(Elective Course)
The “Management of Technology” course is part of the BBA curriculum provided at Pokhara University’s associated colleges, and it aims to provide students with a complete grasp of how technology affects business operations. This course looks at several aspects of technology management, including as strategic planning, technology assessment, and innovation processes. The course covers a wide range of topics, providing students with the skills needed to efficiently manage technical resources and adapt to a quickly changing business context.
Table of Contents
Course Objectives
The course focuses on different matters of importance and issues related to management of technology in the organizational context. It builds on students’ knowledge about the role of technology in today’s business world. They will understand how to better select technological opportunities and understand organizational challenges that prevent these technologies from being successful.
Course Description
This course is concerned with the management issues surrounding the technology being used in organizations. The focus will be on the theoretical and practical aspects of management of technology in organizations. This course is also concerned with human and organizational issues as well as strategic and operational issues related to technology introduction and use. It provides frameworks and management principles that managers can employ to cope with the challenges inherent in the implementation of rapidly advancing technology.
Course Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Explain the key concepts and the dynamics of technology as used in business;
- Discuss the management issues related to technology acquisition, application, protection and maintenance;
- Analyze and formulate technology policies and strategies for business organizations;
- Know how to implement technology policies and strategies;
- Understand how to manage ideas and knowledge in a technology-based organization;
- Facilitate organizational change and sustainable improvements at the enterprise level through competitive work systems.
Course Contents
The following themes or topics are included:
Introduction and Key Concepts of Technology Management
Students will learn the fundamental principles of technology management, including its significance in organizational success and the role of technology as a driver of innovation and competitive advantage.
Sources and Types of Technology
Students will identify various sources of technology, such as internal R&D and external partnerships, and differentiate between different types of technology, including emerging and established technologies.
Changing Context of Technological Environment
Students will analyze the factors influencing the technological landscape, including globalization and market dynamics, and understand how organizations can adapt to these changes.
Critical Factors in Managing Technology
Students will explore the critical factors that impact technology management, such as organizational culture, leadership styles, and resource allocation, and learn how to leverage these factors for successful technology initiatives.
Strategic Implications of Technology
Students will understand how technology can influence strategic planning and decision-making processes, and learn to align technology initiatives with overall business strategies.
Needs Assessment of Technology
Students will learn methods for conducting needs assessments to identify technological requirements within an organization and how to align these needs with business objectives.
Industrial Analysis and Technology Planning
Students will develop skills in analyzing industry trends and creating technology plans that support organizational goals, emphasizing the importance of foresight in technology management.
Technology Choice and Life Cycle
Students will understand the technology life cycle stages—from development to obsolescence—and learn criteria for making informed technology choices that align with organizational needs.
Technology Acquisition and Utilization
Students will explore the processes involved in acquiring technology, including purchasing and licensing, and learn best practices for effective utilization of technological resources.
Technological Forecasting
Students will learn to forecast techniques to anticipate future technological trends and their potential impact on organizational strategy and operations.
Organizational Implications of Technology
Students will analyze how the integration of technology affects organizational structure, processes, and culture, and learn strategies for managing these changes effectively.
Financial Aspects in Technology Management
Students will gain an understanding of the financial implications of technology investments, including budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, and calculating return on investment (ROI).
Social Issues in Technology Management
Students will explore the social implications of technology management, including ethical considerations, community engagement, and the impact of technology on society.
Technological Change and Industrial Relations
Students will examine the relationship between technological change and labor relations, understanding how new technologies can affect workforce dynamics and employee relations.
Technology Assessment and Environmental Impact Analysis
Students will learn methods for assessing the environmental impact of technology choices and promoting sustainable practices within organizations.
Human Aspects in Technology Management
Students will understand the importance of the human element in technology management, focusing on change management, training, and fostering a culture of innovation.
Technology Transfer, Licensing, Joint Venture, Technology Alliance
Students will explore various mechanisms for technology transfer, including licensing agreements and joint ventures, and learn about the benefits and challenges associated with each approach.
Technology Management Scenario in Nepal
Students will analyze the unique challenges and opportunities in technology management within the context of Nepal, gaining insights into the local technological landscape and its implications for organizations.
References
- Khalil, T. Management of Technology: The Key to Competitiveness and Wealth Creation. Tata McGraw Hill.
- Rastogi, P. N. Management of Technology and Innovation: Competing through Technological Excellence. Sage Publications.
- Schilling, M. Strategic Management of Technological Innovation. McGraw-Hill.
- Burgelman, R. A., Christensen, C. M. and Wheelwright, S. C. Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation. McGraw-Hill, Boston.