A Guide to Managing IT: (Small Practice Series)

How can a small practice take full advantage of IT when funds are limited and there is so much on offer? Written specifically to answer these questions, this guide is packed full of experienced know-how, and sets out a simple procedure for thinking strategically about IT needs. It is easy to feel left behind in the rapidly changing world of Information Technology and panic about losing commercial competitiveness. IT has revolutionised architectural practice with the development of computer aided design, plotters, digital cameras, and so on: the question is, how does the small practitioner take full advantage of the benefits offered by IT when funds are limited and the options are endless? 'A Guide to Managing IT' has been written specifically to quell fears and answer this question. Based on interview research and packed full of experienced know-how, it sets out simple procedures for thinking strategically about the architect's IT needs. The book looks in depth at putting IT into practice, explaining what is available, how it works, and when it might be useful, as well as giving information about relative costs. The last section offers solid explanations about how to implement and maintain your IT strategy.

Table of Contents:
A Guide to Managing IT; By Richard Watson & Stephen Lockley; An outline of contents; Introduction 1; 1 Section One - Management, planning and motivation 5; 1.1 Strategic thinking 5; 1.2 Getting Started 5; 1.3 What is Information Technology? 6; 1.4 Motivations 8; 1.5 The vision thing? 11; 1.6 Assessing the risks 12; 1.7 Taking stock 12; 1.8 Measuring the benefits 15; 2 Section Two - Putting IT into practice 17; 2.1 Reality check 17; 2.2 Business infrastructure 17; 2.3 Equipment 18; 2.4 Peripherals 23; 2.5 Operating Systems 27; 2.6 Networking 28; 2.7 Physical connections (getting wired) 29; 2.8 Logical connection (getting working) 31; 2.9 Network Operating Systems 32; 2.10 Internet access 32; 2.11 Security 36; 2.12 Training 37; 2.13 Support 38; 2.14 Service and maintenance 38; 2.15 Health and safety 39; 2.16 The Data Protection Act 40; 3 Section Three - Architectural Computing 41; 3.1 Design and documentation 41; 3.2 Information management 53; 3.3 Communication 61; 3.4 Marketing and promotion 68; 3.5 Financial management 75; 4 Section 4 - Implementing & maintaining your strategy 79; 4.1 Getting in the consultants or doing it yourself 79; 4.2 Implementation 81; 4.3 Maintenance and ongoing support 85; 4.4 Development and ongoing review 88; 4.5 Have a go 88; 4.6 Sources of information, advice and funding 89; Glossary 91

About the Author :
Richard Watson is an architect and a Lecturer in Digital Architecture in the School of Architecture, University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Stephen Lockley is an architect and Professor of Architectural Informatics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.