The Business of Government Magazine - Spring/Summer 2012 Edition
From the Executive Director
Since the IBM Center for The Business of Government was created over 14 years ago, it has been our goal to help public-sector leaders and managers address real-world problems.
From the Managing Editor's Desk
This edition of The Business of Government magazine provides a glimpse into the many challenges, risks, and opportunities facing today’s government executives.
A Conversation with Gene Dodaro, Comptroller General, U.S. Government Accountability Office
GAO is uniquely positioned to help address the nation’s challenges and identify opportunities. GAO seeks to help position the government to better manage risks that could compromise the nation’s security, health, and solvency.
A Conversation with Michael J. Astrue Commissioner, U.S. Social Security Administration
For over 75 years, the U.S. Social Security Administration, or SSA, has touched the lives of virtually every American, whether it is after the loss of a loved one, at the onset of a disability, or during the transition from work to retirement.
A Conversation with Erin Conaton Undersecretary of the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force must balance capabilities between current combat operations and the need to address emerging threats and challenges, with the ultimate aim to be lean, lethal, and agile.
A Conversation with Admiral Robert Papp Commandant, United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard has ensured the safety, security, and stewardship of the nation’s maritime domain for more than 220 years.
A Conversation with Letitia Long Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
As both a member of the U.S. intelligence community and a Department of Defense (DOD) combat support agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has sought to produce accurate geospatial intelligence (GEOINT).
Malcolm Jackson
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relies on information and technology to carry out its mission—it depends on the availability of and access to timely and reliable information and on the technology that makes it all happen.
Michael Kane
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy stands at the forefront in helping the nation meet its energy, scientific, environmental, and national security goals, while also developing and deploying new energy technologies to reduce dependence on foreign energy.
Steven Kempf
The Federal Acquisition Service takes a leadership role in providing centralized acquisition solutions while reducing waste, increasing efficiency, lowering cost, and fostering emerging sectors of the economy.
Leading New York City’s Response to the Challenge of Homelessness: Insights from Seth Diamond, Commissioner, New York City Department of Homeless Services
The New York City Department of Homeless Services oversees one of the most comprehensive shelter systems in the nation, bringing real support to homeless New Yorkers when they need it most.
Revitalizing Public Service: Insights from Max Stier President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service
Sam Heyman founded the Partnership for Public Service in September 2001 to address the need for reform in government service.
Getting Big Things Done in Government
Two professional associations, the American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration, have joined to sponsor a series of forums addressing the management challenges.
Introduction: Governing to Win—Enhancing National Competitiveness
In the March 2012 Harvard Business Review article, “The Looming Challenge to U.S. Competitiveness,” Michael Porter and Jan Rivik point out that the U.S. faces a deeper, more fundamental challenge than recovering from a recession of unusual depth.
How Can Our Nation Better Compete to Win in the Global Economy Today?
Given today’s fiscal realities, the nation must explore alternative policy approaches and ways for government to do its business.
Governance Is the New Competitiveness Imperative
National competitiveness is no longer defined solely by measures of international trade or relative cost competitiveness.
Creating a Strategic Approach to Budget Decisions
Our governing institutions must be reformed in order to meet the enormous tasks we face as a nation.
Use Technology to Enhance Productivity
Government today spends more on information technology (IT) overhead costs than on the direct costs of mission systems.
Rethink Government Purchasing and Supply Chains
The federal government purchases more than $500 billion of goods and services each year, buying everything from pens and paper to engineering services and fighter jets.
Reform of the Federal IT Budget - Increasing Strategy, Decreasing Complexity
The federal budget process is an exercise in time travel. At any given moment, agency budget and program managers may live in as many as three years at the same time.