According to the Encyclopedia Brittanica an information system is "an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, processing, and communicating information"". Business firms, other organizations, and individuals in contemporary society rely on information systems to manage their operations, compete in the marketplace, supply services, and augment personal lives. For instance, modern corporations rely on computerized information systems to process financial accounts and manage human resources; municipal governments rely on information systems to provide basic services to its citizens; and individuals use information systems to study, shop, bank, and invest.’’” The Information Systems Manager then has a very challenging and demanding role, this is a senior role in the ICT department. In this guide, we provide information and guidance on how to become a Manager of Information Systems.

There are a number of different names for the role of Manager of Information Systems. These are Information Systems Manager, ICT Manager and IT Manager. Throughout this guide we shall use the term Information Systems Manager.

Salary expectations The following indicators reflect salary expectations for Manager of Information Systems:

1. According to an ongoing salary survey by Indeed, a Manager of Information Systems earns about $78,000http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=information+systems+manager&l1=
2. According to a salary survey for Payscale, the Manager of Information Systemsrole earned $85,000http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Information_Systems_(IS)_Manager/Salary

This guide is split into three steps, which should provide you with all the answers you need on how to become a Manager of Information Systems, the steps are: Step 1: What is an Information Systems Manager Step 2: Personal Attributes Step 3: Career Path

Building on from the points in the introductory section we will now build further details to help explain, what is an Information Systems Manager?

An Information Systems Manager takes ultimate responsibility for the successful operation of ICT systems within an organization. The Information Systems Manager oversees installation, ensures back-up procedures/systems are operating smoothly, purchases ICT requirements, provides the ICT infrastructures, and contributes to organization wide quality standards initiatives and strategic planning exercises.

The role of a Information Systems Manager is wide and varied, here is a list of associated tasks:

1. Ensure that backups of hardware and software system takes place
2. Ensure that disaster recovery procedures are in place and operational
3. Ensure that upgrades to software are scheduled and are timely
4. Ensuring compliance with software licensing laws
5. Ensuring the security of organizational data from hackers (both internally and externally)
6. Ensuring the smooth operation of all ICT systems,(e.g. anti-virus software, email, LAN/WAN)
7. Evaluating user system functionality requirements and ensuring that ICT delivers to these
8. Involved in the organizational forecasting process, manage ICT activities to forecasts
9. Keep up to date with the latest ICT technologies
10. Negotiation of competitive prices from suppliers
11. Researching of and management of the installation of new systems
12. Provision of secure access to the organizations network for remote based users
13. Provide users with the relevant support and guidance

In this section we detail the personal attributes and certifications needed to become an Information Systems Manager.

Personal Attributes The personal attributes of an Information Systems Manager are:

1. Adaptability/Flexibility — The role will involve constant changes and challenges and requires a flexible and adaptable mindset and attitude
2. Analytical Thinking — There is a lot of information to analyze. Once the information is processed, logical structured thought is required to address any challenges and issues
3. Attention to Detail — There is a lot of information and careful attention to detail is required
4. Cooperation — A spirit of co-operation will be needed with everyone the roles comes into contact with
5. Dependability — This is a very responsible role, reliability and dependability are essential as is fulfilling the obligations of the role.
6. Independence — The role is self motivating and independent in nature
7. Integrity — A high degree of integrity and honesty are required
8. Leadership — This is a natural leadership position, there is a need to take ownership and offer direction, strategy, opinions and advice
9. Sensitivity — Sensitivity is required towards others people’s opinions and feelings

In step 3 we consider the career path of how to become a Manager of Information Systems. The Information Systems Manager is either the head of ICT or at least in most cases a senior manager in ICT within the organization. A possible career path is detailed below: Junior Programmer to (B) Senior Programmer/Systems Analyst to (C) Senior Systems Analyst to (D) Information Systems Manager

Manager of Information Systems - indicative salary $85,000http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Information_Systems_(IS)_Manager/Salary

The requirements to become an Manager of Information Systems are:

Bachelors Degree An Information Systems Manager will need as an absolute minimum a bachelor's degree ideally in a related subject to ICT (e.g. Management Information Systems, Computer Science, or Business Studies).

The following experience:

1. A heritage in IT, hardware, software development and IT strategy
2. Appreciation of all of the latest IT processes, methodologies & tools
3. Negotiation experience, particularly with suppliers would be beneficial
4. Ability to lead an IT department and manage the IT budget

Years of working experience A Information Systems Manager role would require a minimum of 10 years of experience.