Introduction
It is imperative to note that modern organizations have to deal with numerous changes, and some of them are problematic because enterprises do not know how to adjust to particular situations, and it may lead to many issues (Denning, 2015). Moreover, they are incredibly hard to predict most of the time, and it is a responsibility of a strategic manager to keep track of the latest trends in the industry and use resources as efficiently as possible to ensure that risks are avoided. Many approaches have been developed over the years, and it would be beneficial to improve an understanding of such techniques because it is a responsibility of a professional to be aware of methods that can be utilized to cope with changes.
Key Points
An article by Christensen & Overdorf (2000) should be highlighted, and the authors draw attention to several aspects. It is stated that it is paramount to understand the difference between sustaining and disruptive innovation. The first one utilizes qualities that are valued by customers, and they are improved to maintain the level of interest. They are mostly introduced by experienced enterprises that have access to the necessary resources.
On the other hand, disruptive ones are hard to predict, and they can be developed even by small companies. They state that a set of approaches may be utilized by the management team to deal with disruptive or sustaining innovations. The problem is that new capabilities are required most of the time. Moreover, it may be necessary to establish additional organizational structures to facilitate their development. It is also suggested that a particular team needs to be selected if the company has to deal with a disruptive innovation or trying to initiate changes. Such factors as organizational processes and values play an enormous role, and it is imperative to understand which aspects should be prioritized in a particular situation. Access to resources and professional qualities of employees is of the utmost importance in this case, and all of these aspects should be evaluated.
Furthermore, a lightweight team can be established if the situation is not complicated. However, a variety of specialists could be needed, and it may be necessary to hire external professionals to avoid possible issues (Christensen & Overdorf, 2000).
Relation
Such learning points are closely connected to the course material because enormous attention is devoted to such aspects as coping with changes, and how possible losses of profits can be avoided. Moreover, understanding of concepts that are suggested by MacIntosh & MacLean (2015) may be quite beneficial, and particular points can be compared to identify patterns and approaches that may be utilized when an organization has to deal with emerging changes. Moreover, the fact that it is stated that various aspects should be measured to avoid issues also needs to be noted (MacIntosh & MacLean, 2015)
Conditioned Emergent Framework
Tenets
The authors suggest that the most attention should be devoted to feedback because the positive reaction may lead to significant changes, and an organization may transfer to another state. Some rules related to the structure may have to be altered if they are established. It is also mentioned that the management of feedback loops is vital, and it would be beneficial to monitor the process. Levels of performance are reduced slightly when a new approach is introduced, and time will be lost while individuals involved are adapting. Improvisation may also be considered, but it is risky most of the time.
Application
It may be necessary to consider comments when introducing required organizational structures, and it would help to understand if the process is efficient at every stage of the process without significant losses. It would be beneficial to determine the type of innovation to have a better understanding of what approaches should be utilized in a particular situation. The suggested framework can be applied in both cases. It may be necessary to restructure some of the processes because most innovations need new capabilities to be efficient, and significant amounts of resources should be invested in the process of development.
Compare and Contrast
An article by Paap & Katz (2004) suggests that enormous attention should be devoted to the anticipation of technologies that could be disruptive. It is stated that the focus on the needs of customers and current operations may be quite beneficial because companies that acknowledge this aspect were quite successful in the past, and this approach has proven to be efficient. Another point that needs to be highlighted is that technologies do not lead to profits immediately, and they rather help to facilitate changes in an enterprise. Understandably, expenses on such techniques must be justified to ensure that the company stays profitable, but calculated risks can be taken in some cases.
It is possible to state that particular similarities between the points raised in the first and second articles are present. First of all, it is identified that the focus on preferences of customers may be quite helpful, and such an approach may be viewed as a sustaining innovation. Another point is focused on efficiency just like in the other article. The difference is that the second one is much more focused on technologies and authors think they are the primary source of disruption (Paap & Katz, 2004).
Application of Learning Points
Consideration of elements of an organization is an approach that should be taken into account by strategic management because it could help to avoid some of the severe consequences. Moreover, it needs to be applied during environmental scanning, and it is possible to identify which resources can be utilized to cope with possible changes. Well-developed organizational structures should be established most of the time if they are required for the innovations and needed resources are available.
The need to devote enormous amounts of resources into the development of new techniques and research should not be disregarded, but the problem is that it may be hard to justify from the perspective of economics. Moreover, it would be extremely useful to monitor possible disruptive technologies. A broad range of approaches can be considered, and it is necessary to find the correct balance between development and studying new techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, disruptive changes can be quite problematic, and it may not be an easy task to avoid possible consequences if the company did not devote enough attention to this aspect. Furthermore, the review of methods and techniques on this subject matter is necessary, and a strategic manager may have to combine some of the approaches depending on the situation. Understandably, it is not an easy task to alter the strategy once it has been established, but flexibility is of utmost importance for modern businesses, and professionals should be aware of this factor. The most attention should be devoted to emerging technologies because they have enormous potential and may lead to significant competitive advantage (Oster, 2010).
References
Christensen, C. M., & Overdorf, M. (2000). Meeting the challenges of disruptive change. Harvard Business Review, 78(2), 66-76. Web.
Denning, P. (2015). Emergent innovation. Communications of the ACM, 58(6), 28-31. Web.
MacIntosh, R., & Maclean, D. (2015). Strategic management: Strategists at work. London, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. Web.
Oster, G. (2010). Characteristics of emergent innovation. Journal of Management Development, 29(6), 565-574. Web.
Paap, J., & Katz, R. (2004). Anticipating disruptive innovation. Research Technology Management, 47(5), 13-22. Web.