MMIS 0620 Deliverable-A

MMIS 620
Deliverable-A

Scott Leith
October 21, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Deliverable-a.. 3
Topic of the research and development paper. 3
Title of the research and development paper. 3
Statement of the problem.. 3
Outline. 3
reference list. 3

TOPIC # 3: The different role and scope of the job of the CTO vs the CIO in information systems in an organization.

TITLE: The role of the CTO can benefit an organization, even when the title cannot.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

It has been argued that the establishment of a Chief Technology Officer is damaging to an organization. The belief is that the Chief Technology Office creates strife because of its title, stifles ingenuity because of its role as lead innovator, interrupts the chain of command by inserting itself between the Chief Information Officer and his/her subordinates, and is unaccountable for its realm of responsibility (Meyer, 2007). At the same time, organizations are facing an increasingly overwhelming number of decisions to make regarding their information resources. A company must have somewhere to turn for advice about their technology because these choices will affect their bottom line (Tweney, 2002).

OUTLINE

1. Introduction and Problem Statement
2. Defining the CTO
a. Five types of CTOs – Genius, Administrator, Director, Executive, Advocate
b. It’s about the position, not the title
i. Should it be a C-level position?
(1). Depends on the Industry
(2). Depends on the effect the IT department has on the company
(3). IT champion at the C-level – Already have a CIO
ii. Determining factors
(1). Organizational structure and organizational culture must be sustained
(2). Responsibility of the CTO
c. Difference between the CIO and CTO
3. When companies need a champion of technology and innovation
a. Strategic use of technology for future goals
b. Advocate for how technology can help external customers
c. Shortfalls of only having a CIO
d. Coordinate integration projects objectively
4. When companies don’t need a CTO
a. Doesn’t meet needs of the company
5. Conclusion

REFERENCE LIST

Meyer, N. D. (2007, June 30). CTO: A dangerous title. CIO Magazine. Article 121904. Retrieved October 11, 2007, from http://www.cio.com/article/121904/. http://www.cio.com/article/121904/.
Tweney, D. F. (2002, April 11). Does your company need a CTO? [Electronic version]. Business 2.0.