The paperless office

Article Abstract:

Paperless offices are a myth; use of paper in offices grows by almost five percent annually. Magnetic and optical storage, electronic voice/mail and video systems have not brought the end of paper documents in offices. Habits learned by humans at an early age make paper media the preferred method of absorbing complex information. Factors such as training, history and culture make books, newspapers and magazines the number one media for the presentation of information. Workstations and desktop computers promote the use of paper with word-processing software, business graphics, scanned photographs and complex images. Virtually every microcomputer and workstation has a printer connected to it. Modern copiers can make copies that look better than the originals, often producing those copies at rates of 100 pages per minute. Electronic information would be easier to assimilate if users were provided better flat-panel displays, with high resolution and the elimination of glare.

Office automation, Information systems, column, Impact Analysis, Paper Media, User Behavior, Waste Management

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Jumping the technology S-curve

Article Abstract:

The technology s-curve is a management tool used by companies to chart the life cycle of their products and to optimize technical productivity. It measures the progress of a technology in terms of research and development effort (R&D) or R&D period. To this end, several s-curves may be used for a single product based on different technologies. An adaptation is the market penetration s-curve which charts market acceptance of a new technology. Some companies, however, have failed to exploit it due to factors such as customer satisfaction and looking at the wrong competitors.

Methods, Measurement, Product management, Product life cycle, Product obsolescence

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The Office of Technology Assessment: an endangered species worth saving

Article Abstract:

The closure of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) will deprive the society of an organization which provides unbiased and accurate reports of proposed scientific projects. The OTA is a small US Congressional office that provides advice to the committees of the Senate and the House on scientific issues. The closure, resulting from the partisan attitude of the politicians, will facilitate a $20 million reduction in the government expenditure of $2 billion.

Management, Science and technology policy, United States. Congress, United States. Office of Technology Assessment

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