The Certified Information Technology Manager

By Dr. Zulk Shamsuddin

An information technology (IT) manager, also known as an IT supervisor or an information systems manager, is responsible for the supervision, implementation, and maintenance of a company’s computing needs. You will ensure the secure and effective operation of all computer systems, related applications, hardware, and software used within a company.
The Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) ™ is an ISO-standard skills certification for individuals with skills and technical experience in organizational leadership, project management, risk management, IT governance, resource management, and executive communication.
It forms the basis of the assessment that applicants must pass to gain the Certified Information Technology Manager status and inclusion in the Directory of Certified Professionals of The GAFM Academy of Finance and Management ®.
Stand out from the crowd with the GAFM® Certified Information Technology Manager certification.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781387772681

Book preview

Copyright © 2020 Zulk Shamsuddin, PhD / GAFM ACADEMY

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 9781387772681

INTRODUCTION

An information technology (IT) manager, also known as an IT supervisor or an information systems manager, is responsible for the supervision, implementation, and maintenance of a company’s computing needs. You will ensure the secure and effective operation of all computer systems, related applications, hardware, and software used within a company.

The Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) ™ is an ISO-standard skills certification for individuals with skills and technical experience in organizational leadership, project management, risk management, IT governance, resource management, and executive communication.

It forms the basis of the assessment that applicants must pass to gain the Certified Information Technology Manager status and inclusion in the Directory of Certified Professionals of The GAFM Academy of Finance and Management ®.

Stand out from the crowd with the GAFM® Certified Information Technology Manager certification.

Benefits of becoming a Certified Information Technology Manager

An Information Technology Manager is responsible for the supervision, implementation, and maintenance of an organization computing needs and ensure the security and effective operation of all computer systems, applications, hardware, and software within the organization.

Get this certification and enjoy these benefits:

Get noticed by Top Recruiters

This credential will boost your career toward IT Management positions. 

International recognition.

Assurance for clients of high standards and ethical practice.

Use of the post-nominal CITM or Certified Information Technology Manager after your name on business cards, CVs.

Introduce yourself with this exclusive certification card during networking, business events, conference, training, and anywhere.

Certification Has Its Privileges

Importance of Certification

Certificates and certifications, the names for these credentials sound confusingly similar. But there are important differences. Here’s what you need to know about these resume-enhancing options and how they might advance your career.

What Is A Certificate?

Earning a certificate is about education. Certificates are academic credentials awarded by colleges, universities or other educational institutions. Students in certificate programs learn new knowledge in a specific subject or discipline and earn a certificate by successfully completing the coursework. An ideal student for a certificate program is someone who is willing to go through the experience of growing their own skillset, being real about what they want to learn, and working with others, says Jennifer Diamond, an instructor for the UW Certificate in Project Management. Many certificate programs have few, if any, admission requirements, making them an excellent option if you want to move forward in your career. The programs are usually noncredit and take less time to complete than a degree. Certificates are commonly listed on resumes as education, and some meet education requirements for first-time or renewed certifications.

What Is A Certification?

When you have the professional knowledge you need, a certification allows you to prove it.  Certifications indicate mastery of skills or standards. Professional certifications are granted by industry groups or career-related organizations. These groups assess your qualifications, usually through an exam or application process. Many certifications include the privilege to use a related designation following your professional title. A certification differs from a license, which permits you to work in a certain profession and is usually issued by government or regulatory agencies.

Benefits of Certification

Certification helps in learning the new technologies, skills, and abilities for a specific promotion. Earning a new certification or an advanced certification in a particular area of expertise can help in advancing your career.

Professional certification shows consumers and potential employers that you are committed to your profession and are well-trained. It gives them confidence in your abilities and knowledge. Certification makes you more valuable to employers, so you can expect to earn more than someone without certification.

Certifications can give you the chance to learn needed skills, and be a quick way to show employers you have those skills. On the other hand, certifications can require studying or coursework, and cost up to several hundred dollars to take.

Information Technology Manager Responsibilities

Managing IT staff by recruiting and training employees, communicating job expectations, and monitoring performance.

Overseeing the annual IT budget and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Monitoring daily operations, including server hardware, software, and operating systems.

Coordinating technology installations, upgrades, and maintenance.

Selecting and purchasing new and replacement hardware and software, when necessary.

Testing, troubleshooting, and modifying information systems so that they operate effectively.

Generating performance reports for operating systems.

Assuring all IT activities are performed within the parameters of applicable laws, codes, and regulations.

Evaluating technology risks in order to develop a network disaster recovery plan and backup procedures.

Remaining up to date with advances in technology and industry best practices.

Information Technology Manager - Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

Proven experience in managing IT infrastructure and services.

Experience with computer networks, network administration, and network installation.

Proficient in computer hardware, cabling installation and support, wireless technology applications and interface, and IT security.

Proficient in Microsoft Windows software, including server, office, and exchange.

Management and leadership skills.

Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.

Highly organized and detail-oriented.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Flexible working hours.

