Apple Company - an Effective Management in Technology Advanced Organizations - Case Study Example

An Effective Management in Technology Advanced Organizations a Case of Apple Company By student’s name Course code +name Professor’s name University name City, state An Effective Management in Technology Advanced Organizations a Case of Apple Company Chapter 1: Introduction Technology advancement is the application of sensible sciences to commerce and other applicable areas. Technology in some past years has turned to be an ever transforming aspect in the work stations and organizations. This has made it one of the main topics in today’s business world. As a result, many companies are trying hard to incorporate the most current technology into their daily operations. This is evident from the fact that a number of popular business publications have now set aside some sections where they have technology publications done (Edwards, Yankey, & Altpeter, 1998 p 58). In addition, the departments of information technology are fetching serious components in most organizations. The greatest urge of the entire technology ground is on its design aimed at making people, as well as, organizations gain more knowledge efficiently and become more profitable. The technological scope that any company adopts should be vast and who’s ranging from a simple aspect. For example, purchasing a personal PC containing a word processor to help in the investigation procedures in the latest computer aided art in machinery manufacture. Apart from the complexity of an organization incorporation to aspects that contains certain technology advancements, there will be results in a company’s information systems accompanying or adapting some changes (Edwards, Yankey, & Altpeter, 1998 p 128). However, an implementation of advanced technology systems can in one way be a change catalyst and on the other hand, act as a way of achieving a desired or expected organizational changes. Despite of motivation factors, a technological system that is well integrated in a company’s operation system will take into account ideally the company’s impacts just before it is incorporated or established. This research project aims at indentifying the kind of management system, practices and processes that are adapted in the high tech organizations. High advanced technology companies requires a big deal of strategic management styles in order to make sure that the adapted technology features enables the company to experience the expected or desired changes (Edwards, Yankey, & Altpeter, 1998 p 27). It is also important to note that such changes can be experienced once the available technological aspects are used or implemented in certain specific cases, which require classic managerial skills. Problem statement High tech companies get a significant aspect of their competitive advantage from the amount of intellectual capital that they have managed to accumulate from human labor that is instilled in the company. Knowledge especially in management is an essential asset to the company based on the intellectual capital aspects (Gomez-Mejia, & Lawless, 1990 p 45). Such knowledge forms the centre of a company’s capabilities, thus, its growth and development is one of the key strategies of any company that aims to be among the high tech group. This kind of intellectual capital is a times hard to trace or locate. As a result, the issue of locating or identifying management experts that holds internalized, as well as, tacit knowledge delves within the sphere of competence management. Such knowledge is important because personals are able to come up with groups of employees in the high tech companies categorized on the basis of where the knowledge lies within the company, as well as, within the individual employees or groups (Kochan, & Useem, 1992 p 47). This happens instead of indentifying stored knowledge; management competence main focus is on locating these skills effectively. All these strategies are aimed at making sure that company’s operational, as well as, strategic goals are achieved as expected. Competence management in high tech companies gives the company a chance to locate the knowledge gaps easily aimed at getting assessment and refine the staffing needs and other initiatives such as professional training and human resource. It is clear that once there is existence of a management system that is effective and competent time taken to search for experts in these companies is reduced (Hudson, 2000 p 94). This is an advantage in the long run as an increase in the productivity of the company will be experienced. High tech companies like Apple, requires a network of locations where a management system that is sophisticated is used in order to ensure that the advancing technological knowledge is effectively used where wasteful duplications are reduced or avoided. This research project will come up with a way to help in improving management system within the high tech companies with an aim of dealing with the identified management gaps, the effects that they pose to the success of these companies, and to ensure a continuous and sustainable growth (Sifonis, & Goldberg, 1996 p 104). Significance of the study The study on effective management of high tech companies is important as it gives the management teams in these companies a clear picture of what is expected in order to ensure that they achieve their set goals effectively. This study will highlight on the aspect of competence management which calls for locating knowledge within groups and individuals in the company (Bateman, & Snell, 2013 p 56). Once such knowledge is taped and developed the management constraints facing these companies will be reduced significantly. The main goal of this research study is based on improving the current management styles in these companies, in order to develop and help employees to develop a career plan that is advancing with technology. These goals can be achieved by ensuring that competence management skills in these companies are adapted, developed and implemented effectively. The goal can be achieved through management mentors who can teach the employees on the right advancing management styles that will help them not to become career obsolesce (Bateman, & Snell, 2013 p 21). Therefore, this study output is an important source material that managers in these companies can incorporate and publish by diffusion and training technique. Research Questions: The research project aims at answering the following questions 1. How projects are managed in high-tech information work organizations? 2. How does the high tech organization collaborate in management? 3. How is information shared in the high tech organization? 4. What management training has the managers received? 