Technology System Paper

Technology Systems Paper

Technology Systems Paper

Technology refers to the knowledge, tools, machines, information, skills, and materials used to complete tasks within the organization, as well as the nature of the outputs of the organization (Hodge, Anthony & Gales, 2003).  McDonald developed its future scenarios around three strategies-customer convenience, customer value, and optimal operations.
More than ever, McDonalds is focused on and committed to doing the right thing for the local communities in which the company operates and for the customers it serves. This philosophy of doing good and giving back has always been at the heart and soul of the McDonald's business -like french fries and hamburgers - and started with founder, Ray Kroc The purpose of this paper is to describe a technology system of an organization. Again, the learner will develop a timeline of technology implementation McDonald restaurant. Finally, describe how the evolution of technology systems in an organization affects information technology management and knowledge workers. The technology system the learner is familiar with is McDonald restaurant because of the four years managerial experience with the organization.

Technology systems in McDonald Restaurant

Hamel & Prahalad (1993) defined core competency as something unique that an organization has, or as something unique it can do. A company that develops a unique core competency can create a long lasting competitive advantage. Core competencies provide potential entry to a variety of markets, contribute to a perceived significant benefit to the consumer in terms of end product, and are difficult for customers to imitate (Hamel & Prahalad, 1990). In the case of McDonald restaurant, some of its core competency are the management training blueprint, data synchronizing system and the unique standard of hospitality.

In the wide range of applications, the enabling technology systems in McDonald constitutes the bulk of existing technical means—machines, mechanisms, tools, control equipment for machines and production processes,  communication. The main core technology of McDonald restaurant is machinery, which can be subdivided into several basic groups: production team, and raw food dispenser;   computers, including machines for centralized monitoring/and for data processing; and power-engineering machinery. In the past McDonalds relied on computer technologies to ensure processing the customers’ orders faster, while one worker is taking an order, several others get the information by computer and start immediately working on it. This ensured quick service and efficiency. Special buttons on the cash register customized to the company's menu allowed to process the order faster and made service easier. Communication technologies enabled to process orders through microphones for drive-through orders.

Timeline of Technology Implementation

As production expands and new instruments of labor are created, technology frees employees from the performance of various production functions requiring both physical and mental labor. Technology is used for many purposes: to act on the objects of labor in the creation of material and cultural values with the incorporation of core competency.  The timeline of technology implementation in McDonald restaurant lasts an average of one week to six months depending on the nature of technology. Some of the technological advancements implemented by McDonald are as follows: free in-store wireless internet system; synchronized wireless headphones; ice cream machine, shake machine and ice coffee machine; oil drainage system, and computer training system. The Internet access to ensure wireless services from McDonalds is being provided by Cometa - a partnership between IBM, AT&T and Intel. This is usually up and running within a week. During each implementation, a project manager in most cases is the store manager or the assistant manager receives the necessary training on the new/ improved technology prior to the rest of the crews training.

Another technological change was the cooking tool used for frying fries and nugget in the restaurants. This technology change lasted for about 6 months including the testing period. These improvements result from the design of the basket, which vertically orients the McNuggets in four segments and effectively uses the hot vapor that escapes during frying to augment heat transfer. Also, the new cooking procedures used with this basket are easier for the restaurant crew. McDonald's Corporation contracted with Argonne National Laboratory to examine the fundamental characteristics of fryer equipment and heat transfer during food frying. Argonne was selected for its expertise in two-phase heat transfer and for its experimental facilities. The challenge from McDonald's to Argonne was to discover practical methods for faster cooking of fried products. Technological change may sometimes involve research and testing to evaluate the best way forward (Bate & Johnston, 2005). The fundamental research data and innovative thinking from Argonne made possible the invention of several frying baskets, including a Chicken McNugget Fry Basket, patented by McDonald's. The McNugget Basket is used in more than 13,000 McDonald's restaurants that serve more than 22 million people worldwide each day. Using the McNugget Basket instead of traditional fry baskets improves the quality and consistency of the finished product and shortens cooking time for faster delivery to McDonald's customers.