Technology Essentials for Managers

TECHNOLOGY ESSENTIALS FOR MANAGERS

Introduction
Technology developments have heralded new ways of doing business and created new novel
opportunities while helping organizations run more efficiently and productively (Dragon, 2019).
However, the developments in Information Systems/ Information technologies (IS/IT) have not
been without challenges, especially given the fast changing nature of IS/IT with respect to new
graduates and managers in the sector (Newlands, 2017). Technology changes so fast that the
popular/ trending technology when a student enrolls for their under graduate course is obsolete by
the time they graduate (Gardner, 2016). Managers, therefore, have to mentor such graduates
accordingly (Schrage et al., 2019). This paper identifies possible challenges and opportunities and
discusses them, as well as creates a mind map on how a graduate can be mentored five years into
the future.
Description of Key Learnings
IT is the enabler of new strategy, initiatives, and effective management
Selected Article: What is the Role of Technology in Business?
https://onlinemasters.baylor.edu/articles/what-is-the-role-of-technology-in-business.aspx
IT will be an important enabler of strategic planning, initiatives and effective management because
allows firms to improve overall effectiveness and performance of systems, products, and services
that in turn are enablers of fast and efficient expansion of businesses. Technology has a myriad of
positive and beneficial effects on management, and more importantly, decision making: in this age
of managerial accounting, decision makers and managers will increasingly rely on data provided by
IS/IT to make accurate decisions that help them achieve strategic objectives and better align their
strategic objectives with available resources (Baylor® University, 2019). IT/IS systems will enable
better communication, collaboration, and allow the use of applications such as big data analytics to
better understand their environment, competition, and customers while also ensuring business
process continuity and reduced investments in IT such as due to the use of cloud computing
(BusinessVibes, 2019). Technology and information systems will enhance the interaction between
businesses and their clients (Carayannis, Alexander and Mason, 2019).
Article Links for Key Learning 1
https://onlinemasters.baylor.edu/articles/what-is-the-role-of-technology-in-business.aspx
https://www.business2community.com/tech-gadgets/importance-information-technology-business-
today-01393380
https://www.referenceforbusiness.com/management/Str-Ti/Technology-Management.html

Media Links for Key Learning 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpmDhK_XCS8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkgFoL-1AiA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv9oybx4NeQ
Intelligent devices are now mainstream
Selected Article: The business of the future: increasingly smarter, more digital and more
shared https://medium.com/iquii/the-business-of-the-future-increasingly-smarter-more-digital-and-
more-shared-7b7fb355be49
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), coupled with an increasingly
connected world through the Internet and the Internet of things (IoT) has very strong, almost
revolutionary implications for business and organizations, presently and in the future (IQUII, 2019).
The interconnected and smart intelligence devices will enable accurate handling and management of
big data generated by increasingly interconnected devices and with AI and ML capabilities, will be
able to generate unique and useful insights and even help with decision making; from law/ legal
advice to managing complex supply chains or commercial farms scattered across the world to
effective weather forecasting and meeting customer needs (Carroll, 2018). The AI and ML devices
will be able to learn and adapt and be able to provide cutting edge customer service, whether it is a
web based ‘digital customer service representative’ or a mobile application with a medical assistant
to help diagnose one’s health condition and alert them of lurking dangers. The implications for
businesses are immense (Cassidy, 2018).
Article Links for Key Learning 2
https://www.dynamicbusiness.com.au/technology/ai-is-mainstream-the-future-is-here-consumers-
demand-direct-messaging.html
http://itdirections.com/business-impact-top-technology-trends/
https://medium.com/iquii/the-business-of-the-future-increasingly-smarter-more-digital-and-more-
shared-7b7fb355be49