Career in Computer and Information Systems Management

A computer and information systems management is an upcoming career option for those who wish to carve a better career in the field of Information Technology. The responsibility of a computer and information systems manager is to manage computer systems within a company.

To ensure that the back up systems operate efficiently, supervise installation, make ICT technology infrastructures available, purchase software and hardware, establish strategic planning and build up organizational policy concerning quality standards.

An information systems manager works in various fields of organization in the service sectors and industry. Generally, a manager works with programmers, a team of technicians, administrators, etc.

Even though the title of computer and information systems manager is getting more common in field of Information and Computer Technology (ICT), the responsibilities of these managers vary depending upon size of a company and nature of work. An information systems manager may work as a function manager in a financial institution and as a delivery manager in a non-profit organization.

Jon Prospects
A computer and information systems manager is responsible for the execution of technology related tasks. A manager has to be expert in dealing with computer and information related problems. He/she needs to work together with other technical experts. A computer and information systems manager has to coordinate, plan, direct and assist the computer-allied activities of organizations. A manager facilitates to set up business and technical goals in coordination with top management. He/she also establishes detailed plans for the achievement of these goals. An information manger ought to have strong understanding of both business practices and technology.

Activities
In various organizations, the process of re-engineering may take place. An information systems manager needs to cope with this process and ensure that the work is flawless. A good manager has to have ample understanding of the technology he/she is supposed to deal with. The list of various activities, a manger deals with, is given below.

• Assessing system functionality, user needs and making sure that, ICT facilities cater these needs
• Developing, planning and implementing the ICT budget, gaining competitive and appropriate values from suppliers, making cost effective deals.
• Preparing upgrades, saving security backups of software and hardware systems
• Investigating and installing new systems
• Confirming the smooth running of ICT systems comprising print services, installing anti-virus software and email provision
• Certifying software-licensing act to be adhered
• Offering safe access to the network for distant users
• Confirming the safety of data from both external and internal attack
• Equipping users with proper advice and support
• Supervising crisis circumstances that may consist of complex software or technical hardware problems
• Training and managing new ICT staff
• Employing new technologies

Skills Set
The following skills listed below are based upon the general professional qualifications for a computer information systems manager. Some expert professionals suggest these skills, which are commonly recognized by many companies. Generally, a candidate does not need to have all of these skills to become a successful manager. The selection of a candidate for the position of computer and information manager is purely based upon specific skills, knowledge, educational background and capability for the occupation. A candidate has to have the skill set as mentioned below.

• Ability to understand written words, sentences and paragraphs in documents related to work
• Modifying actions with respect to other's actions
• Ability to communicate effectively through writing
• Able to understand the implications of innovative information for current and future problems
• Ensuring the benefits and costs of possible actions to choose the suitable one
• Communicating with staff members and others to pass information effectively
• Developing, motivating and directing people as to work together
• Identifying appropriate candidates to hire
• Using reasoning and logic to make out the strengths and weakness of conclusions, solutions and approaches to problems
• Examine needs and product/service requirements to create an innovative design
• Ability to understand reactions of others

Required Abilities
A computer and information manager must possess some of the abilities to become a successful performer. He/she should be able to:

• Listen to others and understand ideas and information presented through verbal communication and sentences
• Communicate ideas, thoughts and information in spoken words so others understand
• Read and comprehend information, thoughts and ideas presented in writing
• Commune ideas and information presented in writing so that others understand
• Choose the appropriate mathematical formulas or methods to solve problems
• Subtract, add, divide, and multiply quickly and accurately
• Speak properly and clearly so that others understand
• Implement rules to a particular problem to generate answers
• See details at close up range
• Put together pieces of information to establish general rules

A computer and information systems manager has to deal with a number of managerial activities such as production methods, resource allocation, strategic planning, human resource modeling, coordination of people, leadership technique, etc.