Do you want to learn “what is information technology management?” If so, this section is perfect for you to learn. Let’s take a look.
What Is Information Technology Management?
“Information technology management” is an umbrella term that covers a huge range of activities and professions. It includes things such as:
- Computer system design and development;
- Computer programming;
- Software development;
- Web design;
- Systems planning and design;
- Software configuration management;
- Software engineering; and
- Network and computer security (to name just a few).
As you can see, the term “information technology management” covers a very broad range of activities. As such, it’s difficult to offer anyone clear definition of what the term means. The best way to understand what information technology management is (and isn’t) is to look at some specific information technology professions.
Information Technology Management Professions
Computer Software Engineers/Programmers
Computer software engineers are responsible for designing, creating, testing, modifying, and debugging computer software programs. They work closely with computer systems analysts who write detailed specifications for new software programs. The specifications are used to create prototypes by computer programmers. Once prototypes have been created, they are refined into finished products by the engineers. The finished products are then marketed for consumer or commercial use.
Computer Systems Analysts/Planners
Computer systems analysts are responsible for designing computer systems that meet specific business needs. They analyze business operations, processes, problems, etc., to identify areas where computer systems can be used to improve performance or efficiency.
Once the appropriate areas have been identified, they develop detailed specifications for new computer systems. They also work with computer software engineers/programmers to create prototypes of the new systems based on the specifications they have written. Once prototypes have been created, they are refined into finished products by the systems analysts. The finished products are then marketed for consumer or commercial use.
Computer Network Architects/Engineers/Administrators
Computer network architects are responsible for designing, installing, configuring, troubleshooting, upgrading, etc., networked computer systems (networks). They also maintain networked computer systems once they have been installed and configured by other members of their team (e.g., network administrators). Computer network engineers often specialize in installing and maintaining specific types of networked computer systems (e.g., LANs or WANs). Computer network administrators often specialize in maintaining specific types of networked computer systems (e.g., Windows-based networks, UNIX-based networks, etc.).
Moreover, computer network architects and engineers often work closely with computer systems analysts who write detailed specifications for new computer networks. The specifications are used to design and configure the new computer networks. Once a new network has been installed and configured, it is maintained by the network administrators.
Computer network architects, engineers, and administrators often work closely with computer software engineers/programmers who develop software programs that run on the new computer networks they have designed and installed.
To Conclude
As you can see, information technology management is a field that covers a wide range of professions and activities. This chapter has barely scratched the surface. However, it should have given you enough information about what information technology management is to help you decide whether or not it’s the right career path for you.
