Systems & Operations

Computer and information systems managers direct and manage various computer-related activities of a company. They construct business plans, oversee Internet and computer operations, assign projects to staff members, and direct the flow of work. Computer and information systems managers work in manufacturing, industry, government, and educational institutions. They generally are in charge of facilities that have many programmers, systems analysts, and peripheral equipment operations. They report to the top management of their organizations.
Computer and information systems managers must have general management ability as well as specific knowledge of the firm's computer systems. They must have a thorough working knowledge of programming and systems analysis. Computer and information systems managers must be able to communicate with all department heads in the company that require computer and network systems. They must be able to translate the requirements of each department into a workable computer operation. Then they must be able to instruct the information technology staff to carry out these procedures.
Computer and information managers must ensure that their departments have the necessary machines and personnel to process information as it is needed. They develop budgets for their departments and plan for new equipment purchases. Managers must keep up with new developments in computers.