you are required to formalise, in your own words, your understanding of a topic. You are not required to respond to the suggested learning material that will be utilised during the scheduled workshop.

Your written response should not exceed 500 words and should be completed and handed to your facilitator at the start of the workshop. If you are unable to attend the workshop, submit the PWA via Moodle, the Da Vinci e-learning platform, on the day of the workshop. Pre-work is an essential component of the experiential learning process and is compulsory.

o Post-module assignment (PMA)The programme requires integration across functions and very definitely systemically within functions. Theories should be applied cross-functionally in the workplace and the integration of the system as a whole is always important.

Processes should be designed to meet specific requirements and it is expected of students to work at a fairly high conceptual level before translating theory into action. Problem-solving should be non-linear and the solution processes should be designed to meet changing needs in the workplace. On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate the application of some of the theoretical constructs within their workplace.

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Icons:

As a departure from traditional learning and to make your experience more interactive, we have incorporated a number of different learning events, which should enable you to apply your learning. To guide you through the experience, you will find the following icons:

ResearchAs you work through the module, you will be required to do your own research. Although it is for your own knowledge, it would be to your advantage to plan your work in such a way that the data you gather can be used again.

ReadingYou will be provided with a series of international articles and literature to read that will help you broaden the subject at hand.

Group DiscussionYour facilitator will divide the class into groups for subject discussion purposes. You may be required to do group work both in the classroom and as syndicate study groups. Groups can be changes at any time.

ActivityIndividual activity that has to be performed by the student.

Take NoteA useful tip or an essential element regarding the concept under discussion.

MOTIcon™MOTIcon™ encourages TIPS™ integration into your learning experience. The MOTIcon™ is a visual reminder that invites your attention to shift towards the TIPS Framework: Technology, Innovation, People and Systems. Share your insights with the group and indicate observations in your Post Modular Assignment.

Find it onlineUp to date information on what is happening in the world or recent news online!

TT100™Role models within the management of innovation and technology domains who have demonstrated their excellence in co-creating new workplace realities.

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ttI0


Topic 01: Definition & history of technology1.

1.1. Topic in perspective

Reading 01MOT200-04-Define-History-Defining “Technology”

Finding it onlinehttp://thefrailestthing.com/2014/02/14/what-are-we-talking-about-when-we-talk-about-technology/

1.2. Definition of technology

Technology is a term that is commonly used by many authors of academic material, consultants and managers in workplaces, and all kinds of people in their general discussion on many topics.

The challenge though; once you use the term “technology” or “technological process”, do you really understand what you are attempting to say, or what the other person’s perspective is on these terms.

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Topic 02Technology s-curves






Group DiscussionWhy is it important for people in general to understand what they mean when they use the term technology?

You should at least be able to explain how broad or narrow you define the term technology.

Group DiscussionDevelop your own unique definition of “Technology”?

1.3. History of technology

The relationship of humans to technology and management is an ever-growing theme in today's world of ubiquitous mobile devices, constant Internet access, and omnipresent digital business tools (Drucker, 2011). Although technology has been used successfully over the centuries to improve our standards of living it has a relatively short academic history.

1.3.1. Science, technology & society

In more recent years this field of study was dictated by a combination of science, technology and society (STS). STS is a fairly new field of study, which focuses on the way in which advances in science and technology influence society and vice versa. It is important to understand the influence and impact these elements had on the development of this field of study.

ResearchThe following abstract is included as self-study towards developing an understanding for the history of technology in general.MOT200-05-Define-History-STS Program » About » What is STS_

Reading 02MOT200-06-Define-Hitory-relationship-between

Reading 03MOT200-Define-History-The-history-of-science-technology-and-society-1302821_001

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Group DiscussionWhat is the relevance of science, technology and society (STS) on this field of study?

1.3.2. Technology, innovation & the advent of the internet

Being competitive in today’s global marketplace, organisations need greater emphasis on innovation in their products and services. They need to innovate rapidly and they need to do it cost-effectively. Organisations may take advantage from the advent of the internet to advance innovation and transform the workplace.

The advent of virtual capability, also known as the Cloud or cloud computing, is the definitive dimension that provides agility to businesses and enables them to perform crucial business functions relatively easily and quickly (Du Toit, 2010). Cloud computing encompasses both opportunities and challenges for enterprises to automate business processes at relatively low costs and to move towards more profitable markets. It also allows enterprises to position their products and services in markets previously untouched (Moodley, 2003), both local and global. Organisations can use electronic platforms within their means where their unique business needs are accommodated. Affordability redefines traditional value systems. The degree to which organisations become conscious of these possibilities has an impact on the pace against which gain is derived from this. The advent of cloud computing allows organisations to conduct business in this manner without any difficulty.

