Choice of IS and Information Technology Management as My Concentration - Essay Example

Information Systems and career analysis INTRODUCTION Information systems is a set of components that is well integrated for datacollection, storage and processing data as well as information delivery, delivery of digital products and knowledge (Turban & Wood, 2013).Organizations especially business farms depend highly on information systems to properly manage their operations and carrying out tasks for the smooth running of their everyday tasks. Information systems allow organizations to keep in touch with their clients, suppliers and remain competitive in the market. Choice of IS and Information Technology Management as my concentration My choice of Information Systems is that it prepares me to become well grounded in the organizations fundamental theory, making of decisions, becoming a leader in the organization and learning the ropes of team work. By learning Information Systems, one becomes well versed with current research methods and new information technologies that are emerging (Turban & Wood, 2013). As globalization sets in, IS prepares you for the emerging opportunities in software systems industry in any part of the world. It is quite interesting since it exposes one to world cultures and available opportunities for growth through communications between different cultures, global development systems and languages. Information Technology Management equips one with relevant knowledge for the development of creative and effective solutions of IT based on an absolute understanding of business opportunities and challenges. ITM prepares one to have a strong technical foundation in new approaches to information systems development which is inclusive of planning, analyzing, designing and programming (Turban et al, 2006). My career objective is Information technology Manager. ITM will prepare me to manage a network of people working in systems development, provide maintenance for major applications and implementing them. 2. CHARACTERISTICS AND ESSENTIAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE FOR THIS CAREER Information technology managers as well as information systems managers are in charge of secure and effective computer systems operations, software and hardware and applications used in both private and public organizations (Standing and Jackson, 2008). No organization can run effectively with the absence of such professionals since their skills and competencies are an integral part of every organization despite of the size or area of specialization. They are useful in an organization since they are responsible for: Managing a team of staff such as the programmers, support specialists and analysts. They evaluate the functioning of systems They do consultations with other employees who are using the organizations computer to ensure that the system meets user requirements. Management of Information Technology department budget They ensure that software licensing laws are adhered to. They schedule upgrades Develop and maintain security as well as back up for organizations data They manage network access that is secure for remote users Keep tabs with new available technology They design maintenance procedures and put them in operation They do testing of systems and modify them to ensure smooth operation. They also train users on newly implemented technology. To be competitive in this area one should have the following unique skills and characteristic to remain relevant and competitive in this industry A good IT or IS manager should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills Be properly organized with the ability to properly manage time. Some projects may require deadlines which the manager is required to meet Have excellent leadership and management skills. Proper analytical, problem solving and decision making abilities. This type of profession is highly sought after by management consultancy firms, software companies, central organizations as well as financial institutions. 3. CAREER MARKET ANALYSIS The role of an IT manager in the banking sector and that of the healthcare industry has both similarities and disparities. In the banking sector an IT manager is comes across different challenges such as high levels of fraud due to advancing technology. Risk management is the number one priority. Therefore, security is of paramount importance in the banking sector so as to protect the financial details of clients. The challenges facing the healthcare industry are different as compared to those in the banking sector. In a bank, the IT manager will be required to have competent knowledge in cyber security operation as well as system security analysis. They are in charge of monitoring and securing the banks cyber security operation. Background in finance is essential since they are working in a financial environment. In health care, the role of an IT manager varies slightly as what is mostly valued here is protecting or securing patients information (Tan & Tan, 2010). It should be preserved and made unavailable for unauthorized parties. The IT manager deals with private and sensitive information that could damage a patient’s reputation if exposed to the public. Therefore, this information should be handled carefully and in a secure manner to protect personal information of the patients from leaking to the public. In the health care industry, one should have background in customer service and clinical environment experience. Basic knowledge of medical jargon is essential. However, in both industries, the managers are required to have Information Management or Information System educational background, as the technical skills. They are also required posses good decision making abilities as well as organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. They should demonstrate proper leadership qualities. Some of the common tools and technologies include data mining which is the process of analysis of empirical data which gives information useful in trend forecasting, collaborative tools consisting of software and hardware serving as the basis of data sharing both internally and with people outside the organization. Finally the query tools allowing users to find data that is necessary in carrying out their operations. 