Describe one technique used in managing IT project risks
A risk in project presents possibilities of causing damage or undesired outcomes that disrupt the project. Project managers have a responsibility of effectively managing, monitoring and controlling projects and this demand effective risk management. Identified risks should be controlled through a project planning process and project planning and oversight. Techniques used in managing risk in information technology include risk avoidance/preemption, reduction, sharing and isolation. Risk preemption technique refers to organizational strategy aimed at securing an advantageous advantage over competitors. Avoidance can be achieved through outsourcing. It involves psychological moves intending to discourage unhealthy competitive plans from competitors. It also comprises actual preemptive moves that involve the introduction of new products; capacity expansion, takeovers and advertising aggressively (Brown et.al, 2012). Avoidance can use such techniques as positioning the system which distinguishes IT systems from others. This provides incentives for adoption such as provision of a range of services.
Why might companies today develop IS operational plans that cover only one year?
Operational plans include fine points for implanting strategic plans and cover a shorter period. These plans identify resources, responsibilities and time period within which a project gets implemented, and this lays a foundation for annual budgeting. They influence daily activities based on individual objectives. Companies today might develop one year information systems operational plan since a majority of organizations keeps looking for new and customer friendly information systems. They also seek flexible information systems that have enhanced features. Since technology keeps changing and new products developed, organizations come up with one year operational plans in order to factor in these developments.
Types of project staffing skill identified as essential for successful IT project Managers
Project management comprises planning, organizing, and management of resources to ensure completion of set goals. IT project managers initiate project plans, manage clients, technology, people and also manage project staff by creating conducive environments. Successful IT managers develop skills through experience and training. Necessary skills include individual skills, management skills, coping skills and technical skills (Brown et.al, 2012). Personal skills enable managers motivate and sustain staff. The project manager should be a good team problem solver. Technical skills require project managers to posses’ technical knowledge of projects under their management in order to provide a solution where problems occur. IT project manager also requires management skills to be successful. This comprises expertise organization, finance, HR and communication skills. An efficient project manager also requires skills to assist in coping with different situations of doubt, conflicts or uncertainties
The importance of assessing business user attitudes, not just their use of information
Business user attitudes in IT help businesses understand if they are meeting the needs of their product users effectively (Brown et.al, 2012). Attitudes can be evaluated through user participation process that engages users throughout a system development process. Unlike the use of information, attitudes reflect the true perception and the value of a system. Individuals who believe a system is relevant form positive attitudes and vice versa. These attitudes get used to induce change based on their nature. They also help to foster continued user support and help to ensure the long-term organization wide system success. This would be hard to arrive at based on the use of information only due to possibilities of persuasive forces. Attitudes reflect user indicator of relevance and importance of a system.
Reference
Brown, C. V., Martin, E. W., Hoffer, DeHayes, D. W., J. A., & Perkins, W. C. (2012). Managing information technology (7th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall
