Increase In Computer Technology example essay topic

Computer Changes and their Impact on Management The world of computers is a field that is not only very young, but is also rapidly changing. In one lifetime, computers have evolved from a multimillion dollar unit that filled entire buildings, to a few hundred dollar personal computer that fits on a desktop with more power than its predecessor. How does this change in cost, size and power affect our management decisions? To look at these areas, it should be understood that each characteristic not only makes a significant impact for management, but is enhanced by the other two changes. The reduction in computer costs over time has the obvious implications of reduced overhead costs for a company's management and possibly a smaller budget requirement for the information technologies department. Closer inspection of the lower computer costs shows that the reduced overhead can have a number of implications dependant on management decisions.

One decision would be to show an increased profit on the end product's margins. This makes stockholders very happy. Management could also decide to provide more computer technology for the company without an increase in budget, or provide hardware with less compromise in functionality. The additional money could be used for additional specialty computer hardware that would not normally be purchased. A company would have to research whether the increase in computer technology would be able to provide the necessary competitive advantages or productivity increases. Management might also decide to take an exhaustive look at the entire company and its business process' to determine if other areas might use the money for upgrades as well.

These upgrades can be in the manufacturing process, research and development, sales, or in manufacturing to name a few. The reduction in cost also impacts the reduction in size of the computer hardware which has been getting smaller and smaller. As the prices of computers have gone down, the manufacturers have been able to reduce the size of the computers dramatically at the same time. Management originally provided a computer that was very large with terminals provided to the user as an interface.

Today we have a personal computer on almost every desk top. These units require less space allowing management the freedom to determine whether they wish to put a unit on every desktop. With the smaller space requirements and the changes in the hardware itself, management also has less impact to their facility requirements. Fewer environmental controls are needed as well as fewer specialty power requirements are needed providing a more cost effective hardware solution with a direct impact on the costs to run a company's facility.

The hardware reduction in size has also provided a portability factor that allows a number of additional options not readily available in the past. Employees can now stay in touch via an email, cellular phone, remote data input and retrieval, and essentially run most if not all of the applications they would use at their office, if they are on travel status. This is especially helpful for marketing personnel that are constantly traveling. In some cases, employees may also be provided the ability to work from home. The ability to work from home is not for every person or every job description, but it does make many employees happier and in many cases, more productive. Management will have to decide if any of these options will be profitable in employee production and employee happiness.

Management does have to watch one negative impact of the smaller hardware. The smaller size provides the ability for hardware to "disappear". Management has to look at their hiring practices with more emphasis on honesty than they had in the past. A laptop is a much larger cost loss than standard office supplies. Size has also been impacted by the increased power over the generations of computers. The original computers that took up rooms and buildings to house are now today's calculators.

The smaller laptop or desktop has more processing power than these originals. The smaller size with the increased processing power has given developers the ability to provide user friendly applications and input screens which were not possible in the past. These modifications allow for all employees to interact with the systems. Much older systems required specially trained individuals to obtain the output or data needed. Management needs to look at their training requirements as well as the number of specialists to maintain the system. Programming is enhanced with this processing power.

Databases can be much larger and have more functionality while providing faster outputs. The information can be much more comprehensive and provide more detailed analysis for any situation. The impact on management is more informed decisions in all areas of business. The increased power of these computers also appears in their speed.

The greater the speed means more output per employee. Management needs to keep track of this balance to determine the appropriate number of employees needed to operate the business at the desired level of output. The cost, size, and power changes in computers over time has dramatically changed how we managed businesses. Computers are now used in all aspects of running a company and careful attention should be applied to the implementation of any new system.

This should be done from the company's current position with regards to the current technology available, but also with the technology that may be available in the near future. Management needs to maintain a competitive edge and technology will have a major impact on how well this is achieved.