Theory and Practice in the Study of Technological Systems Essay Example
1. Why does Cowan believe it is important to examine technologies in the context of technological systems? What advantages does this broader perspective give to planners? Give a specific current technological example (not in reading) in support of your answer.
Cowan believes it is important to examine technologies in the context of technological systems because current technologies rely on the interdependencies of many technologies other than nature or the technology alone. Individual technologies are now dependent on other forms of technology as well as the individuals that design, create and operate the technologies, to operate and perform a specific function(s). According to Cowan, technological systems “complex networks that are, at one and the same time, both physical and social” (p39 of text book).
The advantages this broader perspective provides to planners is that they understand the symbiotic relationship between technologies and with this knowledge can create contingency plans in the event of a malfunction or any situation that would stop the technology from functioning. Planners can perform a risk analysis to identify technologies (including humans) that are most vulnerable to malfunction (this would include component failure, act-of-God, and human error) and prepare accordingly by having back-up components. Additionally, in the event of component failure, the planners are able to more accurately troubleshoot the system by knowing what stage is responsible for what function.
A specific technology that supports these ideas is music. To begin, music starts with the musician who plays an instrument. The instrument and its components are designed and manufactured. Each part for the instrument can be designed and manufactured by different companies and shipped to the primary company for final production. This process also requires the packing and shipping and receiving of each component. These components may also utilize computer design programs
Cowan believes it is important to examine technologies in the context of technological systems because current technologies rely on the interdependencies of many technologies other than nature or the technology alone. Individual technologies are now dependent on other forms of technology as well as the individuals that design, create and operate the technologies, to operate and perform a specific function(s). According to Cowan, technological systems “complex networks that are, at one and the same time, both physical and social” (p39 of text book).
The advantages this broader perspective provides to planners is that they understand the symbiotic relationship between technologies and with this knowledge can create contingency plans in the event of a malfunction or any situation that would stop the technology from functioning. Planners can perform a risk analysis to identify technologies (including humans) that are most vulnerable to malfunction (this would include component failure, act-of-God, and human error) and prepare accordingly by having back-up components. Additionally, in the event of component failure, the planners are able to more accurately troubleshoot the system by knowing what stage is responsible for what function.
A specific technology that supports these ideas is music. To begin, music starts with the musician who plays an instrument. The instrument and its components are designed and manufactured. Each part for the instrument can be designed and manufactured by different companies and shipped to the primary company for final production. This process also requires the packing and shipping and receiving of each component. These components may also utilize computer design programs