Question

• What is the most important critical success factor when implementing an IT initiative? Why?
• As a manager in health care, what is your role in information technology initiatives? What are the benefits of being involved?

Answer 1

Certain factors are critical for the successful implementation of IT initiative .These factors fall under both management and technical factors. The most important

critical factors when implementing an IT initiative is the change management. The process of implementation is normally a process of change and hence is riddled with challenges. Therefore, change management is probably the single most important factor in implementing an IT initiative.The change management initiatives must be considered as part of the implementation effort and should be done proactively rather than in a reactive manner. Change management initiatives must also be done with the seriousness that it deserves. A callous attitude towards change management initiatives can cause more damage than good. Hence the attitude of management must be calibrated to suit the initiative.Change management is an extremely important initiative that companies implement when big or small organizational changes happen within a company. The purpose of every change management initiative is to successfully implement strategies and methods for effecting change and helping people to accept and adapt to change.

The managers role and responsibilities in information technology initiative vary depending on the size, structure, nature of the hospital and its technology adaptation. The core role and responsibility manager include managerial role, operational role, consultant role, training role and team leader role.

Benefits of managers been involved in the initiative is because initiative is one of the essential trait of a leader. Its beneficial because initiative distinguishes a leader because it's not just about doing what is told, but rather finding new ways to do more. If a leader's job is to build progress, then initiative is how that progress can be built. The benefits of the managers been into ensure he can answer senior management questions in case they arise and ensure proper utilization of funds and resources. Additionally,its beneficial to be involved because they responsible for planning, directing and overseeing the operations and fiscal health of a business unit, division, department, or an operating unit within an organization. The manager is responsible for overseeing and leading the work of a group of people in many instances. Their involvement shows their seriousness with the healthcare organization to ensure its success.

Managerial role- includes supervision and development of ideal IT system with staffing the IT team and create an IT road-map and action plan for future growth.

Managers provide direction, consulting, approve, administration and monitor major projects, IT budgets, priorities, standards, procedures, and overall IT performance. Also managers are involved in testing integrity and performance of various information networks and software applications and controlling the initiatives budget and expenditures.

Operational role- Manager is responsible for managing the end-to end IT operations of the hospitals. That include Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of information systems and electronic processing. Provide monitoring, management and oversee successful implementation of the initiative. Consultant role-IT manager and manager in health care serve as consultants to executive level officers when it comes to developing and applying information technology policy and standards .Also, support staff and assign priorities during in house software development process.

Training role- managers oversee training of staffs about new and potential use of the system and also ensure orientation to new users of implemented technology.

Team leader role-managers manage the various department involving the IT department. Managers lead the IT department to ensure proper and successful implementation of the initiative.