Question

question 5

12 pts

____ are characterized by little task variety and the use of objective, computational procedures.

engineering technologies

craft technologies

nonroutine technologies

routine technologies

Explanation:

Analyze the question prompt

The question asks to identify the type of technology characterized by "little task variety" and the "use of objective, computational procedures." This classification comes from Charles Perrow's framework of department technology.

Evaluate Perrow's dimensions

Perrow classifies technology based on two dimensions:

1. Task Variety: The frequency of unexpected and novel events that occur in the conversion process (high vs. low).
2. Problem Analyzability: The degree to which conversion processes are mechanical, stable, and can be solved with objective, computational procedures (analyzable vs. unanalyzable).

Map the characteristics to Perrow's categories

• Routine technologies are characterized by little task variety (low variety) and highly analyzable work, meaning they rely on objective, computational, and standardized procedures.
• Engineering technologies have high task variety but are highly analyzable (relying on established formulas and procedures).
• Craft technologies have low task variety but are unanalyzable (relying on intuition and experience).
• Nonroutine technologies have high task variety and are unanalyzable.

Match with the student's profile

Using the student's existing Technical Knowledge, we can connect this organizational theory concept to how structural design aligns with operational workflows. Since the prompt specifies "little task variety" and "objective, computational procedures," it perfectly matches the definition of Routine technologies.

Answer:

• Engineering technologies
• Craft technologies
• Nonroutine technologies
• Routine technologies (Correct answer)