1 Pros and Cons of Technology in the Business World Increased Advancements of Technology into Business Overtime Michelle Weiss, Steve Hensley, Katelyn Huntoon, Chanelle Dickerson 10/25/2009
2 Contents Abstract... 3 Introduction... 4 Use of Technology To Improve Performance at Work... 5-7 Faster Communication... 5-7 Investing in Technology Translates to doing things smarter, faster and better... 8-9 Ahead of competition... 8-9 Customer Understanding... 8-9 Downfalls of Technology in the Workplace- Technology is Constantly Changing... 10 Hardships businesses face if not technologically savvy... 11 Conclusion... 12 Outline... 13 Reference Page... 14
3 Abstract This paper covers the topic of technological advances in the workplace and how it has altered the way people communicate in the business world. The paper strongly focuses on the advantages and disadvantages technology has brought. A brief history of the evolvement of the World Wide Web and laptops is also discussed.
4 As technology has taken over the business world businesses have become more contentious to surpass the competition. As everything else in life, negativity lurks within; therefore we must be ready and face it head on. The millennium generations dialogue is created by technology. The computer is their native language. Through technology they are able to create, share, and provide solutions in one transaction. This generation has gradually become more technology savvy. The baby boomer generation can take the credit for inventing technology. The boomers have shaped the course of technology as well as the direction of the digital revolution. Undisputedly we are surrounded by technology every minute of every day, which is why technology has become so important in our everyday lives. Whether we are resting or working, we are always utilizing technology. It is technology that has brought the world closer together as a whole. Agreeably, we all utilize it, we all depend on it and we couldn t live without it. Technological innovations are imperative to our nation and fuel our economy s expansion. We are globally competitive because of it. We can create jobs and have improved quality of life from new drugs and cures, to agricultural advances. The most important are the advancements that technology has captured in the ability to protect our nation. By detecting dangers to hardening the infra-structure of our homeland, technology holds promises for everyone s future. Integrating technology into the business world has its pros and cons. The new forum of technology has changed how businesses all over the world operateand function. We convert forward while emerging and holding our breath.
5 Over the past fifty years technological advances have altered the way we communicate in the workplace. For instance, the World Wide Web has led to several inventions that have created faster and more convenient ways of communicating such as: email, professional networking sites, Facebook, Twitter, blogs and lap tops. The internet was first created by the United States Advanced Research Projects Agency, a Department of United States Defense. It was in 1970, that two computer scientist s, Robert Kahn and Vinton Cerf, developed the transmission system for sending data between different networks. The system that they developed was called Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol. This was the technical achievement that made the internet possible (Chandler, 2009). Tim Berners-Lee in 1991, created a system that allowed users to access information by clicking on a link within a document (Berners-Lee, 1991). This achievement was the creation of the World Wide Web as we know it today. It was also when email was accessible to thousands of computer users. Email allows users to send a message almost instantly. Most employees prefer email because they may be away from their desk telephone for hours or even days. It is quicker and more accessible to check your email as opposed to your voicemail. Colleagues do not have to worry about crossing time zones when sending an email as opposed to calling over the telephone. Emails also allow employees to send mass emails internally and externally. Therefore email is convenient, allows employees to reach several users at one time and is time efficient.
Osborn 1 system created. Size of sewing machine. Required outlet to run GRID Compass (first real laptop). Used by NASA Compaq portable introduced. 1 st commercially successful laptop Toshiba laptop introduced. Compaq was the first laptop manufacturer to produce a machine that could display VGA graphics. Macintosh Portable was the first Apple laptop. Apple PowerBook brought Apple into the laptop age 6 As the internet evolved, so did the services and applications such as: professional networking sites, Twitter and blogs. There are free sites that allow people to search for jobs, post resumes and network with other users about preferred careers. Applications such as Facebook, Twitter and blog sites have created a way for companies to advertise their products and services for free. These sites also allow consumers to rate these products and services which are known as testimonials. This is another free tactic that businesses are now using to target their audience. Thanks to technology these free services are helping business promote new products and services to generate more business. As the world wide web advanced so did computers. The very first computer was the size of an entire classroom. In no means was it cheap or portable. However, due to the result of technological advances computers are: faster, cheaper, and more portable than ever. The following is a brief timeline of laptops and how they have evolved.
