In Chapter 4 of “The Role of the CIO”, Luftman discusses the various responsibilities and challenges faced by Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in modern organizations. Luftman argues that the role of the CIO has evolved beyond the traditional focus on technical expertise and operational management, to encompass strategic planning, leadership, and innovation.

Luftman identifies six primary areas of responsibility for the modern CIO, which include managing IT operations, aligning IT with business objectives, delivering value through IT investments, ensuring IT security and compliance, promoting innovation, and cultivating IT talent. Each of these areas requires a unique set of skills and competencies, and CIOs must be able to balance competing demands and priorities in order to be effective.

In addition to these responsibilities, Luftman also discusses the various challenges facing CIOs today, including rapidly changing technology, increasing expectations for IT performance and value, and the need to balance short-term operational concerns with long-term strategic objectives. CIOs must also be able to navigate complex organizational structures and build effective relationships with other business leaders in order to be successful.

Overall, Luftman argues that the role of the CIO has become increasingly critical to the success of modern organizations, and that CIOs must be able to adapt to changing conditions and lead their organizations through periods of uncertainty and transformation.