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Panopticon
In Letter VI by Jermey Bentham he discussed his brillance "I FLATTER myself there can now be little doubt of the plan's possessing the fundamental advantages I have been attributing to it: I mean, the apparent omnipresence of the inspector (if divines will allow me the expression,) combined with the extreme facility of his real presence (Benthlam, 1995) This basic concept has been used by businesses for years to always have the employees thinking someone was watching them,making them work hard. -
Airplane
Of course the original airplane invented by the Wright Bros did not do much to affect management or business in anyway. But, later models of airplanes that came revolutionized the way products can be transported much quicker. This in turn, caused more efficiency,flexibility, and productivity in transporting. Businesses that utilized the later developments of airplanes greatly benefitted and businesses that managed the transportation of their products the best are the ones that are still around. -
Telephone
The telephone was created by Alexander Graham Bell. This invention allowed people to communicate with others without being in the same room or even area.This was massively crucial for keeping the businesses running as efficiently as possible. Communication was made much easier for the managers to their higher ups. Information was sent and recieved at a pace never seen before. -
Radio
The radio was a huge technological break through ,which allowed for multiple people to be all listening to the same broadcast. In the business world this allowed for companies to make radio lines and connect with eachother allowing for better efficiency in the workplace. Also, advertising via radio helped many companies over the years increase profits and gain customers. -
Conveyor Belt
The Conveyor Belt was a massive building block to the eventual production line used by Henry Ford. The Conveyor Belt was invented by 1905 Richard Sutcliffe. It was orginally used in the coal mines but quickly became a staple at any high efficiency factory. The Conveyor Belt allowed employees to stand in one spot and do one specific task. All the while allowing the manager to me more efficient in the production line. The factories that took advantage of this technology early had success. -
Modern Plastic
Plastic is a multi- purpose material that has changed the business world. During WW2 plastics quickly became needed due to shortages in natural rubber (SPI, 2014). This shows how imperative plastic has been to this country. In the business world plastic has become a material that is easily made and cost-efficient. Plastic is used in every business somewhere to save the business money. -
Ultraviolet Water Purification System
A overlooked invention is the Ultraviolet Water Purification System. This allowed for anybody to have access to clean and useable water no matter the location. It gave companies one less thing to worry about. Guaranteeing clean water for employees and the entire staff of the business is always a positive. "Bad Water is just bad business" (EPA, 2013) -
Television
Television by today's standards has taken a back set to internet on informing the masses of information. But, before internet their was television that kept people up to date on news and stats. This was no different in the business world. Television kept people informed and when accompied with a video camera the television allowed for managers to always keep an eye on their employees without having to be in the room. This was monumental in keeping constant survillance of your employees. -
Security Camera
Originally this idea did not have success. Eventually, people began to realize the potential in security cameras. These are used by a majority of businesses and establishments everywhere to protect their inventory, manage employees and make the customers more comfortable to shop at the business. Security cameras are a great way to keep employees in line , for everything is recorded. -
Walkie Talkie
A form of private and reliable communication for parties. Originally invented for WW2, later became a staple at factory work so managers could keep in contact with others managers during the workday. Still to this day, is used in a number of job professions such as police, firefighters, construction, and many more. Communication was made easier with this invention and a key principle of a successful business is communication and allows being informed. -
Music in the Workplace
Which began in the 1940's as a simple experiment quickly turned into everlasting fade. Music in the workplace has been popular because the employees enjoy it ,but in the same regard, surveys has shown that 77% of businees said music has increased workers productivity(Wong,2012). Thus the managers and bosses enjoy it as well. A simple radio in the office is a cheap price to pay when it allows a majority of your workers to work more productively. -
Barcode
A greatly underrated invention was the barcode. The barcode allowed for shop owners to keep track of inventory of stock and assiociated prices without all the labor that used to be involved. This barcode had a rough beginning getting off the ground, but nowadays you cannot go into an establishment without seeing a barcode. "It is a good invention when no one thinks twice about barcode scanning technology"(Aspespos, 2011). -
Electronic Calculator
The electronic calculator has a had a great impact on the world, making computations quicker and more exact. Calculators have taken a big risk of getting calculations wrong out of the situation as long as the coordinates are typed in correctly. Calculators has made it so everyone can do some basic math. -
Kevlar
This under appreciated fiber , which originally started as replacement for steel in racing tires has become a product we deal with everyday. "Kevlar is now virtually synonymous with high-tech materials. Heat-resistant, five times as strong as steel, and lighter than fiberglass, it is used in hundreds of products, from protective gloves, helmets, and boots to tires, brake pads, and cables (WebCite.org, 2001)."Kevlar for the business world has saved companies millions of dollars over its lifespan. -
Post It Notes
A small but powerful invention. Post it notes will forever be known as the first little reminder. These are used for remembering meetings and etc. Computers have made programs that do the same as post it notes, but these will always have a place in the office. The simple but effective design and usefulness is what has made this product survive the test of time. -
Personal Computer
Leaps and bounds were made in terms of management and business with the invention of computers. Computers allowed compnaies to be better organized, self-sufficient, cost-efficient, and faster with business procedures. Computers, separate what businesses have success and which ones do not. In todays market it is next to impossible to have a successful business without the use of computers. -
Computer Mouse and Keyboard
The mouse and keyboard made using the computer even more easy and efficient. These must need devices were the revolution of imputing data into computers. Nowadays you will not find a computer without a keyboard and mouse. These devices simple help businesses be more efficient and increase producitivity. -
Internet (World Wide Web)
Words cannot describe how crucial the interet was to management. Internet allowed for companies to send emails to all employees to keep them informed more efficiently than ever before. Also, it allows companies to do transactions with companies across the world in a matter of seconds. Many other programs are accessible via the internet to allow for moderation of employees to guarentee that work is being completed in a timely manner. Bottom line time is money and internet has helped it. -
GPS
The GPS has made traveling via roads as efficient as possible. According to Jack Levis (Ups Director of Process Management) " GPS allows us to turn data into knowledge. I have sixty thousand drivers if i can just reduce one mile per driver that is 20 million miles, that is 2 billion gallons of fuel per year. If I can just save one mile a day (Levis, 2014)" GPS has made managing the most efficient routes to travel possible every single time a driver drives. -
5-Hour Energy Drink
A drink with only 4 calories, zero sugar, a blend of B-vitamins, amino acids and other nutirents, and as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. This could seem like a stretch but this product caused an influx in the energy drink business. People drink these throughout the day to make them work better and more efficiently. Even if this is simple a placebo effect the managers will not mind when their staff are working more productively than before just by drinking a little placebo effect.
