Information Systems / Information Technology Management

What is it?

Responsibilities of business management: include management of organisational resources. In past, focus on financial, personnel and material resources. Now need to include information resources and the facilities for managing them - especially in the public sector (high dependence on information, role of e-government etc.).

Management responsibility: ensure organisation has facilities for managing information, exploiting information resources and information technology; i.e. the right Information Systems to support and develop the business.

Why is it important?

Role of IS in the business; importance of information, interoperability, communication for e-gov and joined-up working. Must be related to strategy for development of the business, improvement of services, greater efficiency, etc.

Distinction between Information Systems and Information Technology

Role of IS/IT in business change.

IS is a matter for senior business management - on the agenda because critical to the business.

Importance of seeing technology in context: within framework of organisation, business functions and activities, staff and management roles and responsibilities, policies and procedures for business, internal and external communications - i.e. IT is only a part of the wider Information Systems in the organisation.

Success factors

Recognise role of business management in planning, implementing, exploiting IS in the business.

Maintenance and management of IS Strategy.

Establishment of effective governance - organisation, management and policies for IS.

Implement policies for information sharing; and meet requirements for security, privacy, data protection, etc.

Recognise distinction between IS and IT; roles of demand and supply sides.

Effective use of external Service Providers; recognise appropriate role of outsourcing, plus requirements for Intelligent Customer function. Need to retain adequate understanding of technology and its implications.

Need for adequate preparation and training of staff to obtain desired benefits from IS.

Programme and project management disciplines for introduction of new facilities and services.

Policies and strategies for managing information - cover all forms of information: paper, electronic, emails, library, records management.

Who is involved?

Starts at the top: senior business management responsibility - establish and maintain governance framework for IS/IT.

Role of business management in identifying requirements for IS, effecting business change as necessary, integrating IS in business functions, ensuring readiness of staff, changing service delivery.

Staff: affected by business change; may need new skills.

Customers: affected by new modes of service delivery, communications facilities and services, information access.

Internal IS/IT resources: may include internal supply-side function (IT department) and/or Intelligent Customer Function.

Service Providers and suppliers: fulfil role of supply-side; may be partnership with customer organisation.

Principles

see Success Factors

Process

Processes of programme/project management, risk management, benefits management, quality management, managing change, strategy management (PDF), service management, supplier and contract management . Process of managing IS development. Procurement/acquisition process.