The Information System Manager Chapter 2 The Information System Manager

The ideal system manager has the curiosity of a cat, the persistence of a research scientist, and the energy of an Olympic athlete. ---- Judith Frank

What type of system will you manage? As a property level information system manager, you may manage the following 3 types of computer systems: Stand-alone personal computer (PC) Network (LAN, WAN, WiLAN) Multi-user system i.e. Fidelio

Who should manage the information system? Patience and good communication skills Effectively train people Hands-on experience operating a hospitality computer system A good working knowledge of hospitality operations No need to know a programming language or have a mainframe computing background.

What are the responsibilities of an information system manager? Understanding how the information system’s hardware and software function. Configuring the information system for optimal performance. Evaluating system performance. Training system users. Guarding and preserving the system. Maintaining a system library. Building the information plan

Understanding how the information system’s hardware and software function HARDWARE—physical SOFTWARE - programs

HARDWARE

SOFTWARE

Understanding how the information system’s hardware and software function Users Manual from Vendors – Opera Technology Shows, Associations Journals, Magazines

What is the information system focus? At the lowest level, the Information System (IS) focus is on providing the necessary services at a minimum cost. At the highest level, information technology is used to redesign major business processes and to create new products and services. IS function should be viewed as an integral part of the business.

Think Strategic Alignment

It should be…. Everybody’s focus

Interview Paul Manley Director of Loyalty Marketing Cendant Corporation 30 years experience Hotels, Cruise Ships, Vendors, Consultants

Interview (cont.) Most important skills to have: 1. Big picture- Understand industry drivers 2. Content- Deliver tangible results based on your role 3. Learning- Be able to absorb new information 4. People Skills- Be able to develop long term relationships

Interview (cont.) Advice: Learn about both the hospitality business and information technology.

IT Information Technology (IT) is no longer just one department. Now, everyone in the organization is responsible for IT. Departmental Managers purchase or play a critical role in the purchasing of IT systems.

Welcome to the World of IT Fast changing Increasing guest technological demands Increasing competition Labor issues

IT is the Entire Organization

Managing Your Career Good choice-hospitality and tourism are among the largest and fastest growing industries. IT opens up career options. Do a S.W.O.T. analysis.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions Technology career path: 1. IT Managerial Combines business and technology 2. IT Technical Technology-focused 3. Non Managerial IT IT is still critical!

The three roles IS management can play in an organization Reactive, in which the information system manager passively responds to ad hoc demands and continual cost-reduction pressures. acting in return Proactive, in which the information system manager directs projects focused on improving business operations. taking action in advance Coordinative, in which the information system manager focuses on the integration of business requirements and technology.

Characteristics of a well-managed system Accurate, relevant data that is easily accessible. Necessary resources to carry out tasks in the most efficient and effective manner. Properly protected and maintained. Computer downtime  System utilization and acceptance  Well-defined information plan

Are you ready to be a qualified information system manager? Keep learning the following chapters!