The role of the IT manager in organizations

IT management arose in the 1990s when it became clear that that software developers and hardware engineers had neither the insights nor interest in guiding organizations on the effective use of information technology to help them improve their business operations. Both software developers and hardware engineers focus on the technical aspects of computers and do not spend much time reflecting on the management implications of technology. The IT manager, in contrast, is primarily concerned with how information technology should be integrated into business operations.

Assume you have taken over responsibility to play the lead IT management role in Magnum Enterprises. Your boss, Rachel Heigl, is Magnums CIO. The IT management group is comprised of six people who you will be supervising.

Ms. Heigl is an enlightened manager, and she believes that if you are to carry out your responsibilities effectively, you need to work with her in defining your IT management role. As a first step, she invites you to write a short statement where you describe what you see to be your role as head of the IT management effort at Magnum.

Describe how you see your role in integrating software, hardware, and business management capabilities. What challenges do you anticipate encountering as head of the IT management effort at Magnum? By serving as the centerpiece of software, hardware, and management capabilities, how the efforts of you and your team make Magnum a better organization? Should cover about 5 pages.