Adventures of an IT Leader - Essay Example

Furthermore, experts in the IT sector require prior knowledge in business strategies and the technological sector. Therefore, IT management is about management because, in all business entities, management usually involves togetherness to accomplish certain objectives using available resources. 

Question #2

I think that IT experts have a clear understanding of the business better than other individuals in the business sector. In fact, IT experts have the ability to gain a better understanding of the business. It is quite clear that there is no other department in the business sector that interacts with diverse parties as compared to the IT sector. In fact, in the contemporary world, most activities usually require IT information and skills. This has been significantly attributed to the development in technology. Research asserts that business knowledge and technical knowledge should be merged together to improve the overall functioning of the company. If the business experts and the technological individuals share knowledge, communication can be enhanced significantly in the company. This affirms that the overall performance of a company can be improved by the business manager and the IT experts (Austin, Nolan, and O’Donnell 11).  

Question #3

According to Barton, it is quite evident that business knowledge and technical knowledge should be merged together. According to the context, the capability gap is depicted by two hills and a valley between them. One of the hills represents the executive side while the other side represents IT leaders. The executives are supposed to acquire enough understanding of a business to become effective IT experts. This capability gap is brought about by the fact that business executives lack knowledge in IT management. Lack of communication between the business executives and the IT department has also contributed to the capability gap. Barton explains that it is difficult to bridge the capability gap because it is easier to collapse and plummet a career (Austin, Nolan, and O’Donnell 12). As an IT manager, technical knowledge is learnable while tacit knowledge involves an understanding of political factors among other aspects. Tacit knowledge is substantially crucial for business individuals.  

Question #4

When Barton was researching about the CIO position, he came across a PowerPoint presentation which contained information regarding the history of the CIO position. According to the presentation, a few years ago, the CIO position is described as a roller coaster ride. However, in the late 90s, the introduction of the internet created difficulties in the CIO hence, most individuals shifted to IPO riches (Austin, Nolan, and O’Donnell 13). Additionally, this led to an increased prestige for CIOs. This proves that the chief information officers who are also known as IT directors form an integral part of any company. The whole presentation shows the significance of the IT department in any institution.

Question 5

A brief history of IVK Corporation asserts that the company had been performing poorly before the advancement in technology. However, with the introduction of the internet, the company has managed to grow significantly. The IT department in line with the CIO of the company has enabled the company to realize its hidden potential. Barton also points out how technological advancement has improved the finance and marketing fields. Recently, IVK Corporation is featured on the Internet express board. Therefore, IVK needs more support from the CIO in order to boost its growth significantly (Austin, Nolan, and O’Donnell 14).