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.

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