Technical Decisions for Non Technical Managers

A combination of increased literacy, good decision making processes, and effective use of technical resources and peers leads to better, faster decisions, even for non-technical managers.

Abstract: Nonprofit managers are ever more often called on to make decisions about technology, but few have any background or training in information systems. Lack of confidence and, in some cases, skill often lead to slow and ineffective decision-making as well as flawed decisions and, in some cases, no decisions at all A combination of increased literacy, good decision making processes, and effective use of technical resources and peers leads to better, faster decisions, even for non-technical managers

Purpose of Presentation: The purpose of this presentation is to provide a road map for nonprofit managers faced with making decisions about technology, explaining the factors that need to be considered in such decisions, how to avoid common pitfalls, ways to judge the value of proposed technology, and resources for validating decisions. The presentation will also explain some of the reasons that decisions about technology are particularly difficult and risky for nonprofit organizations.

Goals and Objectives:

Attendees will:

1. Learn how to apply good decision-making skills to technology
2. Understand how to factor long-term costs and benefits into technology decisions
3. Know where to turn for advice and assistance
4. Find out how to avoid the most typical problems nonprofits have with technology decisions