No, it’s not yet another hiding in the World Cup knock-out stages. It's the results of research assessing ICT recovery across Europe.
By Helen Beckett [Published 29/06/2010]
A survey of 300 decision makers in the UK, France and Germany found that German IT bosses found it relatively easier and less stressful to manage projects, budget cuts and to track IT assets. English IT managers have fared worse than their continental neighbours according to the report, Rebirth of the IT Budget, by market research company Dynamic Markets.
"All of Europe has suffered during the recession, but in the UK, IT directors have felt the pain more,” said the report’s author, Cherry Taylor.
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Commissioned by Numura Software, the research found that:
• More UK respondents said IT budget values have been affected in some way (65%), compared to France (46%) and Germany (47%).
• More UK respondents said IT budgets have been reduced (42%), compared to France (28%).
• More said new IT projects have been affected (55%), compared to Germany (33%) and France (32%).
• More UK respondents said more senior people are involved in sign-off (35%), compared to Germany (21%) and France (19%).
The theme is not uncommon in its other European research, according to Dynamic Markets, who said the outcome may partly be cultural. Whatever the reasons, said Taylor, "Germany tends to emerge as a shining star in these studies".
Too much pressure?
However, the report also identified that pressures of low morale and a blame culture burden English ICT managers disproportionately; a mirror, perhaps, of the problems their compatriots face on the international football scene.
• A total of 28% ICT decision makers say it [the recession] has been demotivating for them personally; and more UK IT decision makers (35%) feel this way, compared to those in Germany (22%).
• This is understandable, since 23% think, if things go wrong due to a lack of IT investment, it is still the head of IT who picks up the blame; and once again this applies to more UK respondents (31%), compared to those in Germany (15%).
However, across the board, the report exposed concerns that deep cut-backs over the past two years may have permanently damaged the status of IT in the organisation.
Similarly, the recession has done nothing to alleviate the back-office image of the IT department, confirmed Taylor.
"The perception is that it is still tucked away in the basement and this makes it hard to sell the business case for new technology", she pointed out.
While the Germans were the star performers of this piece of research, happily the prognosis was good for all participating countries including the UK: IT departments are fighting back by using IT more efficiently, automating processes, and carefully managing their IT assets.
The report also shows that 15% believe their IT budgets will recover by the summer, and 45% by the end of 2010. "There is an increase in optimism," said Taylor. "Most people anticipate an increase in budget in 2010."
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