Page 10 - Information Management 3rd Edition

Information Management
Information managers must possess a thorough understanding of various aspects of the business. A solid background of all the other business functions is needed to do the work effectively and efficiently. Figure 1.1 shows one possibility of how and where the information function could fit into a business. The numbers 1 to 6 refer to the functional managers, which includes the information, finance, human resources, operations, external relations and marketing manager. Grouped under the information manager (1), you could find employees doing data processing, systems analysis and design, and other office services.
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Figure 1.1 The position of the information function in a business
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2
3
4
5
6
The information mcanager isoresponsiblpe for the gyeneral management of the information function. This person is also constantly in contact with all the other
functional manage
need to coordinate their needs, especially their information needs. This will ensure an efficient flow of information, enabling each function to plan realistically and reach its objectives efficiently.
There are many alternatives available for staffing the information function. The positions to manage and execute all the activities in this function will depend on many factors and is governed by:
• The size of the business – the larger the business, the more specialised the positions in this function become. Smaller businesses often combine many of these tasks (for example, finance and administration) into one position.
• The type of industry that the business is involved in – the industry could be in the primary (exploitative businesses), secondary (transforming/ processing businesses) or tertiary (provides final product/service) sectors. The needs in these sectors are different.
• The policy and philosophy of top management – do they accept the use of the systems approach and technology? The amount of money available for technology and the maintenance of the systems often govern these decisions.
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s of informa
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s. These functional managers
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