Role of MIS Department - Research Paper Example

The paper highlights insufficient knowledge among employees, old technology, out d software licenses, and “personal” application as the issues that triggered poor technology management. It discusses training, introduction of new technology, updating software licenses, and eliminating unnecessary “application” as the means of addressing such issues. Addressing Poor Technology Management Introduction Issues that lead to poor technology management may stem from insufficient knowledge in the use of technology, the need for new technologies, outdated software licenses, and presence of “personal” applications in computers.

The paper outlines each of these issues, as well as strategies and techniques for addressing poor technology management. Identification of issues, concerns, and incidents leading to poor Technology Management The problem lies in the inability of employees to utilize the available technology fully. A study conducted by the Computer Science Corporation suggests that people are one of the major barriers in the effective utilization of information technology. Half of the subjects blamed insufficient knowledge as the primary issue (Coyle, Langley, Gibson, Novack, & Bardi, 2008, p. 193). Most executives fail to grasp business processes for which a particular technology is purchased.

The lack of knowledge on the requirements and needs of the business unit leads to undesirable technology selection. Poor technology management may reflect the need to introduce new technologies, which will improve services. Older technologies may fail to accommodate lower cost functions and features designed to enhance productivity (Gruman, 2007, p. 52). The failure to keep software licenses current may lead to low level of productivity among employees as the company misses out for essential updates and technical support.

The productivity of employees may be affected by “personal” application on office equipments. This allows employees to download personal pictures, games, and software, which reduce time spent in work related tasks. Strategies and techniques used to improve Technology Management Different training sessions are necessary for different employees depending on their level and skill of involvement with the available technology. There is a need to replace old technologies with new ones. New technologies can optimize operations and productivity among new employees.

However, it should be noted that executives should fully understand how these technologies will affect their business. There is a need to modify supply chain processes according to the new information technology. Some companies automate existing activities, which may be outdated. These activities may fail to fully optimize the capabilities of the new technologies. The failure of the company to address process issues may limit new technologies’ benefits and lessen the return of investment (Coyle et al., 2008, p. 193).

It is also beneficial for companies to update software licenses to ensure productivity among employees. Lastly, companies can increase the time employees spent on work related task and responsibilities through eliminating unnecessary personal application in office equipments. The timeframe strategy used for producing these results with a 6 month period Over the following six months, the company must concentrate its effort in replacing older technologies with new ones. The company must update software licenses and uninstall unnecessary personal applications in computers.

It is beneficial for the company to conduct a training period of three months. The progress of each employee should be assessed at monthly intervals. The company must provide trainings according to the level of knowledge and skill possessed by employees. The company must focus on introducing new technologies, keeping the software licenses updated and uninstalling unnecessary personal applications in first three months and training employees in the last three months. Conclusion It is beneficial for the company to address concerns in the lack of knowledge among employees, old technologies, outdated software licenses, and “personal applications” in office equipments.

References Gruman, G. (2007). Cures for complexity. CIO 21 (5). Coyle, J. J., Langley, J., Gibson, B., Novack, R. A., & Bardi, E. (2008). Supply chain management: A logistics perspective. USA: Cengage Learning.