Information Systems Overview - Preparation - Day In The Life - Earnings - Employment - Career Path Forecast - Professional Organizations

Job Duties
Computer and information systems managers typically do the following:

-- Analyze their organization's computer needs and recommend possible upgrades for top executives to consider
-- Plan and direct the installation and maintenance of computer hardware and software
-- Ensure the security of an organization's network and electronic documents
-- Assess the costs and benefits of new projects and justify funding on projects to top executives
-- Learn about new technology and look for ways to upgrade their organization's computer systems
-- Determine short- and long-term personnel needs for their department
-- Plan and direct the work of other IT professionals, including computer systems analysts, software developers, information security analysts, and computer support specialists
-- Negotiate with vendors to get the highest level of service for the organization's technology

Few managers carry out all of these duties. There are various types of computer and information systems managers, and the specific duties of each are determined by the size and structure of the firm. Smaller firms may not employ every type of manager. The following are examples of types of computer and information systems managers:

Chief information officers (CIOs) determine the technology or information goals of an organization and then oversee implementation of technology to meet those goals. CIOs may focus on a specific area, such as electronic data processing or information systems, but CIOs tend to focus more on long-term or big picture issues. At small organizations a CIO has more direct control over the IT department, and at larger organizations other managers under the CIO may handle the day-to-day activities of the IT department. CIOs who do not have technical expertise and who focus solely on a company's business aspects are included in top executives.

Chief technology officers (CTOs) evaluate new technology and determine how it can help their organization. When both CIOs and CTOs are present, the CTO usually has more technical expertise. The CTO usually reports directly to the CIO and is responsible for designing and recommending the appropriate technology solutions to support the CIO's policies and directives. CTOs also work with different departments to implement the organization's technology plans. When a company does not have a CIO, the CTO determines the overall technology strategy for the firm and presents it to top executives.

IT directors, including management information systems (MIS) directors, are in charge of their organizations' information technology (IT) departments, and they directly supervise other employees. IT directors help to determine the business requirements for IT systems, and they implement the policies that have been chosen by top executives. IT directors often have a direct role in hiring members of the IT department. It is their job to ensure the availability of data and network services by coordinating IT activities. IT directors also oversee the financial aspects of their department, such as budgeting.

IT security managers oversee their organizations' network and data security. They work with top executives to plan security policies and promote a culture of information security throughout the organization. They develop programs to keep employees aware of security threats. These managers must keep up to date on IT security measures. They also supervise investigations if there is a security violation.

The Workplace
Computer and information systems managers generally work in office settings. Long hours are common, and some may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected problems.

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.