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CLASSIFICATION OF TECHNOLOGY Discuss about the classification of

technology based on three main perspectives that is Organization-Managerial Framework, Techno-Economics Approach of Technology

and Dynamic Interaction Components of

Technology Transfer

Organization-Managerial Framework Technology as involves more than the

machinery or equipment used in product or referred as ‘orga-managerial approach’.

Technology refers to information, equipment, techniques and processes required to transform inputs into outputs in an organization.

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Orga-Managerial Approach

There are three main paradigms within orga-managerial approach:1. Woodward’s three Types of Technology2. Perrow’s Knowledge-Based Technology3. Thompson’s technology Classification

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Woodward’s Three Types Of Technology Technology defined as the collection of

plant machines, tools, and recipes available at a given time for the execution of the production task and the rationale underlying their utilization.

Three types of technology classified in terms of the utilization: Small batch production systems

Ship building, aircraft manufacturing Large batch/mass production system

Radio or automobile production firms Process/continuous production firms

Chemical or petroleum manufacturers

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Conclude: Distinct relationships exist between

technology and structure of firm and business activities

Effectiveness of organization was related to the fit between technology and structure of business activities

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Perrow’s Knowledge-Based Technology Technology as knowledge technology,

not production technology. Technology as the action by individual

upon an object, with or without the aid of tools or mechanical devices to make some change.

Complex techniques employed to alter materials in an anticipated manner

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Two underlying dimensions of knowledge technology: Task variability (number of exceptions) Problem analysability (search for appropriate

method)

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Thompson’s Technology Classification Woodward’s dimension stage further by

developing a technology typology for all organizations

Three types of technology: Long-Linked Technology

Sequential interdependence in a serial forms Moderate complexity and formalization Planning and scheduling

Mediating technology Links client on both input and output sides of

organization in a pooled interdependence way Rules & regulation (low complexity and high

formalization)  Intensive technology

Variety of techniques draws to change some specific object

High complexity, low formalization and mutual adjustment

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Techno-Economics Approach Of Technology framework used to integrates

technology and technical considerations in economic analysis.

Technology as the means for transforming natural resources into produced resources.

Most of the transformation processes of natural resources into product

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Technology transformation process 4 Components

Inputs: the resources Outputs: the produced resources Production activity: the mode of converting Technology: the transformer

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Dynamic Interaction

4 Components interacting Technoware: object-embodied

technology Humanware: Person-embodied

technology Inforware: Document-embodied technology Orgaware: Institution-embodied technology

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Dynamic Interaction Components

Core technology developed, installed and operated by humanware

Humanware represent the key transformation operation guided by inforware

Orgaware acquired and controls the 3-ware for effective operation through plan, organize, activating, motivate and control

Inforware store accumulated knowledge, utilized for decision making

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