Week 1: Just Having Technology Is Not Enough

In the 1990s and early 2000s, just having information technology (IT)gave a buisness competitive advantage. That is no longer the case. Why? Because every company has IT business applications. They are affordable, scalable, and now standard components of every organization. So, what gives IT its value add? Strategic use in a sustainable manner.
In today's globalized marketplace and highly competitive business environment, the key is not having technology, but how one uses it. It is about having "technological capital" so one can create "sustainable partnerships or networking capital." It is about having the ability to strategically use IT in innovative ways a)to establish and maintain networks, b)to create vibrant relationships and conversations to knowledge is shared, c)to link the organization with suppliers and logistic operators so work gets done and products get delievered in a timely and cost efficient manner, d) to form lasting, personalized realtionships with customers, and to e) create a sustainable enterprise that does not harm either the community or environment.

This requires that there be a well thought out plan, a strategic IT vision aligned with the enterprises mission and goals, and compatible with the organization's culture, values, leaders' management styles, and employees' work styles.

Companies are now distributed and information-driven, creating various types of hybrid—virtual and face-to-face (F2F) knowledge commons. They are a complex system of networks and partnerships, a dynamic web of internal and external people, teams, and organizations. Organizations operate in a world environmrnt being dispersed locally, nationally and/or globally.

Competitive advantage is now grounded in a company being agile and being innovative in decision-making and product/service development, and in how it utilizes partnerships. While doing this, it cannot lose focus of ethical business practices, exploit or harm its workforce, or deplete natural resources or damage the earth’s environment which is essential for it’s, and all people’s survival.

Realistic, continuous innovation. Networking. Collaborative partnerships. Integrity, ethical professionalism, and sustainability. All are essential for private, public and governmental organizations to be successful and be respected in today’s world.

Thus, conducting business in a manner where new ideas and decisions “add value” to each step of the business planning process, product/service development, organizational operation, marketing, and customer relationship management and service process is critical. When choosing to implement a new concept, technoloical application, business process, policy, etc. an essential question to ask is: “Does this idea, practice, etc. improve the organization and/or enhance the way the customer is served?