Die bestuur van tegnologie en hoëvlakmannekrag: Die identitisering van enkele terreine vir navorsing in Suid-Afrika

Abstract

The managerial function of the modern manager has undergone a shift of focus mainly due to the epidemic rate of technological innovations. Less emphasis is placed on the recurring whilst more time and greater involvement is spent on one-off activities. The modern trend to move from heavy industry to the service sector and high technology has caused a larger and varied need for high level manpower. The manager of today and tomorrow thus has to be equipped with applicable knowledge and skills. However, the following questions need to be answered: what these knowledge and skills are?, in what sense does these differ from the present?, what remains applicable?, the extent of the knowledge on the 'new' requirements?. The aim of this research is therefore to determine the spectrum and facets, the level of research in South Africa and to identify aspects on which research can be undertaken within the fields of management of technology and high level manpower. The total spectrum of management of technology can be divided into three strata namely the macro-, intermediatory- and micro strata, and discussions will centre within this framework. The micro strata is a compilation of the technology process and its elements and other factors which might have an influence thereon or be dependent thereupon. The various elements of the technology process are discussed separately while each element is defined precisely. The present state of knowledge on this specific subject is outlined and areas for future research are identified. Identical aspects are discussed under the headings of the various other elements that function within the framework of management of technology but external to the technology process. The prime objective of the preliminary investigation on management of high level manpower was to identify the elements of management that will possibly change or expand during the management of high level manpower. Thereby a structure could be developed whereby information and techniques could be gathered and developed for the management of these activities.