2003
The changing role of the retail IT executive: PA expert speaks to The Retail IT Directors' Club at the Retail Solutions exhibition - 3 June
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04 June 2003
Dr Mark Dorgan, Member of the Management Group at PA Consulting Group, the leading management, systems and technology consulting firm, delivered a presentation on the changing role of the retail IT executive to the Retail IT Directors' Club at the Retail Solutions exhibition (3 June)
Entitled, 'From technician to change manager', Mark discussed the following key developments:
- Fifteen years ago the IT manager was viewed as a technician. Their role would be to report to the finance director, install, programme and maintain systems through a technical team and they were invisible to much of the organisation. Competencies included being technically knowledgeable, reactive and an analytical completer.
- Then the IT executive became a trusted internal service provider. Their role would be to take their place on the leadership team, provide input to the business strategy, negotiate with external suppliers/internal customers, become a central service provider to the business and responsive to the organisation. Competencies included having access to current technical expertise, being responsive to the organisation and a functional leader and manager.
- But today, the IT executive must be a business change manager and more. They now need to be business leaders, participate in shaping the strategy, deploying internal/external resources, managing business change, leading the organisation into new territory and educating the organisation. This changing role now includes competencies such as being strategically insightful, a networker and a business leader and shaper.
- Managing change is about people and processes much more than it is about the systems themselves and the IT function is becoming a mirror of the business as it networks into new areas of expertise. Tomorrow's IT function will be staffed by organisation developers, consultants, marketers, CRM experts, procurement, relationship and project managers, amongst others.
During the conference, Mark also participated in a panel discussion and Q&A session on the changing role of the IT Director.
For more information to interview Mark or photography, please contact:
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| Carol Briggs |
| PA Consulting Group |
| 123 Buckingham Palace Road |
| London |
| SW1W 9SR |
| United Kingdom |
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Tel: +44 207 333 6144 |
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Fax: +44 20 73335452 |
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E-mail:
carol.briggs@paconsulting.com |
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Notes to editors
PA Consulting Group is a leading management, systems and technology consulting firm, with a unique combination of these capabilities. Established almost 60 years ago, and operating worldwide from over 40 offices in around 20 countries, PA draws on the knowledge and experience of around 4,000 people, whose skills span the initial generation of ideas and insights all the way through to detailed implementation.
PA builds strategies for the creation and capture of shareholder and customer value, and helps clients accelerate business growth through innovation and the application of technology. PA works with clients to improve performance, mobilize human resources and deliver change effectively, including managing major projects, and designing and implementing enterprise-wide systems and full e-business solutions.
PA focuses on creating benefits for clients rather than merely proposing them, and this focus is supported by an outstanding implementation track record in every major industry and for governments around the world. PA also develops leading-edge technology both for its clients and within its own portfolio of venture companies in areas ranging from software to wireless technology to life sciences.
PA distinguishes itself from its competitors through the range and quality of its people, the depth of its industry insight, its development and use of technology, and also its independence and culture of respect, collaboration and flexibility in working with clients.
We are proud that our clients say 'PA makes it happen'.
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