Technology in Business

This book looks into the business areas that constitute MIS management and attempts to identify the various generic approaches that can be used in each of these areas. The areas in question are MIS strategic management, MIS cost management, MIS people management, MIS data management, MIS technology management and MIS systems management. Using the output of statistical as well as empirical work, an attempt is made to test the generic theories and approaches that were identified under MIS conditions. The objective is to identify the best generic theories that, if used, will improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the MIS function in business. A survey of MIS divisions in medium to large UK companies was undertaken. The outcome of the survey was analyzed using various statistical methods. The questions that were put forward in the survey fell into two categories. The first was to identify from the respondents how their MIS divisions were being managed. The second category of questions was used to gain insight into the level of efficiency and effectiveness that they perceived to exist in their MIS division. The findings suggest that MIS should combine the use of deductive as well as inductive thinking in their strategic management. In the cost management area, the study identified the use of activity based costing (ABC) as being the best practice in order to achieve a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness. The empowerment strategy of people management was identified as being a more efficient and effective strategy to manage the human resource of MIS. The work produced evidence to suggest that there is a misconception by MIS management as to the value of the strategic information systems (SIS) that they deliver. The study also produced evidence to suggest that the data management practices that currently exist are ineffective for present day business needs.

Table of Contents:
Abstract ix Highlights xi Chapter One - Introduction Objectives, 1 The Structure, 2 The Methodology, 5 The Survey, 6 Efficiency And Effectiveness, 9 Chapter Two - Strategic Management Introduction, 23 The MIS Vision, 33 The MIS Mission, 35 MIS Strategies, 44 Strategic Management Practices, 61 Chapter Three - Cost Management Introduction, 75 Cost Management Theories, 82 Cost Management Practices, 91 Chapter Four - People Management Introduction, 103 People Management Theories, 119 People Management Practices, 143 Chapter Five - Data Management Introduction, 151 Data Management Theories, 168 Data Management Practices, 186 Chapter Six - Technology Management Introduction, 199 Technology Management Theories, 201 Technology Management Practices, 222 Chapter Seven - Systems Management Introduction, 233 Systems Management Theories, 245 Systems Management Practices, 269 Chapter Eight - Conclusions Conclusions, 277 Bibliography, 287 Index, 313

About the Author :
Jamil El-Imad has worked in the Information Technology Industry for over 25 years. He holds an MBA and a PhD in technology management. Dr. El-Imad has occupied programming, systems engineering, managerial and senior managerial positions, both in the UK and the Middle East. He has published and presented numerous papers on technology issues and was the winner of Xephon International Technology Award, after submitting a paper on how to maximize efficiency through better resource scheduling. His work was voted as being original and resulted in considerable savings for companies who adopted the methodology.