Search results

1 – 10 of over 179000
Article
Publication date: 1 August 1996

A.T. Singer

In thecourse of technology development, decisions must be made about the nature of future progress. To aidin this decision‐making process, Technical Cost Modelling has evolved…

133

Abstract

In the course of technology development, decisions must be made about the nature of future progress. To aid in this decision‐making process, Technical Cost Modelling has evolved from traditional cost modelling methodologies in order to accurately predict the dynamics of a system of manufacture. As an example of the utility of this methodology, a new MCM technology has been chosen for cost analysis: deposited dielectric on laminate (MCM‐D/L) electronic packages. For this illustration, the cost drivers are determined and cost/performance trade‐offs with MCM‐D and MCM‐L analysed. With this disciplined approach to cost prediction, technology development cost issues can be decided thoroughly yet fairly quickly.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2015

Kuppanan Palanisami, Krishna Reddy Kakumanu, C.R. Ranganathan and Nagothu Udaya Sekhar

Researchers and policymakers are figuring out the adaptation technologies to cope with the changing climate. Adaptation strategies for crop production followed by the farmers at…

Abstract

Purpose

Researchers and policymakers are figuring out the adaptation technologies to cope with the changing climate. Adaptation strategies for crop production followed by the farmers at selected study locations had ranged from 6-30 per cent only, and this was mainly due to lack of awareness about the actual cost associated with adaptation and non-adaptation of these strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Hence, this study aims to address the cost of adaptation for rice using joint probability distribution of rainfall and crop prices.

Findings

Cost of adaptation varied from INR2,389 to 4,395/ha for System of Rice Intensification (SRI); INR646 to 1,121/ha for alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and INR8,144 to 8,677/ha for well irrigation (WI), whereas expected cost for not using these technologies has ranged from INR6,976 to 9,172/ha for SRI; INR4,123 7,764/ha for AWD and INR10,825 to 17,270/ha for WI. Hence, promotion of the adaptation technologies itself will minimize the income losses to the farmers.

Research limitations/implications

Even though, there are many ways for farmers (other than technology), to adapt to climate change (such as out-migration to cities, selling farm assets, focus on children’s education, etc.), this report, given the framework of the major research study undertaken, addresses only farm-level adaptation of the technologies to enhance farm income.

Originality/value

Public–private partnership in providing the technologies at cheaper costs, capacity building in handling the technologies and creating awareness about the technologies to minimize the expected cost of adaptation are suggested to improve the adoption level.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1988

David Macarov

The author argues that we must stop and take a look at what our insistence on human labour as the basis of our society is doing to us, and begin to search for possible…

2387

Abstract

The author argues that we must stop and take a look at what our insistence on human labour as the basis of our society is doing to us, and begin to search for possible alternatives. We need the vision and the courage to aim for the highest level of technology attainable for the widest possible use in both industry and services. We need financial arrangements that will encourage people to invent themselves out of work. Our goal, the article argues, must be the reduction of human labour to the greatest extent possible, to free people for more enjoyable, creative, human activities.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 8 no. 2/3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2018

David Espinoza and David Reed

This paper aims to compare the costs of deploying different wireless terrestrial broadband technologies in the Andes and Amazon Regions of Peru. These areas are representatives of

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the costs of deploying different wireless terrestrial broadband technologies in the Andes and Amazon Regions of Peru. These areas are representatives of different and challenging geographic regions throughout the globe that currently are severely underserved or unserved for vital broadband services necessary to bridge the “Digital Divide”.

Design/methodology/approach

The broadband technologies studied include Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), long term evolution (LTE), TVWS and new stratospheric platforms (super-pressure balloons). This study conducts a technical analysis (design and simulation) of wireless broadband networks, and a bottom-up engineering cost analysis to estimate and compare the deployment and operating costs of the networks over a 10-year period. The analysis also identifies potential regulatory barriers to deployment associated with spectrum allocation licenses and overbooking requirements intended to improve quality of service.

Findings

Comparison of the capital and operating expenses of these options over a 10-year period finds that LTE and Wi-Fi can be the lowest cost alternatives, though significantly, stratospheric balloons have the lowest initial costs for the first few years and can factor as a low-cost broadband catalyst early in deployment. Finally, the lowest cost technology broadband roadmap for the 10-year period is presented, which includes using stratospheric balloons (carrying micro-LTE base stations) for the first years and deploying complementary terrestrial LTE networks for the rest of the 10-year period.

