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TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
OF BUSINESS Why is the technology environment important?
It affects various aspects of the business. That could
be an opportunity or a threat. And, companies cannot control technological factors but must respond to them. Therefore, companies must be able to adapt to new technological developments.
Early adopters of new technology often achieve higher
market share and get higher returns. Therefore, companies need to scan for trends and changes. The aim is to take advantage of opportunities while minimizing threats. That way, the company can be competitive. Effect of technological change on the organization as a whole can affect:
•Product sales technique.
• For example, more retailers are turning online than physical stores. These changes certainly have a significant impact on their business strategy. • Ways of making products. • For example, is process automation • Market research. • Marketers can more easily analyze the market with a database system. The technology element enables marketers to access data more accurately, allowing them to plan marketing strategies better. • Management and operation of the company. • Now, employees do not have to attend the office to work. Instead, they can do work at home, as long as they are connected to the internet. • The choice of communicating with stakeholders, • through websites, social media, and email. • Needs for new expertise. • Companies increasingly need data analysts and programmers for the interpretation of data and digital information processes. • Change the needs and desires of consumers. FACTORS OF TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 1] Pull of Technological Change Technological change generally refers to the advancements in the production and manufacturing process of different goods and services. So it is when we improve the way products are made or services are delivered. In these times there is always a new invention or better technology around the corner. This technological change brings both opportunities and threats to a business. There is always the advantage of assessing the technological environment and embracing the new technology. This can make your product better, bring down costs, edge out the competition, increase production capacity, etc. But at the same time, such changes if not adopted by the 2] Opportunities from New Innovations
There are so many concepts, products, services, etc that
have been unexplored in the market. The advancements in technology mean that there is the possibility of a new invention every single day.
And firms have to be alert about their technological
environment to smell out a great opportunity. If the firm can capitalize on a new invention or product, it can become a pioneer in the industry.
For example, see the boom in the smartwatch and fitness
tracker market. It all started back in 1998. Such new products enter the market every year. And to capture this market a firm has to be aware of its technological environment. 3] Risk of Technological Environment
With opportunities come threats. If the company does
not keep a track of the new innovations and advancements in the industry, they risk being out of date. If a business cannot adopt a new technology it can be forced out of the competition. There is also the ever-present risk of new innovations and entrants to the market. 4] Role of Research and Development
The other important aspect of the technological
environment is the role of the R & D of the country. Technology and business are very interdependent. The benefits of all the R&D a country does reaches the public via the businesses. These findings and developments improve our quality of life and uplift the economy and society. Matters to be considered while assessing the technological environment: What production technology and information technology does the company employ?
How important is each technology to the firm?
Is there an external technology that the company depends on?
What is the reliability of such technology?
What has been the extent of investments in technology? Is the
investment in the design or the implementation or the maintenance?
How much have other competitors in the same industry
invested in their technologies?
Which technological investments should be withdrawn or
limited?
What are the additional technological requirements to meet
The impact of the technological environment on companies
Technological developments affect all aspects of business, not only in
products and services. In production, technology can increase total output through:
Increased productivity. With the same input, the company can
produce more output per unit.
Cost reduction for example computers and transportation technology
Technology has also allowed companies to produce new products.
For example, the presence of internet technology allows book publishers to launch e-books.
However, technology also makes products obsolete faster. For
example, the emergence of smartphones with high-resolution cameras reduces interest in conventional camera products.
Intellectual Capital for Communities First Edition Nations Regions and Cities Ahmed Bounfour Leif Edvinsson - The full ebook with all chapters is available for download now