1. Apply the concept of life cycle to an organization with which you are familiar, such as a local business. What stage is the organization in now? How did the organization handle or pass through its life cycle crises?
2. Why do you think organizations feel pressure to grow? What are the benefits and drawbacks of a large organization?
3. Refer to the Case for Analysis, Digitalization in the Manufacturing Sector: Skills in Transition, at the end of chapter 8. What is meant in the case by “jobs being de-skilled”? Do you think the knowledge and skillsets based on older technologies are worth saving for a company? Explain.
4. How might a company best work through the transition from an old to a new manufacturing technology with its employees? Discuss.