ICT Manager Meaning & Roles?

If you’ve ever wondered, what is the meaning of ICT manager? What do they do or what does ICT management entail? Then you’ve come to the right place. This article aims to demystify the role, responsibilities, and significance of ICT managers in today’s digital landscape.

We’ll delve into the meaning of ICT management, the job description of an ICT manager, and much more.

So, let’s get started!

What Is ICT Management?

Few people have ever heard of an ICT manager or know the specifics that go into becoming one.

Most people think of ICT managers as being the people who come and fix their office computer connections, install software, and organize interoffice communication.

But there’s far more to it than that.

ICT, or Information and Communications Technology, encompasses everything related to computers, communications equipment, and the software used to generate, store, transmit, and interpret information.

ICT management, therefore, involves overseeing these complex systems. Contrary to popular belief, an ICT manager’s role isn’t limited to fixing computers or installing software; meaning it’s far more comprehensive and strategic.

Are ICT Managers and IT Managers The Same?

The long and short of this question is no.

While ICT and IT (Information Technology) are often used interchangeably, they are not identical.

ICT is often described as combining several different technologies that allow various communications to flow in varying formats and various media.

ICT is a broader field that includes various technologies facilitating different types of communication, making it more encompassing than IT.

Learn more about the difference between IT and ICT in our guide here.

What Are the Components of ICT?

Understanding the meaning of ICT requires a grasp of its key components especially to be a manager, which you likely interact with daily:

  • Data: The raw information processed and stored by computers.
  • Software: The programs and applications that enable data processing.
  • Internet: The global network connecting millions of private, public, academic, and business networks.
  • Transactions: The exchange of data or financial assets facilitated by ICT.
  • Hardware: The physical devices like computers, servers, and networking equipment.
  • The Cloud: Online storage systems that allow data access from anywhere.

The bottom line is that ICT allows us to go about our everyday lives at work, home, and even during errands, all while staying connected. 

There are components of ICT that you probably use every day without realizing it, but don’t feel bad.

Unless you are already in the field, it’s hard to comprehend the various ways that ICT technology affects and helps run our day-to-day activities.

Why Is ICT Important?

ICT is a cornerstone of modern communication and efficiency.

It enables rapid information dissemination, saving time and reaching a broader audience.

In short, if you want to get your message across quickly and efficiently, the role of ICT managers is indispensable.

Why Is ICT Good for Businesses?

Almost every contemporary business relies on ICT for essential operations. From client database management to appointment reminders, ICT streamlines tasks and can even make certain roles redundant due to its efficiency.

ICT can link various client databases together, keep reservations on file, and even send reminders to clients that you would have completely forgotten to handle

There are few businesses and organizations today that do not use ICT management to conduct essential tasks.

How to Be Competent in ICT?

Students working with multiple computer screens inside an office learning the meaning of being an ICT manager.

To be ICT competent, you need to understand computers, networks and interpersonal communication.

Computers and networks can be found in nearly every place you go, whether school, library, hair salon, grocery store, or private homes.

Technology has really taken over nearly everything.

The good news is, the more people understand computers, the more jobs are created.

By being proficient in ICT management, experts create opportunities for people to work alongside one another and to complete various tasks alone.

Plus, ICT is most likely a larger part of your life than you realize.

You probably don’t consider that because of its development, you can compose messages via text and email to send to family and friends, using many different devices. 

Thanks to ICT, you can email in the blink of an eye or start a video chat or conference with someone on the other side of the globe.

What Are the Necessary Skills to Be Considered ICT Literate?

To be ICT literate you don’t have to be an expert in all things tech, meaning there are handful of skills you’ll want to develop as a manager.

So what do you need to be considered ICT literate?

  • Document Editing: Ability to create and edit documents.
  • Application Usage: Familiarity with opening and using various software applications.
  • Spreadsheet Management: Skills in creating and editing spreadsheets.
  • Visual Apps: Know-how of using visual applications like FaceTime.
  • Tech Selection: Ability to choose the right technology for specific tasks.
  • Information Manipulation: Skills in handling different forms of information.

What Are the Foundational Elements of ICT?

An ICT system is one that can store, record, send, receive, and produce information.

