Techbology (IOE Chapter 1a (1.1-1.7))
Techbology (IOE Chapter 1a (1.1-1.7))
Group Tutor:
members: Assoc. Prof. Shukra Raj
Ashutosh Ray, Paudel
001 Department of Civil
Aayush Pageni, Engineering
002 2023-12- IOE, Tribhuvan University
Aayush Sapkota, 28
Outline of the Presentation
1. Definition
5. Appropriate technology
• Types:
• Tangible: Physical devices, machines, and equipment (e.g.,
smartphones, computers, vehicles).
• Intangible: Software, algorithms, systems, and processes (e.g.,
apps, AI, cloud computing).
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1. Definition of Technology
• Fields of Application:
• Communication (e.g., internet, smartphones).
• Healthcare (e.g., medical devices, telemedicine).
• Transportation (e.g., electric vehicles, GPS).
• Manufacturing (e.g., robotics, 3D printing).
• Energy (e.g., renewable energy systems).
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Advantages
• Convenience: Simplifies daily life through tools like online shopping,
GPS, and smart home devices.
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Disadvantages
• Dependency: Over-reliance on technology can reduce critical
thinking and problem-solving skills.
7
Disadvantages
• Environmental Impact: Production and disposal of technology
contribute to pollution and resource depletion.
• Communication Technology
• Enables the exchange of information over distances.
• Examples: Smartphones, internet, satellites, social media
platforms.
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Categories of Technology
• Biotechnology
• Uses biological systems or living organisms to develop products
and solutions.
• Examples: Genetic engineering, vaccines, biofuels, CRISPR.
• Medical Technology
• Improves healthcare through tools, devices, and procedures.
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Purpose
1. Problem-Solving
• Provides solutions to complex challenges in areas like healthcare, environment,
and infrastructure.
• Examples: Medical devices for diagnosis, renewable energy to combat climate
change.
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Purpose
3. Improving Communication
• Facilitates faster and more effective communication across distances.
• Examples: Smartphones, email, video conferencing tools.
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Limitations
1. High Costs
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining technology can be expensive.
• Example: Advanced medical equipment or infrastructure upgrades.
2. Dependency
• Over-reliance on technology can reduce critical thinking, problem-solving skills,
and self-sufficiency.
• Example: Dependence on GPS for navigation
Source : Europosters
Negative impact
• Waste: Large amounts of waste are generated from
industries, agriculture, hospitals , mines etc. that pollute
the land, air and water. E-Waste: As of the latest data,
the world generated approximately 62 million metric tons
of e-waste in 2022. This volume has nearly doubled since
2010, and it is projected to exceed 80 million metric tons
by 2030.("Electronic Waste Worldwide: E-waste
Generation, by Region 2010-2025." Statista, 2024.)
Despite the significant amount of e-waste generated, only
about 22.3% of it was documented as formally collected
and recycled in an environmentally sound manner.("The
Global E-waste Monitor 2024." International
Telecommunication Union, 2024.
Negative impact
• Environmental Pollution : Air pollution is responsible for over 6.5 million
deaths annually, affecting millions of people worldwide. (National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, 2023).
• In 2021, mining activities led to the contamination of over 1,500 water bodies in
Southeast Asia due to the release of toxic waste. (World Bank) . Pulp and paper
mills are responsible for about 35% of industrial water pollution in developed
countries, discharging high volumes of chlorine-based compounds and organic
matter into rivers. (Environmental Protection Agency)
Impact of technology on environment
Negative impact
• Resource depletion:
Negative impact
• Greenhouse gas emission and climate change acceleration:
Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are rapidly accelerating climate
change by trapping heat in the atmosphere. This intensifies global warming, causing
more severe weather events, melting ice, and rising sea levels, threatening
ecosystems and human societies.
• Effect on other life on earth:
⮚ Habitat Loss: Human activities have led to the loss of 85% of the world's
wetlands and significant portions of other critical habitats, exacerbating species
declines.
⮚ According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List,
as of 2024, 905 species have been recorded as extinct since 1500 AD.
