Weekly Roundup for July 29, 2016

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:47

Michael J. Keegan

VA and VistA: Can they be fixed? The Department of Veterans Affairs is rushing to make changes to its IT infrastructure and systems before the next administration enters the White House. And skeptical lawmakers, oversight bodies and outside experts are cautiously optimistic about the eventual outcomes.

An Open Government Implementation Model: Moving to Increased Public Engagement

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:46

On his first full day in office, January 21, 2009, President Obama issued a call for increased openness in government.

Weekly Round-up: January 20, 2011

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:45

Gadi Ben-Yehuda

 

Beyond the Lab: Government Innovation in Unlikely Places

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:45

While there is certainly a place for these types of organizations and goals, innovation – and the creativity that goes along with it – can be applied to a myriad of organizational issues that may not garner the same attention. In addition, client feedback and user-centered thinking are valuable sources of innovation, which anyone can tap.

Innovation might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of training or loan repayment or immigration information, but that’s exactly what’s taking place with meaningful improvements for end users.

Privacy as a Key National Issue -- Implications for Government Managers

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:41

The Administration has recently built on two recent policy papers with a related action in stepping up the attention to privacy – all of which have energized privacy-minded leaders.  The first paper, a “Preliminary Staff Report” from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2010/12/101201privacyreport.pdf), raised questions about whether self-regulation of privacy and data protection is sufficient; despite several prominent laws intended to protect data in key parts of our economic, (including the Privacy A

New Research Report Recipients

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:41

The Center for The Business of Government continues to support reports by leading thinkers on key issues affecting government today.  We are pleased to announce our latest round of awards for new reports on key public sector challenges, which respond to priorities identified in the Center's research agenda. Our content is intended to stimulate and accelerate the production of practical research that benefits public sector leaders and managers.

Leading NASA’s Space Technology Research: Insights from Dr. Bobby Braun, NASA Chief Technologist

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:40

Cutting edge technology and innovation is more important today than ever before, as NASA develops missions of increasing complexity to understand the Earth, our solar system, and the universe. We spoke with Dr. Bobby Braun, Chief Technologist at NASA, who was a guest on The Business of Government Hour about NASA’s space technology program, its focus on research and development, forging disruptive innovation, and making a difference for the future. I share with you some of his insights from our conversation. 

Naming the New GPRA

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:38

 1.      GPRA 2.0 (highest number of votes, but it’ll be so retro in 10-15 years!)

2.      Other (a close second, but with many options)

a.       GPRMA

b.      GPRA 2010

c.       GPRA II

d.      GPRA Plus

e.       Better Results

f.       Ignored (and the submitter even apologized, noting “unfortunate but true”)

3.      GPRA Mod (probably sounds too much like a TV show)

Producing an effective program evaluation agenda

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:37

In a freshly issued a report: “Program Evaluation: Experienced Agencies Follow a Similar Model for Prioritizing Research,” the Government Accountability Office (GAO) acknowledges the Obama Administration’s effort to expand the availability and use of rigorous program evaluation.   Yet not too surprisingly, GAO believes “Few appear to conduct in-depth program evaluations regularly to assess their programs’ impact or inform policymakers on how to improve results”

Did You Telework Today?

Submitted by on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 14:36

There are enormous benefits that can result from telework:  improved employee retention and reduced sick leave, cost savings from reduced use of office space and utilities, and reduced pollution from commuting. . . . and yes, the ability to work from home when it snows!  In fact, a study by the Telework Research Network claims potential savings of about $3.8 billion a year if all eligible federal employees participated.

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