Originality/value

This study presents detailed technical and engineering cost analysis results of wireless access network deployments, including advanced wireless technologies and new unmanned aerial systems, to expand broadband services to rural areas in mountainous (Andes Region) and rainforest (Amazon Region) geographies to reduce the digital divide in emerging countries. Results aim to aid governments, regulators, internet service providers (incumbents and competitive) and content providers to assess current alternatives to expand broadband service in these rural areas.

Details

Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5038

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2019

Rozila Ahmad and Noel Scott

Hotel labour costs in Malaysia are increasing. This paper aims to explore Langkawi hotel managers’ perceptions about reducing labour costs using various information and…

2938

Abstract

Purpose

Hotel labour costs in Malaysia are increasing. This paper aims to explore Langkawi hotel managers’ perceptions about reducing labour costs using various information and communication technology (ICT) innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from 19 budget and boutique resorts on Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Qualitative data were recorded, transcribed and content analysed using latent coding.

Findings

All hotel managers reported using some form of ICT. The purpose for ICT adoption found was to increase productivity and efficiency. A hotel’s customer mix, the need of the organization and the technology budget available influenced the outcome of technological innovation. Langkawi hotels had successfully implemented Property Management Systems (PMSs), but self-check-in/out kiosks were not seen as important as they do not meet their customers’ service expectations.

Research limitations/implications

This study identifies some factors influencing uptake by hotels of technological innovations. This initial qualitative exploration of the technology adoption feasibility in Langkawi suggests that implementation to reduce labour cost is more likely for employee-operated devices rather than customer-operated devices.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the human resource (HR) management literature by providing insight into the reasons hotel managers introduce technology in a developing country context. Results suggests that hotels face challenges in reducing labour costs through technology. These insights may serve to guide policymakers and hotel managers in other developing countries that are planning to use technology to solve their HR issues. Luxury hotels can consider adopting ICT for back-of-the-house operations such as using a HR information system within the HR department and PMS for the hotel overall operation.

Social implications

These findings can increase the Malaysians awareness of ICT importance, especially in the hotel industry.

Originality/value

The Malaysian national minimum wage order policy was introduced in 2012. This policy has resulted in increased labour costs and suggests a need to adopt ICT. This paper is the first to examine the viewpoints of hotel practitioners as to the viability of this strategy. Whilst many studies on the adoption of ICT in the hotel industry focus on its impact on productivity and firm’s performance using quantitative methods, this study used qualitative methods to explore hotel managers’ perceptions on its feasibility to reduce dependence on labour.

Details

Tourism Review, vol. 74 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1660-5373

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 July 2021

Emmelie Gustafsson, Patrik Jonsson and Jan Holmström

This paper investigate how fit uncertainty impacts product return costs in online retailing and how digital product fitting, a pre-sales fitting practice, can reduce fit…

4548

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigate how fit uncertainty impacts product return costs in online retailing and how digital product fitting, a pre-sales fitting practice, can reduce fit uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the current performance of a retailer's e-commerce and return operations by estimating costs generated by product returns, including product handling costs, tied-up capital, inventory holding costs, transportation costs, and order-picking costs. The estimated costs were built on 2,229 return transactions from a Scandinavian fashion footwear retailer. A digital product fitting technology was tested with the retailer’s products and resulted in estimations on how such technology could affect product returns.

Findings

The cost of a return is approximately 17% of the prime cost. The major cost elements are product handling costs and transportation costs, which together amount to 72% of the total costs. If well calibrated, the fitting technology can cut fit-related return costs by up to 80%. The findings show how customers reacted to the fitting technology: it was unable to verify fit every time, but it serves as a useful and effective support tool for customers when placing orders.

Research limitations/implications

Virtual fit verification using digital product fitting is key to retailers to reduce fit-related returns. Digital product fitting using three-dimensional scanning is more appropriate for some products, but it is unsuitable for products that are difficult to measure and scan.