5. What management task changes are evident in the high tech organization? Research Objectives This research project will be based on achieving the following objectives: 1. To define how management of task has changed in the organization. 2. To examine how projects are managed in high tech organizations 3. To find out how information is shared in high tech organizations 4. To identify what type of management training that high tech organization mangers has received 5. To find out how collaboration exist among high tech organization management Conceptual framework This research project will be organized into endogenous and exogenous management practices as both independent variables while organizations development as dependent variables. This information can be represented in a framework as shown below. Independent variables dependent variables (Endogenous variables) (Exogenous variables) Chapter 2: Literature Review The Development of Management Theory and Practice One important thing to note is that the management field grew into its current formalization in the late nineteenth century. This growth and expansion went hand in hand with the rise of the industrial revolution. The management concepts were highly needed and its growth was an important aspect especially in the growth of manufacturing industry in the US and Europe (Subba Rao, & Kumar, 2010 p 45). This also led to the growth of another theory in emergency management that grew in respect to the theory needs, proven management practices, concepts to the horrifying hurricane impacts floods, as well as, chemical spills. Emergence and growth of homeland security is currently a driving factor to the development of more complex concepts especially in the technological grounds. Management theory forms the basis of advanced management skills especially in the high tech or rapidly expanding technology companies (Bratton, & Gold, 2003 p 112). This happens through the utilization of the process of management from planning, controlling, leading, and organizing. According to Taylor 1911, management is a process and one that, if it is scientifically approached, success would result. Taylor scientific principles of management incorporated of a revolution on how both the manager’s position and the management process are viewed. Early management writers ascertained that there existed a right way on how work could be organized and accomplished as well. Another group of writers based in the engineering field acknowledged the bureaucracies impacts. The role of a manger according to Mintzbert, is directing and helping a company achieve its set goals and objectives in a manner that is rational and effective (Mintzberg, 2010 p 34). The decisions, informational, and interpersonal roles, characterized by Mintzbert are mutually applicable to the managers of high tech companies, the civic, clandestine, and non-profit organizational scenery. The management theory has managed to evolve from over the past 100 years right from the time of motion studies done by engineers to the contributions made by the social scientist. The other area is on behavioral loom into increased quantitative approaches that aimed at getting the best functionality of an organization or the TQM. Management of high tech organizations has been influenced by the emergence, increased development, and technology growth that have been experienced in the recent years in all areas of technology (Hayes, 2007 p 65). TQM is a very important aspect in any area of management more so in the high tech organizations and can be measured using programs such as quantitative measurement criteria. The behavior assessment scientist also has been involved in suggesting the necessary aspects of community involvement and organizations in the planning and alleviation strategies. Finally, management in the high tech companies has been greatly influenced by a number of people who put much stress on quality management needs and the competent use of resources. It is clear that the application of management concepts and principles gave room to the established of business schools in the twentieth century (Hayes, 2007 p 83). There is establishment of management schools offering academic programs in information technology and information system management from the certificate, associate majors, degree, and doctoral programs. The key point is that, development of professionals in the field of high tech management calls in for an educational process, as well as, an exposure that is intentional to high technology management aspects and concepts. Today it is clear that there are a good number of universities offering programs in technology and the management principles to apply in such areas (Hayes, 2007 p 51). These curriculums standardization will develop just as like initiatives grew in order to respond to quality needs of these s instructional programs. The contributions attributed to the organizational mores theory and the environmental constraints impacts, forms an important part in the growth and development of the management theory in the past 50 years. These impacts contained in the organizational culture are clearly illustrated in the Federal dome throughout the tenancy of James Lee Witt. Finally, need to be conversant with the managing concepts in a high tech global environmental has been stressed a lot by the management theory. Management in high tech organizations is emerging from local approaches and extends to one that is able to examine the regional basis or based on the national notion and international linkages (Richardson, 2010 p 26). This brings in the need for monitoring the external environmental not locally only, but through an international scale, which is gaining great critical emergency elements in management literature. Strategic Planning and the Changing Nature of the Organizational Environment The key aspect and strategic planning contribution to the management process is the increased need on monitoring the transforming nature and character of the external forces of management. This contribution can also incorporate the operation impacts of the high tech organizations. When talking of the environmental scanning, the clarification made is on the technology, and the impacts of natural environment in the internal operations of an organization. One important thing that managers should note is that any organizational change is contributed to by the external forces of changes (Mann, & GoẗZ, 2005 p 103). Apart from technology the other external changes include: regulations and laws, business and community needs. These are some key factors that push for clear high tech management procedures, planning gear and approaches to improvement. The role of the manager high tech