We consistently discuss the numerous possibilities that IT presents to the business world. Mrs Fields Cookies in 1987 had a system that took into account a number of factors such as weather and time of day to instruct the store staff on quantity to bake, when to throw them out and so on. In 1987??? Wow. Kinda like discovering fire with the cavemen huh? For something so sophisticated to be in use at that time is remarkable. Now lets fast forward a few years (ok 23 years). Look at all of the things that technology can do for us now. Pandora figures out what I might like to listen to because I type in Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon. Match.com can tell me who I might be compatible with because I say that I love women with a fiery personality and a love for skittles. On a more serious note, some auto companies and factories run completely automated systems because of the advancements in IT that allow us to program these robots and systems. The upside to all this is the convenience that we enjoy as human beings. What about the drawbacks?
Advancements in IT have been significant in the development of the world of business and technology but at what costs? If we continue making processes and systems more efficient, what does that do for human beings? Imagine a world where all things are done with IT. What then is the role of human beings? IT will probably maintain itself and some point (maybe Terminator had a point) so we won't even be needed to maintain it. When then are we reduced to? What jobs will be available to us? What opportunities will we have in the market? We are getting our MBAs now in order to make business decisions using IT. What kinds of decisions will we have to make in 20 years when IT is even more developed? All of our work will be done for us. Imagine sitting at a console with information being uploaded to your brain by a system. I'd never have to read another book again so that might be a plus. But that means teachers are now no longer needed, schools are not needed so construction is unnecessary. The examples are endless. Personally i'd like to still be relevant in the future and not a second fiddle to some pentium 16 or iMac12. A friend just told me a joke but because I want to pass this class I'm going to keep it quiet. Ask me when you see me. So what will work and society look like when IT becomes even more relevant? Care to share?
We always talk about the next big thing, the newest upgrade, and about how technology is advancing so quickly that new systems become obsolete within months or even weeks. It is unreal to think that we as human beings might be obsolete one day. Your blog brings forth issues that many people have had in the back of their minds, but try to ignore because the options are unsettling.
ReplyDeleteWe cannot ignore the fact that as our global population grows, our need for jobs also grows. As our population grows, so does our knowledge base which will lead to increasingly sophisticated technology. One day, we really might be completely unnecessary.
We will have to be so technologically advanced just to keep pace with modern society and the next generation. This is becoming increasingly difficult as our parents' generation has shown us.
So what will happen to us, specifically? Our MBA class is being trained for this type of competitive environment, but will we truly be able to compete? Will I one day be replaced by a watch?
It is true that one day we may no longer be needed to perform the kinds of jobs that we are currently training for. (And it is also nice to know that I'm not the only one who keeps thinking "Terminator" during these discussions.) However, one must consider the fact that as these jobs become obsolete, other jobs will emerge. It just means that our education is never really over and that we must continue to adapt as Information Technology evolves around us.
ReplyDeleteIf you will recall the Did you know?-Technology video that we watched in class, we have always been focused on technology that we will one day utilize even though we may not know what they are at this particular juncture.
I think that having our jobs become obsolete is a very real fear for many people in a lot of different industries.
ReplyDeleteMy friends in the Sports Communication department are very worried that they are becoming obsolete. With all of the college athletic associations embracing "new media" they are concerned that no one will read the articles or stats that they are responsible for. Fans want to see exclusive interviews and behind the scenes videos. A lot of information is published directly to the social networking sites. Computer programs keep track of all of the stats now and automatically update them.
But what Rachel's saying is true and hopefully will always be the case. As technology eliminates some jobs, it creates others. My friend is now considering jumping over to the New Media department. That department didn't even exist 3 years ago.
We just have to keep an eye out for opportunities and not ignore the influence of technology.
I just hope that there's always a balance of jobs being created to jobs being eliminated!