Virtual USA and Web 2.0

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 13:24

I’ve seen a number of intersting mapping applications being developed “on the ground” that engage citizens in a collaborative efforts to provide details about their communities. The most common of these is OpenStreetMap.org, which advertises itself as an editable map of the world.

Implementing the Recovery Act: The Blog

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 13:23

The Recovery Act is quietly influencing federal-state-local relations. Not only is the money being used to save jobs as states and localities cut back their budgets, but the ways states and localities are choosing to use and report on the funds are creating different ways for getting “the business of government” done.

Obama Procurement Agenda

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 13:21

In its first year, the Obama contracting and procurement reform agenda has been heavy on executive orders and memos to “rein in” contractors. These were largely in response to campaign commitments and led to a flurry of activity in agencies.

Harnessing Informal Networks

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 13:20

Another Harvard Business Review article in the March 2010 issue is worth highlighting. A piece by Richard McDermott and Douglas Archibald examines informal and formal networks in companies, such as Fluor and ConocoPhillips, but their insights are relevant to public agencies as well. And they may be helpful to the Obama Administration’s efforts to create its proposed set of “problem solving networks.”

The OMB Prize Memo

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 13:19

OMB deputy director for management ,Jeff Zients, released a 12-page memo, “Guidance on the Use of Challenges and Prizes to Promote Open Government.”

How to Design Effective Team Targets in Government

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 13:08

The Challenge

Government is famously a team sport. Almost everything (really) important we do in government requires effective teams. Whether it is reducing child mortality, disaster management, fighting opioid crisis or stopping money laundering. The list is indeed long and familiar.

Why Execution Stalls

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 12:59

Don Sull, of the London Business School writes about “why execution stalls,’ in the March 2010 issue of the Harvard Business Review. He also offers a set of steps to take to ensure successful execution of programs. While he focuses on the private sector, the lessons seem equally relevant to the public sector!

How Leaders Make a Difference

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 12:57

 

In the wake of the Katrina disaster, one Louisiana state agency leader used the “clean slate” provided as an

opportunity to re-design the eligibility determination process for health care benefits provided to citizens in need.

Balancing Innovation, Risk, and Control

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 12:56

A Canadian think tank has released a report on how senior government executives can support innovation by their employees as a way of solving societal problems and delivering better value to citizens. The report’s insights have some useful application to U.S. government executives, as well.

Pages