Vital Role of Information Technology in Managerial Activities

In the modern dynamic business workplace, Information Technology (IT) works both efficiently and reliably. Computer and information systems managers play a central role in the implementation and administration of technology within their organizations. They plan, coordinate, and direct research on the computer-related activities of firms. In consultation with other managers, they help determine the goals of an organization and then implement technology to meet those goals. Before defining the imperative and critical role of information technology in the job of managers in the business world, we must define who is manager actually.

Managerial Roles:

A manager is responsible for the overall success of his/her related tasks, assignments or projects. In some companies, this person might be called a Project Coordinator, or a Team Leader, however, the key aspect is that the person is responsible for ensuring the success of the given responsibilities.

Process Responsibilities: Once any project starts, the project manager must successfully manage and control the work, including:

·         Identifying, tracking managing and resolving project issues

·         Proactively disseminating project information to all stakeholders

·         Identifying, managing and mitigating project risk

·         Ensuring that the solution is of acceptable quality

·         Proactively managing scope to ensure that only what was agreed to is delivered, unless changes are approved through scope management

·         Defining and collecting metrics to give a sense for how the project is progressing and whether the deliverables produced are acceptable

·         Managing the overall schedule to ensure work is assigned and completed on time and within budget

Information Technology plays supporting role for managers to planning, implementing, organizing, and controlling all these activities. Managers use IT to develop Management Information System to streamline all their processes. These systems help them a lot form initial stage of planning to final stage of controlling and decision making of all processes.

Information System Managers:

Information systems managers generally have technical expertise from working in a computer occupation, as well as an understanding of business and management principles. A strong educational background and experience in a variety of technical fields is needed.

Education and Training: A bachelor's degree in a business-related field usually is required for management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component. Common majors for a graduate degree are Human Resource, Finance, Marketing, or Management Information Systems (MIS).

Certification and Other Qualifications: Information Systems Managers need a broad range of skills. Employers look for individuals who can demonstrate an understanding of the specific software or technology used on the job. Generally, this knowledge is gained through years of experience working with that particular product. Another way to demonstrate this trait is with professional certification.

Advancement: Information Systems Managers may advance to progressively higher leadership positions in available related departments. A team manager, for instance, might be promoted to the project manager and then to chief information officer.

Information Technology is used almost in every industry, organization and department in current business world. The rate of change in transformation of managerial roles is very high in each and every part of the world because of IT.

Managerial Positions and IT Participation:

Managerial positions that manage workers, deal with information technology, or make business or technical decisions include:

Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers coordinate and maintain their companies’ market research systems, marketing strategy systems, sales monitoring systems, advertising, promotion, pricing, product development, and public relations activities with the help of IT.

Computer Network, Systems, and Database Managers are the designers of computer networks. They set up, test, and evaluate systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, and other data communications systems.

Computer Systems Analysts use IT tools to help enterprises of all sizes achieve their goals. They may design and develop new computer systems by choosing and configuring hardware and software, or they may devise ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional tasks.

Engineering and Natural Sciences Managers plan, coordinate, and direct research, design, and production activities. To perform effectively, these managers use IT for administrative procedures, such as budgeting, hiring, and supervision.

Financial Managers oversee the preparation of financial reports, direct investment activities, and implement cash management strategies. Managers use special financial software’s to develop strategies, to formulate forecasted financial statements and to implement the long-term goals of their organization.

Top Executives devise strategies and formulate policies with the help of information systems to ensure that the desired goals and objectives are met on the right time. Information Technology plays vital role in their decision making.

Conclusion:

The analysis of the role of Information Technology in managerial activities reflects that the future of managers in organization heavily depends on the use of IT.  Due to involvement of IT

·         Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

·         A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component.

·         Many managers possess advanced technical knowledge gained from working in a computer occupation.

·         The future of Managers is all about the combination of management and IT skills.