Part of understanding ICT is figuring out the different elements in the system.

To fully grasp the meaning of being an ICT manager, it’s crucial to understand its foundational elements. These include modems, switches, hubs, and routers, which facilitate the transfer of information between computers and ICT systems.

These devices essentially “connect the dots” in the ICT landscape, enabling seamless communication.

What Is Transition Media?

Transmission media refer to the physical or wireless pathways that connect ICT systems. These can include:

  • Copper or fiber cables
  • Cellular or mobile links
  • Telephone lines
  • Satellite links

These media form the backbone of what we call communication networks.

What Are Communication Networks? (4 Things)

You may be asking, what are communication networks?

You cannot just send a message or get across point A to point B without some network for the information to travel on.

Like power lines connected and held up by poles, the communication network runs alongside devices and transmits one media to another.

Communication networks are the “highways” that facilitate the flow of information. They can be categorized into:

  • Local Area Networks (LAN): These are confined to a small geographic area like a single building.
  • Wide Area Networks (WAN): These span larger areas, connecting multiple buildings or even cities.
  • Cellular Networks: These are wireless networks that cover various “cells” or areas within a city.
  • Internet: The global network that connects everyone, everywhere.

So what exactly do all of these hookups mean?

Let’s lay them out in layman’s terms so everyone can follow along. 

#1 Local Area Network

A local area network connects devices with a relatively short range, such as within a building or a building within proximity.

This is something that a large company would utilize or a university, anything that requires communication between places within a relatively short distance.

#2 Wide Area Network

The wide area network is basically a local area network with extra power.

This network is for communication between buildings with a greater distance from one another, different cities, or even further.

#3 Cellular Network

The last thing anyone needs is to diminish the cell tower, which is a cellular network where the last link is, of course, wireless.

The network is spread out of land areas called “cells” (hence the phrase “cell phone”) and is linked by transceivers spread throughout a town or city. 

These towers provide cell phones with the coverage they need to perform the tasks they are meant for, i.e., phone calls, sending emails, and connecting to the internet.

#4 Internet

The internet connects everyone from all over the world to one another.

It is the goliath of all things technology that brought the vast world and simplified it into the touch of a button or click of a mouse.

With the internet, there is no place too far away to communicate at any time.

What Is an ICT Manager?

An ICT manager’s job description is multifaceted, meaning they are responsible for overseeing, organizing, and coordinating the development and management of information technology and computer systems.

They also manage IT staff and evaluate their performance, ensuring they adhere to policies and procedures.

What Does an ICT Manager Do?

ICT managers using laptop near server racks conducting system management.

You might be wondering exactly what are the ICT manager duties and responsibilities beyond the job description. 

Here’s the thing: they are responsible for a lot, including overseeing the security of the ICT system and analyzing information needed to specify technology to meet those requirements.

An ICT manager also needs to formulate and direct information and communicate technology strategies (ICT) plans and policies.

ICT managers wear many hats meaning they have a lot of responsibilities. Here are some of their key roles:

  • Managing IT and Computer Systems: Overseeing the technological infrastructure within the organization.
  • Planning and Implementing Electronic Data Systems: Ensuring data is securely stored and easily accessible.
  • Staff Management: Recruiting, training, and evaluating IT staff.
  • Security Oversight: Ensuring the security of data and network access.
  • Budget Management: Staying within the annual budget while being cost-effective.

How Do You Become an ICT Manager? (3 Pathways)

There is no shortage of programs dedicated to management in the IT industry, but exactly which ones do you need to become an ICT manager?

First, decide whether or not you want to do online classes or attend in person. 

Becoming an ICT manager requires specialized education and training. Options range from short courses and certificates to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Areas of study can include web design, software development, and computer programming.

Educational Pathways Inlcude:

  1. Certificates: Starting with a Certificate IV in Information Technology can provide foundational skills.
  2. Diplomas: A Diploma in Information Technology offers more advanced training.
  3. Bachelor’s Degrees: A Bachelor of Technology (Information Systems) provides a comprehensive education and serves as a stepping stone to higher education.

Where to Begin

Where should your education start?

You have options: tons of certificates can cover ICT manager education.

Bachelor’s (and higher) degrees are another possible path.