organization form an organization view can be suggested by the system as a special role. The management theory over a number of years has been able to come up with rational or a technical economic based element for organizational performance. Such a system is a technical based and rather not for an organizational level. The use of open systems to facilitate in the management procedures forms a more difficult management role for managers in these organizations. The system should be in a position to handle the uncertainties, as well as, ambiguities and its concerns should be based on organizational adoption to transforming changes (Mann, & GoẗZ, 2005 p 157). All is possible because management is a process that spans right from the several sub systems found in these organizations. The major management function is to arrange the institution, technology, structure, processes, and people in the organization in a rational way. This move is aimed at lowering the uncertainties in the organization and search for flexibility at the same time. Management at all levels comes across situations that are dynamic uncertain inherently, and that are frequently ambiguous. It is also located in a network that has mutually dependent relationships. Another point to note with management is that it exists and endeavors in the introduction of regularity in the world. Therefore, in high tech organizations only managers with great knowledge, skills, who can deal with ambiguity, uncertainty, and able to win battles that are hard to win, but won only when fought well has high hopes in succeeding. Fayolism theory This is a management theory that was developed by Henri Fayol in early 1900s.The main focus of the theory was based on the expected roles and responsibilities of mangers in ensuring that all the necessary concerns are handled effectively (Fayol, 2004 p 123). It also made sure that there were no misunderstandings that existed between the workforce and the management. Any organization can be seen to run in an effective way once there is emphasis on what is referred to as the managerial duties. Once the mangers are able to perform five essential management elements they are seen to be efficient under the Fayolism theory. These elements include: planning, this is based on the manager requirements to form short term and long term objectives of an organization in the future. This is important in the high tech organizations because technology advancements are taking place very fast. It will enable such organizations not to drag behind of others and as result, lose to the more technological advanced companies. In addition, under Fayolism, planning is a guiding factor for the success of an organization (Fayol, 2004 p 93). The other element is a requirement for managers to have high level of organization when it comes to preparing the company for the future. Again technology is advancing as time goes and a well organized future will be an advantage for managers in these organizations. In such a case, all important resources, tools and materials have to be well taken care of to help reach the set organizational goals. However, lack of all these important tools mangers will have a hard time accomplishing tasks. Apart from the planning and organizing basics, managers have an obligation of taking command, as well as, implementing all necessary aspects. This is aimed at ensuring that mangers have got a firsthand knowledge, competence, information, and experience of an organization activates. Constant communication with the employees is another crucial and constant management element; such as communication, which is aimed at making sure that there is coordination in terms of activity and purposes (Fayol, 2004 p 21). After application of all the above discussed elements managers should be in a position to discuss and conduct an evaluation to define whether all the organizations activates were adequately handled on the basis of the original action plan. Many of these elements are being practically applied by managers today and all of them are a component of Fayolism. The coordination element is one of the key elements that many modern organizations aspire to be used when it comes to handling employees concerns. Therefore, in the effective management of high tech organizations this is an area that forms the most crucial role when it comes to reaching the set goals, as well as, achieving continued success. Chapter 3 Research Methodology In this chapter a clear description of the research methodology will be used. Research methods refer to the techniques and procedures that are used to aid in the process of obtaining and analyzing data (JHA, 2008 p 41). Consequently, the chapter will also contain a Research Design, Sampling Frame, Target Population, Sample and Sampling Technique, Instruments of Data Collection, Data Analysis Techniques, as well as, Presentation. Research Design A research design is defined as a framework that aids in the research undertaking process. The research design provides researcher with a plan that is clear enough on the procedures that will be applied while conducting the research (Kothari, 2004 p 72). It also directs a researcher on how to stick to the plan of the research plan. Consequently, this study will be conducted through a case study design. In this case, a case study design refers to an in-depth study of a certain phenomena. Therefore, a case study design will be appropriate in the study in order to provide a viewpoint that is wider and relative to the research notion. This style is also functional in the case of topics that are sensitive and containing information that is confidential, and which deals with company finances. Target Population The target population is that population that a researcher aims in generalizing the research results. In this research study the target population will comprise of 30 Apple company managers from its company headquarters located in the US. Sampling Frame A sampling frame is a clear representation of the target population elements. It is also a catalog, fact list, or cases index from which a random sample will be selected. In this research study the sampling frame will comprise of active managers in Apple high tech company. Sample and Sampling Technique Sampling is the process that involves selection of certain number of objectives or individuals from a target population (Ketchen, & Bergh, 2004.). This is done in such a way that the group selected contains fundamentals that are envoy of characteristics found in the entire target population. In the process of selecting the sample that will be studied, purposive/hypercritical sampling will be used in selecting the cases on which to conduct the study. Purposive sampling refers to a technique