The Impact of Technology Insertion on Organisations

HFIDTC/2/12.2.1/1
Version 3 / 21 November 2007
• Technologist Adviser to HFI. Whose considerable experience <strong>of</strong> aerospace
engineering programmes provided valuable case study material and examples <strong>of</strong>
how seemingly insignificant component choices in technology insertion
programmes can lead to vastly different outcomes. <strong>The</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> nontechnical
as well as technical evaluation <strong>of</strong> equipment choices was a valuable
insight into technology insertion issues.
2.3 What is <strong>Technology</strong>?
<strong>The</strong> Oxford English Dictionary defines “technology” as the application <strong>of</strong> scientific
knowledge for practical purposes. <strong>The</strong> word has origins from the Greek word
‘tekhnologia’ meaning ‘systematic treatment’. In terms <strong>of</strong> its modern usage, technology is
a broad term referring to the use and knowledge <strong>of</strong> humanity’s tools and crafts.
It is very difficult to obtain a useful definition <strong>of</strong> technology. According to the fields <strong>of</strong>
science and engineering, where technology is developed there are many kinds <strong>of</strong>
technologies. Generally, the following distinctions can be made:
Science is the formal process <strong>of</strong> investigating natural phenomena. It produces information
and knowledge about the world.
Engineering is the goal-oriented process <strong>of</strong> designing and building tools and systems to
exploit natural phenomena for a practical human means. Engineers work within the
constraints <strong>of</strong> natural laws and societal needs to create technology.
<strong>Technology</strong> is the consequence <strong>of</strong> these two processes and societal requests. Most
commonly, the term technology is used as the name <strong>of</strong> all engineering products.
<strong>The</strong> conceptualisation <strong>of</strong> technology is an ongoing debate amongst technological
theorists, who ask questions such as ‘is technology more than just hardware?’ However
focussing on this debate, which quickly becomes a philosophical one, would only be a
distraction from the matter at hand. This report will, consequently, consider technology to
include engineered products, including equipment, components, hardware, s<strong>of</strong>tware,
information technologies and information systems.
<strong>The</strong> primary focus <strong>of</strong> this study will be upon the following technology categories, as they
are perceived to be the most relevant to technology insertion in modern civil and military
organisations:
• Hardware, Equipment, Components and, Information <strong>Technology</strong>, including
computer hardware, s<strong>of</strong>tware, information systems and communications
<strong>The</strong>se categories take machines and devices into account, as well as social structures,
command, control, and infrastructures.
2.4 Why Study <strong>Technology</strong> <strong>Insertion</strong>?
<strong>The</strong> introduction <strong>of</strong> new technology into military platforms is <strong>of</strong>ten very appealing, as it
<strong>of</strong>fers the potential to improve capability, whilst simultaneously reducing organisational
costs and manpower requirements. Despite this optimism, it has become apparent that the
successful introduction <strong>of</strong> new technology is by no means straightforward. As this report
will go on to describe, the introduction <strong>of</strong> new technology and the change to an
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