Re: Technology Characterization

John Conover (john@johncon.com)
Tue, 10 Jan 95 20:51 PST

The attached is kind of an interesting concept. It would seem that one
should investigate applying principles of algorithmic analysis, or
information-theoretic principles to organizations. Has anyone done
this?

John

Larry Perlov writes:

> Regarding Steen Martin's request to classify technologies and use a
> method to communicate technology to the rest of the organization. I
> have attended a Technology Management course at the University of
> Cape Town - Graduate School of Business. The course was given by
> Prof Rias van Wyk. Prof van Wyk's theory on technology
> classification and communication is given below. See various papers
> by Prof van Wyk for more details.

> The theory is that any technologty can fit into a nine cell matrix,
> and that matrix is therefore the way to classify technology.

> The matrix is as follows:

> Process Transport Store
> +-----------+-----------+-----------+
> | | | |
> Matter | | | |
> | | | |
> +-----------+-----------+-----------+
> | | | |
> Energy | | | |
> | | | |
> +-----------+-----------+-----------+
> | | | |
> Information | | | |
> | | | |
> +-----------+-----------+-----------+

> For example, a computer is an information processor, a battery is an
> energy storage device, a conveyor or a truck is a matter transport
> device, a transmission line is an energy transportation device, etc.

-- 

John Conover, 631 Lamont Ct., Campbell, CA., 95008, USA. VOX 408.370.2688, FAX 408.379.9602 john@johncon.com