Managing the Information Technology Resource Instructor’s Manual
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CHAPTER 9 – HUMAN RESOURCE CONSIDERATIONS____
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
Study of this chapter will enable the student to:
1. Become aware of the market for IT professionals
2. Understand what IT professionals are seeking in a position
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
This chapter discusses the elements of managing human resources in the IT organization. The particular
aspects of managing human resources in an IT context are unique due to the dynamic technical
environment and the increasing need for business skills. The critical issues of recruiting, retaining, and
motivating IT employees are discussed. The chapter also focuses on the importance of stress
management programs and career development planning.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
I. What Do IT Professionals Say They Are Looking For?
II. Characteristics of the Environment Contribute to the Complexity of Human Resource
Management
III. Is There a Future Working in Information Technology?
IV. Skills Required to Have a Successful Future in IT
A. Skills for the Recent Graduate
B. Skills for Experienced IT Professionals
B. Becoming a First-Line Manager
V. Recruiting and Retention of IT Talent
VI. Organizational Examples
VII. Stress in the Workplace
VIII. Career Development
A. Ethical Conduct and Data Management
EXAMPLES IN ACTION
• Skandia Insurance Company, Ltd. – Pg. 253
• The Bugs in the Machine – Pg. 258
Managing the Information Technology Resource Instructor’s Manual
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ANSWERS TO END-OF-CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What are the most important characteristics of a position that IT professionals are seeking?
2. How does the IT environment contribute to the complexity of managing IT professionals?
• Today’s IT environment involves constantly advancing technology that must be evaluated
and mastered. At the same time, there are typically numerous essential legacy systems that
must be maintained. IT organizations may find it easy to unintentionally develop a two-class
society in which working with new technology is more exciting, glamorous, and used to
reward the ‘stars. It is difficult to keep both groups content and productive.
3. What skills are required for the recently graduated IT professional?
The recently graduated IT professional will need a combination of general management skills
and technology skills. The general management skills include:
• Business analysis
• Change management
• Communication
• Finance
• Project management
• Leadership
The general technology skills include:
• Application software
• Databases
• Hardware infrastructure/architecture
• Knowledge of general IT management issues
o Career development
o Organizational forms
4. What are important features of a retention plan for IT personnel?
• Compensation: pay appropriate for market; flexible salary and compensation programs;
opportunity to build training funds over time; long-term time and performance-based
bonuses; stock options.
• Benefits: generous insurance coverages and financial ‘perks’; casual work environment,
telecommuting options, flexible work hours.
• Training: generous training budgets.
• Work Environment: sufficient opportunities to work with newer technologies; enjoyable
5. Describe the key elements that contribute to stress in the workplace.
6. How can the IT manager develop the careers of IT professionals?
The most important thing an IT manager can do to develop the careers of IT professionals is to
ANSWERS TO END-OF-CHAPTER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Does your company have an explicit career development plan for IT professionals?
2. Does the HR organization contribute in a positive way to the development of personnel in your
firm?
3. If you were pursuing a career as an IT professional what skills would you seek to acquire?
4. Does your organization have any programs for managing stress in the workplace?