Tang et al. (2003), indicate that organisations that renounce the emergence of the Cloud, a new order which encloses globalisation, lose opportunities.

Reading 04MOT200-08-Define-History-pwc-oracle-innovation-white-paper

Reading 05MOT200-09-Define-History-Internet-in-the-Workplace

ActivityRefer to the case study and explain how innovation and the advent of the internet (or IT) may influence global wealth management.MOT200-10-Define-History-EY-Download-PB-IT-Study-2014

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Topic 02: Technology s-curve2.


Reading 06MOT200-11-S-Curve-Managerial-usefulness

2.2. S-curve defined

The s-curve materialised as a mathematical model. The s-curve model can be used as a tool to predict the behaviour of something and can be applied in a variety of fields such as; physics, biology and economics.

In various ways the s-curve illustrates the introduction, growth, entrenchment and maturation of happenings. It is related to the life cycle of something being observed. The s-curve is also pertinent in describing the functioning of aspects such as innovations, as well as the technological cycles experienced by most industries.

The s-curve is a type of curve that shows the growth of a variable in terms of another variable, often expressed as units of time. For example, an S curve of the growth of company sales for a new product would show a rapid, exponential increase in sales for a period of time, followed by a tapering or levelling off. The tapering occurs when the population of new customers declines. At this point growth is slow or negligible, and is

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sustained by existing customers who continue to buy the product. An increase in product sales has to be stimulated by new technology or innovation, creating a “new” s-curve.

Figure 2.01 The s-curve

Finding it onlinehttp://innovationzen.com/blog/2006/08/17/innovation-management-theory-part-4/

Reading 07MOT200-12-S-Curve-Application-of-S-Curve-2007_02t

Reading 08MOT200-13-S-Curve-Strengths and Weaknesses of S-Curves

Reading 09MOT200-14-S-Curve-Exploring_the_Limits_of_the_Technology_S-Curve

Reading 10MOT200-15-S-Curve-And-their-Applications-Alert_0212_34-39

Group DiscussionDiscuss the significance the s-curve has on technology in your organisation? Try to identify where on the s-curve your organisation finds itself.What can be done to move your organisation along the s-curve, or to commence a new s-curve, having organisational growth in mind.

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Topic 03: Ethics & technology3.


Reading 11MOT200-16-Ethics-Philosophy of Technology (Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy)

3.2. Ethics & technology

Although technology and technological development have been part of the human race for a long time it seems that only now the debate on ethics in technology has commenced in all earnest. At the moment ethics in technology can be divided into three major categories.

3.2.1. Culture and political approaches

Cultural and political approaches to ethics in technology build on the early philosophy and ethics of technology. Cultural approaches perceive technology as a cultural phenomenon that influences our perception of the world (your ontology), whereas political approaches consider technology as a political phenomenon, i.e. as a phenomenon that is ruled by and personifies institutional power relations within societies.

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3.2.2. Engineering ethics

Engineering ethics is a fairly new approach to ethics in technology and is concerned with “the actions and decisions made by people, individually or collectively, who belong to the engineering profession” (Baum, 1980). According to this approach, engineering is a profession, in the same way as medicine is a profession and will include aspects such as structural integrity, machine integrity, occupational health and harmful products that may impact on the wellbeing of people.

3.2.3. Ethics of specific technologies

Nowadays an increase is observed in ethical inquiries into specific technologies. Ethics in the area of information technology is probably the most prominent in recent years (Floridi, 2010; Johnson 2009; Van den Hoven & Weckert, 2008, Weckert, 2007). While the debate on the ethics of nuclear prevention is high on the agenda of environmentalists (Finnis et al., 1988), nanotechnology and so-called converging technologies have led to the establishment of what is called nanoethics (Allhoff et al. 2007). Biotechnology has also urged intensive ethical inquiries (Thompson, 2007; Sherlock & Morrey, 2002) whereas other traditional disciplines like urban planning, construction and architecture have also attracted specific ethical attention (Fox, 2000).

Reading 12MOT200-17-Ethics-Culture-and-Technology-heikkero

Reading 13MOT200-18-Ethics-in-Emerging-Technologies-moor-article

Group DiscussionDiscuss the ethical issues your organisation faced/are facing during the implementation of information technology. Identify other technologies your organisation have implemented and identify some of the ethical issues experienced in the process.

ActivityWrite a report in which you evaluate the ethical aspects of technology used in your organisation or workplace. Provide arguments that will support the solutions you propose to alleviate the ethical challenges your organisation faces.

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Topic 04: Technology drivers4.