4. TECHNOLOGY/IS PRACTICE TRENDS According to Gartner report 2013, organizations continue to evolve at a high speed rate; advances in technology are also influencing how organizations conduct their businesses. Most organizations today depend on the information based system of management and therefore difficult to function without the customer passes on to the organization. Trends and fads occur regularly in this industry. To remain competitive, organizations should be prepared to embrace new and emerging trends to stay in tandem with the advances in technology. Among the new trends in technology is: Cloud computing- this is a type of computing that heavily relies upon sharing computing resources instead of having local servers to manage applications. The aim of cloud computing is to apply conventional high performance computing power normally used by research facilities to perform numerous computations in the shortest time (Oz, 2009). Cloud computing is gradually gaining popularity in organizations. It enables data centers to function like the internet by enabling resources in computing be accessible and shared in a secure and easy manner. With cloud computing, an organization reduces on the time used to perform some functions as well as cutting down on costs of used on purchase and maintenance of infrastructure such as the software, server and storage. Social business- as businesses shift from information age to communications model of business, social sites such as twitter, face book and my space are gaining popularity as marketing avenues. Organizations are venturing into these social sites to keep in touch or interact with clients as well as source for new markets (Orlikowski, 2002). As an IS or IT manager, it is necessary to get acquainted with the new trends to ensure that the organization taps into these new markets. The society has embraced such advances in technology as well as the employers. The IT department should work towards strengthening these emerging ties. 5. CURRICULUM ANALYSIS Information Systems curriculum for my concentration which is Information Technology Management prepares students to fill the gap between challenges experienced in an organization and the solutions that lie in information technology (Gartner,2014). ITM curriculum prepares students to become project managers, System Analysts and consultants who are aware of business problems and their solutions as well as developing programs to solve the existing challenges in businesses and organizations. The most relevant courses coupled with my experience as a system analyst and database are Information Technology as a core unit to prepare me for the technical requirements of a job in Management in the future. This will help me develop basic technical understanding of IT and understand IT jargon and such necessary terminologies, understand IT applications in order to be competitive in the job market. The electives will include Emerging technologies- knowing how to interpret and forecast emerging technologies for individuals and the impact they will have on an organization. This will also prepare a student to predict future emerging technologies as well as being innovative as to come up with new technologies. Non- technical skills such as organization, interpersonal and communication skills are not covered by the course. Therefore, it will be necessary to take up a common course to enhance the mentioned skills as they are important to employers. 6. CAREER STRATEGIES Internship will help a great deal in sharpening my experience and skills in shaping my career path as an IT Manager after finishing my course. My objective to use the skills I learn in class in various internships as I network also to prepare me for the role of an ITM. I also intend to join professional associations to build my network so as to utilize this channel in achieving my career objective in the future. Rapid changes in technology will require me to keep in touch with the environment to understand the changes and be a part of the change. References: Turban, E., Volonino, L., & Wood, G. R. (2013). Information technology for management: Advancing sustainable, profitable business growth. Standing, C., & Jackson, P. (2008). Sustainability and information systems. Bradford, England: Emerald. International Conference on Information Systems, Orlikowski, W. J., Association for Information Systems. & International Conference on Information Systems. (2000). Proceedings of the twenty-first International Conference on Information SystemsDecember10-13, 2000, Brisbane, Australia. Atlanta, Ga: ICIS. Gartner delivers the technology-related insights necessary for our clients to make the right decisions, every day.2013 Annual Report Gartner, Inc. (2014). Gartner. Stamford, Conn.: Gartner. Oz, E. (2009). Management information systems. Boston, Mass: Thomson/Course Technology. Tan, J. K. H., Payton, F. C., & Tan, J. K. H. (2010). Adaptive health management information systems: Concepts, cases, and practical applications. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Turban, E., McLean, E. R., & Wetherbe, J. C. (2006). Information technology for management: Transforming business in the digital economy. 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