Duties
Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and
direct research and facilitate the computer-related activities of
firms. They help determine both technical and business goals in
consultation with top management and make detailed plans for the
accomplishment of these goals. This requires a strong understanding of
both technology and business practices.
Computer and information systems managers direct the work of systems
analysts, computer programmers, support specialists, and other
computer-related workers. They plan and coordinate activities such as
installation and upgrading of hardware and software, programming and
systems design, development of computer networks, and implementation of
Internet and intranet sites. They are increasingly involved with the
upkeep, maintenance, and security of networks. They analyze the
computer and information needs of their organizations from an
operational and strategic perspective and determine immediate and
long-range personnel and equipment requirements. They assign and review
the work of their subordinates and stay abreast of the latest
technology to ensure the organization does not lag behind competitors.
The duties of computer and information systems managers vary greatly. Chief technology officers (CTOs),
for example, evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies and
determine how these can help their organizations. The chief technology
officer often reports to the organization’s chief information officer,
manages and plans technical standards, and tends to the daily
information technology issues of the firm. Because of the rapid pace of technological change, chief technology
officers must constantly be on the lookout for developments that could
benefit their organizations. Once a useful tool has been identified,
the CTO must determine an implementation strategy and sell that
strategy to management.
Management information systems (MIS) directors or information technology (IT) directors manage
computing resources for their organizations. They often work under the
chief information officer and plan and direct the work of subordinate
information technology employees. These managers ensure the
availability, continuity, and security of data and information
technology services in their organizations. In this capacity, they
oversee a variety of user services such as an organization’s help desk,
which employees can call with questions or problems. MIS directors also
may make hardware and software upgrade recommendations based on their
experience with an organization’s technology.
Project managers develop requirements, budgets, and schedules
for their firms’ information technology projects. They coordinate such
projects from development through implementation, working with internal
and external clients, vendors, consultants, and computer specialists.
These managers are increasingly involved in projects that upgrade the
information security of an organization. Education and Training A bachelor’s degree usually is required for management positions,
although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA
with technology as a core component. This degree differs from a
traditional MBA in that there is a heavy emphasis on information
technology in addition to the standard business curriculum. This
preparation is becoming important because more computer and information
systems managers are making important technology decisions as well as
business decisions for their organizations.
Some universities offer degrees in management information systems.
These degrees blend technical subjects with business, accounting, and
communications courses. A few computer and information systems managers
attain their positions with only an associate or trade school degree,
but they must have sufficient experience and must have acquired
additional skills on the job. To aid their professional advancement,
many managers with an associate degree eventually earn a bachelor’s or
master’s degree while working.
Certification and other qualifications. Computer and
information systems managers need a broad range of skills. Employers
look for managers who have experience with the specific software or
technology used on the job, as well as a background in either
consulting or business management. The expansion of electronic commerce
has elevated the importance of business insight and, consequently, many
computer and information systems managers are called on to make
important business decisions. Managers need a keen understanding of
people, management processes, and customers’ needs.
Advanced technical knowledge is essential for computer and
information systems managers, who must understand and guide the work of
their subordinates yet also explain the work in nontechnical terms to
senior managers and potential customers. Therefore, many computer and
information systems managers have worked as a systems analyst, for
example, or as a computer support specialist, programmer, or other
information technology professional.
Although certification is not necessarily required for most computer
and information systems manager positions, there is a wide variety of
certifications available that may be helpful in getting a job. These
certifications are often product-specific, and are generally
administered by software or hardware companies rather than independent
organizations.
As computer systems become more closely connected with day-to-day
operations of businesses, computer and information systems managers are
also expected to be aware of business practices. They must possess
strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills because they
are required to interact not only with staff members, but also with
other people inside and outside their organizations. They must possess
team skills to work on group projects and other collaborative efforts.
They also must have an understanding of how a business functions, how
it earns revenue, and how technology relates to the core competencies
of the business. As a result, many firms now prefer to give these
positions to people who have spent`time`outside purely technical
fields. Job Prospects
Prospects for qualified computer and information systems managers should be excellent.
Fast-paced occupational growth and the limited supply of technical
workers will lead to a wealth of opportunities for qualified
individuals. While technical workers remain relatively scarce in the
United States, the demand for them continues to rise. This situation
was exacerbated by the economic downturn in the early 2000s, when many
technical professionals lost their jobs. Since then, many workers have
chosen to avoid this work since it is perceived to have poor prospects.
Workers with specialized technical knowledge and strong
communications skills will have the best prospects. People with
management skills and an understanding of business practices and
principles will have excellent opportunities, as companies are
increasingly looking to technology to drive their revenue. Compensation Earnings for computer and information systems managers vary by
specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of these
managers in May 2006 were $101,580. The middle 50 percent earned
between $79,240 and $129,250. Median annual earnings in the industries
employing the largest numbers of computer and information systems
managers in May 2006 were as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services |
$109,130 |
| Management of companies and enterprises |
105,980 |
| Data processing, hosting, and related services |
105,200 |
| Insurance carriers |
102,180 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools |
83,280 |
The Robert Half Technology 2007 Salary Guide lists the following
annual salary ranges for various computer and information systems
manager positions: Chief Technology Officer (CTO), $101,000-$157,750;
Chief Security Officer, $97,500-$141,000; Vice President of Information
Technology, $107,500-$157,750; Information Technology Manager,
Technical Services Manager, $62,500-$88,250.
In addition, computer and information systems managers, especially
those at higher levels, often receive employment-related benefits, such
as expense accounts, stock`option`plans, and bonuses. Return to MBA Careers Return to Home Page Search MBA Jobs
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