Reading 14MOT200-19-Drivers-EIU_Agent of change_WEB_FINAL

Reading 15MOT200-20-Drivers-Technology-Why-it-matters

4.2. Technological capabilities

Tushman & Anderson (1986) are of the view that it is of critical importance for companies to develop technological capabilities. The position at which the organisation finds itself, relevant to the life cycle of the organisation, plays an important role in the company’s agility to respond to technological developments (Sorensen & Stuart, 2000).

It is predicted that future developments in technology over the next few decades will have a major impact on various aspects of business, including organisational structures, jobs and the workplace, customer interactions, and business models themselves. Furthermore, it is also predicted that few industries will remain unchanged by technology

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disruption, resulting in more micro enterprises entering markets and being operated successfully. This will change the business landscape completely.

Technology is transforming not only the conditions of work for people, but also the ways in which people think their respective domains and specialities are shaped (Katz, 2005).

Reading 16MOT200-21-Drivers-MGI_Disruptive_technologies_Full_report_May2013

The McKinsey Global Institute (Manyika et al., 2015) assesses the potential reach and scope, as well as the potential economic impact and disruption, of major rapidly advancing technology areas. Through extensive research, they identified 12 technology areas with the potential for massive impact on how people live and work, and on industries and economies.

They also attempt to quantify the potential economic impact of each technology across a set of promising applications in 2025. The 12 technology areas they identified are as follows:

o Mobile Internet;o Automation of knowledge work;o The Internet of Things;o Cloud technology;o Advanced robotics;o Autonomous and near-autonomous vehicles;o Next-generation genomics;o Energy storage;o 3D printing;o Advanced materials;o Advanced oil and gas exploration and recovery;o Renewable energy.

4.2.1. Elements that drive technology

Before trends in technological development are discussed, it would be helpful to establish what those elements are that drive innovation and the creation of new technologies.

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Reading 17MOT200-22-Drivers-8 BPTrends-BusTechDrivers&BenfOfSOA-TelcoExecOverview-Final

4.2.2. Elements that drive workplace efficiency

Hughes (2007) is of the opinion that nine out of ten employees believe that workspace quality affects their attitude and increases their productivity. People in general spend more than fifty percent of their time indoors (at the office and at home), which has a large impact on their mental status, actions, abilities and performance (Sundstrom, 1994).

Employees in all kinds of organisations have different office designs and layouts. Each office has unique requirements in terms of furniture, office equipment, spatial arrangements, lighting and heating arrangements, and noise levels.

Reading 18MOT200-23-Design-Link-between-office-design-and-technology

Group DiscussionDiscuss the correlation between technologies and workplace design.

ActivityAnalyse and describe essential technology platforms which drive workplace efficiency.

4.3. Managing technology change

When implementing new technologies, top management commonly faces an unwanted attitude from those it is intended for, for one reason or another. People have a natural tendency to resist the implementation of new things (Kotter, 1996).

Organisational leaders, therefore, have to deal with this problem proactively instead of reactively. For this purpose in an integrated, process- oriented approach is required to bring about change.

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Finding it onlinehttp://www.hcareers.com/us/resourcecenter/tabid/306/articleid/325/default.aspxandhttps://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newPPM_82.htm

Group DiscussionDiscuss the 12 technology areas identified by the McKinsey Global Institute. Use Reading 17 as guideline to establish the drivers for each of the 12 technology areas identified. Identify other technology areas you believe will have an influence on humankind over the next decade. Discuss how they will impact the business world.

ActivityIn smaller groups, develop a plan you can present to the senior management team of your organisation providing them with guidance on how to consider, implement and manage the technology drivers identified in the discussion above (reflect on both those from the McKinsey report and your own unique contribution).

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Topic 05: TIPS integration5.


Reading 19MOT200-24-TIPS-Effectiveness-Efficiency-Seven-Leadership-Practices

Reading 20MOT200-25-TIPS-Integrating-technology-into-adult-learning-hopey_04

5.2. Integrating technology into the TIPS model

The fundamentals of the BCom Management of Technology (MOT200), is embedded in the following elements:

o Technology;o Innovation;o People, and o Systems.

The above elements are briefly described as follows:

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5.2.1. Management of technology

Management of Technology (MOT) is used to create new knowledge (Mabin, Davies & Cox, 2010; Tiwana, 2002). MOT involves the application of management skills to the discovery, development, operation, and proper use of technology. Technology managers help create value for their organisations by using technology and other resources to solve problems and improve efficiency and effectiveness.

MOT is thus a set of management disciplines that allows organisations to manage their technological needs to create competitive advantage.

