The Technological environment

Question 1

How did Tesco build up their market share in south Korea?

Answer 1

• changed their name to home Plus
  -they created posters in subway stations that looked like shelves and people used their smart phones to shop while they waited
  -it was then delivered when they got home
  -They became the number one online supermarket

Question 2

What are some things advancements in technology have created?

Answer 2

-new markets for new products
- new ways to sell products eg E-commerce and M-commerce
-new ways to communicate with customers

Question 3

How is technology used in operations?

Answer 3

-communicate cheaply and quickly
-cloud computing means authorised users can access it from anywhere
-new production methods- CAD, CAM
-technology can supply services - uber app, freelance delivery drivers , insurance

Question 4

How might new technology affect employees positively?- HR

Answer 4

-make their job more efficient
-can be communicated with easily
-can work from home
-opportunity to learn new skills- may increase motivation
-flexible working
-potential pay increase
-new role or task

Question 5

How might technology negatively affect employees?

Answer 5

-get replaced by technology- redundancies
-short term slowed productivity
-employee resistance
-job insecurity
-change role or task

Question 6

How can Technology influence strategy?

Answer 6

• social media- communicate to customers
  -mobile technology- M- commerce
  -data analytics- identifying trends and key issues by analysing ‘big data’
  -cloud computing- can use the cloud store and analyse data

Question 7

what is CAD and CAM?

Answer 7

CAD- computer aided design
CAM- computer aided manufacturing

Question 8

How can new technology benefit consumers?

Answer 8

-can shop 24/7
-can shop from anywhere
-have a wider choice of products online
-lower prices as more efficient production

Question 9

What are issues a business might face when introducing new technology?

Answer 9

• the culture of the business- if bureaucratic it may be difficult to introduce
  -employee resistance due to job insecurity
  -initial high cost
  -maintenance costs
  -training costs
  -electricity costs
  -redundancy costs
  -short term loss of productivity
  -can break down