Technology is one of the most powerful forces within the external business environment that has significantly changed how business is conducted, especially within the 21st Century. For instance, information technology (IT), when well exploited, can have a significant impact on all five forces of competition.

Required:

Identify FOUR effects of technological change on organizations. (4 marks)

1. The type of products or services that are made and sold: Technological advancements can lead to the creation of new products or services or the enhancement of existing ones, allowing organizations to better meet customer needs and stay competitive in the market.

2. The way in which products are made (e.g., process automation, new raw materials): Technology can streamline manufacturing processes, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enable the use of new materials or methods that can improve the quality or functionality of products.

3. The way in which goods and services are sold: Technological change has revolutionized sales methods, such as the growth of e-commerce and online sales platforms, which allow organizations to reach a global audience, reduce overhead costs, and offer personalized customer experiences.

4. The way in which firms are managed: Information technology encourages the delayering of organizational hierarchies, enables remote working, improves communication, and allows for better data-driven decision-making. Technology also facilitates greater integration between buyers and suppliers through the use of extranets and other collaborative tools.