Week 1 - MBA 6101 - Surfing the Tsunami

The rise of automation has been changing the economy throughout the world. Since the Middle Ages, changes in technology such as farming has allowed increased harvesting at a faster pace. Currently new advances in robotics and artificial intelligence have allowed for increased use. Although technology allows future adaptations, it also has negative consequences. The rise of social media has allowed people to interact throughout the globe seamlessly but yet people feel disconnected and are consuming misinformation. 

With each technological advance, consumers need to be aware of the negative impact of technology can have. Reliance and dependency on technology can lead to futility. One example that comes to mind is the use of intravenous pumps to deliver lifesaving medications in hospitals. As a nurse I understand their essential need and are critical to the care of sick patients. "Five Days at Memorial" describes the events of Hurricane Katrina as it ravaged the Southeastern United States, especially Louisiana. Memorial Hospital in New Orleans became flooded with the rising sea level and lost power. Due to the loss of power, intravenous pumps were no longer effective as equipment. 

I am not against technology, but alternative solutions are needed to have successful implementation and use. When technology fails, it literally sends people back to the stone age. When the electronic chart has a four hour long update, nurses literally go back to paper and pen to document. It is important though that they can adjust for technological issues and still work. When intravenous pumps fail, hanging medication by gravity and calculating the rate is the solution. Being able to be independent from technology is important to avoid the dependency on technology.