Business leaders need to be involved in information technology-any computer-based tool that people use to work with information and support the information and information-processing needs of an organization-for the following (primary) reasons:

? The sheer magnitude of the dollars spent on IT must be managed to ensure business value.

? Research has consistently shown that when business leaders are involved in information technology, it enables a number of business initiatives, such as gaining a competitive advantage, streamlining business processes, and even transforming entire organizations.

? Research has consistently shown that when business leaders are not involved in IT, systems fail, revenue is lost, and even entire companies can fail as a result of poorly managed IT. One of the biggest challenges facing organizations is, "How do we get general business leaders involved in IT?"

Research has shown that involvement is highly correlated with personal experience with IT and IT education, including university classes and IT executive seminars. Once general business leaders understand IT through experience and education, they are more likely to be involved in IT, and more likely to lead their organizations in achieving business success through IT.

PROJECT FOCUS

1. Search the Internet to find examples of the types of technologies that are currently used in the field or industry that you plan to pursue.

For example, if you are planning on a career in accounting or finance, you should become familiar with financial systems such as Oracle Financials.

If you are planning a career in logistics or distribution, you should research supply chain management systems. If you are planning a career in marketing, you should research customer relationship management systems, blogs, and eMarketing.

2. IT is described as an enabler/facilitator of competitive advantage, organizational effectiveness, and organizational efficiency. As a competitive tool, IT can differentiate an organization's products, services, and prices from its competitors by improving product quality, shortening product development or delivery time, creating new IT-based products and services, and improving customer service before, during, and after a transaction.

Search the Internet and find several examples of companies in the industry where you plan to work that have achieved a competitive advantage through IT.

3. Create a simple report of your findings; include a brief overview of the type of technologies you found and how organizations are using them to achieve a competitive advantage.