Sociotechnical Systems Versus Technological Determinism
Topic 1: Sociotechnical Perspective Versus Tool View
The sociotechnical perspective (Irvine School/Rob Kling) holds that technology and society mutually constitute each other as inseparable phenomena—tech shapes society AND society shapes tech simultaneously and continuously (bi-directional, not one-way).
This rejects the tool view (Introna 2006), which wrongly treats technology as a neutral, objective artifact separate from society where only humans have agency (anthropocentric). Introna argues
Read MoreEffective Leadership Principles and Quality Management
1) Definition of Leadership
A leader is one who instills purpose, not one who controls by brute force. A leader strengthens and inspires followers to accomplish shared goals. Leaders shape and promote the organization’s values.
Characteristics of Quality Leaders:
- They give priority attention to external and internal customers and their needs. Leaders place themselves in the customers’ shoes and service their needs from that perspective.
- They empower, rather than control, subordinates. Leaders have trust
PMBOK Project Management Standards and Practices
PMBOK Definition and Components
PMBOK document published by the Project Management Institute (PMI) includes traditional and emerging good practices. It helps firms build policy, procedure, rules, and tools & techniques for managing projects. It describes the knowledge required in the project manager profession. The project manager tailors and applies PMBOK knowledge to each project.
Components
Project life cycle: Project phases from start to completion (flexible and independent of the product life
Read MoreOrganizational Birth and Population Ecology in Business
Birth of the Organization
This stage marks the founding of an organization and represents a particularly risky phase in the organizational life cycle due to a high probability of failure. The failure rate is high because of the liability of newness, meaning the risks that come from operating in unfamiliar environments, often as first movers.
A new organization is fragile because it lacks a formal structure that provides stability and predictability in its processes and value-creating activities. The
Read MoreGlobal Trade and Finance: Effects on International Relations
Global Trade and Finance: Effects on International Relations
Global trade and finance play a central role in shaping contemporary international relations. In an increasingly interconnected world, economic interdependence has become a major factor influencing diplomacy, foreign policy, and global power structures. The flow of goods, services, capital, and investments across borders has transformed how states interact with one another.
1. Economic Interdependence and Cooperation
Global trade has increased
Read MoreLBO Drivers, Valuation, Carry, Debt Structure & Restructuring
LBO Key Drivers and Success Factors
The key drivers in an LBO are entry valuation, debt level and cost, EBITDA growth, and the exit multiple. Value is created through operational improvements and cash generation used to repay debt. Successful deals rely on stable cash flows, strong management, and reasonable leverage. Failures arise from excessive debt, unrealistic growth expectations, adverse macro conditions, rising interest rates, or covenant breaches.
EV/EBITDA Valuation: Strengths and Weaknesses
EV/
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