Introduction
Introduction In the ever-changing terrain of the 21st Century, technology has evolved into an essential and pervasive influence, fundamentally reshaping our methods of communication, work, and interaction with the world. From the futuristic depictions of the Jetsons to the current reality of flying cars and global pandemics, a pressing question emerges: Why is the effective management of technology imperative? This essay aims to delve into the crucial aspects of technology management, exploring its necessity and examining the critical factors that underpin its governance.
The Ubiquity of Technology:
Why It Demands Management Undeniably, technology has become an inseparable part of our lives. As keenly observed by the speaker, we often only notice technology when it falters, underscoring its seamless integration into our daily routines (Jandrić et al., 2022). From the handheld devices in our pockets to the interconnected systems enabling global communication, technology has become an invisible yet omnipresent companion. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the internet shifted from a convenience to a vital tool, serving as a lifeline for businesses and a crucial means of maintaining social connections. The sheer ubiquity of technology necessitates management to ensure its flawless functionality in our day-to-day lives.
Beyond mere convenience, technology has revolutionized the pace and nature of our existence. The ability to traverse the globe in a matter of hours, as emphasized by the speaker, attests to the transformative power of technological advancements (Slapac, 2021). Dependency on technology has reached unprecedented levels, reshaping not just how we live but also how we perceive and experience life itself. In this context, effective management becomes essential to navigate the complexities arising from our intimate relationship with technology.
Managing Mature Technologies:
Ensuring Reliability As technology matures, it becomes so deeply ingrained in our lives that it tends to fade into the background, only noticed when it malfunctions. The speaker’s reference to mature technologies underscores the need for continuous and proactive management. The management of mature technologies involves guaranteeing their Reliability and functionality. Without effective management, disruptions to these technologies could have cascading effects on various aspects of society, from communication breakdowns to logistical challenges in critical infrastructure(Boyd & Wilson, 2022).
Consider the global financial system, an intricate web of mature technologies (Moşteanu & Faccia, 2021). Managing this system requires not only safeguarding it from potential cyber threats but also ensuring its smooth operation to prevent economic turbulence. Effective management in this context involves a delicate balance between securing the system and allowing it to function optimally, minimizing the potential impact of technology failures.
Technology in Crisis:
The Importance of Good Management The COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the critical use of technology in times of catastrophe. From the increased use of digital media to the speedy discovery of vaccines, the pandemic demonstrated our reliance on technology for survival and advancement (Radanliev et al., 2020). Effective management entails assuring the availability and functionality of technology during times of crisis, as well as acknowledging its position as a lifeline for enterprises, a facilitator of social ties, and a contributor to quick scientific developments.
Consider the healthcare industry, where technology has become a critical component in the fight against the epidemic. Technology played a critical role in assuring the continuity of healthcare services, as well as the use of modern data analytics to track and manage the virus’s spread. In this setting, effective management needed not just the rapid deployment of existing technology but also the discovery and adaptation of new ones to solve the pandemic’s particular issues (Costa & Peixoto, 2020).
Managing Technology Adaptability:
Navigating Rapid Changes Technology’s rapid growth needs adaptation in its management. Individuals and organizations must be able to handle the ever-changing world of technology breakthroughs (Karneli, 2023). The pandemic itself exemplifies the necessity for rapid adaptation, as society and organizations were forced to adapt quickly to new circumstances, relying significantly on technology to sustain operations and connections.
Consider the widespread adoption of remote work throughout the pandemic. Effective technology management entailed not just guaranteeing the security and dependability of remote work tools but also considering broader consequences, such as the impact on employee well-being and the need for new collaboration tactics(Tamers et al., 2020). Adaptability in technology management enabled a smooth transition, mitigating potential disruptions and emphasizing the significance of staying ahead of technological advances.
Societal Impact:
Balancing Benefits and Drawbacks Understanding the societal impact of technology is another crucial aspect of its administration (Haseeb et al., 2019). The speaker’s love-hate relationship with technology shows the complicated interaction between its benefits and drawbacks. Effective management entails examining and managing the societal impact of technology, such as its implications on mental health, social ties, and overall well-being.