5.2.2. Management of innovation

Management of Innovation (MOI) helps organisations to rapidly seize opportunities and use them to create and introduce new ideas, processes, or products and services effectively.

In essence MOI is a distinct deviation from traditional management principles, processes, and practices or a departure from long-established organisational forms, which significantly alters the way people perform work. Creativity plays an important role in MOI and is applied to achieve changes to existing state of affairs.

Various references are as follows; Trompenaars & Woolliams, 2008; De Bono, 1992; Neethling, 2001; Tichy & Devanna, 1990; Sturner, 1997; McLagan & Nel, 1995.

5.2.3. Management of people

The Management of People (MOP) is an important element in evaluating, understanding and managing technology. In some instances it is described as the most difficult part of any manager's job, which is to lead, motivate, train, inspire, and encourage people performing specific tasks. MOP as a consequence requires from everybody in the organisation to respond to the challenges at hand.

Various references are as follows; McDonald, 2008; Zohar, 2003; Ackoff, 1999; Beukes, 1991 and Drucker, 1995.

5.2.4. Managing the systems way

Managing the Systems Way (MSW) entails the understanding of interconnectedness and interdependence of concepts and components using system’s thinking principles.

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MSW recognises fractal like characteristics of entities and provides a framework to understand technological trends.

Various references are as follows; Bardoel, 2003; Dent, 2001; Oshry, 1995; Senge, 1990 and Sturmberg, 2003.

The effective integration of technology, innovation, people and systems increasingly determines success in business.

Group DiscussionDiscuss the applicability of the TIPS model in managing of technology.

MOTIcon™Develop a framework that may be used in your organisation as an illustration how technology, innovation, people and systems are integrated. Use all other readings to guide your process.

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Topic 06: Staying ahead6.


Reading 21MOT200-26-Trends-WP_FiveTrends

Reading 22MOT200-27-Trends-pwc-2014-technology-sec-comment-letter-trends

6.2. Staying ahead

The business environment is continuously changing and in many instances these changes are quite rapid. The inability of organisations to keep up with trends and changes in their industries may caught them by surprise, leading to wasted opportunities and losing a competitive edge.

6.2.1. Benefits of keeping up-to-date

There are a few benefits associated with keeping up-to-date with knowledge and trends in one’s industry. Some of these benefits are briefly as follows:

It allows you to make better decision, placing you in a position to respond quicker to needs and challenges;

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It allows you to acknowledge threats and opportunities in advance, being instrumental in maintaining a competitive advantage;

It allows you to build and influence expert knowledge of your industry, assisting with shaping your organisation’s strategy;

It promotes trust and respect as a thought leader, having a positive impact on your leadership perspective;

It alerts you to changes that you need to think about.

6.2.2. Sources of information

Knowing the sources from where to collect information about trends and changes in one’s industry is paramount. Some of the conventional information sources and a few online sources are briefly as follows:

Conventional sources: Have a mentor. Mentors not only provide guidance in developing your

career, they can provide you with a wealth of extended knowledge, as well as with the insight needed to understand it.

Face-to-face networking. Fostering professional relationships can be one of the best ways to stay abreast of industry developments and trends.

Trade shows, seminars and conferences. These are great networking opportunities to learn about competitors, new products and services, and industry trends.

Industry newsletters and communiques. Subscribe to industry newsletters and read them to stay on top of what is happening in the industry.

Organisations and associations. Join organisations and associations where industry trends are discussed and networking opportunities created.

Online sources: Blogs. Blogs have emerged to become interactive platforms where authors

share their ideas and get input form others, and are respected for high quality thoughts and honest opinion.

Twitter. Twitter is a superb platform to find news about industry leaders and organisations, and to stay abreast of relevant industry developments and trends.

LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a formal social networking platform that is a great way, not only to connect with colleagues and industry leaders, but also to share your own thoughts and ideas and lobby them against industry developments and trends.

Forums. Internet sites and discussion forums that encourage membership can provide excellent opportunities to access privileged and bespoke

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information about your industry and to find ways to cope with the challenges associated with that.

Take NoteAs soon as the best sources to be used have been identified, it is essential to schedule time and begin to harvest the most from them.

Group DiscussionDiscuss what the requirements/options are to stay ahead/on top of emerging technologies? How will this viewpoint find its personification in your organisation?

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Finally

MOTIcon™

Provide a perspective on the management of technology in your workplace, using the methodologies and principles discussed in this paper.What is the management of technology model you will design for your workplace?How would you construct your findings of this module towards you PMA?How would you deconstruct your findings towards your Work-based Challenge?

13/09/2015 29 | P a g e


13/09/2015 30 | P a g e

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