Computer-literate managers are needed in their thousands for the 1990s, according to a report published yesterday by the British Computer Society. The so-called ‘hybrid’ managers have a combination of business skills and knowledge of information technology and how to apply it to its best advantage. Job experience as well as training must be given given to achieve these skills, a suggested average of three years should be spent in each area. An Master of Business Adminstration programme is needed, geared in the first place to teaching computer professionals how to become professional managers. The BCS task group, which consists of archetypal hybrid managers from companies such as Esso, Marks & Spencer and the Post Office, will run a seminar in February for leading representatives of business, the computer profession and educationalists to launch a series of initiatives. The aim of the report is to raise the profile of the hybrid, firstly to BCS members so the role can be formalised within the society’s Professional Development Scheme, then to industry and educational establishments. A communications programme to emphasise the need for hybrids, directed at government and business is to be initiated later this month under the National Computing Centre’s Impact programme. Although recommendations have been made, some further funded research is suggested. The report is available from the Society at UKP7 for non-members. A series of case studies of hybrid management in action is to be published later.