Consider the pervasive use of social media, a technology that has revolutionized communication but has also raised concerns about its impact on mental health and societal well-being. Effective management in this context requires not only technological interventions, such as algorithms that prioritize positive content but also broader societal discussions on responsible use and digital literacy. Striking a balance between embracing the advantages of technology and mitigating its potential negative consequences is paramount for sustainable integration into our lives (Aithal, 2023).
Conclusion
The management of technology is a multifaceted and nuanced process driven by the need to ensure seamless integration into our lives, address dependencies, manage mature technologies, navigate critical situations, adapt to rapid changes, and understand its societal impact. As we continue to advance in the 21st Century, effective technology management becomes a cornerstone for a harmonious relationship between humans and the ever-evolving technological landscape. Balancing the benefits and drawbacks, ensuring the Reliability of mature technologies, and adapting to rapid changes are not just managerial imperatives but prerequisites for a sustainable and flourishing coexistence with technology in the modern era.
Reference
Aithal, P. S. (2023). Super-Intelligent Machines – analysis of developmental challenges and predicted negative consequences. International Journal of Applied Engineering and Management Letters, 109–141. https://doi.org/10.47992/ijaeml.2581.7000.0191
Boyd, M., & Wilson, N. (2022). Island refuges for surviving nuclear winter and other abrupt sunlight‐reducing catastrophes. Risk Analysis, 43(9), 1824–1842. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.14072
Costa, D. G., & Peixoto, J. P. J. (2020). COVID‐19 pandemic: a review of smart cities initiatives to face new outbreaks. IET Smart Cities, 2(2), 64–73. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-smc.2020.0044
Haseeb, M., Hussain, H. I., Kot, S., Androniceanu, A., & Jermsittiparsert, K. (2019). Role of social and technological challenges in achieving a sustainable competitive advantage and sustainable business performance. Sustainability, 11(14), 3811. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11143811
Jandrić, P., Martinez, A. F., Reitz, C., Jackson, L., Grauslund, D., Hayes, D. L., Lukoko, H. O., Hogan, M., Mozelius, P., Arantes, J. A., Levinson, P., Ozoliņš, J. J., Kirylo, J. D., Carr, P. R., Hood, N., Tesař, M., Sturm, S., Abegglen, S., Burns, T., . . . Hayes, S. (2022). Teaching in the age of COViD-19—The new normal. Postdigital Science and Education, 4(3), 877–1015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42438-022-00332-1
Karneli, O. (2023). The role of adhocratic leadership in facing the changing business environment. Journal of Contemporary Administration and Management (ADMAN), 1(2), 77–83. https://doi.org/10.61100/adman.v1i2.26
Moşteanu, N. R., & Faccia, A. (2021). Fintech frontiers in quantum computing, fractals, and Blockchain Distributed ledger: Paradigm shifts and open innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 7(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc7010019
Radanliev, P., De Roure, D., Walton, R., Van Kleek, M., Montalvo, R. M., Santos, O., Maddox, L. T., & Cannady, S. (2020). COVID-19, what have we learned? The rise of social machines and connected devices in pandemic management following the concepts of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. EPMA Journal, 11(3), 311–332. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13167-020-00218-x
Slapac, A. (2021). Advancing Students’ Global Competency through English Language Learning in Romania: An Exploratory Qualitative Case Study of Four English Language Teachers. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 35(2), 231–247. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2021.1880993
Tamers, S. L., Streit, J. M. K., Pana‐Cryan, R., Ray, T., Syron, L. N., Flynn, M. A., Castillo, D. N., Roth, G. A., Geraci, C. L., Guerin, R. J., Schulte, P. A., Henn, S. A., Chang, C., Faulkner, S. A., & Howard, J. (2020). Envisioning the future of work to safeguard the safety, health, and well‐being of the workforce: A perspective from the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 63(12), 1065–1084. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23183
write