How IT Departments Operate: Roles and Processes

Interested in a career in IT and curious about how an Information Systems Department (ISD) operates? Here’s a detailed overview of the process:

Project Management (MOA)

It all begins with an expression of need from the client or producer, known as project management (MOA). This initial step involves identifying and defining the specific project requirements.

Project Management Assistance (PMA)

Once the project scope is defined, the next step is translating ideas into an architectural concept. This is where Project Management Assistance (PMA) comes into play. A PMA’s role is pivotal and includes several key missions:

• Collecting business needs: Understanding customer requirements and expectations.
• Asking the right questions: Clarifying project objectives and constraints.
• Creating an overall plan: Structuring the project under the direction of the project manager.
• Advising the product owner: Considering budget constraints and expected outcomes to guide the project.
• Defining success criteria: Establishing project limits and constraints.

The Infrastructure, System, and Network Team

Once needs and specifications are established, the project moves to another closely connected team, the infrastructure, system, and network team. This team comprises three divisions:

• Infrastructure Division: Responsible for converting the project from concept to a tangible solution by sizing and setting up necessary servers.
• Network Center: Ensures connectivity by linking the solution to the electrical and digital network required for operation.
• System Center: Configures technical software to operate installed equipment, tailored to meet project-specific needs.

The Cybersecurity Team

Simultaneously, the cybersecurity team establishes security standards and implements protective measures for the project, including:

• Monitoring tool access
• Enforcing safety protocols
• Filtering websites
• Providing antivirus protection, etc.

Validation and Change Support

Post installation, PMA tests the entire setup to validate the project comprehensively. This step ensures that all preceding stages were executed correctly or identifies areas needing revision.

Following validation, the IT department’s change support team steps in to guide end-users through the new system’s functionality, facilitating smooth adoption of new technologies.

The Service Center

Finally, once the product is validated and deployed, the service center takes charge. This team possesses detailed knowledge of the deployed project and assists customers with queries or issues.

Working within an IT department entails numerous responsibilities and requires close collaboration across different teams to ensure successful IT project outcomes.