Approximately 1 million animal and plant species are currently threatened with
Impact of technology on environment
Positive Impact
Positive Impact
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As a cultural reform to Nepal
• Technology has significantly transformed Nepal,
bringing modern conveniences while reshaping
traditional practices. From agriculture to
communication, education to business, Nepal is
experiencing a shift towards digitalization and
innovation. As:
C. Transformation in Agriculture:
⮚ Smart agriculture apps like Krishi Guru offering weather
forecasts, market prices, and expert advice.
⮚ Drip irrigation, hybrid seeds, and mechanized farming.
⮚ Farmers now selling products online through digital platforms.
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⮚ D. Digitalization of Business and Economy:
⮚ E-commerce platforms like Daraz, SastoDeal, and
HamroBazar have changed shopping habits.
⮚ Digital wallets like eSewa, Khalti, and IME Pay.
G. Advancements in Healthcare:
⮚ People relied on herbal medicine and Ayurvedic treatments.
⮚ Telemedicine services (Jeevan Bikas Telemedicine, Hamro
Doctor) providing healthcare access to remote locations.
⮚ AI-driven medical diagnosis and digital health records. 39
thus:
The advancement of technology
has led to significant changes
in Nepal's traditional
practices while also preserving
cultural identity. Nepal is
embracing modernization while
maintaining its heritage, proving
that technology can be a tool for
both progress and cultural
preservation.
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Conflict of Technology
⮚What is Conflict?
• Oxford dictionary defines conflicts as a serious disagreement or
argument within or between social entities .
Source: Nadya_Art
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Conflict of Technology
Some conflicts created by technology:
1. Digital Divide:
• Unequal access to technology between different socioeconomic
groups, creating disparities in opportunities and information access.
• Example:
▪ Equipment for research in universities of Nepal vs. universities of Europe and America.
▪ Rural community lacking reliable internet access, preventing residents from accessing
essential online services like job applications, or online education.
4. Job Automation:
• Technological advancements
replacing human jobs, leading
to unemployment and
economic instability in certain
sectors.
• Example:
▪ Yellow Vest Protests in France.
Source: Thomas Bresson
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Conflict of Technology
5. Weaponization of Technology:
• The use of technological
advancements to enhance or
enable military and strategic
capabilities in conflict, turning
technology into a tool for war and
violence.
• Examples:
▪ Drone attack in Ukraine and Russia War
▪ The region along Israel's northern border
using automatic turrets.
Source:
▪ Use of MOC (computational technique) apnews.com
in Russia during second world war.
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Technology Creates Opportunity for Society
to Change
⮚Technology shapes society and society shapes
technology. –Robert Winthrop White
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Technology Creates Opportunity for
Society to Change
⮚Revolutionizing Communication and Connectivity
Global Connectivity:
Social media, video conferencing, and instant
messaging break down geographical barriers,
enabling real-time global communication.
Source:
Social Movements: turtletime.com
⮚Economic Transformation
• Job Creation in Tech Sectors: The rise of digital economies
creates job opportunities in tech-related fields such as software
development, cyber security, and digital marketing.
• Digital Entrepreneurship: Technology lowers the barriers to
starting a business, allowing individuals to launch startups online,
often with low overhead costs.
• Remote Work and Global Talent: Digital tools enable flexible
work arrangements and the ability to tap into a global talent pool,
transforming how businesses operate, and people work.
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Technology Creates Opportunity for Society to Change
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5. Appropriate Technology
Definition:
• Dr. Ernst Friedrich "Fritz" Schumacher introduced the concept in Small is Beautiful,
arguing that technology should promote health and beauty.
• Water mill
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Advantages
• Cost-effective and affordable.
• Environmentally sustainable.
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Challenges
• May not always scale effectively for large communities.
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6. Intermediate Technology
• Technology which combines sophisticated ideas
with cheap and readily available materials
making it suitable for developing countries
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Is it different from Appropriate Technology?
Ensures the technology is best suited for Balances between traditional and modern
the economic, social, and environmental technology to provide practical and
conditions of the target area feasible solutions
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Why do we need intermediate technology?
