Sustaining Productivity Post 2007–2009 Recession: An Examination of the Role of Technology, Knowledge, and Human Capital
Date of Award
5-25-2011
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Professional Studies
Organizational Unit
University College, Organizational Leadership
Disciplines
Leadership and Organizations
First Advisor
Sam Conn
Keywords
Human capital, Knowledge management, Performance, Productivity, Recession, Talent management, Technology
Abstract
Data from the past three global recessions, the 1980 financial crisis, the 1990 slowdown and the 2000 bust, indicate 17 percent of publicly traded companies did not survive the recession: They filed for bankruptcy, were acquired, or became private. Before the economic crisis, many companies were reluctant to conform to proven productivity practices used by information technology (IT) companies. Today, an economic recession coupled with global expansion has continued to force companies to explore new ways to increase productivity. Many companies have turned to technology, knowledge management (KM), and human capital practices to increase profits. In this capstone project, the author used grounded theory to investigate data and practices to determine an overall productivity strategy. The author then conducted a comparative analysis against strategies identified in Brynjolfsson's (2005) "Seven Pillars of Productivity." The author provided an overview of effective productivity strategies and challenges and uncovered new techniques to promote profitability in the post-recession global market. Finally, the author validated human capital as a company's most treasured contributor to productivity.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Sparhawk, Eileen, "Sustaining Productivity Post 2007–2009 Recession: An Examination of the Role of Technology, Knowledge, and Human Capital" (2011). University College: Organizational Leadership Capstones. 39.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/ucol_orl/39