Information Systems Managers also manage the work of other IT workers such as software engineers; software developers, programmers, systems analysts, and IT support specialists (i.e. operators, security, database administration etc.). They coordinate activities such as installing and upgrading hardware and software, manage projects and systems design, implement computer networks etc. They analyze the information needs of the company from an operational and strategic perspective and determine personnel needed and equipment requirements. They review the latest technology to ensure that the company technology remains competitive and current.
Today Information Technology (IT) is being used in almost every company and it is important that they work effectively, reliably and securely. To achieve that, these systems must be managed by highly skilled IT managers who know how to implement and manage technology for the company. Information Systems Management (ISM) is the field that develops these skilled managers. In this program, students learn how to plan, coordinate, and direct all IT-related activities to make sure that they meet the company’s business objectives. Students also learn how to collaborate with other business unit’s managers to determine the needs of each group within the company then implement technology to meet those needs. Basically, IT managers oversee all technical aspects within the company, from software development and deliver IT services to network operations and security.
Information Systems Managers also manage the work of other IT workers such as software engineers; software developers, programmers, systems analysts, and IT support specialists (i.e. operators, security, database administration etc.). They coordinate activities such as installing and upgrading hardware and software, manage projects and systems design, implement computer networks etc. They analyze the information needs of the company from an operational and strategic perspective and determine personnel needed and equipment requirements. They review the latest technology to ensure that the company technology remains competitive and current.
Most Information System Management graduates start as IT project managers who develop project requirements, budgets, and schedules for the IT projects. They coordinate such projects from development through implementation, working with their IT workers, as well as customers, users, vendors, and consultants. One of the key success of this career is they develop a lifelong learning attitude to keep their knowledge up to date with all advanced technologies so they can understand and guide the work of their workers as well as explain the work to senior managers and customers.
Information systems management position requires broad range of skills such as technical skills, foreign language skills, and soft-skills. They need both knowledge in specific software or technology used in the company and knowledge of the company business. With globalization, many companies are expanding their business oversea or using electronic commerce to do business globally and IT managers should be ready to do business with foreign companies, travel to meet customers, vendors in other countries so foreign language skills are a key requirement. Information systems managers must also have good soft-skills such as communication, presentation, and leadership because they are required to interact with other people inside and outside their companies.
A bachelor’s degree in Information System Management (ISM) is a minimum requirement for IT management positions. Some companies even prefer a graduate degree such as an MBA in Information technology. This degree differs from a traditional MBA in that there is a heavy emphasis on information technology in addition to the standard business curriculum. Today this new degree is becoming popular among college students because there are more job openings for this skill and more information systems managers are making important technology decisions as well as business decisions for their companies.
Basically among IT careers, Information Systems Managers often move up to important position as technology is becoming a key strategic factor. Most Chief Technology officers (CTOs) and Chief Information Officers (CIO) often came from Information System Management ranks. In these positions, they evaluate newest technologies and determine how these can help the company. When new tools or new platforms have been selected, they determines implementation strategies, including cost-benefit and return on investment analyses, and presents those strategies to senior management, such as the chief executive officer (CEO) or the president of the company.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information systems managers is expected to grow 27 percent over the 2012-22 decade, which is faster than most occupations. As new applications of technology will continue to drive demand for more IT workers, the need for more IT managers is also increasing. To remain competitive in this globalized world, more companies are implementing sophisticated information systems, complex networks and websites. They will need to have highly skilled IT managers to manage these systems. Therefore the prospects for qualified information systems management graduates should be excellent. IT graduates with specialized technical knowledge, strong soft-skills, good foreign language skills and business skills will have the best prospects and high salary than others.