Approaches to Ict Management
Approaches to ICT management
Topic 3
Approaches to ICT management
IT management is a fairly recent „phenomenon‟. It borrows a lot (theories and models) from general management. Approaches to IT management, therefore, draws a lot from management science. Some approaches to management science are (Narayana, 1991; various Internet sources, including Wikipedia):
Empirical approach
A historical approach. Lessons/conclusions are drawn from case studies and past experience. They are then applied to existing situations.
** Common in medicine. Same in management of IS/IT assets – hardware, software, people.
(Interpersonal and group) behaviour approach
Central theme of management is leading people to get things done. This requires understanding of individual psychology – to help in motivation, leadership and human relations. Group behaviour patterns and organisational behaviour/culture are also important. In this approach, psychological, cultural, and social factors are important for organisations. NOTE: motivation, communication, participation.
Cooperative, social and socio-technical systems approach
All organized human relationships are regarded as cooperative social systems – i.e. organizations are cultural systems with people working in cooperation. Some have machines and technology – as subsystems – all working for common goal. Multiple factors come into play – social laws, psychological conditions, rules/procedures, etc. ** Overall goal is important and all elements should work to achieve it.
Systems approach
This treats an organization as a complex unit of a number of interdependent, interconnected constituents, groups, and subgroups. Takes as total view (holism) and analyzes each component/function and how a change in any part affects other relationships.
NOTE: systems and features (Lucey, 2005: 35-).
Decision theory and operations research approach
This equates
Topic 3
Approaches to ICT management
IT management is a fairly recent „phenomenon‟. It borrows a lot (theories and models) from general management. Approaches to IT management, therefore, draws a lot from management science. Some approaches to management science are (Narayana, 1991; various Internet sources, including Wikipedia):
Empirical approach
A historical approach. Lessons/conclusions are drawn from case studies and past experience. They are then applied to existing situations.
** Common in medicine. Same in management of IS/IT assets – hardware, software, people.
(Interpersonal and group) behaviour approach
Central theme of management is leading people to get things done. This requires understanding of individual psychology – to help in motivation, leadership and human relations. Group behaviour patterns and organisational behaviour/culture are also important. In this approach, psychological, cultural, and social factors are important for organisations. NOTE: motivation, communication, participation.
Cooperative, social and socio-technical systems approach
All organized human relationships are regarded as cooperative social systems – i.e. organizations are cultural systems with people working in cooperation. Some have machines and technology – as subsystems – all working for common goal. Multiple factors come into play – social laws, psychological conditions, rules/procedures, etc. ** Overall goal is important and all elements should work to achieve it.
Systems approach
This treats an organization as a complex unit of a number of interdependent, interconnected constituents, groups, and subgroups. Takes as total view (holism) and analyzes each component/function and how a change in any part affects other relationships.
NOTE: systems and features (Lucey, 2005: 35-).
Decision theory and operations research approach
This equates