Managing Information Technology

There are two different, interdependent components of IT that are important to a CIO: strategy, which is long-term; and tactical and operational concerns, which are short-term. Based on this distinction and its repercussions, this book clearly separates strategy from day-to-day operations and projects from operations - the two most important functions of a CIO.

It starts by discussing the ideal organization of an IT department and the rationale behind it, and then goes on to debate the most pressing need - managing operations. It also explains some best industry standards and their practical implementation, and discusses project management, again highlighting the differences between the methodologies used in projects and those used in operations. A special chapter is devoted to the cutover of projects into operations, a critical aspect seldom discussed in detail. Other chapters touch on the management of IT portfolios, project governance, as well as agile project methodology, how it differs from the waterfall methodology, and when it is convenient to apply each.

Taking the fundamental principles of IT service management and best practices in project management, the book offers a single, seamless reference for IT managers and professionals. It is highly practical, explaining how to apply these principles based on the author's extensive experience in industry.

Dr. Francisco Castillo is currently Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Maynilad Water Services, inc., the water concessionaire for the West area of Manila's greater metropolitan area which serves about 9million people. He was previously connected to a major multinational IT consulting firm as Managing Consultant for Asia-Pacific, where he worked over 12 years in various capacities. This 2013 he was named 'Outstanding ASEAN CIO' by the IDG group, as well as Most Valuable Person by the International Quality and Productivity Center in Singapore 2013. He has over 25 years experience in Information Technology, and has undertaken projects in over a dozen countries in Europe and Asia. He holds a Ph.D. in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from the Universidad Politecnica de Cataluña (Barcelona, Spain), where he was also Associate Director for the Technical Engineering College, and Associate Professor. He has over 50 published papers in international journals and conferences, and has presented in over 30 international seminars around the world. He is also a certified PMP and PfMP.