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“A society of problem solvers will advance far beyond that of labor workers.” Jeff Watson, 1.16.2009 |
Background
It is Friday afternoon and I’m minding my own business when an email hits my inbox that I would normally dismiss without another thought. Instead, I figure I’ll give it 10 seconds to get my attention. After all, it was sent from someone I know and trust but is also known for forwarding way to much email. I’m not pointing fingers, you all know who you are, but if you don’t forward this link to at least 10 people you will have bad luck for the rest of the year. 
At any rate, it struck a nerve. I work in technology, I consider myself a technologist, and until I watched this video I don’t think I have ever pondered the scale and speed things are moving. If you have not watched the video above, then do so now.
The Inquiry
An old high school buddy of mine, Artagus, is teaching a class on technology at the college this semester and responded to my email about the “Did You Know” video above.
Hey Jeff,
How are ya man? I hope you all are doing great! I am teaching a class at … this semester (if you can believe that!), and thought you might be able to offer some insight for me and the class. The course is Technology and Sustainable Economic Development, basically on how technology helps to fuel economic dev. at different levels. Any thoughts or input or resources you may have would be much appreciated!
-Art
My Response
That’s great that you’re teaching. Pretty neat!
One of the latest trends in technology is Business Process Management, or BPM. BPM focuses on improving the quality and or velocity of business processes. The bottom line is money. Imagine how the assembly line transformed manufacturing during the industrial revolution. BPM is the foundation for accomplishing the same thing but with technology. It is less tangible which makes it more complex, but the end goal is the same. Efficiency. Do more with less.
This concept may seem counter intuitive when related to economic development because it seems to require less skilled resources or labor workers. However, if looked at from a macro level, it stimulates the education of problem solvers rather than technical skills. Think of it this way. Would the world be a safer place with the majority of people knowing how to make better cars or drive cars better? A society of problem solvers will advance far beyond that of labor workers.
Just my .02. I’ll probably blog on this now that you’ve got me started.
-Jeff
And true to my threat, you are now reading my post. Which, by the way, I’m mostly interested to hear your take on the video or the email thread. What do you think?
