IT in Public Administration

1
IT in Public Administration
2
Value Chain
3
Be Low Cost Producer - IT strategic if it can

• Help reduce production costs clerical work
• Reduce inventory, accounts receivable, etc.
• Use facilities and materials better
• Offer interorganizational efficiencies

4
Produce Unique Product - IT strategic if it can

• Offer significant component of product
• Offer key aspect of value chain
• Permit product customization to meet customers
  unique needs
• Provide higher/unique level of customer
  service/satisfaction

5
Fill Market Niche - IT strategic if it can

• Permit identification of special needs of unique
  target market
• Spot and respond to unusual trends

6
CIO Survey Results
7
Public Administration Issues

• Proprietary vs Shared
• Information technology is treated as a public
  good to be shared rather than a resource for
  competitive advantage.

8
Public Administration Issues

• Proprietary vs Shared
• Multiple Goals
• Multiple and intangible goals, which may
  conflict, rather than profit. Goals may be
  desirable (reduce crime) even though there may be
  no known solution. Business systems are often
  driven by feasibility limitations.

9
Public Administration Issues

• Proprietary vs Shared
• Multiple Goals
• Bureaucracy and paperwork
• Governments by impression and law are charged to
  reduce paperwork and simplify interfaces.

10
Public Administration Issues

• Proprietary vs Shared
• Multiple Goals
• Bureaucracy and paperwork
• Political influences
• Political cycles force a cyclical prioritization
  and annual budget horizons. Goals are often
  short term and oriented toward increased
  appropriations and electoral appeal.

11
Public Administration Issues

• Proprietary vs Shared
• Multiple Goals
• Bureaucracy and paperwork
• Political influences
• Changes in elected leadership cause changes in
  basic program assumptions (tax categories).

12
IT in Public Administration