Compare and contrast the three types of technology configuration. Give examples of each.
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Student answers and examples will vary but should demonstrate an accurate knowledge of the three basic technology configurations. Three basic technologies characterize how work is done: small batch, large batch, and continuous process. These classifications are equally useful for describing service or manufacturing technologies. Each differs in terms of the volume produced, the variety of goods/services offered, and the influence on how managers organize and structure the work of their organizations. Small batch technologies, which provide goods or services in very low volume, is exemplified by job shops. In a small batch organization, structure tends to be organic, with few rules and formal procedures and, often, decentralized decision making. Companies with higher volumes and lower varieties use large batch, or mass production, technologies. Their production runs are highly standardized, and all customers receive similar, if not identical, products. Machines and robotics tend to replace people in the physical execution of work, while people run the machines. Structure tends to be mechanistic: more rules and formal procedures, more centralized decision making, and higher spans of control. Companies at the very high-volume end of the scale use continuous process technologies, which normally do not stop and start. People are removed from the physical work itself, which is done entirely by machines and/or computers, though in some cases people run the computers that run the machines. Continuous process technology requires less monitoring and supervision, so structure can be more organic: fewer rules and regulations and more informal communication. Examples may include PMF Industries, non-chain restaurants, and doctors' offices (small batch); General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Subway, and Chipotle (large batch); and International Paper and Occidental Chemicals (continuous process).
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You were just hired to manage the new-product development process at a consumer products company. In your first meeting with the CEO since being hired, she recounted to you the numerous times in the past when the company launched products it thought would be successful. However, it later came to realize the products had a detrimental impact on the company's overall costs and profits mix. She wants you to revamp the company's new product development process to prevent this from happening in the future. Which of the following steps in the new-product development process should you overhaul in order to address the CEO's concerns?
A. Concept testing B. Product development C. Idea generation D. Test marketing E. Business analysis
Farley, an accountant, intentionally misstates a material fact to mislead Global Industries, Inc, a client. Global justifiably relies on the misstatement to its detriment. Farley is most likely liable for A) fraud
B) malpractice. C) negligence. D) none of the choices.
Which are stakeholders of the Bonomo Music Store?
a. its customers b. its employees c. the neighborhood d. all of the above
If Julia is accused of robbing a bank and she has witnesses testify that she was having her nails done at the time the robbery took place then she is using a(n):
a. Miranda right b. exclusionary rule c. alibi d. defensive defense e. none of the other choices are correct