Chief Information Officer example essay topic

University International Trying to find a qualified Chief Information Officer (CIO) these days can be a very daunting task. The requirements span across many different disciplines, therefore the perfect candidate must have a resume that displays a very unique blend of formal training and actual experience. Many CIO job descriptions read as follows: The Chief Information Officer is responsible for providing the vision, leadership, planning and management for the development, acquisition, implementation and support of information technology. Must partner with management team to align company information technology with strategic direction and build and develop the IT organization processes and procedures to support business needs. Plans, directs and manages the IT department in order to ensure the development and implementation of cost effective systems and efficient computer operations to meet current and future decision making requirement.

The Chief Information Officer is ultimately responsible for development, implementation, and maintenance of application systems, operation and the centralized data processing center, establishment and maintenance of a standard charge-out distributing system for Information Technology Department (ITD) services, and maintenance of acceptable service levels for City user department. The Chief Information Office oversees a continuous program of education and research to ensure City-wide standards are maintained and the cost effective utilization of ITD resources. Work is performed with considerable independence and judgment, subject to review on the basis of results achieved, under general direction of a Deputy City Manager. The requirements to fill these types of positions vary based on the type of organization that is hiring.

The variance usually comes ion the form of years required versus disciplines. Simply put most organizations want the same type of background however the number of years varies. Some of the prerequisites to fill these types of positions are: Education" "I Bachelors / Masters Degree in Computer Science or related field" "I Bachelors / Masters Degree in Business Management / Administration Experience" "I 7-10 years experience in IT management" "I 5 years experience in business management In addition to the requirements above a CIO must have solid people skills, this is something that isn! |t really taught. CIO's are at a constant crossroad. They have to satisfy everyone, which is basically an impossible task. As I stated earlier in this paper a good CIO is difficult to find many organizations settle for a person they feel they can develop and groom to be the CIO they want.

A new poll of chief information officers (CIOs) conducted by the CIO Executive Council TM (founded by IDG's CXO Media Inc. and CIO magazine) reveals 81% of chief information offices are 'extremely, very or somewhat concerned' about the future competitive advantage of the U.S. workforce in the global information technology (IT) marketplace. CIOs point to inadequate preparation from universities as a primary cause for their concern with 57% saying a lack of integration between business and IT skills is the biggest problem with today's IT education preparation programs in the U.S. 'Many universities have great MBA and medical and law degree programs. However, with the exception of a few universities who get it right, there isn't a heavy push in academia to teach IT skills or show how those IT skills are integrated into the overall business strategy,' says Jeri Dunn, chair of the CIO Executive Council's IT Workforce Committee, who also serves as the CIO of Tyson Foods. 'CIOs have a tall order. They " re charged with using IT to run the business, streamline operations, lower costs and improve overall efficiencies. Without a younger generation of CIOs coming aboard with the right education and skills, the future of American business is in danger.

' In addition to education concerns, CIOs worry about the federal government's leadership, understanding and appreciation of their vocation. Less than half (42%) believe the Bush Administration recognizes IT as a valuable profession. Furthermore, 45% believe improving U.S. -based IT education to preserve the future of IT workers here at home should be at the top of U.S. Congress's priority list. Adds Dunn, 'This issue is crucial to our country's future and deserves the attention of U.S. leadership. '.