In this digital era, businesses and technology are no longer separate entities but deeply connected. Technology is improving how businesses operate by streamlining processes and enhancing customer experiences. Similarly, technology-based businesses need people who know how to balance between business teams and IT teams while bringing together different priorities and goals. This is why there is a huge demand for professionals with an MBA in technology management as they can bridge these two critical functions to achieve organisational success.
Before delving into why MBA tech is so important now, let’s first understand why there is a need for such professionals. The need arises because there is a gap between business and IT. After all, these two have different focuses. Business teams aim to achieve organisational goals such as profitability, market growth, and customer satisfaction. On the other hand, the priority for IT teams is enhancing technical performance, system stability and innovation. Though both groups are integral to the organisation, many times their priorities set them against each other.
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An MBA in Technology Management is a specialised MBA program. This postgraduate programme focuses on integrating business management principles with technological expertise. The course is perfect for professionals who want to join the tech industry.
To do an MBA in this field as well as other related fields like MBA in information technology, candidates need to complete their graduation course and then score well in entrance exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT or CMAT. Candidates with any bachelor's degree can do this course, but colleges will prefer those from STEM backgrounds, especially those with B. Tech in computer science or IT. Candidates with work experience in the tech or IT sector are often preferred by some institutions. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for success in this postgraduate programme.
Some private institutes also provide online tech MBA courses tailored especially for working individuals. For instance, consider our MBA programme. We partner with IIT Jodhpur to provide an MBA course designed specifically for professionals from the Tech and Data industries. You don’t need a CAT or GATE score to join the Futurense MBA program.
One of the key responsibilities of graduates with an MBA in Technology Management is ensuring that IT projects in their organisation align with business goals. They form the bridge between stakeholders from both sides creating a shared roadmap that solves both the business needs and feasibility needs of IT.
For example, an eCommerce company is planning to launch a mobile app and has a dedicated professional for technology management. The professional tasked with this job will make sure that the business team focuses on customer engagement and market penetration while the IT is making sure that the app is scalable, secure and user-friendly. The person in charge of the technology management will align these goals which will make sure that the app is launched on time and is a success among customers.
The biggest issue that arises between the business part and the IT part of a company is that they fail to communicate with each other! IT professionals use their own jargon, which business stakeholders may not understand, while the terms used by business teams may have different meanings for the IT group. A trained professional from MBA technology or related fields like MBA information technology management is needed to become the bridge of communication between them as they can translate what the other means!
For instance, if a business executive asks the IT team for a “faster system”, the IT team may wonder if it is about faster processor speed, reduced downtime or a better network. When the executive is asked about these options, he might not understand how they are related to “faster systems”. It will be the job of the technology management professional to help decode the requirement and make sure both understand what the other group wants.
Another important job that MBA technology professionals fill in their company is making sure that there is optimal utilisation of resources. They ensure that all resources, whether human or technological, are utilised to their maximum potential. They allocate resources based on their understanding of business priorities and IT capabilities.
For example, if it is a manufacturing firm, the technology manager might prioritise investments in IoT (Internet of Things) that can help them monitor machinery performance. This aligns with their business goals by reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. Moreover, the IT resources will not be overstretched.
Every technology project involves inherent risks, such as cybersecurity threats, budget overruns, or implementation delays. A professional who has done MBA in technology management is responsible for identifying and mitigating these risks by developing contingency plans and robust frameworks.
For instance, during a digital transformation initiative, it will be his or her job to make sure that sensitive business data is protected with advanced security protocols, safeguarding the organisation from potential breaches.
In any organization, technology management is now an important position and no longer a supporting one. Professionals with MBA in technology Management are working as a bridge between their organization's business teams and IT teams. They are aligning goals, enhancing communication and managing risks to make sure that the organization is harnessing the full potential of technology to achieve success.