Abstract The position of the traditional R & D director has evolved into that of the chieftechnologyofficer, which is much more broad and encompassing. The paper shows that the primary role of the chieftechnologyofficer is to deliver the total value of technology for the corporation, to ensure that the firm has the technologies that it needs to achieve its goals and to facilitate technology transfer across business units. The paper looks at various issues on the subject, including the evolution of this role in the business world, areas of responsibility for the C.T.O. and the future of this field.
From the Paper "I believe that the chief technology officer is an important link between government laboratories and U.S. corporations, because one of the primary functions of the CTO is to assess the need to form partnerships with government institutions in order to exploit the total technology capacity of the organization. A government role is also vital in promoting technologies that are critical to economic growth, the creation of good jobs, and meeting the common needs of the nation, but that cannot attract adequate private investment?especially in the cases of high technical risks and long payback horizons.
Overall, it is clear that the CTO has a vital role in building a strong U.S. base of fundamental science, and developing a business environment that encourages innovation and investment."
Abstract This paper discusses how the importance of a firm's chief operating officer (CEO) to the firm's performance and market value has long been recognized and how the process of selecting individuals for appointment as CEOs has been studied extensively and, at times, such studies have produced conflicting results. It evaluates how the addition of the growth of Internet-based firms has added to the complexity of determining the best fit of the traits and experiences of a candidate with the needs and culture of an organization. Through an extensive literature review, it analyzes traits and experiences of CEOs with a view toward identifying factors that may be useful in predicting the potential of an individual to be selected to assume the responsibilities of a CEO.
From the Paper "Pasternack, Van Nuys, and Perkins (1998) identified four behaviors that lead to CEO success. First, a successful CEO acts promptly once a problem has been identified and its character diagnosed. Equally important to CEO success, in this regard, is that a CEO should not act in a precipitous manner. Second, subordinate managers who do not actively support a CEO's program should be replaced quickly. Third, a CEO should prioritize her or his time and adhere to the policy thus established. Fourth, a successful CEO quickly establishes strong relationships "
Tags: managers, performance, performance, internet
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that by progressing from the role of pure technologist to that of strategist and business process re-engineering expert through the use of programming, service-oriented architectures (SOA), and composite application development tools, the systems analyst is revolutionizing how companies are using IT to support and enable their accomplishment of business objectives. The writer notes that the traditional role of IT as a cost center is being transformed as a result in many organizations with the chief information officer becoming one of the lead strategists of an organization, responsible for the accomplishment of line-of-business objectives. The writer concludes that the evolution from purely being a cost center to profit center is in direct proportion of the system analyst to be the change agent that assists in the accomplishment of business objectives first, using technology as the competitive advantage and differentiator.
Outline:
Introduction
Line-of-Business Objectives Now Drive Systems Analysis
How Systems Analysts Are Driving a Business Process Management Revolution
Systems Analysts and the Systems Development Life Cycle
Systems' Analysts Most Critical Task: Finding the Voice of the Customer
Conclusion
From the Paper "Another aspect of the role of the business analyst which will gain significant importance in the coming five years is that of being a business process management (BPM) analyst and strategies. BPM is the redefining of core business processes to make them more efficient and economical while aligning them more closely with core business goals and objectives. As Keller points out, the use of rules-based systems are being used as the foundation of business process management applications and tools used by business analysts to translate business requirements into IT components. (Keller 1999) further makes the point of how rule-based systems can become constrictive over time, where the realities of lines of business gets modeled to the nth degree, and in the end, little change is actually delivered. The fact that rules-based systems are increasingly being used for interpolating, analyzing, and ultimately translating business processes into applications is giving business analysts a critical tool to do their jobs as their role changes. Simply put, systems analysts are not so much project managers, but interpreters of business requirements and their translation into business process improvements."
Tags: information, technologies, business, objectives, IT
An essay arguing that modern technology is not contributing towards closing the gender gap between men and women and that it is the social constructs that encourage gender specific technology that must be changed.
Abstract This paper argues that, rather than being gender neutral, modern technology is actually quite gender specific. The paper then sites several examples of technology that support this contention and suggests that the technology also seems to imply that women are less competent or less able to operate technology as well as men and need adapted technology. The paper concludes that technology has not 'liberated' women in that technology remains a gendered subject and that, if we want to advance the prospects of women, we must first create cultural change, as technological advances do not automatically promote gender inequality .
