Information Technology

Adopting a strategic approach to technology management allows the organisation to manage their technology fundamentals to create competitive advantage. Identifying relevant technologies for the organisation and mapping these to business and market needs provides the organisation with a roadmap for future technology investment decisions. Understanding the value that technology generates for the organisation is fundamental for long-term growth and sustainability. It also enables the business to make informed decisions about what technology to invest in and what it should decommission. Managing technology involves the integrated planning, design, optimisation, operation and control of technological products, processes and services. Enabling this requires a skilled workforce able to manage complex technological systems and computer applications in a production environment. Information and Communications Technology is often regarding as the custodian and distributor of information assets for the organisation. These assets reflect business activities and can be acquired from one or more sources both internal and external to the organisation. It is important that those who are responsible for its safe storage and disposal (through archiving or deletion) make it readily available to those who need it for decision making. Stakeholders might have rights to originate, change, distribute or delete information according to organisational information management policies. Effective planning, organising, structuring, processing, controlling, evaluation and reporting of information activities are all essential to meet the needs of those with organisational roles or functions that depend on information. Technology enables information to be presented to the audience who can then put that information to use to enhance shareholder value.