Outsourcing, Design? Engineering?

One of the hot topics in technology management is the subject of "outsourcing" often used as a synomyn for "off-shoring". They are NOT the same. However, the topic is a hot one because of its political, economic, and emotional factors. However, from a strategic standpoint, outsourcing (functions that are NOT one of our core competencies) is a highly viable and hugely effective strategic option. The article, "How to Be an Outsourcing Virtuoso" has a number of ideas worthy of discussion, especially after reading "The World is Flat".

What do you think of Outsourcing as a strategic option?

What elements of a "technology strategy" would we consider for outsourcing?

What elements of a "technology strategy" would you NOT consider? Why?

Gene A. Wright

The "Flat" World and Innovation

Thomas Friedman has some very interesting thoughts on globalization and in his words, the "flattening" of the earth. His book, "The World is Flat" discusses a number of concepts that pertain to the spread of innovation as well as the globalization of technology and competition.

Wired Magazine has a summary that presents some of the concepts in an article "Why the World is Flat".

What do you think about these concepts?

How do they apply to the subject of "Technological Innovation"?

Is the world becomming flat, or is it already?

Gene A. Wright

APPLE iPod and Design

Apple iPod and iTunes is forgive me, a "fruitful" discussion in many ways. Design, and the importance of differentiated design can be HUGE when it comes to the success of a new product platform. By the way, is iPod/iTunes a service or a product?

The linked article from FAST COMPANY "FASTER TALK: Apple in their eyes", a number of people discuss the impact of design, the iPod, simplicity, quality, "out cooling" the competition etc.

What do you think? How important is design? How important is cool? Can any product be only a product, or is everything a service?

Gene A. Wright

Apple iPod Patents Fail

We often discuss platform developments. The APPLE iPod and iTunes platform are a great discussion topic because of the may dimensions of product/service development we can approach.

One of the areas to discuss is protecting innovation. In the article "Apple Fails in Patenting iPod Technology", we can see the hyper-competitive arena these titans are competing in, and how difficult it may be to protect innovation.

What are your thoughts on protecting innovation? What should APPLE have done? Why was MICROSOFT successful? Did APPLE actually "fail"?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Gene A. Wright

Welcome to Strategic Technology Management

This Blog will be used to discuss issues related to Strategic Technology Management. The postings will be used to spur discussion related to our classroom topics. Everyone is welcome to comment to the postings. Only those postings that are thoughtful and serious will be published.

We will be using a textbook for this class. The text, "Strategic Management of Technological Innovation" written by Melissa A. Schilling has a great outline and wonderful content related to this subject.

The issues posted will not necessarily follow the outline of the text or the class syllabus. Where possible, they will be used to illustrate or apply an important concept related to the subject.

Anyone wishing to understand the base subject matter of our discussions need only review the Table of Contents of the text.

Engage and Enjoy.

Gene A. Wright
MSOE