• Decentralization
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Application of Intermediate Technology
1. Fetching Water
• Local Technology – Manually fetch water
from rivers or wells
• Modern Technology – Electric pump
• Intermediate Technology – HAND PUMPS
Fig : Hand
Pump 63
Application of Intermediate Technology
2. Water Purification
• Local Technology – Sediment water, Boil water
• Modern Technology – Water purifiers
• Intermediate Technology – CLOTH FILTERS
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Application of Intermediate Technology
3. Milling Grains
• Local Technology – Hand grinding using stone mills
• Modern Technology – Electric grain mills
• Intermediate Technology – BICYCLE-POWERED
GRAIN MILLS
Fig : Bicycle-power
grain mill
Source : sensiblesurvival.org
65
Labour Based Technology
• Construction or production methods
combining labour with light equipments and
tool rather than sophisticated technology
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Labour Based VS Machine Based
Labour Based Technology Machine Based Technology
Focuses primarily on labour for Focuses on use of machines and
production automation for production
Minimal initial investment on High initial investment on
equipments equipments
Slower production Faster production
Suitable for regions with high Suitable for regions with high labour
unemployment and abundant labour cost and low workforce availability
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Features of Labour Based Technology
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Advantages of Labour Based Technology
Generatio
Low Developm
n
Capital ent
Of
Investmen Of
Employme
t Skill
nt
Reduction
Increased
Of
Use Of
Environme
Local
ntal
Resources
Impact
70
Disadvantages of Labour Based Technology
Lower Higher
Limited
Productivit Long Term
Scalability
y Costs
Labour Difficult to
Unrest and maintain
Manageme consistenc
nt Issues y
71
Labour Intensive Technology
• Production processes requiring high proportion of human labour
compared to capital investment
72
Labour Intensive Technology
Labour Costs higher than Capital Capital Costs higher than Labour
Costs Costs
Low capital investments but higher High capital investments but few
workforce requirement workers required
Lower productivity but high Higher productivity but lower
employment generation employment generation
74
Advantages of Labour Intensive Technology
Generatio Cost-
n Effective Preserves
Of in Labour- Traditional
Employme Rich Skill
nt Countries
Reduces
Dependen
Community
cy on
Involvemen
Foreign
t
Technolog
y
75
Disadvantages of Labour Intensive Technology
Not
Requires
suitable
Lower Large
for regions
Productivit Number of
with high
y Trained
Labour
Workers
Costs
Labour Difficult to
Unrest and maintain
Manageme consistenc
nt Issues y
76
7. SHIFTS IN EMPLOYMENT DUE
TO TECHNOLOGICAL
ADVANCEMENT
Industrial Workers
(Industrial Age)
Source :
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Why shift in employment occurs?
• Change in consumer demands
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Shift of employment in different industries
Types of Industries
1. Primary Industry
• Involves the extraction and
harvesting of natural resources
Fig :
directly from the Earth Agriculture
Source :
• Yield of primary production samriddhi.org
Types of Industries
2. Secondary Industry
• Involves processing and
manufacturing of raw materials
Fig : Food Factory
Source : youtube.com/@Food-
• Eg : Factories producing processed Kingdom
Types of Industries
3. Tertiary Industry
• Does not produce physical goods
• Provides services rather than Fig : Healthcare
Source :
goods nursesgroup.co.uk
• Eg : Healthcare, Education,
Transportation, Banking, Tourism
Fig : Education
Source : 82
Employment patterns in different countries
LEDC MEDC
(Less NIC (Newly (More
Economica Industrializ Economica
lly ed lly
Developed Country) Developed
Country) by
• Dominated Country)
• Mechanized
• Strong
primary manufacturing Farming
industry sector • Automation of
• Little • Manufacturing manufacturing
mechanization industries • Very strong
on farms move to NICs tertiary
• Little industry
to take
manufacturing advantage of • Growth of jobs
• In Early stages in the field of
cheap labour
of economic and land knowledge
development
83
Shift of employment in different industries
84
Shift of employment in different industries
85
Shift of employment in different industries
Tertiary Industry –
Increases
Workers migrate to urban areas
86
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