A SYSTEMS DYNAMICS APPROACH TO COMPETING TECHNOLOGIES: EXPLORING UNCERTAINTY OF INTERACTION AND MARKET PARAMETERS

Authors

  • L. Pretorius Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria
  • S.J. Benade Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/22-2-13

Keywords:

innovation process, Technology, technology management system, competitive behaviour, Lotka-Volterra approach

Abstract

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Technology can be identified as the result of an innovation process that may be time-dependent. Furthermore, technology is both an input to the innovation process and an output of it. When two competing technologies are diffused into the market, they are evaluated as a technology system by means of a systems dynamics approach. It is shown that systems thinking can be used initially to identify and assess the important factors that influence the competitive behaviour of the two technologies. Interesting dynamics of this technology management system are presented and discussed in the context of uncertainty of interaction between the two technologies. It is specifically shown that the life span of the existing technology, which resists competition, may be adversely affected under conditions of uncertainty. The effect of uncertainty in more than one systems dynamics model parameter

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Published

2011-11-05

How to Cite

Pretorius, L., & Benade, S. (2011). A SYSTEMS DYNAMICS APPROACH TO COMPETING TECHNOLOGIES: EXPLORING UNCERTAINTY OF INTERACTION AND MARKET PARAMETERS. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.7166/22-2-13

Issue

Section

General Articles