What is Technology Scanning?
Technology scanning refers to an analysis into technological developments in various economic industries. Scanning therefore determines the importance of the new technology, the possibility of modifications to better the technology, how it has been introduced in the market and the general societal acceptance or rejection of the technology. Generally there are four main areas of technology life cycle: the emerging technology, pacing technology, key technology and base technology.
Emerging technologies refer to those inventions and innovations that denote continuity in development that in turn enhances competitive lead. In today’s modern world, emerging technologies have been invented with the aim of improve the future of all mankind (Taylor, 2002).. An example of an emerging technology is genetic engineering where crops as well as animals are genetically altered to better their productivity and get rid of any disorders that hinder the full potential and growth of both the animals and the crops. Genetic engineering perfectly fits as an example of genetic engineering as more advances and innovations in genetic engineering are still ongoing.
Pace technology on the other hand refers to technology that is gradually growing in acceptance. One good example is the online banking technology system. This technology when it was introduced, the society was pessimistic on conducting their banking activities which involves giving personal information via the internet. Gradually, the technology has been accepted across the society as it is a simpler and time and energy saving.
Innovation diffusion Theory focuses on the systematic manner with which a new idea or technology moves from manufacture and creation to its use. A technological innovation is passed through specific channel before it is implemented. As per the innovation diffusion theory the FAA Fly Off course case study fits in the in the emergent technology as it was expected that the changes in the air control system would not only enhance the security of the airspace in terms of collisions but also lower operating costs by improving the systems reliability and efficiency.
On Organizational cultures a company can either adopt the machine or the professional bureaucracy. Machine bureaucratic organization focuses on standardizing the operations of the company for coordination purposes. Professional bureaucracy focuses on standardization of skills of the employees such that the employees are in control of the work responsibilities assigned to them (Taylor, 2002).. FAA focused mainly on machine standardization as it laid emphasis. The FAA has maintained very old computers some as old as twenty years of age which regularly malfunctioned posing a risk to the airspace infrastructure. FAA was not open to change so as to enhance their productivity and work output. The move to install newer software was met with skepticism as it involved using large sums of money. Majority of the FAA management preferred to maintain the old software system regardless of their continuous failure and performance that subsequently led to overworking the staff in the computer technological department.
Retention of qualified employees is crucial for the success of any organization. An organisational policy such as improvement of the working conditions of the employees is the best way to ensure that they are motivated to keep on working in the organizations (Taylor, 2002). In FAA for instance the workers were overworked due to the constantly malfunctioning computers and technologies at the aviation area. At one point they even strike due to the poor working condition and the desire for an overhaul of the software system. In such a situation the turnover of the employees would be high with regards to searching for better working conditions in the organization.
Reference
Taylor, S. (2002). The employee retention handbook. CIPD Publishing, 2002
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