This forum is also about engaging the widest spectrum of discussion on IT. This time we talk with powerhouse Editorial Director, Martin Slofstra, of the IT Business Group, about the "Changing Role of the CIO".
Martin brings a unique perspective on the industry and those transitioning to leadership roles in business. Martin will share his insights every month in the IT Managers Connection. I invite you to post your comments here or send me an e-mail at sibaraki@cips.ca.
Enjoy!Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS, I.S.P., MVP
To listen to the interview, click on this MP3 file link
DISCUSSION:
Martin Slofstra is editorial director of the IT Business Group at Transcontinental Media, Canada's largest publisher of information technology-related newspapers and magazines. Titles include Computing Canada, Computer Dealer News, Communications and Networking, Direction Informatique, EDGE magazine, Technology in Government, and ITBusiness.ca, a daily news web site.
He has 20 years experience covering the IT industry in Canada, graduating with an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario in London in 1982, and starting with Northern Telecom as a corporate writer in that same year. He joined Computing Canada as staff writer in 1985. He's also served as Communications Editor and Editor of that magazine. In 1997, he helped launched and became editor of InfoSystems Executive (now called EDGE), Canada's first technology magazine for business executives.
Mr. Slofstra regularly moderates panels and makes presentations at trade shows and conferences and other industry events.
In recent interviews and other articles in the media, it has been noted that there is need for versatilists. Martin mentions in his interview that there is also a skills shortage in technically specific the areas: developing systems, application development, programming and internet web based development. Will recent graduates of computer science programs be able to fill this gap? Or will training in specific areas be required? Are there any particular areas in which a comp sci student should direct his studies?
I have the same problem where I have these new business goals but I also need to juggle my tech side too. I'm finding it's a problem and I'm wondering how other CIOs are dealing with this. I also think that the human capital issue will become our biggest headache. Why doesn't the government provide more tax incentives for training so I can get more needed funding internally in this area?
Thank you EI for your comments. I would be interested in hearing Martin's views on this. There is a skills gap where the required higher-end skills are in high demand creating challenges for some companies. There are also specific technical skills needed as you indicated. I know that in talking with a talent broker, .NET developers are in very high demand. I believe that Academic programs must provide education within a meaningful context and with useful examples that reflect the real world. If a computer science student graduates from such a program they would be well prepared and job ready; if their program does not emcompass these real elements than further study is required in what the market is needing. Connecting with community groups such as CIPS will provide the necessary networking to get this insight.
Best regards,
Stephen Ibaraki
Linda, I appreciate your comments. This increasing need for business expertise for all IT workers and especially IT managers is what I'm hearing all the time. IT Managers must know how to connect the busines strategy and goals to the IT teams they are managing. IT investment requires a return on the investment and measurable value to business goals such as increased market share, higher revenues, and reduced operational expenses. I have an upcoming article in Technet Magazine appearing in April dealing specifically with this issue and how it can be implemented. I'm also speaking on this point for the IT Managers Tour from Technet.
"Session 1 - Industry view: IT as a Strategic Asset
Stephen Ibaraki will provide the introduction to the day, setting the context for the remainder of the discussion. He’ll talk about aligning IT to the business goals."
http://www.microsoft.com/canada/technet/alignment/
Stephen
CIOs are in a tight spot, caught in the middle. I see this at work and there's mixed messages as a result. They need to talk more with their managers and directors and keep us in the loop. I would appreciate more mentoring on the business side since how my work is connecting to business is regularly lost on me until review time.