Question 1

What is most likely to occur once a firm has reached the upper portion of the S-curve?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is most likely to occur once...

Question 2

How can the introduction of new technology be best depicted?

Accepted Answer

The introduction of new technology is best depicted as a shift of the S-curve, as it represents a change in the potential performance or efficiency of a technology, rather than just a movement along the existing curve.

Question 3

What is one of the reasons incumbent firms are reluctant to introduce new technologies that shift the S-curve?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is one of the reasons incumbent...

Question 4

When should a firm prepare for a technology shift by investing in the development of alternative technologies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When should a firm prepare for a...

Question 5

What typically needs to occur before a new technology can "take off"?

Accepted Answer

All of the listed factors are necessary for a new technology to "take off." Supportive technologies need to be created to make the new technology possible, a need for the new product has to be identified to create demand, and focus on niche segments of the market that may be less profitable can help to build a customer base and generate revenue.

Question 6

According to the Abernathy-Utterback model, what follows radical innovation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the Abernathy-Utterback model, what follows...

Question 7

According to the Abernathy-Utterback model, when does only incremental innovation occur?

Accepted Answer

In the Abernathy-Utterback model, incremental innovation primarily occurs during the specific phase, where the focus is on refining and improving existing processes and products rather than creating new ones.

Question 8

According to the Abernathy-Utterback model, what causes the cycle of innovation to repeat?

Accepted Answer

Radical innovation triggers the cycle of innovation to repeat by disrupting existing technologies and creating new opportunities for development and competition.

Question 9

What can be used to describe the creation of new goods and services sold to customers?

Accepted Answer

Product innovation refers to the creation of new goods and services that are sold to customers.

Question 10

What is it called when technological innovation involves problem solving that improves the method of creating or delivering a product or service?

Accepted Answer

Process innovation refers to improvements in the method of creating or delivering a product or service, focusing on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

Question 11

What type of innovation was exemplified when Boeing's engineers figured out how to make the wings of the new Dreamliner aircraft out of a composite material in place of aluminum to make the plane lighter and more fuel efficient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What type of innovation was exemplified when...

Question 12

In what phase of an industry is there generally the most risk?

Accepted Answer

The fluid phase of an industry is characterized by high uncertainty and rapid changes, making it the riskiest phase.

Question 13

What is most descriptive of the specific phase of an industry?

Accepted Answer

A dominant design emerges is most descriptive of the specific phase in an industry where standardization occurs, leading to more efficient production and clearer customer preferences.

Question 14

In which phase of an industry does competition typically shift away form design uniqueness to production costs as firms focus on achieving production efficiencies with the common design?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In which phase of an industry does...

Question 15

What type of innovation is most likely to occur during the specific phase?

Accepted Answer

Process innovation is most likely to occur during the specific phase because it involves making changes to the way a product is made or delivered.

Question 16

The personal computer industry provides a good example of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The personal computer industry provides a good...

Question 17

According to the Abernathy-Utterback model, which phase is most favorable for new firms?

Accepted Answer

The fluid phase is most favorable for new firms because it is characterized by rapid technological change and low barriers to entry. This allows new firms to enter the market and compete with established firms on a more level playing field.

Question 18

What is most likely to happen once a dominant design has been established?

Accepted Answer

Once a dominant design is established, firms tend to standardize their processes and structures to optimize production and efficiency, often leading to more hierarchical and bureaucratic organizational structures.

Question 19

What is most likely to happen before a dominate design has been established?

Accepted Answer

Before a dominant design is established, firms often operate on a small scale to minimize technical uncertainty and experiment with different designs and technologies.

Question 20

In which phase is there most likely to be the largest increase in the number of firms?

Accepted Answer

The fluid phase is characterized by high levels of innovation and experimentation, leading to a large increase in the number of firms entering the market.

Quiz 2: Technology Evolution