Information Technology in the Workplace

Information Technology in the Workplace

Purpose of IT in Organizations:

• Information technology (I.T.) is utilized for various functions in businesses, such as:
  • Sharing information efficiently across distances.
  • Sharing resources (e.g., network-connected printers).
  • Gaining competitive advantages and improving performance through data collection and analysis.

1. Organizational Role of I.T.

Influence of Technology:

• Advancements in computing and telecommunications have led to changes in IT departments over time.
• Innovation impacts the roles and equipment used within IT teams.

1a. Decentralization

• Early computing centralized information systems within finance/accounting departments for better control.
• Formation of separate information-systems functions under CFOs once personal computers became prevalent.
• Decentralization created inefficiencies due to multiple groups performing overlapping duties and storing data in various locations.

1b. A Network-Based Approach

• In the 1980s and 1990s, the merging of information-systems and telecommunications led to the establishment of the IT department.
• The IT department's importance has increased, often with the CIO reporting directly to the CEO.
• Key responsibilities of the IT department include:
  • Planning: Collaborating with leaders to draft plans aimed at meeting organizational goals.
  • Data Management: Building systems for data collection, storage, and security of company data.
  • Data Security: Protecting databases from threats (e.g., malware) and establishing acceptable use policies.
  • Network Development: Designing and maintaining internal and external computer networks.
  • IT Support: Providing training and establishing help desks for technical requests.
  • Infrastructure Management: Overseeing specialized equipment (e.g., printers, servers) and offering technical support.

2. Maintaining I.T.

Importance of Information Systems:

• Information systems are essential for storing and analyzing data to inform decisions.
• Maintaining an info system is crucial for organizational success, ensuring data accuracy over time.

Steps for Maintaining Information Systems:

1. Acquire Maintenance Requests: Employees submit help tickets detailing system failures.
   • Example: A manager submits a ticket for login issues across several applications.
2. Process Maintenance Requests: IT specialists validate issues and determine necessary fixes.
   • Example: Team meetings to discuss solutions for a login issue.
3. Design Maintenance Solutions: Developing a long-term solution process.
   • Example: Designing a single password system for application access.
4. Implement Maintenance Solutions: Creating a detailed implementation plan and executing it.
   • Example: Setting up training for employees on the new single password system.

3. The IT Specialist

Career Opportunities:

• Varied IT career paths include technical roles (e.g., programmers) and interpersonal roles (e.g., systems analysts).
• Both hard skills (technical) and soft skills (interpersonal) are vital.

3a. Hard Skills

• Programming Knowledge: Proficiency in languages (e.g., C++, Java).
• Program Structuring: Designing software solutions and user interfaces.
• Network Management: Overseeing organizational networks.
• Program Debugging: Diagnosing and fixing code errors.
• Testing Computer Systems: Ensuring systems function properly through rigorous testing.

3b. Soft Skills

• Collaboration: Working constructively with others.
• Analytical Thinking: Logical problem-solving abilities.
• Communication Skills: Effectively conveying information between team members.
• Creativity: Innovating solutions for IT challenges.
• Attention to Detail: Being meticulous and accurate in projects.

Reflection

• Assess personal strengths and opportunities for improvement in soft skills relevant to workplace interpersonal relationships.
• Recognize the critical nature of IT for organizational success and competitive advantage.