7 1981 1982 1983 1987 1988 1989 1991 (Atkinson 2009) Laptops are extremely useful in the business world because it allows employers to work virtually anywhere: from their home, in a car, in an airplane, on vacation etc. There are many different ways in which technology has improved the environment in the workplace. With the application of new technology, businesses are able to increase their production rate in a faster and smarter way. Technology can open up a vast array of possibilities for businesses and make their labor faster and more enhanced. Investing in technology can offer a way of making things smarter, faster and better for any business. As with any new technology that is invented, it takes time to become more familiar with and train specifically to learn how things work. When computers were first brought into businesses, time was needed in order for businesses to learn how to use all the programs and systems that were incorporated. Over the years, everyone was able to use them effectively and efficiently. In businesses today, it is almost impossible to thrive without the use of computers. The same is new for any type of new technology. According to the UK business finance help and information website, there are some
8 definite advantages to higher technology in businesses. They state that increasing technology can reduce waste, increase productivity, lower workforce, heighten profits and income, increase communication and make businesses more competitive. A lower workforce may be needed because jobs that previously required personnel can now be automated, further reducing costs (BizHelp24, 2005). Higher profits can be achieved due to the increased efficiency which produces less costs (BizHelp24, 2005). With the use of computer networks, emails, mobile phones etc, it is easier to communicate information from one person to another (BizHelp 24, 2005). An article located at business.gov outlines ways to use technology to create an advantage for your business. They state that using technology in your business can get your products of services to market more quickly, implement smarter marketing campaigns and respond to your customers faster (business.gov, 2009). If implemented, these things can give you an advantage over your competitors. Being ahead of the competition is very important in the business world. In today s society, everyone is in competition with each other to have the best products faster and at the lowest price. With the use of technology, businesses are able to mass produce products which can lower the cost. In the article Creating a business advantage with technology, they state that Getting to market quicker can give you an advantage over your competition, and websites cannot only market you and your business, but can also be a means of demonstrating and selling your product or service to an international market (business.govt, 2009). Through the use of the World Wide
9 Web, companies are able to better market and sell their business. Marketing to your clients is very important in the business world. The only way you can compete against other businesses is to get your name out and explain your business and the products that you sell. It is often necessary to research the other businesses that are in competition with you. In order to sell your product, you need to understand the competitions statement and goals as well. Technology is a very important to give businesses the advantage of being better, smarter and faster than the competition, but you also have to think about the customers perspective. You need to be ahead of the competition, yet close enough to the customers so that they understand the product you are trying to sell. Keeping your clients up to date about your business is very important. When marketing your business, whether it be online or through newsletters, it is important to keep them informed of your products and the new advances your business has adopted. In the article Creating a business advantage with technology, they state to tell potential customers what you do, how you do it, and let them know what you put into your product or service for them (business.govt, 2009). This will keep your clients well informed of your products which can keep you ahead of your competition. Investing in technology can greatly increase your productivity and marketing for your business. Your business will be able to produce products faster, smarter and better than the competition which will give you the advantage over them. Being able to implement the use of advanced technology can help your business as long as your clients are being informed.
