The effective use of technology is an essential success factor in almost every aspect of the endeavors of any organization. As a result, the role of the chief information officer (CIO) grew and expanded rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s. This office began as the domain of engineering-based, technology-focused individuals who were able to make sense of the alphabet-soup world of technology jargon and equipment. By the beginning of the twenty-first century, however, this role had changed. The responsibilities of the CIO now focus on not only responsibility for the technology and information systems in an organization, but also on how the technology can be used to make the organization more effective and successful. The CIO must have both a strategic understanding of the workings and goals of the organization and a strategic understanding of technology. To be able to apply the technology to...