Critical Success Factors In Technology Forecasting Activities

• Main Author: Nur Nadia Yong, Abdullah
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: T Technology (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/11427/; http://library.utem.edu.my:8000/elmu/index.jsp?module=webopac-d&action=fullDisplayRetriever.jsp&szMaterialNo=0000031871

The implementation of technology forecasti ng is important in technology acquisition and adoption process. Past studies have demonstrated that the success of implementing technology forecasting depends on various factors that involve throughout the implementation process. However, none of the studies have reported on the critical factors of technology forecasting. Therefore, this study has been carried out with the research target to explore the critical factors of technology forecasting. To achieve the research target, three research objectives were identified: I) to determine the current technology fo recasting profile among manufacturing organizations, 2) to explore experts' opinion on the critical success factors that highly influence the application and performance of technology forecasting and 3) to develop strategies with emphasis on human resource approaches to manage and enhance the critical factors. A survey was conducted among manufacturing companies that deploy technology in the companies' operations. Data were collected from the return of 118 usable mailed questionnaires. The findings through descriptive analysis depicted that the characteristics of the companies surveyed are the root cause of the low level of technology forecasting application. Further, the results of factor analysis and simple linear regression analysis showed that human factors are the critical factors in technology forecasting activities as compared to other factors. These human factors are found directly related to human and the surrounding of humans in the organizations. The overall findings suggest that organizations should provide more training on qualitative technology forecasting techniques to increase the level of technology forecasting application. Additionally, qualitative techniques also promote innovation and research and development (R&D) activities. To increase the organizations' R&D capabilities, organizations have the alternative to outsource or collaborate with universities or research institutions. In managing and enhancing the human factors identified, strategies such as training and :ducation, effective performance appraisal, reward and recognition and practice of technology forecasting culture are important considerations and are recommended for organizations. The important implication of this study is that organizations must ensure critical human factors are in a satisfactory condition for better performance of technology forecasting activities while non-human factors are needed as it is the pre-requisite for application of technology forecasting. The harmonious collaboration of both factors would improve the implementation process towards production of successful forecasts. This study ends with contributions to the theoretical and practical aspect of technology forecasting, extensions from current study and the limitations of the study.