Management in Information Technology

Transcription

1 Unit 6: Management in Information Technology Unit code: J/601/0462 QCF Level 4: BTEC Higher National Credit value: 15 Aim To enable learners to embrace the work-based activities expected of a technology manager, by providing the generic skills, knowledge and understanding required in the IT environment. Unit abstract The unit will investigate and provide the generic skills, understanding, knowledge and work-based activities required by a manager in the information technology environment, thus enabling them to play an active role within an organisation. Technology managers have to deal with change and participate effectively with management at all levels, including senior management, in the development and implementation of strategies. Learners will be introduced to the software tools available to support management and produce reports for financial planning and control. In this unit learners will also use IT for strategic planning activities and evaluate the impact of IT on management as well as learn the importance of embracing new developments. Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1 Understand principles of staff management 2 Be able to use software management tools 3 Be able to participate in strategic planning 4 Understand current developments in information technology. 29

2 Unit content 1 Understand principles of staff management Recruitment: policies eg legal, job descriptions, selection criteria, preparation for interview, administrative and induction; line management structure Motivation: current theories eg management of change, leadership, participation, team structure and management Administration: tasks eg scheduling including links with project management, monitoring performance, appraisal, terms and conditions of employment; employer standards; systems and expectations; company policies and procedures 2 Be able to use software management tools Management planning processes eg investigation of an organisation s budgetary procedures, bidding procedures, budgetary monitoring systems, production of financial reports, managing projects Software tools for management: information system tools eg diary systems, spreadsheets, intranet, decision support systems; identification of tools with appropriate applications; project management software; management information systems 3 Be able to participate in strategic planning Strategic planning: aim of strategic planning; use of IT in strategic planning; participating eg, contributing to disaster recovery plan, IT systems planning on strategic planning Maintaining currency: research methods eg periodicals, internet, conference; human networking; accreditation; issues eg social, political, ethical, legal (UK, EU, global) 4 Understand current developments in information technology Developments in IT: impact on management eg learning new skills, training; impact of the internet eg on senior and middle management Importance: for management eg competitive advantage, efficiency, data analysis, deployment of staff (home working) 30 BH Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Computing and Systems Development

3 Learning outcomes and assessment criteria Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will: LO1 Understand principles of staff management Assessment criteria for pass The learner can: 1.1 evaluate an organisation s staff recruitment policy 1.2 explain theories concerning staff motivation and the management of change 1.3 evaluate staff administration documentation LO2 Be able to use software management tools LO3 Be able to participate in strategic planning 2.1 use system management tools to assist a company in their management planning process 2.2 effectively use software management tools 3.1 critically evaluate the role of IT in strategic planning 3.2 use appropriate research methods to contribute to a company s strategic plan 3.3 discuss the issues associated with strategic planning LO4 Understand current developments in information technology 4.1 evaluate the importance of embracing new developments in technology 4.2 analyse the impact of new technology on management. 31

4 Guidance Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications The learning outcomes associated with this unit are closely linked with: Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Unit 3: Information Systems Unit 4: Impact of the Use of IT on Business Systems Unit 5: Emerging Technologies Unit 30: Information Systems in Organisations This unit has links to the Level 4 and Level 5 National Occupational Standards for IT and Telecoms Professionals, particularly the areas of competence of: Information Management. Essential requirements Centres are advised to build up a collection of appropriate scenarios and case studies to set the context for the topics covered. Centres must have appropriate tools for budgetary control, and presentation. There must also be materials to help learners keep abreast of current developments in information technology. The unit has to be delivered within a realistic management context. Centres must provide the management tools, theories and systems to support the learner in satisfying the requirements of the unit. 32 BH Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Computing and Systems Development

5 Resources Books Aalders R, Hind P The IT Managers Survival Guide (Wiley, 2002) ISBN X Green M Change Management Masterclass: A Step-by-step Guide to Successful Change Management (Kogan Page, 2007) ISBN Holtsnider B, Jaffe B IT Manager's Handbook Second Edition: Getting your new job done (Morgan Kaufmann, 2006) ISBN X MacDonald, Lynda How to Manage Problem Staff Successfully: Busy Manager's Guide to Managing Staff (Emerald Guides, 2008) ISBN Robson W Strategic Management and Information Systems: An Integrated Approach (Prentice Hall, 2007) ISBN Websites Employer engagement and vocational contexts Links with local organisations are paramount to the delivery of the unit. The setting of realistic scenarios supported by employer engagement and guest speakers will enhance learners experience. 33