New Technology Development in the Primary Sector - Assignment Example

al Affiliation) NEW TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PRIMARY SECTOR Question The primary sector involves the extraction orharvest of products from the earth. It includes the production of basic foods as well as raw materials. Another way to describe it would be to say that it is involved in the growing, harvesting, extraction, and sometimes processing of raw materials which form the basis of the products we need in our everyday lives. Activities associated with it include mining, fishing, agriculture (both subsistence and commercial), quarrying, farming, hunting and gathering, forestry, and grazing. In addition to the aforementioned activities, the packaging and processing of raw materials associated with these sectors is also considered to be a component of the primary sector. In developed and developing nations, a decreasing percentage of workers are employed in the primary sector either directly or indirectly. For instance, around 30% of the U.S labor force is involved in primary sector activity at the moment, compared to more than two-thirds in the mid-19th century. Without even knowing it, everybody comes into contact with the products of the primary sector every day. From the food we eat for breakfast, to the train we take to work, each and every part of our day contains things made from products of the primary sector (Peng 2009, pg. 12). Apart from extracting and processing raw materials, the primary sector is also involved in the creation of the basic materials for use in other sectors. For instance, growing and harvesting cotton which can then be turned into clothes which we wear every day, or bags for carrying luggage from the market, or when travelling. In summary, the primary sector produces goods which we cannot do without. Goods which we need to survive and operate, hence the “primary” part of its name. Question 2 The terms research and development (R&D) and their synonyms are usually used co-terminously when referring to them in many contexts, and almost as interchangeable terms in some contexts. Terms applied in such close proximity to each other deserve a closer semantic analysis and should also attract interrogation from professional subjects involved with regard to not just their relationship to each other, but also their individual value to several contexts in regard to the quality of evidence that each offers. Research is the first step in new technology development. It starts with a problem and collects, records and tests data to develop a remedy. On the other hand, development involves working out the details of the solution, such as what materials for construction are required or if the new process will blend with the existing systems. Research has been frequently and multiply define. In some quarters it is defined as “intensive and orderly enquiry, conducted on a scale and employing techniques conforming to the issue to be investigated, and designed to produce generalizable contributions to knowledge” (Peng 2009, pg. 19). Although this is a good start to understanding research, the assumption of generalizability is a controversial issue. While it provides the potential to tell research and development apart (with development always being perceived as a local activity with few generalizable outcomes), it does not recognize that some research is based on techniques which are theory-building, instead of producing outcomes which are generalizable from one setting to another. Development, on the other hand, has been defined as an activity in which the focus is on the results of research – implementing evidence/putting it into practice. Three stages of development have been identified, namely the development of new methods, the experimental implementation of these methods, and the establishment of their application in various contexts. Other authorities have suggested that development focuses on new techniques of initiating and coordinating research efforts, including the experimental introduction of such efforts into different settings and their evaluation using qualitative and quantitative research (Devinney, Pedersen & Tihanyi 2010, pg. 32). Question 3 The need for emerging technologies is directly proportional to the process of technology transfer. This relationship is based on the dynamism of technology. More often than not, dynamism and change in technology compels people to adapt to new trends and developments in technology (Venkateswaran 2012, pg. 48). However, it is important to note that not everybody or every institution adapts the same way to technology; some are slow, some are fast, while others are caught up in between. An organization that is fast in acquiring and adapting to emerging technologies will be just as fast in transferring technology. On the other hand, an organization that is slow in acquiring and adapting to emerging technologies will be just as slow in the process of technology transfer. The logic behind this reasoning is that since technology changes very fast, those who match its dynamism have to use it and transfer it fast, while those who reluctant to change with it have to use it and transfer it slowly. In summary, the faster you acquire it, the faster you will transfer it, and vice versa. Question 4 Anglo American is not the only mining company in the world. In order to compete, it relies on being able to access a constant stream of mineral deposits. These resources must be extracted in a cost-effective manner. In order for the company to remain competitive it also has to take into account the actions of its rivals. In order to maintain its market position, the firm constantly looks to develop new processes and products. These require ideas, research, improved or alternative use of existing technologies, as well as the introduction of new technologies. Anglo American has maintained its position as market leader in many markets by exploiting its capabilities in research and development. Product and process developments keep the company well-informed and ready to adapt to new and better techniques and ways of gaining and maintain the desired market share (Venkateswaran 2012, pg. 67). This gives the company a strategic and competitive advantage when competing with its rivals, therefore ensuring it always stays ahead of the pack. Product and process development also enables Anglo American to adapt to new customer needs very fast and satisfy them more effectively compared to its competitors. Customers often prefer firms whose products are in sync with their needs, and this can only be possible when the processes involved in the development of those products are also relevant and up to date. References Devinney, T. M., Pedersen, T., & Tihanyi, L. 2010, The past, present and future of international business & management, Emerald, Bingley, UK. Peng, M. W. 2009, Global business, South-Western Cengage Learning, Mason, OH. Venkateswaran, N. 2012, International business management (2nd ed.), New Age International, New Delhi. Read More