Change is Constant

The evolution of information technology and the role it plays in organizations continues to be quite dramatic. Moreover, the relentless pace of change within the field creates additional challenges for companies struggling to remain competitive. Once narrowly confined to “number crunching” accountancy type tasks, IT has become woven into almost every aspect of day-to-day operations for virtually every company of any size.

Programming Skill is not Enough

Students entering the field today must be prepared for constant personal and professional change and willing to make significant contributions to the business at levels that extend well beyond the “technician-level, hands-on” variety that has traditionally characterized IT programs in the past. The value of programming, managing servers/networks or even handling routine help desk calls continues to diminish as those jobs move off-shore. Significant contributions to the business are now characterized by strategic and tactical awareness of the business as a whole or in part with a meaningful impact on business growth or competitiveness, cost reduction or quality. IT for the sake of IT is no longer tolerated within the current business environment.

What is needed then?

In the face of rapid change, technology expertise alone no longer guarantees a life-long, robust career without sufficient domain specific expertise in one or more areas of a typical operation. Innovative and effective use of information technology that drives competitive advantage, efficient operations and ultimately improves top line and bottom line performance require a balanced blend of skills and expertise in both business management and technology management. Managing change with innovation and effectiveness requires awareness, expertise and attention to both operational spheres: technology and business environment, as well as how and where they intersect. Properly developing and executing sound business strategy and tactics underpinned with technology requires understanding and knowledge that covers a variety of areas including:

• The strengths and limitations of IT
• Operational understanding of IT architecture and its building blocks
• Managing technology change
• Managing business change
• The business function / IT interface
• Business domain background (enterprise level or within a single discipline)

At Myers University, the information technology program concentration equips students with management; business and technology expertise that will help them provide meaningful high-level contributions in whatever role they choose within a growing company today. This visionary program provides two distinct development paths that guide students toward technology management roles at the executive level (CIO path) or at the specific operational discipline level (Accounting/Finance, Marketing, Sales, HR, Manufacturing, Engineering, Logistics, Customer Service).