Originality/value

The paper contributes an empirical estimate of retail supply chain costs associated with fit uncertainty, as well as theoretical understanding of the role of pre-sales fit verification in avoiding product returns.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 51 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 March 2010

Alison U. Smart, Raluca Bunduchi and Martina Gerst

The purpose of this paper is to identify the different types of adoption costs faced by organizations involved in the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) within…

3921

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the different types of adoption costs faced by organizations involved in the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) within supply networks, and to understand how these potential costs affect the likelihood of RFID adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies an existing generic theoretical framework of costs associated with process innovation adoption to the case of RFID technology. Data are collected by interviewing participants in the RFID adoption process in supply network settings, and by examining a range of publicly available information on RFID development. The data are used to test and expand the theoretical framework.

Findings

Of the six main categories of generic process innovation costs, four are identified as applicable in the case of RFID adoption by early adopters: development, switching, cost of capital and implementation. No evidence is found for initiation and relational costs. In addition, a seventh category of costs is identified as applicable to the adoption of RFID in supply networks: ethical costs associated with privacy and health issues.

Research limitations/implications

Further empirical work is required to test the generalisability of the findings. Because RFID technology is still in the early phases of development, the research has been able to consider only early adopters: further work is required as the technology matures to assess the impact of costs throughout the technology development lifecycle.

Practical implications

The work demonstrates that when considering the adoption of RFID managers need to look at a range of potential costs in making the investment decision. Policy makers also need to consider how organizations consider a range of costs that may not be explicitly specified when making adoption decisions.

Originality/value

The paper tests and extends the generic framework of costs associated with process innovations in supply networks. The study also clarifies the various costs involved in the adoption of RFID technologies by early adopters, and their influence on the decision to adopt.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2003

Georgios I. Zekos

Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some…

87002

Abstract

Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.

Details

Managerial Law, vol. 45 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0558

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2019

Julia Lesley Hennessy and Averyl Rodrigues

The population of New Zealand (NZ) is ageing; the proportion of people aged 65 and over as compared with the younger age groups is expected to increase from 15 per cent in 2016 to…

Abstract

Purpose

The population of New Zealand (NZ) is ageing; the proportion of people aged 65 and over as compared with the younger age groups is expected to increase from 15 per cent in 2016 to approximately 30 per cent by 2068. This change in demographics is bound to apply some pressure on economic resources due to factors such as superannuation and increased healthcare needs. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of technology as being economically beneficial for managing the grey tsunami that has commenced in NZ. Though technology is still not being utilised to its full capacity in the healthcare sector, there is a reason enough to believe that it could be used in assisting with ageing in place. However, its cost-effectiveness has not been clearly demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search was performed using search engines such as ProQuest, EBSCO, CINAHL and Google Scholar. Keywords used were ageing in place, technology, assisted living technology, ageing, telecare and telehealth. The papers selected were publicly available. To determine if the cost evaluation literature were of acceptable quality, they were assessed according to a well-recognised economic evaluation checklist by Drummond et al. (2005).

Findings

As is evident from the demographic figures, there needs to be timely intervention to appropriately manage the ageing population given the projected financial and population figures. Technology has proved beneficial especially with positive ageing. A significant reason for it hardly being used is the lack of thorough studies that demonstrate its cost-effectiveness. The studies that have tackled the subject of economic evaluation have provided mixed results with some labelling technology as cost-effective and the others opposing this finding. Studies have shown that even the simplest form of technology such as a phone call, mobile health application or a pedometer can be effective.

Research limitations/implications

The majority of research and funding is directed towards supporting the frail adults instead there should be equal focus on those who are reaching the old age group. Since current data suggest that people are living longer, early intervention is beneficial to reduce the number of years lived with disabilities along with associated costs of disease burden.

Practical implications

Healthcare policymakers need to take more proactive steps through incorporating technology rather than deferring its use until proven beneficial by large studies as this is not feasible given the rate at which technology is developing. Studies have shown that even the simplest form of technology such as a phone call, mobile health application or a pedometer can be effective.

Social implications

Technology increases awareness and allows people to be more disciplined with their health plan which increases good health. Early intervention also means relying and involving the primary level of care to manage the disease which would be more economically beneficial than postponing care until the disease progresses in which case secondary or tertiary levels of care must be sought.

Originality/value

This is an emerging field in the area of aged care and only begins to expand potential horizons. Studies show that a significant number of the population prefer to stay in their own homes as they age and that with the improvement in technology this could become a reality. However, health planners need to be considering technology when developing health and social services.

