Technology, Myth and Management

Much has been written about the lack of enthusiasm of Australian managers to invest in new technology; but there may be good reasons why this is so. The author cautions against too ready an acceptance of a number of myths concerning technology and contends that high technology is high risk technology. He shows that in the eyes of Chief Executives, computer based information systems more often than not fail to live up to expectations. He contends that such failures of physical technology are often preceded by a failure of social technology. Such results foreshadow even greater difficulties in planning for and implementing computer controlled manufacturing systems.