Miniaturisation is the process of continued minimisation of the sizes of devices and products. Hunt (1995) argues that miniaturisation is the ability to build smaller, lighter and stronger devices than before. The miniaturised devices are usually powerful and of a better quality than the predecessor versions.
The best illustration of miniaturisation probably is in the technological development of computers. This is where the vacuum tubes were replaced with transistors. This led to the evolution of computers from the mainframe to personal computers, down to laptops and smart phones.
In strategic management, the use of technology is almost indispensable. This means that the improvements in technology will certainly be reflected in the management of organisations. Miniaturising has had many positive effects in the management sector. One of these benefits is portability.
Electronic devices are becoming smaller and smaller with leaps and shifts in technology. This facilitates carrying around information required in management of organisations. It also decreases the transportation costs of devices (Hunt, 1995). Another advantage is that the devices are of a better quality. Their performance is enhanced; they are efficient; and they are appealing (Chris, 2000). No one can argue the fact that the cell phones, I pods, Modu mobiles, among others are more appealing than the traditional landline telephones.
Miniaturisation also has negative impacts. The decreasing size of devices may be a positive and applauded aspect, but it can be a nightmare too.
Key areas where Miniaturisation can impact on my life, my career and my future
Privacy
The reduction of the size of technological devices has made stalking and invasion of privacy an easy process. Clarke (n.d) asserts that intrusion has become more efficient and advanced than before with the aid of computers, certain programs, devices and the internet. The size of video cameras and phones can perform surveillance without the object surveillance unaware. Bennett and Grant (1998) observe that the price of these miniaturised devices is very affordable that almost anyone can afford them.
These devices now form the novel, modern frontier of stalking. This means that individuals can take photos and videos of other individuals without not only their consent, but their knowledge too. In the hands of the wrong people, this can be a tool for blackmailing or embarrass people.
Scenario: Assume a scenario in the workplace where an employee who happens to be an office snitch has in possession of a miniaturised video camera records another employee’s personal information, photos or a recording. Such an employee can use such information to embarrass the other employee, or even use it for blackmailing. Such instances will cause tension and discord in the workplace which can be such a big problem for the management to solve.
Likelihood: Very Unlikely-1, Most Likely-5 Impact: Negligable-1, Dramatic-5
The main negative impact of miniaturised devices is the use of information acquired unlawfully in a destructive way. Such occurrences in the work place can lead to unnecessary tension and discord among the employees.
Ease in loss
In the same way, miniaturised devices bring about ease in portability and storage. However, this also comes with the threat of easily losing these devices. The small size of phones, cameras, and video recorders mean that they can easily drop without the owner realising. They are also delicate due to their small size and intricate designs.
They can be easily destroyed when dropped or when excessive pressure is applied, which is unlike their predecessors that were more. When devices containing important organisational information get lost, that is a major loss to the organisation. Ease of comfort and ease of portability with miniaturised devices also means that there is ease of theft and getting lost (Butler, 2005).
Scenario: Assume a scenario where an employee in the organisation is working on a certain project and saves the work in a flash disk. The employee forgets to have any backup anywhere else, and then accidentally loses the flash disk. It then becomes a temporary or even somewhat permanent setback to the organisation, depending on the degree of importance of the information therein.
Likelihood: Very Unlikely-1, Most Likely-5 Impact: Negligable-1, Dramatic-5
The size of the miniaturised devices poses a challenge in how safe they can be. It is very easy to lose vital organisational information which can result in a major setback especially when there was no back up. Lose of these devices also means financial loss since they are very costly due to their advanced nature.
Distraction
It is very clear that miniaturised technological devices are a source of wonder. This is in respect to how well they perform and the many functions those reduced-size devices can have. The devices are known to cause a lot of distraction to their users.
Miniaturised devices, especially handsets and hand-free phones have a way of getting in the way of business at hand like driving, working and other important activities. In a working setting, workers may lose concentration of important tasks and duties to surf the net on their miniaturised handsets. Brace, Young and Regan (2007), observe that mobile phone can have significant effects on the concentration of an individual and affect clear thinking.
Scenario: Assume a scenario where a very critical task has been assigned to an individual in an organisation. Also, assume that this individual recently purchased a state of the art miniaturised device which has been the recipient of all the individual’s wonder and fascination, wonder and attention the past couple of days.
Such an individual will waste a lot of time still familiarising with the device. In turn, he or she will hand in the assignment way past the deadline; or maybe the task will be very poorly done. This will of course reflect on the organisation at the end of the day as the results will be poor.
Likelihood: Very Unlikely-1, Most Likely-5 Impact: Negligable-1, Dramatic-5
The miniaturised devices are a source of amazement to many. This may cause major distraction problems in the work place. Individuals may neglect duties to spend time on these devices. This leads to lower performance and results for the organisation.
Response for the high priority risks associated with the major issues above
1. Privacy issues: Policies should be set in place in the organisation to protect and guard the privacy of individuals in the organisation. The management should take strategic measures to ensure that boundaries are not crossed. The human resource department should be very keen to mark individuals with tendencies of flouting this policy.
2. Information misuse: individuals who may wish to use sensitive information that they might have gathered about others should not have that chance. The organisation’s policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct of individuals should state definite penalties on such behaviours to discourage the occurrence.
3. Loss of devices: Miniaturised devices are expensive. Loss of such devices can cause an organisation a lot of funds. Individuals should thus be encouraged to be careful and keen when using them so as to minimise such loses. Fines should be charged upon loss of such devices so that such loses are minimised.
4. Loss of critical information: members of an organisation dealing with critical information should always have some back up elsewhere to avoid setbacks in case the devices get lost.
5. Distraction: The importance of delivery of quality work and punctuality should be emphasized in the organisation so as to ensure that individuals give the best and that they avoid distractions that might deter them from delivering.
Summary
In conclusion, it is wise to note that miniaturisation is a continuous process that is not about to end anytime soon. The above issues are only the current issues associated with miniaturisation.
More issues are to be expected as the process goes on in the future. As a strategic manager, following the above recommendations for the next five years will ensure that the organisation continues meeting its daily, monthly and annual target. However, the above issues are not constant. In this case, some will be added, and others will be pulled out when they become obsolete.
Reference list
Bennett, C. J. & Grant, R. A. 1998, Visions of privacy: policy choices for the digital age, University of Toronto Press, Toronto.
Brace, C. L., Young, K. L. and Regan, M. A. 2007, Analysis of the Literature: The Use of Mobile Phones While Driving. Web.
Butler, C. W. 2005, Miniaturisation. Web.
Chris, M. 2000, The First Computer. Web.
Clarke, P. A. P., A Statutory Right of Privacy. Web.
Daniel, L. 2008, Modu Is the Smallest and Lightest Cell Phone. Web.
Hunt, E. B. 1995, Will we be smart enough: a cognitive analysis of the coming workforce, Russell Sage Foundation, New York.