From calf to carcass: Use of information technology to support learning and competitiveness (Singapore).

摘要

Information technology (IT) use is transforming the global economy and its practices. Given the resulting environment of profound, pervasive, rapid change, many commentators and practitioners cite continuous learning as the single most important prerequisite for competitiveness. My central question is ‘can IT use assist learning’? I focus on national government entities whose responsibilities may significantly affect constituents' competitiveness and success in achieving their goals.; The following description exemplifies the context noted above, and provided my title: (1) Technology is transforming the cattle and dairy industries. Competitive pressures, high feed costs, and demand for prime, specialty beef have forced more farmers and ranchers to drive their herds into the electronic frontier. (2) Cowboy gear may now include electronic scanners along with the more predictable ropes, chaps and pocket knives. The scanners collect identifying data from the electronic ear tags that, when downloaded into laptop computers, automatically calls up each cow's family and medical history. (3) A slightly different sort of scanner is also mounted on the doors of dairy barns to read which cows come in to be milked. “The technology allows tracking, ‘from calf to carcass’,1 which is the first step toward herd improvement”.2 The Singapore government has planned for IT since 1980, and has substantial experience in using and promoting IT from a great variety of perspectives. Singapore has also evolved from a low level of development at independence in 1959 to ranking among the world's top countries in per capita gross domestic and gross national product. The city state thus offered a most promising case for my study.; My Singapore cases exhibited two significant learning patterns. First, continuous learning was in evidence in every case. Second, use of networked information technology led to constructive changes in behavior and created opportunities prerequisite for organizational learning. This IT use appeared to increase capability and power at every level; while the lowest level gained, the relative distribution of power seemed stable.; The Singapore government continues to improve its IT use and programs, and to address new possibilities and new conditions created by IT evolution and global use. International IT conferences and trade shows are plentiful in Singapore. IT research and development, production, and sales are growing. The Singapore ONE network will provide high-speed connection capable of multimedia transmission and interactivity to all government entities, businesses, institutions, organizations, and residences. Usage is fast increasing. Singapore investment in IT infrastructure in Asia is growing. And Singapore advice is often sought by others. All of these point to a positive assessment of value Singapore derives from IT.; 1Emphasis added. 2Kate Murphy. “Computer Technology Transforms The Cattle and Dairy Industries”. The New York Times - Cyber Times, July 21, 1997. P. 1 of 5. Quote from David Warren, president of Allflex USA, Inc., a manufacturer of electronic animal identification devices.