Computer Operations Manager and Project Manager
The operations department in an organisation is responsible for the production of the data centre.
Operations managers plan software, organise personnel, helping them to set and accomplish goals, and control the operation of all data processing equipment and software. They interpret management's needs to their staff.
Project managers plan and control all the different projects, monitor their progress and ensure that projects are completed within their set target dates.
Operations managers and project managers should be able to make quick decisions. They must have good interpersonal communication skills.
Both operations managers and project managers have considerable seniority and experience and may have been through the ranks of a programmer or systems analyst. Various management courses are offered at universities of technology and universities.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of work
- intellectual challenge
- problem-solving
- creative thinking
- dealing with people
- good remuneration
Demanding aspects
- having to work long hours on occasion
- stressful when projects are behind schedule
- difficulty in keeping abreast in the field
- mental fatigue due to complexity and pressures of the job
- working with more than one project at a time
Requirements
A computer project manager should:
- be practical and enjoy solving problems;
- be accurate and persistent;
- have managerial and organisational skills;
- have good judgement;
- work well with others;
- express ideas clearly in writing and in speech;
- be willing to continue education to keep up with the latest developments in the field.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics
Recommended Subjects: Information Technology, Computer Applications
Training
Degree: BSc Computer Science or Information Systems or Information Technology as major, or a BCom. degree with information systems - RU, UCT, UWC, NMMU, UFS, Wits, US, UP, UNISA, UKZN. UZ, UFH, NWU, Monash.
Diploma: N.Dip.: Computer Technology or N.Dip: Computer Data Processing - CUT, TUT, VUT, UJ, CPUT, UNISA.
A qualification in project management is also recommended.
Employer
- any company or business using computer systems and networks
- government departments
- provincial administrations
- computer bureaus
Contact
Computer Society of SA
P O Box 1714
Halfway House, 1685
ICT House
546 16th Road
Constantia Park [Unit No.3]
Midrand
Tel: (011) 315-1319 Fax: (011) 315-2276
www.cssa.org.co.za
Project Management South Africa (PMSA)
P O Box 1714
Halfway House 1685
Tel: (011) 257-8003 Fax: (011) 662-2961
E-mail: info@pmisa.org.za
www.pmisa.org.za