Effective Use of Information Technology Lessons about State Governance Structures and Processes

by Anderson, Robert; Bikson, Tora; Lewis, Rosalind; Moini, Joy; Straus, Susan

• ISBN13: 9780833034267
• ISBN10: 083303426X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-10-23
• Publisher: RAND Corporation

Summary

Presents case studies from states with exemplary practices in information technology governance to determine best practices for California's IT program.

Table of Contents

Preface	iii
Figures	vii
Summary	ix
Acknowledgments	xiii
Acronyms	xv
Introduction to the Research	1	(6)
Purpose	1	(1)
Overview	1	(1)
Objectives	1	(1)
Methods	2	(4)
IT Governance	2	(1)
Site Selection	3	(1)
Procedures	4	(1)
Analysis Approach	4	(2)
Organization of the Report	6	(1)
California's Search for Effective it Governance	7	(12)
The Present Situation	7	(2)
The Establishment of DOIT Within State Government	9	(2)
DOIT's Roles in Key IT Deployment Processes	11	(4)
Planning	11	(1)
Approval	12	(1)
Procurement	13	(1)
Implementation and Evaluation	14	(1)
Other Problem Areas	15	(1)
Organization and Support	15	(1)
Roles and Functions	16	(1)
Still Searching for an Answer	16	(3)
Alternative Models of Effective it Governance	19	(10)
Three Governance Models	19	(1)
Consolidated Control: Consolidating Authority for Many Control Functions in the Central IT Office	20	(3)
Collaborative Leadership: Institutionalizing Strong Collaborative Control Relationships Between the Central IT Office and Other Stakeholder Entities	23	(2)
Advocacy: Establishing a Strong Advocacy Role for a Central IT Office That Does Not Have Formal IT Control Functions	25	(4)
Success Themes	29	(10)
Governance Structure and Organization of Statewide Functions	30	(1)
Success for Statewide IT Governance Is Enhanced by a Direct Reporting Relationship to the Governor's Office	30	(1)
Roles and Functions of a Statewide Agency	31	(2)
States with Successful Information Technology Initiatives Demonstrate Commitment to Employees During Major Changes	31	(1)
Using a Modular Approach to Enterprise Initiatives Has Numerous Benefits	32	(1)
Management Style and Context	33	(6)
Executive Leadership Support for and Knowledge of Information Technology is Essential for Success	33	(1)
A Collaborative Management Style is a Key Factor in States with Exemplary IT Governance	34	(5)
Common Challenges to State it Governance	39	(8)
Governance Structure and Organization of Statewide Functions	39	(4)
Weigh the Advantages of Centralization Against Meeting Unique Agency Needs	40	(1)
Find a Balance Between Outsourcing and Developing In-House Competence	41	(1)
Some Challenges Are Government-Specific	41	(2)
Roles and Functions of a Statewide IT Agency	43	(3)
Determine What Amount of Arduous Procurement Reporting Requirements Is Needed for Accountability	43	(1)
Determine Whether The Emphasis Should Be on an IT Strategy or a Business Strategy	44	(1)
Determine the Proper Metrics for Measuring Progress in a Complex IT Development or Procurement	44	(1)
Create a State IT Inventory and Ensure a Regular, Simple Refresh Cycle for Routine IT Office Equipment	45	(1)
Decide on the Most Appropriate Degree of Standardization	45	(1)
Management Style and Context	46	(1)
Create an Approach for Handling the ``Graying'' of the State's IT Workforce	46	(1)
Conclusions and Recommendations	47	(40)
Conclusions	47	(1)
Governance Structure and Organization of Statewide IT Functions	47	(2)
Roles and Functions of a Statewide IT Agency	49	(1)
Management Style and Context	50	(2)
Recommendations	52	(1)
Governance Structure and Organization of Statewide IT Functions	52	(2)
Roles and Functions of a Statewide IT Agency	54	(1)
Management Style and Context	55	(4)
Appendix
A State Profiles	59	(14)
B California Interview Summaries	73	(6)
C A Summary of the Department's Progress	79	(4)
D Literature Review	83	(4)
Bibliography	87