Today's global business environments drive companies to be more
technology dependent, and to remain competitive, firms need to introduce
or adopt a new technology to business. In order to achieve a successful
integration with maximum return on investment, companies need a
systematic approach that accommodates a comprehensive course of action
of technology integration.
Technology Integration to Business - Practical Methods and Case
Studies suggests a business-driven holistic approach of technology
integration that consists of several steps. First, companies should
examine the current state, issues, benefits, and obstacles of technology
integration in conjunction with their competitive business strategy and
operational capability. Second, firms should investigate new, emerging
business technologies as to how those technologies can contribute to
improve the business. Third, with the technology integration needs
identified, companies should complete preparatory tasks before actual
implementation, such as, business process analysis, technology
assessment, technology provider investigation, business case
development, and cost-benefit analysis. Fourth, because the nature of
technology integration project involves many stakeholders in global
locations, firms should use effective project management knowledge from
project initiation, through planning, execution, control, to close.
Students will learn real-world technology integration processes in
industry settings and become more prepared for industrial careers.
Practitioners will find thorough procedures and methods that are useful
in practice to improve business performance. Realistic examples for
manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management application
domains give the reader practical implications for the methods
presented.
