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Teams of programmers and testers frequently synchronize and periodically stabilize the changes they make to products in progress, yielding Excel Office, Publisher, Windows 95, Windows NT, Word, Works, and more. […]

The article discusses the development of quantum computing in relation to early development of conventional computing. Topics include the role of qubits as circuits in quantum computers, applications for quantum computing, and the significance of quantum encryption and secure communications in relation to quantum computing.

The author presents his thoughts on the business models used in the sharing economy by businesses such as ride hailing company Uber and Lyft and housing rental service Airbnb. Topics covered include the profits and loss of sharing economy ventures, subsidies, and limited economies of scale due to sales and marketing expenses.

Several issues are examined from an international technology transfer and technology strategy and management angle. A study was made to identify research on technology strategy and management perspectives that can be used in solving basic problems related to international technology transfer. A strategic and managerial perspective can create a sensible set of corporate-level policies, organizational initiatives and competence.

A study was conducted on the evolution of craft production to the present flexible systems and software factories. Factory systems were observed to have branched into two paths: product versatility and more stress towards engineering work. The boom in factory system innnovations has changed the factory atmosphere froma simple scale economy to a scope economy. Firms have also considered software as a manageable entity, resulting in more enhanced flexible-factory tools and techniques.

Japanese automobile producers demonstrated the highest levels of product-development productivity and overall sales performance. They developed the most unique car parts and new designs. In termsof structure and process, the Japanese had more heavyweight managers, phase overlapping and internal communications than US and European makers. They were also more advanced than their US and European counterparts in key dimensions ofproductivity such as engineering hours, lead time and the number of replaced and added models.

The article discusses the electronic-commerce company Amazon.com's acquisition of the grocery chain Whole Foods. Topics include Whole Foods' declining sales and profits and increasing competition from supermarket business prior to the sale, the expansion of Amazon under chief executive officer (CEO) Jeff Bezos' business strategy, and Amazon's efforts to cross-market its grocery delivery service Hello Fresh and its Prime membership to Whole Foods customers.

The author discusses some strategies for achieving start-up success. According to the author, investing in a strong management team is important in the success of a venture. He adds that a technology-driven company needs strong technical leadership. He says a structurally attractive market does not rely on size alone. There is a need for startups to demonstrate to investors the willingness of actual consumers to purchase the new product or service, the author says. He also points out that flexibility in strategy, business models and technology are important considerations for investors.

The author debates the economic aspects and costs of free online courses in higher education in the U.S., such as massive open online courses (MOOCs). Internet in education, online courses from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the history of the software industry are discussed, as well as tuition costs, venture capital for MOOC services, and the business models of Internet and software companies such as Google.

The article focuses on a case study concerning the intellectual property lawsuits between computer company Apple and electronics company Samsung. It states in August 2012, U.S. jurors found Samsung violated six of Apple's patents that help define the appearance and feel of the iPhone, while courts in Japan and South Korea found Samsung did not violate Apple patents. It suggests computer software company Microsoft and smartphone manufacturer Nokia may benefit from the verdict due to their design.