10 Although technology has in some ways made complex items easier to handle, it actually has downfalls within the workplace. One example is that personal information can be supplied to an employer with a stroke of a key. Through e-mails, text messages, even through personal profiles on popular websites, virtually anyone can gather certain information without seeing or meeting one another face to face. In the business world, communication is a major aspect in which tasks are collaboratively accomplished. Before the invention and use of the internet, web cameras, cell phones, etc. the main means of communication was meeting in person. However, these technological advancements have strategically changed the way the business world operates, as well as its communication styles and techniques. Another downfall of technology is that it is CONSTANTLY changing. Every time there is a new technology, it is quickly updated without giving consumers a chance to adapt to the previous new technology. The inability to adapt to changing technology has been a struggle to employees. This skill is quite essential in the business world. In an article by Philip Atkinson titled Technology Making It Worse, he defines technology as the artificial enhancement of human power [that] should make us stronger and smarter, however our demented community is discovering that it now has the opposite effect. (Atkinson, 2003) It has also been said through the years that technology, or machines for that matter, are undoubtedly replacing people in the workplace because they work better than people do. Jin Sun Kim stated in his article Advantages and Disadvantages of Advanced Technology, the disadvantages of upgraded
11 technology are that people will lose their jobs to machines that will do the work for them machines and robots are too complex for people to use. (Kim, 2008)" That is a huge disgrace in the workplace, being that technology was never meant to make the human effort obsolete. Another downfall for technology in the workplace is the challenge to be competitive if technology is not eminent. For one to have a competitive advantage in the business world, or any field, they must have a knowledgeable strategic ability to incorporate new technologies into the development of innovative solutions (Somers, 2004). Nonetheless, this cannot be easily obtained when the so-called new technologies are always evolving into something greater. For almost two decades, businesses have been trying to enhance themselves by using technology. However, it has been proven to be a daunting task. Since technology is important, businesses have to keep up with the updated and advanced material, which can be an ongoing task. For example, there are always new technological updates that can help organize the management of certain business operations. Therefore, a business cannot get too attached to a particular version of software due to the fact it will soon be outdated or discontinued. It is true that technology has made difficult things easier to accomplish and/or obtain. On the other hand, the fact that technology is constantly evolving is what makes it complicated to conform to it. These technological advances
12 have only just begun to come into play and the future will be its competitive amphitheater. The business world as well and private citizens should always keep their seatbelt fastened when it comes to technology. Technology will keep the world and everyone using it fascinated and many times, frustrated. This is what keeps things interesting as well as competitive. As mentioned earlier, if we get too comfortable with the current technology and don t keep adapting with the new advances, businesses and individuals will fall behind. We must keep abreast of emerging new technology so we will always make the right decisions. Everyone needs to have a vision for the future. The major indicator for technology is that the communication world will continue to evolve. We should hope that the technological democracy we live in will not only keep businesses thriving and consumers optimistic, but maybe we can convert the war economy we live in to a peaceful economy with the help of technological innovations. Outline For
13 Pros and Cons of Technology in the Business World Today As well as Slow Advancements of Technology into Business Overtime I. Every type of business uses some kind of technology a.) To improve performance at work. b.) Faster communication via e-mail, video conferencing, instant messaging. c.) By giving a competitive advantage in the office and world markets. II. III.) Investing in Technology a.) Translates to doing things smarter, faster and better. b.) Ahead of competition but close enough that customers understand product. c.) Allows smaller businesses to keep up with corporations. d.) Helps protect environment and emissions of green house gases. Downfalls of technology in the workplace a.) Stroke of a key personal information can be supplied to an employer. b.) Technology to enhance your business can be a daunting task. c.) New technology constantly changing can be hard for employees to adapt. d.) Have to be technology savvy or hard to be competitive. Thesis Statement: Integrating technology into the business world has its pros and cons. The new forum of technology has changed how businesses all over the world operate and function. We convert forward while emerging and holding our breath. By: Michelle Weiss Katelyn Huntoon Chanelle Dickerson Steve Hensley Reference Page
14 Accuconference,. (2007, December 14). The History of teleconferencing. Retrieved from http://www.accuconference.com/blog/thehistoryofteleconferencing.aspx Atkinson, P. (2003). Technology making it worse. Retrieved from http://www.ourcivilisation.com/signs/chap7.htm Atkinson, P. (2009). Man in a briefcase. Retrieved from http://jdh.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/18/2/191 BJC,. (n.d.). Pros and cons of technology. Retrieved from http://hubpages.com/hub/prosand-cons-of-technology business.gov. (2009). Creating a business advantage with technology. Retrieved from http://www.business.govt.nz/technology-and-e-business/using-technology-in-yourbusiness/creating-a-business-advantage-with-technology.aspx David L. Chandler. (2009) Who created the internet? It s a tangled web. Retrieved from www.seattlepi.com/business/nett20.shtml IPblog.ca,. (2009, August 31). Employees & technology. Retrieved from http://www.ipblog.ca/?p=305 Kim, J. S. (2008). Advantages and disadvantages of advanced technology. Scienceray, Retrieved from http://scienceray.com/technology/information/advantagesanddisadvantagesofadvancedtec hnology/ Murray, D. (2006, June 1). Optimizing the business benefits from technology acquisitions. Retrieved from http://www.allbusiness.com/finance-insurance/1181365-1.html Somers, M. (2004, January). The Era of the technology savvy business. NJIT Magazine, 28-29. UK business and finance help and information. (2005, October 19). Pros and cons of new technology. Retrieved from http://www.bizhelp24.com/it/the-pros-and-cons-of-newtechnology.html
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