OTD Chapter 9

Question 1

Individual-level technology

Answer 1

Personal skills, knowledge, and competences that individuals possess.

Question 2

Functional or departmental level technology

Answer 2

Procedures and techniques that group work out to perform their work and create competences that constitute technology.

E.g., cooperative efforts of scientists in a research and development laboratory.

Question 3

Organizational-level technology

Answer 3

The way an organization converts inputs into outputs.

Mass production vs. craftwork.

Question 4

Input stage technology

Answer 4

Skills, procedures, techniques, and competences.

Question 5

Conversion-stage technology

Answer 5

Machines, techniques, work procedures.

Question 6

Output-stage technology

Answer 6

Effective disposal of finished goods and services to external stakeholders.

Question 7

External resource approach

Answer 7

Using technology to increase its ability to manage and control external stakeholders.

Question 8

Internal system approach

Answer 8

Using technology to increase the success of its attempts to innovate; to develop new products, services, and processes; and to reduce the time needed to bring new products to market.

Question 9

Technical approach

Answer 9

Using technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs while simultaneously enhancing the quality and reliability of its products.

Question 10

Technical complexity (Joan Woodward)

Answer 10

A measure of the extent to which a production process can be programmed so that it can be controlled and made predictable.

Question 11

High technical complexity (Joan Woodward)

Answer 11

When conversion processes can be programmed in advance and fully automated.

Question 12

Low technical complexity (Joan Woodward)

Answer 12

When conversion processes depend primarily on people and their skills and knowledge, and not on machines.

With increased human involvement and less reliance on machines, work activities cannot be programmed in advance, and results depend on the skills of the people involved.

Question 13

Three levels of technical complexity (Joan Woodward)

Answer 13

Small-batch and unit technology > e.g., donut maker.
Large-batch and mass production technology > e.g., Ikea
Continuous-process technology > e.g., pasta/tomato saus production.

Question 14

Small-batch and unit technology

Answer 14

E.g., donut maker.

One-of-a-kind customised products, small quantities.
Any machines used during the conversion process are less important than people’s skills and knowledge.

Question 15

Large-batch and mass production technology

Answer 15

E.g., IKEA factory

Massive volumes and standardised products.

Question 16

Continuous-process technology

E.g., pasta / tomato saus manufacturing.

Answer 16

Conversion process is almost entirely automated and mechanised. Employees are not directly involved.

Question 17

Technological imperative

Answer 17

The argument that technology determines structure.

Question 18

Task variability (Charles Perrow)

Answer 18

The number of exceptions - new or unexpected situations - that a person encounters while performing a task.

Question 19

Task analysability (Charles Perrow)

Answer 19

The degree to which search activity is needed to solve a problem.

Question 20

Four types of technology (Charles Perrow)

Answer 20

Craft work
Routine manufacturing
Engineering production
Non-routine research

Question 21

Task interdependence (James D. Thompson)

Answer 21

The manner in which different organizational tasks are interrelated.

Question 22

Three types of technology (James D. Thompson)

Answer 22

Mediating
Long-linked
Intensive

Question 23

Mediating technology (James D. Thompson)

Answer 23

Input, conversion, and output can be performed independently from one another.

E.g., piecework of franchise.

Question 24

Long-linked technology (James D. Thompson)

Answer 24

Input, conversion, and output must be performed in series.

E.g., assembly-line or continuous-progress plant.

Question 25

Intensive technology (James D. Thompson)

Answer 25

Input, conversion, and output activities are inseparable.

E.g., general hospital or research and development laboratory.

Question 26

Advanced manufacturing technology

Answer 26

Technology that consists of innovations in materials technologies and in knowledge technology that can change the work process of traditional mass production organizations.

Question 27

Material technology

Answer 27

Technology that comprises machinery, other equipment, and computers.

Question 28

Flexible manufacturing

Answer 28

Technology that allows the production of many kinds of components at little or no extra costs on the same machine.

It is designed to easily adapt to changes in the type and quantity of the product being manufactured.

Question 29

Computer-integrated manufacturing

Answer 29

Advanced manufacturing technique that controls the changeover from one operation to another by means of the commands given to the machines through computer software.