From the Paper "The creation of gendered technology has continued at a strong pace, no longer a domain of household gadgets or curling irons but a realm that includes reproductive technologies serving women, as technology supporting child-bearing women. Women are unwittingly helping a new technology sector from which males profit in the growing numbers to have children later in life, to engage in sex selection, or to demand children through relatively to very high risk cases. This technological enterprise can perhaps be seen as post-industrial child-bearing as a new industry carrying on from the industrial era. In sum, technology has not 'liberated' women in that technology remains a gendered subject. Those who expected something different are advised to trace the much longer history of gender as a socially constructed phenomenon. Cultural change must be created to alter ideas of gender, as opposed to hoping that technological advances will progress the prospects of women."
Tags: social constructs, industry roles stereotypes, technological advances
Abstract This paper serves as an analysis of technology in modern life. The writer looks at how advances in technology have altered everyday life. In this article, the writer uses S. Paige Baty's work "E-Mail Trouble" and Andrew Feenberg's writings "Questioning Technology" as base texts for developing this critical analysis.
From the Paper "When personal computers first became the rage in America, their advantages were all that most people cared about. College students no longer had to type and retype term papers because of typing errors. The text could be reworked as much as desired before printing a perfect page. The drudgery of mathematical calculations and possibly the bane of all existence, the balancing of the personal checkbook became a snap. Life in the technological age was certainly easier and more efficient. What wasn't immediately apparent ..."
Abstract In this work the writer seeks to identify the skill set of the CISO, or the chief information security officer, in the business world of today with the complex problems that are faced. It is the belief of the researcher that there must be special and identifiable attributes and through phenomenological study of a vast amount of literature, survey and case study documentation, this work seeks to make those identifications. This paper discovers that there are most certainly special attributes of these individuals in performing their role and successfully fulfilling their responsibilities in such roles.
Outline:
Abstract
Objective
Significance of the Study
Hypothesis
Rationale
Literature Review
Ten Top Challenges Rates by Federal CISOs
Critical Technology Ratings of 10 Federal CISOs
Federal CISO and CIO Responsibilities
Figures
Use of Security Tools and Technology Summary of the Literature Reviewed
Theoretical Framework
Research Question
Data Collection and Analysis
Testable Hypotheses
Rival Hypotheses
Contribution to the Body of Knowledge
Research Methodology
Data Collection and Analysis Design
Project Plan for Execution of Design and Reporting Results
Projected Results and Presentation of Projected Results
Bibliography
From the Paper "The rationale upon which this study is based is that in today's increasingly complex world of Information system and information technology and the applications that are utilized each and every day by the business and finance, economic, banking, governmental, and other transactions that are necessary for the world to function the responsibility that lay in the hands of the CISO, or 'Chief Information Security Office' is one of great import both in terms of their own stability, but the security of those depending upon them to carry that heavy load. There must be specific attributes that assist these individuals in skillfully carrying out their appointed role and that allows them to remain in their role successfully. This study seeks to identify a specific set of skills or attributes of these individuals through exploration of literature seeking to identify the same."
Abstract This paper examines how, originally formed in 1989, the Information Technology Management Reform Act and the Federal Acquisition Reform Act were amended in the year 1996 and renamed as the Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA). It shows how the objective of CCA is to influence performance-based and results-based management by means of an effective use of information technology (IT). It also discusses how the CCA also gives various means to government information technology to function in the same manner as any well-organized and cost-effective business would operate.
Outline
Introduction
Clinger-Cohen Act & Law Governing IT Management
Requirements for Chief Information Officer
From the Paper "In order to ensure that information technology activities align with agency plans and operations, senior user management guidance is used along with standard evaluation of information technology skills record, skills necessities, and skills development programs. In brief, the Clinger-Cohen Act attempts to develop an operative and well-organized, mission-oriented, user-oriented and results-oriented information technology practice in all Federal agencies (University Washington)."
Abstract The paper discusses the role and necessity of managers and leaders and notes the distinctions between these positions. The paper then addresses the role of the chief executive officer (CEO) and uses Michael Dell as a symbol of a successful manager who will personally invest in the wellbeing of a company. The paper contrasts this to Enron's founder and CEO, Kenneth Lay, who failed to address corporate needs, causing irreversible damage. The paper concludes that the final success of a leader depends significantly on his personal and innate capabilities.
