Computer technology and the networked organization
Study Books Used in Class:
The case for this module revolves around the issue of how an organization’s workspace both shapes and is shaped by the information technology choices that the organization makes. To focus your thoughts on this question, please read the following article:
Mary Colette Wallace (2000) Complexity of New Office Designs: Thinking Through Your Future Workplace. Searcher 8(10) http://www.infotoday.com/searcher/nov00/wallace.htm
An interesting case of the interaction of information technology and structure is provided by Oticon Corp., a Danish-owned company specializing in hearing aids and other related devices, that has been one of the “poster children” for information technology-driven change. They have been written up in many places. One reasonably complete and largely non-technical report on this effort is:
Lagace, M. (2003). Stuck in Gear: Why Managers Don’t Act. Harvard Business School – Working Knowledge For Business leaders – Research & Ideas, http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/3501.html.
Also, you can look at this article that talks about the more recent changes in organizations due to use of technology.
Griscom, J. (2009). How Telecommunications Is Changing Work for Nonprofits. Retrieved, 2010, from the World Wide Web: http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page12202.cfm
Once you have read both articles and had a chance to examine some of the background materials and/or any other information bearing on this question that you can find, please prepare a 3-5 page paper addressing the question:
“Is Oticon a good model for effectively integrating information technology into the office?. What is the role of IT in organizations? Do you know of any other organization that has been transformed by IT? How? Would you enjoy working in such environment?”
In your paper, you want to consider the points raised in Ms. Wallace’s article about office design and the degree to which IT can or should drive decisions about the structure and functioning of workplaces. You’ll also want to consider some of the points discussed in the background readings regarding technology choices. At some point in your paper, you should also consider the question of whether you yourself would enjoy working in a company like the restructured Oticon. Be sure to justify your answer with appropriate references to the readings or other sources you locate.
Case assignment expectations:
Your assignment will be graded following these expectations:
– Precision: the questions asked are answered.
– Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic.
– Breadth and depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module.
– Critical thinking: It is important to read the “required readings” posted in the background material plus others you find relevant. Your paper should include important concepts from these read
Description: ITM301 – Principles of Info. Syst. in Bus. and Org.
Module 3 – Case
Computer technology and the networked organization
The case for this module revolves around the issue of how an organization’s workspace both shapes and is shaped by the information technology choices that the organization makes. To focus your thoughts on this question, please read the following article:
Mary Colette Wallace (2000) Complexity of New Office Designs: Thinking Through Your Future Workplace. Searcher 8(10) http://www.infotoday.com/searcher/nov00/wallace.htm
An interesting case of the interaction of information technology and structure is provided by Oticon Corp., a Danish-owned company specializing in hearing aids and other related devices, that has been one of the “poster children” for information technology-driven change. They have been written up in many places. One reasonably complete and largely non-technical report on this effort is:
Lagace, M. (2003). Stuck in Gear: Why Managers Don’t Act. Harvard Business School – Working Knowledge For Business leaders – Research & Ideas, http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/3501.html.
Also, you can look at this article that talks about the more recent changes in organizations due to use of technology.
Griscom, J. (2009). How Telecommunications Is Changing Work for Nonprofits. Retrieved, 2010, from the World Wide Web: http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/networks/page12202.cfm
Once you have read both articles and had a chance to examine some of the background materials and/or any other information bearing on this question that you can find, please prepare a 3-5 page paper addressing the question:
“Is Oticon a good model for effectively integrating information technology into the office?. What is the role of IT in organizations? Do you know of any other organization that has been transformed by IT? How? Would you enjoy working in such environment?”
In your paper, you want to consider the points raised in Ms. Wallace’s article about office design and the degree to which IT can or should drive decisions about the structure and functioning of workplaces. You’ll also want to consider some of the points discussed in the background readings regarding technology choices. At some point in your paper, you should also consider the question of whether you yourself would enjoy working in a company like the restructured Oticon. Be sure to justify your answer with appropriate references to the readings or other sources you locate.
Case assignment expectations:
Your assignment will be graded following these expectations:
– Precision: the questions asked are answered.
– Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic.
– Breadth and depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module.
– Critical thinking: It is important to read the “required readings” posted in the background material plus others you find relevant. Your paper should include important concepts from these readings and incorporate YOUR reactions and examples that illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts.
– Your paper is well written and the references are properly cited and listed (refer to TUI guidelines http://www.trident.edu/files/Well-Written-Paper.pdf )
– Your paper meets the page requirements not counting the cover page or the references pages.
