Chapter 12: The role of the CIO

Question 1

CIO Definition

Answer 1

„Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the occupational title for a person/manager accountable for information technology and computer systems which will be of support for the business company.“ (krcmar)

Question 2

What is a CIO?

Answer 2

• CIO
• CFO
• CMO
• Chief Data Officer
• CSO
• CPO
• Chief Digital Officer (Innovation)
• Chief Risk Officer

Question 3

IT Manager vs. CIO

Answer 3

• Focus on technology - now processes
• From IT as major task to IT as means of an end
• Qualification in technology vs. quali in leadership
• From specialist to generalist
• Focus on cost vs. focus on output

Question 4

Roles within the CIO-concept

Answer 4

• Technology focused
• Business focused
• Organisationally focused

Question 5

4 Types of situations - Broad Scope of CIO Responsibilities

Answer 5

• Planning for technological evolution
• Work in close cooperation with BUs
• Manage technical infrastructure and operations
• Ensure smooth conduct of projects

Question 6

CIO Role Effectiveness

Answer 6

• CIO Capability
  
  • Political Savvy
  • Communicative Ability
  • Strategic Business Knowledge
  • Strategic IT Knowledge
• CIO/Top Management Team (TMT) Engagements
  • Hierarchical Level of CIO
  • TMT Membership
  • Extent of networking activities
  • Extent of trusting relationships

Question 7

CIO Role Expectations

Answer 7

• Strategist: effective business partners who help their organizations leverage valuable opportunities for IT-based innovation and business process redesign
• Relationship Architect: build relationships within the enterprise as well as outside the enterprise with key IT service providers, especially important as organizations can have multiple outsourcing relationships
• Integrator: provide leadership in enterprise-wide integration of processes, information, and decision-support as digital options for the business
• IT Educator: provide insights and understanding about key information technologies, helps top management make appropriate judgments about the business value of IT and wise IT investment decisions
• Utilities Provider: build and sustain a solid, dependable, and responsive IT infrastructure services
• Information Steward: provide leadership in the stewardship of the organization’s information and data resources

Question 8

Success factors of a CIO

Answer 8

Personal characteristics:

• IS experience
• IT knowledge
• social capabilities
• sensitivity

IS Management Process:

• joint vision development
• relationship development
• relationship to the CEO
• proactive planning

Organizational Relationship:

• the organizations perception of IT

Attitude:

• authentic