in sampling that gives a researcher a chance to use cases containing necessary information with respect to the set objectives of his or her study. In this case, the sample size is targeted to be 20 active Apple managers. Case studies will be handpicked because they possess the necessary information. Data Collection Instruments The researchers will obtain primary data, which will be collected through administered questionnaires. Questionnaire Questionnaires will be used in the data collection process of primary data where the opinion of the respondent will be captured. The questionnaires will be inclusive of both structured and unstructured questions. It will also capture on a Five Point Likert Scale. The importance of the Likert scale in this method will be appropriate in the study in that it mainly concerns itself with variables that are hard to observe directly (Newman, & Benz, 1998 p 91). The open ended questionnaire will not be in a position to provide the respondent with choice of answers, however, the respondent’s stands a chance of giving their own opinions or deem to answer them in any manner that is fit to tem. In contrast, the close ended one will give the participants a chance to access several answers to choose. The questionnaire method is quicker, not expensive and adaptable as many business tribulations can be handled without much complexity. The questionnaire is administered to sampled managers in the company. Data Analysis Techniques It is notable that Data analysis has an equal chance of adapting to any form of simple evocative statistics or more complicated statistical conjecture, however, in this study the primary data will be obtained by the researcher through questionnaires and will be later edited; coded, tabulated. Chapter 4: Ethical Considerations Over the past years many researchers have come up with a clear description of the effects increasing technology has in the workforce mostly in high tech organizations like Apple. On the other hand, other researchers through analysis have raised ethical issues caused by increasing technological advancements (Liamputtong, 2008 P 210). In such a case, managers of both private and public organizations hold a responsibility in line to technology. It is expected that they develop and bring in technological changes in their organizations daily operations. Manager’s decisions must be made in such a way that they are concerned with the potential effects caused by technological change. It is note able that the rapid increasing technological change comes up with unique, as well as, increasing burdens on the decisions that managers make (Meenaghan, & Kilty, 1994 p 37). Therefore, managers may require a lot of help on how to handle any ethical issue raised by technological change. Such ethical support can be got from research studies where suggestion methods can be made by research with an aim of increasing the effectiveness of mangers and power to confront these issues. However, researchers may come across confidential information about these organizations that once it leaks to other companies it can be a threat to the chief company. As a way of controlling this all ethical principles in research must be observed (Huizer, 1973 p 12). This is evident having in mind that the duties performed by employees in companies like Apple highly involves a question of morality and ethics. Such ethical aspects falls under the following, organizations right in ensuring that its assets are protected and secure, duty of employees in preserving , protecting, and enhancing organizations assets and values, and the organizations right in using its assets to its benefits. Chapter 5: Research findings and Outcomes This chapter will focus on the analysis of collected data from the sample selected. The results of the study will be based on the identified research objectives in this study which were to define how management of task has changed in the organization, examine how projects are managed in high tech organizations, find out more on the information sharing in high tech organizations, and identify the type of management training that high tech organization mangers receive using a case study of apple company. The study results will be presented in both tables and graphs. Response Rate The study will target 30 active Apple managers where a sample size of 20 of the managers will be selected 25 questionnaires in total will be administered. Again the collected data will be represented on a five point Likert scale, and in both open and close ended questionnaire. Timeline January7th January12th January16th January19th January24th Researching and writing proposal Document testing and proofing for errors Project assigned Selecting a research topic Conducting a research Proposal writing Proposal due Gantt chart Time Task Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Reference List Edwards, R. L., Yankey, J. A., & Altpeter, M. A. 1998. Skills for effective management of nonprofit organizations. Washington, DC, NASW Press. Gomez-Mejia, L. R., & Lawless, M. W. 1990. Organizational issues in high technology management. Greenwich, Conn, Jai Press. Kochan, T. A., & Useem, M. 1992. Transforming organizations. New York, Oxford University Press. Hudson, N. 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Boston, Pearson Custom Pub. Richardson, G. L. 2010. Project management theory and practice. Boca Raton, Auerbach Pub./CRC Press. Mintzberg, H. 2010. Leadership insight: 15 unique perspectives on effective leadership. [S.l.], Harvard Business Review Newman, I., & Benz, C. R. 1998. Qualitative-quantitative research methodology exploring the interactive continuum. Carbondale, Ill, Southern Illinois University Press. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=22497. Kothari, C. R. 2004. Research methodology methods & techniques. New Delhi, New Age International (P) Ltd. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=431524. Ketchen, D. J., & Bergh, D. D. 2004. Research methodology in strategy and management. Volume 1 Volume 1. Amsterdam, Elsevier. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=648705. Jha, N. K. 2008. Research methodology. Chandigarh, Abhishek Publications. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10416498. Meenaghan, T. M., & Kilty, K. M. 1994. Policy analysis and research technology: political and ethical considerations. Chicago, Ill, Lyceum Books. Huizer, G. 1973. A research on social practice: some ethical considerations on research in the Third World. The Hague, Institute of Social Studies. Liamputtong, P. 2008. Doing cross-cultural research ethical and methodological perspectives. [Dordrecht], Springer. http://www.ECU.eblib.com.au/EBLWeb/patron/?target=patron&extendedid=P_367322_0. Read More