Reference no: EM131270279

Exploring the Limits of the Technology S-Curve, Part I: Component Technologies

By the end of this activity you will be able to:

1. Assess the maturity level of a technology in the capital expenditure decision process

2. Apply the S-curve theory when planning component architecture development programs

3. Distinguish differences between applying S-curve theory to components versus to product architecture, including the greater need for market innovation when developing product architecture

A component technology S-curve is a graph of component development status as a function of engineering effort. Engineering effort is time, and time is capital expenditure. S-curves reveal that there are two plateaus with a steep rise in between that characterize component development status with time. The upper plateau indicates that the component has matured significantly and that further research does not return significant gains. Once the upper plateau is reached, a dilemma for management exists as to what technological path to follow.

Guiding Questions to Consider Prior to the Discussion

1. How can S-curves provide explanations of why alternative technologies have made substantial inroads against currently dominant technology?

2. How can S-curve theory be used for decision making regarding investment in specific alternative technologies?

3. What does S-curve theory indicate regarding decisions for future research programs when the upper plateau has been reached?

Read Reading-II-2, "Exploring the Limits of the Technology S-Curve, Part I: Component Technologies". pages 259 - 277

In regards to the technology maturity in magnetic rigid disk drives case study, post to the Discussion Board a 250-300 word minimum response to the questions posed under "Guiding Questions".

Post your response (250-300 word minimum) to the Discussion Board.

Compose your work using a word processor and save it frequently to your computer. When you are ready to make your initial posting, please click on the "Create Thread" button and enter a relevant subject line. Then copy/paste the text, which you have grammar and spell checked, from your Word document into the message field and click Submit. Your initial posting should be no more than one typed page in length. Then, reply to the postings of class members. You may agree or disagree, but you need to support your statements with facts, experience, information and/or references. Review the SBT Discussion Rubric located in the "Start Here" section of the course for more information on grading criteria.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ux07hnzkbyudmip/Reading_material.rar?dl=0