Certificates

A good place to begin your training is with Certificate IV Information Technology training.

The course will give you all the skills you need to perform the job and provides work placement hours to give you a potential leg up in the job market, but at the very least, it will provide you with real-life training skills.

The Diploma of Information Technology will allow you to develop skills in conducting information and communications technology support.

After taking this course, you will also be able to use appropriate IT solutions, model data processes, design web page layouts, and know your way around general technologies.

With an Advanced Diploma in Information Technology, you will build on core management abilities that will allow you to take on senior IT positions within numerous organizations.

Bachelor’s Degree Options

A Bachelor of Technology (Information Systems) is good if you want a respectable undergraduate degree.

With this degree, you will be well versed in information systems and have built a strong technical base and the ability to work with a team and clients. 

This degree is also a good stepping stone to higher learning levels such as Honors, Graduate Certificate, or Master’s degrees.

What Does an ICT Manager Do During a Typical Day?

The great thing about being an ICT manager is that no day is the same as any other.

Working with various clients and different projects offers various tasks and undertakings that change daily. 

You can expect to liaise with clients on a near-daily basis, helping them create the design and implementation of their program and providing support to ensure their systems run smoothly.

What Is an ICT Manager’s Job Outlook?

As an ICT Manager, you are essentially taking on a senior management staff role to support your client. The role of ICT managers is ever-evolving, making it a dynamic career choice. Key skills that are often sought after in an ICT manager include troubleshooting abilities, adaptability to technological changes, and excellent communication skills.

There are some key skills that every ICT Manager should possess or work to strengthen to excel in their role and what employers look for when writing an ICT manager job outlook:

  • Troubleshooting is critical in the role of ICT Managers. Having the ability to isolate, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues systematically is a must.
  • The issues that arise in the technological field are ever-changing. ICT managers must be able to research to figure out a problem that has not been encountered before.
  • Assuring your client that you will resolve the issue and explain to them what that issue might be, is critical. A client is not computer savvy, typically speaking; that’s why they hire an ICT specialist. However, they are concerned about their business, so speaking to them to understand without feeling spoken down to is important.

ICT Manager Salary

If your calling is to be an ICT manager, then you’re going to make some pretty sweet earnings for your troubles.

An ICT manager’s salary ranges depending on qualifications, experience, and additional skills.

However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that a similar title of “Computer and Information Systems Manager” makes an average of around $156K per year.

ICT Project Manager

Workmates discussing the ICT manager job description in front of a computer.

What exactly is the rockstar role of ICT project managers? 

An information and communications technology project manager basically makes things happen, similar to an assistant director on a movie set.

They direct resources, employees, finances, and facilities to get to the objectives of ICT projects. 

They work on time frames to get jobs done, finances allotted to projects, and complete reports once the job is done.

ICT Project Manager Salary

An ICT project manager salary ranges depending on qualifications, experience, and additional skills, but the average range works to be roughly $87,000 annually.

Alongside the ICT manager and project manager is some other key personnel which include:

ICT Operations Manager

The ICT operations manager coordinates ICT infrastructures and services and makes sure that an organization has the required resources for infrastructure.

Also, they plan and monitor the stages of a computer or business process and negotiate contracts. 

They are also responsible for taking mitigation action if an agreement is not fulfilled.

In short, they oversee the daily tasks of infrastructure components, software, and ICT systems.

ICT Network Manager

ICT network managers are responsible for managing overall and overseeing the direction that the specific company’s ICT network will take. They ensure the design and installation of the company’s network and ensure it is completed in a cost-efficient manner.

Business Development Manager

The business development manager is responsible for increasing business opportunities for organizations. They develop strategies that will increase the seamless running of an organization and product development and distribution. 

A business development manager also negotiates prices and sets out the terms of a contract.

ICT Supervisor

An ICT supervisor is responsible for the installation and maintenance of an organization’s technology systems and upgrades. 

The ICT supervisor works with information technology administrators and support staff to run daily operations of information technology systems and various components.

Author

  • Theresa McDonough

    Tech entrepreneur and founder of Tech Medic, who has become a prominent advocate for the Right to Repair movement. She has testified before the US Federal Trade Commission and been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, helping influence change within the tech industry.

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