Outline:
Managers vs. Leaders
CEOs
From the Paper "The role and necessity of both managers and leaders is undisputed for the overall success of an organization. However in small and medium size organizations, the two positions are generally occupied by the same person, the skills required and responsibilities attributed are often different. In this particular instance, the manager is expected to cope with the complexity of the business operations; he must be able to make the most informed decisions while keeping aware of the resource limitations and other constraints. The manager must also be a good organizer in order to plan the actions, the budgets and allocate the resources, including capital, labor force or technologies. Then, the manager must also be able to objectively analyze the actual implementation of the adopted course of action; he must follow how the strategies help the company achieve its ultimate goal. He must be able to identify any shortages or difficulties in the process and implement the most adequate decision. In other words, he must be able to take "effective action" (Future Vision)."
Abstract This paper examines how the major duties of the CEO affect a major facet of a business - its organizational structure. The paper also highlights the strategic elements of the CEO's position. The paper explores the idea behind effective communication, and how organizations can achieve it. The paper further looks at how CEOs are an important aspect of any organization and how their ability to maintain, change, and develop the appropriate business strategies depend primarily on how they motivate and communicate to employees the appropriate trend and the necessary facets of the organizational structure. The paper concludes that without understanding how important this element is, then an organization will face serious communication problems and will not successfully achieve its business objectives.
Outline:
Introduction
CEO and Organizational Culture
Employees and the Organizational Structure: CEO's Motivation and Performance Measures
The CEO and Communication
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is common knowledge that motivating the workforce is a necessary prerequisite for effective management. Many companies have gained tremendous success, by enforcing being able to correctly identifying rewards to performance and hence motivating the workforce to support the organizational structure. Other organizations have failed to realize their strategic objectives because they have not realized how important the overall mechanism of the organization is. The CEO acts as the champion of change. Employees use the CEO as a model for the organization's direction and development."
A description of the sources of power of a chief executive officer (CEO) and a case study analysis of the changes instituted at Tyco after the conviction of their former (CEO).
Abstract This paper discusses ethics in business, particularly by the leaders of the organization. It describes the role of the chief executive officer (CEO) and the sources of power that he or she may have. The paper then discusses the ethical changes instituted at Tyco after the conviction of former CEO, Dennis Kozlowski, in 2005. The paper describes the case and how it was handled by the company.
Table of Contents:
The CEO and Power
Tyco after the Conviction of its CEO
From the Paper "The company also makes clear statements of its ethical principles on its website and calls for adherence to high standards "by establishing processes and practices that promote and ensure integrity, compliance, and accountability" (Verschoor, 2006, para. 8). The lapses of Kozlowski showed that the ethical structure in place before was inadequate, and only time will tell if the corrected system will serve to assure a more ethical operation in the future. Stopping the cycle of corruption is the goal, and bringing in every employee as an active participant in assuring ethical behavior is the primary means of achieving it."
An analysis of the duties of the chief financial officer (CFO) for the American Heart Association (AHA) and suggestions for improvements of the organization.
Abstract This paper examines the major duties of the chief financial officer (CFO) for the American Heart Association (AHA). It looks at the background of the organization and highlights the strategic elements of the CFO's position. The paper also examines the duties and functions within a non-profit organization that are not being addressed by the AHA and thereby presents suggestions for improvement.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History of the American Heart Association
Mission/Vision of the American Heart Association
Brief Description of Products and Services
The CFO of the American Heart Association: Job Description
Core Functions of the CFO
Financial Reporting: CFO at the American Heart Association
Strategic Planning: Reinventing the CFO at the American Heart Association
Budgeting, Forecasting, and Performance Measurement
Fraud Management
Fundraising
Conclusion: Suggestions for Improvement
From the Paper "In conclusion as stated by Hope, CFOs can transform their roles and for organizations like AHA, it adds greater value (Hope, 2006, page 104). The AHA CFO needs to embrace being a freedom fighter, analyst and adviser, architect of adaptive management, warrior against waste, master of measurement, regulator of risk, and more importantly a champion for change (Hope, 2006, page 3). Nevertheless, there has to be balance for these activities, since the CFO has to focus on activities that increase the marginal value in research and upholds the mission of AHA."
