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Technology And Innovation Management(Entr 542) Question Paper
Technology And Innovation Management(Entr 542)
Course:Business Administration
Institution: Kenya Methodist University question papers
Exam Year:2010
TIME : 3 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS Answer Question ONE (Compulsory) and any other THREE questions.
HOMEGROWN SOLUTIONS FOR AFRICA
“New strategy business managers must think globally as they act locally to build local roots”. “Technovation – informal sector can provide simple solutions for everyday problems”.
The world is turning into a single market driven by sophisticated communication systems, transportation technologies, services, migration and economic activities that are outgrowing national markets. Executives and corporations cannot lose sight of the reality and important roles that local knowledge and homegrown expertise play in identifying solutions for local challenges. The phrase “thinking globally, acting locally”, comes to mind as business strategy encourages corporations to build local roots. For Africa, this entails greater recognition of the innovation and technological solutions within the informal sector; which incubates the sort of ingenuity, resourcefulness and inventiveness that provide real and simple solutions to “everyday problems” faced by rural masses and urban poor. According to the international labour organization, the size of the informal labour force in Africa is between 60 – 80 per cent and accounts for over 90 per cent of new jobs.
No other organization seeks to promote such low tech innovations more effectively better than Maker Faire Africa, largely brought to fruition by Emeka Okafor. Okafor describes Maker Faire Africa as “a celebration of African ingenuity, innovation and invention. Maker Faire Africa’s maiden event was held in Accra last year and this year’s event was held in Nairobi on August 27 and 28. “Makers” across the continent are encouraged to showcase something they have made in the hope that these inventors will not only inspire others but promote the importance of such grassroots inventions in meeting the immediate needs of people and ultimately of socio-economic development. In a recent interview with Emeka Okafor, he stated that “from hitech to low-tech, these people are making products not because they are told to, but because of necessity”.
Windmill Maker William Kamkwambo embraces the essence of the Maker Faire and has a passion for inventing low cost solutions to African engineering problems. After dropping out of school at age 14 years old, he took up self-education at the village library. His first windmill consisted of a spare bicycle turbine, a traitor fan blade, old shock absorber and blades of plastic pipes flattered over a fire. Such a low-tech innovations are finding a voice and become easily accessible through showcase events, such as Maker Faire Africa. General Electric (GE) recognizes Africa’s solutions.
Incorporated into GE’s commitment to Maker Faire Africa is a mentorship experience for a leading “Maker” to spend three days with GE’s Chief Scientist Asokan, at the John Welch Technology centre, one of GE’s Global Research centres, in Banglore, India. This experience gives the recipient the opportunity to access expertise, advice and counsel of innovation both from a technical and a commercial standpoint.
One example of combining global knowledge and local expertise was the recent introduction of GE Healthcare of the V – scan pocket – sized visualization tool for point-of-care imaging in South Africa. The ultrasound technology provides doctors with an immediate, non-invasive method to secure visual information inside the body. However, its most vital features are portability and independence of electricity, features that take into account Africa’s challenges.
The healthcare industry needs accessible and affordable solutions and corporations must innovative with smarter processes and technologies to assist local doctors and hospitals deliver better healthcare at an affordable cost. Applying first-world solutions to developing world challenges can’t work.
By Angbazo Lazarus, president of GE East, Central and West Africa, 2010.
Question 1
a) Explain how the informal sector is providing simple solutions for everyday problems. What is the motivation? (10marks)
b) How does Maker Faire African encourage innovation (6marks)
c) What is the importance of thinking globally and acting locally in terms of business. (5marks) d) As an entrepreneur what innovation would you propose in the healthcare industry in Kenya. (4marks)
Question 2
James Mwangi CEO, Equity Bank was crowned Africans best banker of the year. During an interview immediately after the event. He attributed the success to technology. “Technology has obviously played a huge role in revolutionising the banking industry” he said.
Discuss how technology has contributed to the success of Equity Bank (25marks)
Question 3
Critically discuss the factors influencing the adoption of technology in developing countries (25marks)
Question 4
a) Kenya Methodist University, would like to remain competitive in the midst of the stiff competition. There is no business without sales, sales for KeMU means intensive marketing and integrating market considerations into technology forecasting process as a major goal to determine what advances in technology and innovation will result in increased sales, enhanced profits and delighted customers.
How do you think KeMU can achieve this (15marks)
b) Explain the sources of advantage that drive leaders’ success (10marks)
Question 5
Discuss the importance of managing technology and other capabilities in an enterprise (25marks)
Question 6
a) For the purchaser or user of technology there are a variety of risks and platform shift risk associated with the chosen vendor’s position within a technology stack. Discuss (15marks) b) By use of illustrations, explain any three types of innovations applied by entrepreneurs (10marks)
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