Unit 6 Management in Information Technology

Introduction

Aim

To enable learners to embrace the work-based activities expected of a technology manager, by providing the generic skills, knowledge and understanding required in the IT environment.

Unit abstract

The unit will investigate and provide the generic skills, understanding, knowledge and work-based activities required by a manager in the information technology environment, thus enabling them to play an active role within an organisation. Technology managers have to deal with change and participate effectively with management at all levels, including senior management, in the development and implementation of strategies. Learners will be introduced to the software tools available to support management and produce reports for financial planning and control. In this unit learners will also use IT for strategic planning activities and evaluate the impact of IT on management as well as learn the importance of embracing new developments.

Learning outcomes

1 Understand principles of staff management

Recruitment: policies eg legal, job descriptions, selection criteria, preparation for interview, administrative and induction; line management structure
Motivation: current theories eg management of change, leadership, participation, team structure and management
Administration: tasks eg scheduling including links with project management, monitoring performance, appraisal, terms and conditions of employment; employer standards; systems and expectations; company policies and procedures

2 Be able to use software management tools

Management planning: processes eg investigation of an organisation’s budgetary procedures, bidding procedures, budgetary monitoring systems, production of financial reports, managing projects
Software tools for management: information system tools eg diary systems, spreadsheets, intranet, decision support systems; identification of tools with appropriate applications; project management software; management information systems

3 Be able to participate in strategic planning

Strategic planning: aim of strategic planning; use of IT in strategic planning; participating eg, contributing to disaster recovery plan, IT systems planning on strategic planning
Maintaining currency: research methods eg periodicals, internet, conference; human networking; accreditation; issues eg social, political, ethical, legal (UK, EU, global)

4 Understand current developments in information technology

Developments in IT: impact on management eg learning new skills, training; impact of the internet eg on senior and middle management
Importance: for management eg competitive advantage, efficiency, data analysis, deployment of staff (home working)

Resources

AaldersR, Hind P – The IT Managers Survival Guide (Wiley, 2002) ISBN 047084454X
Green M – Change Management Masterclass: A Step-by-step Guide to Successful Change Management (Kogan Page, 2007) ISBN 0749445076
Holtsnider B, Jaffe B – IT Manager's Handbook Second Edition: Getting your new job done (Morgan Kaufmann, 2006) ISBN 012370488X
MacDonald, Lynda – How to Manage Problem Staff Successfully: Busy Manager's Guide to
Managing Staff (Emerald Guides, 2008) ISBN 1847160581
Robson W – Strategic Management and Information Systems: An Integrated Approach (Prentice Hall, 2007) ISBN 0273615912