Details

Journal of Enabling Technologies, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6263

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2019

Rony Cabrera and Domingo González

As part of a new focus on a better balance of investment in innovation activities in developing countries, this study aims to understand the effects of technological attributes…

Abstract

Purpose

As part of a new focus on a better balance of investment in innovation activities in developing countries, this study aims to understand the effects of technological attributes (technological complexity and type of technology) on manufacturing technology sourcing (whether firms choose either internal development or external sources).

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple-case studies were conducted in the Peruvian manufacturing sector.

Findings

The authors found that, across Peruvian manufacturing firms, they develop a certain manufacturing technology related to their capabilities. However, when the total cost of acquisition is lower than internal costs of developing technologies, they will choose external sources, regardless of their capabilities and complexity of the technology. In addition, analysis of the type of technology indicated that the pursuit of simultaneous exploration and exploitation occurs when firms use external sources rather than internal.

Research limitations/implications

This study has the limitation that data have been collected years after the decision-making process; the results are based solely on the authors’ analysis using the case of Peruvian industry, and they do not track the impact on the performance of manufacturing technology decisions.

Practical implications

The findings have important implications for technology managers of South American manufacturing firms that are decision makers in the sourcing of new manufacturing technologies.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide literature with insights into technology sourcing strategy in developing countries and the importance of progress in transitioning to technological innovation and catchup.

Objetivo

Como parte de um novo foco em um melhor equilíbrio do investimento em atividades de inovação nos países em desenvolvimento, este estudo compreende os efeitos dos atributos tecnológicos (complexidade tecnológica e tipo de tecnologia) no suprimento de tecnologia de fabricação (se as empresas escolhem desenvolvimento interno ou fontes externas).

Design/metodologia/abordagem

Estudos de casos múltiplos foram conduzidos no setor manufatureiro peruano.

Resultados

Descobrimos que, em todas as empresas de fabricação peruanas, elas desenvolvem uma certa tecnologia de fabricação relacionada às suas capacidades. No entanto, quando o custo total de aquisição é menor do que os custos internos de desenvolvimento de tecnologias, eles escolhem fontes externas, independentemente de suas capacidades e complexidade da tecnologia. Além disso, a análise do tipo de tecnologia indicou que a busca da exploração e exploração simultâneas ocorre quando as empresas usam fontes externas em vez de internas.

Limitações/implicações da pesquisa

Este estudo tem a limitação de que os dados foram coletados anos após o processo de tomada de decisão, os resultados são baseados exclusivamente em nossa análise usando o caso da indústria peruana e não acompanhamos o impacto sobre o desempenho das decisões de tecnologia de fabricação.

Originalidade/valor

Os resultados deste estudo fornecem à literatura insights sobre a estratégia de fornecimento de tecnologia nos países em desenvolvimento e a importância do progresso na transição para a inovação tecnológica e o catch-up.

Palavras-chave

Sourcing de tecnologia, Tecnologia de fabricação, Peru

Objetivo

Como parte de un nuevo enfoque en un mejor equilibrio de la inversión en actividades de innovación en los países en desarrollo, este estudio comprende los efectos de los atributos tecnológicos (complejidad tecnológica y tipo de tecnología) en la fuente de tecnología de manufactura (ya sea que las empresas elijan desarrollo interno o fuentes externas).

Diseño/metodología/aproximación

Se realizaron estudios de casos múltiples en el sector manufacturero peruano.

Resultados

Los resultados muestran que, en todas las empresas manufactureras peruanas, desarrollan una cierta tecnología de manufactura relacionada con sus capacidades. Sin embargo, cuando el costo total de adquisición es menor que el costo interno de desarrollar tecnologías, elegirán fuentes externas, independientemente de sus capacidades y la complejidad de la tecnología. Además, el análisis del tipo de tecnología indicó que la búsqueda simultánea de exploración y explotación ocurre cuando las empresas utilizan fuentes externas en lugar de internas.

Limitaciones

Este estudio tiene la limitante de que los datos fueron recopilados luego del proceso de toma de decisiones, los resultados se basan únicamente en la industria peruana y no analizamos el impacto que tuvieron las decisiones recolectadas.

Originalidad/valor

Los resultados de este estudio proporcionan información sobre la estrategia de abastecimiento de tecnología en los países en desarrollo y la importancia del progreso en la transición a la innovación tecnológica y la puesta al día.

Palabras clave

Fuente de tecnología, Tecnología de fabricación, Perú

Details

Management Research: Journal of the Iberoamerican Academy of Management, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1536-5433

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 179000