【主题】Dynamic Resource Capabilities: Managing Workforce Knowledge with a Technology Upgrade
【时间】2010-8-410:30-12:00
【地点】ROOM 453, Weilun Building, Tsinghua SEM
【语言】英文
【内容摘要】
A model is introduced that integrates workforce knowledge management with the technology upgrade decision to provide a comprehensive view of how to manage dynamic knowledge-based resource capabilities. The levels of workforce knowledge and technology capability are measured in relation to their ability to generate net revenue. Due to changes in consumer preferences and competition, the ability of workforce knowledge and technology capability to drive net revenue depreciates over time. The manager pursues several strategies to reduce or reverse the effects of depreciation.
The manager may invest in a technology upgrade. However, while adding to technology capability, an upgrade makes a portion of workforce knowledge obsolete reflecting skills that are no longer useful. The manager invests in preparatory training (learning-before-doing) prior to the upgrade to reduce obsolescence. The manager invests in general training to directly increase workforce knowledge over time. Thus while preparatory training is technology-specific and narrowly focused on preparing for a technology upgrade, general training responds to depreciation by enhancing the ability of the workforce to improve existing products or create new products.
We find that the rates of preparatory and general training follow entirely different paths over time. Conditions are given where a manager uses one training strategy as a substitute for or complement to the other. We show that training strategies are not only impacted by learning phenomena such as the rate of forgetting, but also by the rates of technology depreciation and advancement. Conversely, we show how workforce learning phenomena impact the technology upgrade decision.
【主讲人简介】
Cheryl Gaimon is a Regents’ Professor and recipient of the Richard and Carol Kalikow Professorship. She initiated establishment of the Operations Management program and served as the Area Coordinator for seven years. She was also a core participant in the development of an interdisciplinary certificate program in the Management of Technology and currently serves as that program's director. She has taught courses at the undergraduate, masters, Ph.D. and executive degree programs. In particular, she has taught courses including the core course on Operations Management and electives in Service Operations and Management of Technology. Prior to joining Georgia Tech and after completing her Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University, Professor Gaimon was a member of the faculty at Ohio State University.
Professor Gaimon's research and teaching interests focus on strategic aspects of the evolution of a firm’s resource capabilities. Particular attention is given to managing resource capabilities in environments characterized by changes in underlying technologies (manufacturing and information technologies), markets, and global competition. Specific interests include knowledge management, new product development, process improvement, R&D alliances, implementation of new technology, and sustainable operations strategies. Her research has appeared in journals including Management Science, Operations Research and Production and Operations Management. She has received several research grants from the National Science Foundation to study the impact of new technology on a firm's competitive position.
Professor Gaimon is a Department Editor for the Management of Technology area of Production and Operations Management. Formerly she was an Associate Editor for Management Science, Departmental Editor for the IIE Transactions, Department Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Senior Editor for Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, and Associate Editor for Decision Sciences.
Professor Gaimon is a Fellow of the Production and Operations Management Society (POMS). She has served that society as its President, Vice-President and Board Member. Professor Gaimon is the co-founder of the POMS College on Production Innovation and Technology Management and is a Distinguished Fellow of that college. She has received the Distinguished Service Award from the INFORMS Technology Management Section (TMS) and was a TMS Distinguished Speaker. She received The 1999 Georgia Tech Research Award.
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