Abstract The paper explains the educational requirements and experience that are valued by those selecting chief financial officers (CFOs). The paper discusses the greater need for leadership and soft skills that include communication skills and personal integrity. The paper notes the importance of building relationships with the CEO or the CEO's bosses on the board of directors. The paper concludes that while there is no one clear path to becoming a CFO, executive recruiters, CFOs and other executives all seem to agree that these skills, traits and experiences form the core of today's CFO. The paper provides an annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has been increasing in prominence over the past decade. Accounting scandals such as those at Enron and WorldCom, or the recent failures in the banking industry, have illustrated that failure to manage the accounting, risk controls and compliance of a company can lead to the downfall of CEOs or even of the firm itself. The passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has also contributed to the rise of the CFO, by placing more emphasis on the control and reporting function. With this rise in importance, the role of the CFO has been expanded, sometimes to the point where the CFO begins to supplant the Chief Operating Officer. The increase in responsibility is reflected in the need for additional skills, education, personality traits and experience. "CFOs are more involved in discussions that don't involve their typical bean-counter role -- discussions like build versus buy, offshore operations, and political impacts ." The result is a new breed of CFO, one that takes on direct responsibility."
Abstract The president of the United States is known as the commander in chief, the chief of state, the chief administrator and the chief legislator. This paper explores how the presidents of the past and the present have carried out those duties, and what those duties mean. It also examines how the "chief" roles of the president have changed throughout history and how the presidency is much different now than it was in the past.
From the Paper "The President of the United States is a Chief. He is the head of several governmental areas and is seen as the responsible party for these areas. He is the Chief of State, Chief Administrator, Chief Legislator and Chief of the United States armed forces. His leadership in these areas has, over time, changed. The Presidency has evolved to a point where the President of the United States has more power than any other person or office in the United States. This power has at times been bestowed upon the office of the President and it has, at times been usurped by the President in office. Each time that the Presidency has gained power in the past it has not given up its gains. In law, there is a principle known as stare decisis. It means that every decision that is made by a judge is predicated on the decisions of judges past. It is rare that a judge breaks from the legal precedent. The same goes for the Presidency. Over the past 220 years the office has gained power and the "Chief" has become more and more involved in all aspects of governance."
Abstract This paper explains how Information Technology is in use in virtually every business today as managers are graded on their ability to handle the flow of information in computer databases. The author contends that one of the most important skills that any business manager will have to have in the foreseeable future is the ability to manage the IT hardware and software now required by business. This paper details the need for integrating IT systems and making them usable for the entire office staff. It describes the role that people play in the system and details several success stories of companies that have introduced IT systems into their company.
From the Paper "It is barely conceivable that any modern office should not have to work with both the blessings and the perils of Information Technology -- that already-broad term grows each day to include such electronic devices and services as voice mail, e-mail, PCs (or Macs), computer networks. The world of Information Technology (or IT as it has become almost universally known) has become nearly as broad as technology -- or information -- itself. Any manager of even the smallest family-based business in the future will have to come to terms in small measure with the world of IT. In addition to the challenges of facing constantly changing technology, any manager trying to assess and work with IT challenges must also address the fact that the entire idea of IT is broad to the point of vagueness. IT means something at least a little different for everyone who uses it, which makes the job of a manager trying to institute consistent IT policies and practices even harder."
Tags: Management, Information, Technology, IT, systems, interface, office, modern
Abstract This paper analyzes current trends to put forth several tentative conclusions, since no one knows for certain what the future will hold, about what the modern office may look like in five to ten years from now. It focuses on advances in integration, speed, convenience, security, and ergonomics. It attempts to display the office of the future using technologies that are available, but not in widespread use now, technologies that are still under development, and technologies that may be developed in the next few years. It also looks at how the goal of all of this development is the ultimate increase in worker and company productivity.
From the Paper "In terms of integration, the office of the future will see an increase in
compatibility of existing platforms. There will most likely be a general shift towards seamlessness in data processing and retrieval, so that tasks that now take several steps and a lengthy amount of time, such as backing up daily data on several computers to floppies, or having to spend time retrieving data from a number of different sources, will
be accomplished much more quickly."
