- Identify other components of a business
According to indeed, business departments are divisions within a business that specialize in offering certain services that contribute to the overall functionality of the business. Some common business departments include human resources, operations, information technology, marketing, sales, accounting/finance, and research and development.
- Where do they “fit” in the organization?
Human resources handle all aspects of the employee life cycle, including recruiting, hiring, and providing guidance for disputes. The operations department handles the oversight of planning, organization, production, and manufacturing. Marketing promotes the business’ products and services to potential customers and the public. Sales facilitates and secures the sale of a business’ product and/or services. Accounting and finance departments handle all aspects of a business’ finances. Research and development conducts research on matters that could benefit the business in the future.
- Where does IT “fit” in an organization?
The IT department ensures a business’s network of computers and other technology works correctly. This can involve maintaining computer infrastructure, implementing software, installing hardware, troubleshooting, making repairs, providing end-user support, and other tasks.
- What are the roles and responsibilities within IT?
There are many roles commonly found in IT departments within businesses. Most of these roles can be grouped under the following categories: administration, technical support, programming, and collaboration. A system or network administrator would be an example of a role whose focus falls within administrator. These positions maintain different parts of the computer infrastructure within the company, perform updates, and train employees on the systems they manage. A help desk technician who provides end-user support and assists with troubleshooting is an example of a technical support role. Software developers who build and maintain the business’s software use various programming languages in their work. Finally, an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) is an example of someone who regularly communicates and collaborates with other members of the information technology department, as well as members of other departments in their job.
- How should IT itself be organized?
A common and effective way businesses structure their IT departments is with a functional structure. This involves organizing team members according to their expertise and responsibilities. Each function would operate in its own team led by a senior IT employee.
Sources
What Are the Departments in a Business? (Plus Their Uses). (2024). Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/business-departments
The IT department: structure, roles & outsourcing | Prey Blog. (2023, February 2). Preyproject.com. https://preyproject.com/blog/the-it-department