Implementing new technologies presents many challenges for companies. Constant changes in technology, customer needs, and product life cycles make it difficult for companies to keep up. Employees also need continuous training to adjust to new technologies. A clear strategy and communication between management and employees is important for successful implementation. The eight step model provides a framework for identifying, planning, and integrating technologies that meet business needs and lead to long-term success. Focusing on both efficiency and effectiveness throughout the implementation process helps companies overcome challenges and realize the advantages of new technologies.

1. Special Project - BUSA 519: Challenges of IT implementation Tonje Hovland Berntsen

2. Technology Implementation Two dominating economic trends: Globalization Commoditization Successfully implementation of new technology is essential for companies to survive in today’s markets The interest in external sources of technology is increasing

3. Challenges of Implementing new IT Constant and rapid change in technology Technological bases are changing rapidly and unpredictably Number of technologies has experienced a huge increase Implement technologies that will work well together Mismatching technologies may end up with products that will not meet its intended purpose

4. Challenges of Implementing new IT Customers’ preferences and needs are always changing Change the products as customers’ preferences are changing Product life cycles will be shorter Employee challenges Employees need continuous training opportunities Management must provide technology support that is up to date

5. Challenges of Implementing new IT Easy to duplicate other companies Every company is unique and has different needs  One method for success might not be right for everybody Changes in the companies processes Implementing new technology means changes in the way they do business Both the management and the employees of the company need to adjust to those changes

6. Challenges of Implementing new IT Bringing the customers along with the implementation of the new IT Customers also need to adjust to the changes following from the implementation Unclear strategy A successful implementation requires a clear and well-planned strategy Everybody in the company needs to be understand the strategy and be well-informed about it

7. Challenges of Implementing new IT Expectations of the technology implementation Expect that technology will immidiately increase efficiency without any roadblocks In reality, there is a learning curve that people need to face, that involves several roadblocks and challenges

8. Recommendations To properly prepare the emploees will help to better deal with the changes and adjustments from implementation Good communication between employees and management Proper and continiuous training and support Flexibility and availability from the management The eight step model for companies to identify and implement external technologies that will meet their needs and lead to success

9. Recommendations The eight step model (Chatterji, 1996):

10. Recommendations: The Eight Step Model Step 1 and 2 is about doing research within the company and make an overall plan for what, when, where and how Step 3 and 4 is about searching for the right technologies to implement Step 5 addresses how and when the technology would be integrated into the business Step 6 and 7 is about the negotiation process and how to be able to work together Step 8 ensures learning and improvements, and is the key to long-term business success All eight steps in the model are essential for the companies to successfully implement a new technology. Each step has different practices and approaches for succeeding.

11. Recommendations Making the right game plan and choosing the right technologies that fit the company is essential for success Develop an approach to implement the technologies that fit the company’s needs and gives the most advantages Choose matching technologies depending on the company’s needs and goals Focus on efficiency and effectiveness Efficiency is ‘doing the thing right’ Effectiveness is ‘doing the right thing’

12. Recommendations: Efficiency and Effectiveness Process of a technology product life cycle (Goyal, 2006): Efficiency and effectiveness from the perspectives in the model above are needed to successfully implement new technology Efficiency and effectiveness need to be combined. Efficiency is not sufficient without the effectiveness and vice versa. To get the full use of the aspects the company needs to focus on both

13. Recommendations Use knowledge management as a tool to help the companies to succeed A process where companies can generate value from their intellectual and knowledge-based assets Integrates leadership, organizational processes, business processes and technology. Managers need to believe in what they do and not be afraid to fail Managers need to be positive, strong and inspiring Implementation rarely happens without any problems  need to be ready for a try-and-fail method

14. Recommendations Adopting an open innovation approach This gives companies the opportunity to find information, knowledge and technology outside their boundaries Opportunity to find ideas and recommendations from other persons that are not employees. Important to remember that not all the smart persons are working in one company This approach allows companies to adopt technology from external sources Open innovation will provide companies with information about the market and the customers which will help them to be successful and up-to-date

15. Recommendations Make customers follow along through: Listening to the customers Engaging the customers Informing and teaching the customers Managers need to make a clear strategy that is known and practiced by all the employees

16. Conclusion Companies are facing many challenges when they are implementing new technologies, but there are many tools that can help them get past these challenges Implementing new technologies is necessary for companies to survive in today's global and competitive markets To successfully implement new technologies will give the company many advantages and will lead them to success

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