Nature of work
Information systems manager is mainly responsible for the computer systems within a company, overseeing installation, and ensuring back up systems operate effectively, purchasing hardware and software, providing the ICT technology infrastructures for an organisation and contributing to organisational policy regarding quality standards and strategic planning.Although the title of information systems manager is becoming more common in the ICT sector, job titles may vary. For example, you might be a service delivery manager, a functional manager, or simply a systems manager.
Information systems manager is responsible for the implementation of technology within an organisation and direct the work of systems and business analysts, computer programmers, support specialists and other computer-related workers. The post holder will usually be an experienced worker with technical expertise coupled with an understanding of business and management principles. Duties within the role are ultimately dependent on the employing organisation and the complexity of its information systems.
Environment of work
Working hours might be long because this role typically includes regular unsocial working hours to undertake planned security maintenance and upgrade work. In addition, much of the work is project-based, which may require extended hours at critical times and there is the possibility of being called out at any time to resolve crises.If a candidate likes to establish his own job, self-employment or freelance work is possible in areas where the ICT sector employs contractors.
Since this is a management job requiring up-to-date technical skills in a rapidly changing field, it is unlikely that career breaks would be possible.
Dress code is dependent on the organisation but usually relaxed as the role is rarely client facing.
Threats such as outsourcing may be present as an employer may decide that the IT department is not a core business and rely more on using consultants.
Travelling within a working day, absence from home overnight and overseas travel are occasionally required, depending upon the organisation and its client base.
Professional life
Information systems manager works in a wide variety of organisations and career prospects vary accordingly. Larger organisations may offer structured career paths in this field, with increasing management and technical responsibility. Opportunities may also exist, depending on the organisation and the nature of the role, in management and technical strategy at directorship level. Information systems managers may also progress into roles in project management and IT group management.The role of an information systems manager in a smaller organisation is likely to cover a wide range of responsibilities, and some choose to enhance their programming and development skills within the organisation. They will customise their role to satisfy their interests while meeting the needs of the organisation and, either stay with that organisation, or use the skills they have developed to move to a different role in another business.
Some information systems managers choose to capitalise on their specialist technical knowledge and business experience by moving into technical consultancy, contracting or project management.
Range of typical starting salaries: 60000 SYP.
Getting the job
In case a candidate applies for a position in computer and information systems manager, he/she normally must have a bachelor’s degree in a computer- or information science-related field. This usually takes 4 years to complete and includes courses in computer programming, software development, and mathematics. Management information systems (MIS) programs usually include business classes as well as computer-related ones.
Many organizations require their computer and information systems managers to have a graduate degree as well. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is common and takes 2 years beyond the undergraduate level to complete. Many people pursuing an MBA take classes while working, an option that can increase the time required to complete it.
A person must have several years of experience in a related information technology (IT) job if he wants to become a computer and information systems manager. However, lower-level management positions may require only a few years of experience. Directors are more likely to need 5 to 10 years of related work experience.
Skills
A candidate should show evidence of many skills such as, analytical skills. IT managers must be able to analyze a problem, consider ways to solve the problem, and select the best one. Also, he/she must be able to communicate effectively because IT managers must be able to explain his/her work to top executives and give clear instructions to his/her subordinates.Because some IT managers must make important decisions about how to allocate their organizations’ resources in order to reach their goals, they must be good decision makers. Moreover, an IT manager must be able to lead and motivate IT teams or departments so workers are efficient and effective, therefor he/she must have Leadership skills. Also, It is important for an IT manager to have organizational skills, for he/she must coordinate the work of several different IT departments to make the organization run efficiently.
Sources and references
If an employee needs any further information on what is included in this file, he/she can visit the following websites: www.aisnet.org, Association for Information Systems
www.issa.org, An international non-profit organization of information security professionals and practitioners.
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.