Technology Management Defined

Technology Management - what does it really mean?

Ask different leaders in the industry, ask consultants, ask writers, bloggers, whomever - and you might get some sense of an answer, perhaps some formula or set of guiding principles to define and shape what technology management means. Look it up on the Encyclopedia of Business 2nd edition or Wikipedia - each of them have a structured answer, and you can read them and perhaps apply them. For me, the answer is 'it depends'. Let me explain.

Technology is an enabler of business process and needs, and we certainly need to define solid process to research, pilot, develop, test, and implement solutions. How that all happens depends on the capacity and culture of your environment blended from best practices from ITIL or COBIT or some other trusted resource. We have process for supporting, replacing, integrating, testing, building, enhancing, and who knows what else. All these processes are in place to help advance and minimally disrupt the needs of an organization. But what does it really mean to manage technology?

So far, I've not said anything you can't find from any other material. However, the area that I want to explore and suggest is they key to technology management is that of the organizational culture and its people. We must look at the things that define an organization, the capacity of its workers, the tolerance for change, the appetite for risk and other variables to build the definition of technology management. I've learned that just because something specifically worked in one area, it is not bound to success in others. You have to be able to understand the variables and dynamics within an environment and then set a course to define your management philosophy. Stock definitions and process don't fit everyone.

So the key to success and a good technology management strategy is this: Know the definitions, but better yet, know how they apply given the dynamics, mission, and core competencies of your organization. The people, the culture, the executive mandates, the product, the time to market, the risk, and mission ALL play a part in defining what technology management is and how one can be successful.

Finally, in order to be successful, once you have a handle on the dynamics and have outlined your strategy - communicate it, evangelize it, follow it, and keep it fresh. Find your leaders to promote it, implement it, and improve it. Good people can overcome any deficiencies in your initial plan.

Blessings
John