Introduction and Alignment

Technology is changing at an increasing pace. Think about the features that you can now purchase in your automobile. Your new car may be equipped with GPS, a technology that just 30 years ago was considered to be a top secret military only capability. It may have hands free cellular connectivity. Another popular feature is sensors that detect when you are approaching a solid object when backing up.

But technological change has not just made our products more sophisticated; it has connected the world and made Asia next door neighbors to Indiana. This has significant implications for the competitive environment. Managing technology and innovation in the work force is becoming an increasing part of management’s job and the focus of this assignment.

Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:

Evaluate how technology has impacted the global business environment.
Apply the change process to an organization.
Resources

Textbook: Management: Leading and Collaborating in a Competitive World
Files: PowerPoints:
Chapter 17.ppt
Chapter 18.ppt
Website: The World is Flat 3.0 You may need to right click on the link and open in a new window to view the video.
Background Information

Globalization has been in the news increasingly over the last ten years. As Asian based companies become competitors with long time U.S. companies, manufacturing and increasingly service jobs seem to be on the fast track to move overseas.

This trend is being debated at the highest political levels in the U.S., with much of that debate having to do with what can be done to fight it. Yet, there are those who argue that the trend is inevitable, it is the result of technological developments over the last 30 years, and the proper approach is to determine the best way the United States can take advantage of it.

Regardless of the politics, it is clear that organizations and businesses must change with the changing world if they are to remain competitive. Managers must be able to managing technology, innovation and the change process itself.

Instructions

Read Chapters 17 and 18 in the text. As you read, think about how technology and innovation are affecting your organization, both the positive and negative aspects.
Download and review the PowerPoints to reinforce the material you have already read.
Watch The World is Flat 3.0 (47:53 minutes). As you watch Thomas Friedman discuss his book, The World is Flat, think about how technology and innovation are affecting your personal life.
Write a paper that answers the following questions:
How has technology and innovation impacted your organization? Consider both the change in types of jobs and the cost of living in your response. Provide a detailed explanation for your evaluation that demonstrates clear, insightful critical thinking.
How can managers use the principles of change management to assist in cultural and organization change? Provide a detailed explanation for your evaluation that demonstrates clear, insightful critical thinking.
Your paper should be approximately 1,000 words in length, include five academic sources (only one textbook reference can be used) that are properly cited, and is due by the end of the workshop. Be sure to follow all APA standards and to use correct spelling and grammar.
When you have completed your assignment, save a copy for yourself and submit a copy to your instructor using the Dropbox by the end of the workshop (Turnitin enabled).

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