Information and communications technology has enabled new forms of communication and automation.
It has not only opened new markets and opportunities across the globe, but also created new types of business.
It is not technology that has achieved this, but the way it is used by people in social settings. Therefore, ICT can also be regarded as both a technical and social phenomena, according to St Martins’ Institute of IT in Ħamrun.
Business value does not emanate from the technology itself, it comes from how that business uses the technology. In this respect, organisations are endeavouring to strengthen their business process management function.
Business process management helps organisations enhance process performance, reduce cycle times and improve productivity and decision-making by addressing the creation, management and optimisation of case-based processes to improve business performance and outcomes.
For those pursuing a career in business process management, being conversant solely with the technology is not enough.
Those working in business process management not only have to be knowledgeable about the various business functions and processes relating to finance, production, sales, marketing,and human resource management, but should have the ability to manage the internal project team and communicate effectively with key users that represent the various functions of the business organisation.
To have effective business process management, other factors come into play. An effective manager should have the ability to meet the objectives of the business.
These objectives can only be attained by having a range of other skills, including numeracy, communications, intra-personal and interpersonal skills, as well the ability to work effectively within a team and to apply knowledge to solve real-life problems in the workplace.
Business process management thus becomes increasingly concerned with establishing strategy, plans and guidelines. It develops a role overseeing an organisation-wide process as a planner, purchaser and regulator.
A business manager will have to become conversant with ICT and the basic principles relating to each functional area of the business.
A business manager will also have to nurture other managerial and leadership skills. Such an understanding will minimise the unknown part of managing people using information systems in their respective department.
One way to bridge this gap is to pursue a degree in information systems and management. This degree may also be suitable for those hoping to forge a career in information systems management, in a software house or in management consultancy specialising in re-engineering business processes.
A degree in information systems and management may also benefit those pursuing careers in public and private organisations.
St Martins’ Institute of IT, a teaching institution for the University of London, is inviting prospective students to read for a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in information systems and management. Applications are now open for evening and full-time programmes starting in September.
An information meeting by directors from the University of London and introduced by Charles Theuma, principal of St Martin’s Institute of IT, will be held on July 9 at 10 a.m. at the institute in Schembri Street, Ħamrun.
Details of the diploma and degree programmes in information systems and management will be provided, as well as information relating to I CAN, Get Qualified and the Malta Government Scholarship schemes.
Those interested in attending this meeting should call 2123 5451 or e-mail infodesk@stmartins.edu.