How To Make Your Skills Stand Out

ADD RELEVANT SKILLS TO YOUR RESUME

Emphasize the required job skills in your resume, especially in the description of your work history.

HIGHLIGHT SKILLS IN YOUR COVER LETTER

You can incorporate soft skills into your cover letter. Include one or two of the skills mentioned in this article and give specific examples of instances when you demonstrated these traits at work.

USE SKILL WORDS DURING JOB INTERVIEWS

Keep the top skills listed here in mind during your interview, and be prepared to give examples of how you've used each skill.

SKILLS CERTIFICATION

This book focuses at six cornerstones of IT management skills:

Organizational Leadership

Project Management

Risk Management

IT Governance

Resource Management

Executive Communication

Application for Certification

https://gafm.com.my/application-for-certification/

Leadership Is A Vital Skills

Leadership is a management approach in which leaders help set strategic goals for the organization while motivating individuals within the group to successfully carry out assignments in service to those goals. It entails directing and coordinating individuals within an organization to achieve its goals or mission. Whether you’re seeking to achieve higher levels of management or leadership, or you’ve reached a ceiling at your workplace and are looking for the next step, organizational leadership might be the right next step for you.

Leadership jobs are impacted by the company one works for and the actual position. Despite being an important skill, organizational leader is not the actual title most often given. Organizational leaders are initially termed high potential employees. As they move up the ranks in a company, business, or nonprofit, they then enter organizational leadership roles with managerial and director-level titles such as dean, provost, general counsel, chief financial officer, etc. The actual day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of an organizational leader include managing and motivating a team, utilizing a problem-solving mindset to address any problems that may arise, setting team goals and coordinating with other departments as broader organizational goals are being pursued.

The importance of organizational leaders is bolstering teamwork, promoting cooperation, and setting reasonable goals by making the most of the unique skill set found in their team. A possible example of organizational leadership is managing a team project researching how a company can improve its website search engine optimization (SEO). In this scenario, the leader figure will help coordinate individuals and their strengths, encourage inclusivity, and ensure a plan is set with each person taking on the responsibilities to see it through.

Some important traits for organizational leaders include:

Problem-solving and decision making

Clear communication and good listening

Inclusivity and fostering a safe environment for employees

Goal oriented

Respect and courtesy

Creative in utilizing the team’s strengths

Leaders inspire others to act by setting good examples. Their drive and perseverance spur others on. Leaders strive to be the best they can be not to compete with others. In fact, a leader’s job is to help others make their best contribution toward a shared goal. Leaders motivate others through mutual trust. The leader must trust in his or her teammates’ abilities and willingness to pursue a goal. At the same time, the team must trust in their leader’s ability and willingness to provide needed support. This mutual trust is essential in building a team that will be successful in reaching its goal. In today’s workplace, you need to develop leadership skills to build and direct teams to get work done. Although some leadership qualities are inborn, many of the skills necessary for good leadership can be learned. In this book, we discuss ways of interacting with others that will help you lead them to success. Topics include:

Motivating others

Giving and taking criticism

Organizing a project

Delegating responsibility

Monitoring a team’s progress

Learning leadership skills on the job

What Makes A Good Leader?

Although there are different styles of leadership, all effective leaders share certain characteristics. These are qualities that can be learned and improved upon over time.

Communication Skills

They communicate clearly. Managing a group, especially in the workplace, starts with good communication. Whether writing an e-mail or providing face-to-face employee feedback, good leaders say what they mean and mean what they say. They’re not passive-aggressive, nor do they shy away from addressing challenges in a direct manner.

Passionate

They’re passionate about their work. Many good leaders love what they do, and they’re not afraid to show it. Of course, you can still be a good leader even if your professional and personal interests aren’t a perfect match. Think about what you enjoy most in your work, and develop your enthusiasm around that you even may find that you’re managing yourself into greater workplace satisfaction.

Unpopular

They don’t care about being popular. In fact, if your first concern is whether everyone likes you, you may be less effective. Whether it’s giving tough criticism or pointing out a practice you believe is unethical, learning how to be a good leader means getting comfortable doing or saying things that are best for your team and your organization, even if it makes you temporarily unpopular

Think Positive

They’re positive and encouraging. Good leaders are uplifting. They praise employees for a job well done, taking time to coach and train if there are lapses in performance. In good times and bad, good leaders bring out the best in their employees by encouraging them to be their very best.

Connection

They build relationships. The ability to form productive connections is a key quality of a good leader. Strong managers aren’t threatened by others. Instead of guarding their territory, they’re constantly building bridges with others. A good leader knows the value of mutually beneficial relationships, and actively seeks them out.

Lead by Example

They lead by example. The best managers

Reviews for The Certified Information Technology Manager

[Cathy Scott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is a must-read for IT managers or anyone who aims to be an IT Manager. Excellent. Highly recommended.

[Sharifah Shawls · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent content, top quality certification. Highly recommended for information technology practitioners.