When Are Managers Willing to Take Risks?

Submitted by on Thu, 12/21/2017 - 09:35

The common perception is that, as a group, federal managers tend to be risk adverse.  However, new research based on data from the annual federal employee viewpoint survey concludes that the answer is: it depends.  Managers in both high-performing and low-performing organizations tend to be risk takers.  They probably feel they have little to lose by trying something new.  In contrast, managers in stable, middle-of-the-road organizations tend to be risk adverse and do not want to rock the boat by taking risks.

Actionable Cybersecurity Practices for the 21st Century: Perspectives from Experts

Submitted by on Thu, 12/21/2017 - 09:33

The IBM Center recently partnered with the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and George Washington University Center for Cyber and Homeland Security to convene a set of interactive discussions among Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and other security executives in government and industry.  The meeting highlighted challenges and opportunities for action.

Understanding Cognitive Counter-Fraud, Waste and Abuse

Submitted by on Thu, 12/21/2017 - 09:31

Greg Greben, Vice President and Client Group Leader, Federal Civilian & Healthcare Agencies, IBM Global Business Services, authored this article

Understanding Cognitive Counter-Fraud, Waste and Abuse (Part II)

Submitted by on Thu, 12/21/2017 - 09:29

Greg Greben, Vice President and Client Group Leader, Federal Civilian & Healthcare Agencies, IBM Global Business Services, authored this article.

 

 

Last week's blog defined fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA), described many successful FWA federal programs, and outlined some of the costs associated with FWA. This continuation will address government challenges; define cognitive counter-fraud, waste, abuse; and discuss next steps.

 

Meaning of ‘Performance’ in Government Performance Management

Submitted by on Thu, 12/21/2017 - 09:27

Most governments around the world are working on improving the performance of their government agencies. It is clear that the ‘performance’ of a country’s government has emerged as a key determinant of the competitive advantage of nations. The race among nations is being won not by those nations that have more resources or ideas. Rather, the outcome of this race among nations is largely determined by how effectively nations use their resources and how well they implement good ideas and policies. This task is usually achieved by a performance management system in the government.

Competent Management: Getting the Basics Right

Submitted by on Thu, 12/21/2017 - 09:24

A new article in the Harvard Business Review by a team of researchers led by Raffaella Sadun, Nicholas Bloom and John Van Reenen, have done just this, for private sector companies.  But their lessons apply in government as well, observing: “Core management practices can’t be taken for granted.

Five Actions to Improve Military Hospital Performance

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 15:51

The Military Health System (MHS) is a global, comprehensive, integrated system that includes combat medical services, health readiness, and a health care delivery system amongst many other functions. As one of the largest health care systems in the U.S, with total spending of more than $50 billion per year, the MHS includes both a direct care component, composed of DoD-operated and staffed military treatment facilities (MTFs), and a purchased care component operated through TRICARE regional contracts.

Weekly Roundup: September 11 - 15, 2017

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 15:49

Michael J. Keegan

Immersive Technology for Government: Part 1 - Virtual Reality

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 15:47

While training is a valuable application for this technology, it is not the only one. There are a number of other opportunities to drive mission results using immersive technologies, including augmented reality. While virtual and augmented reality have been used interchangeably at times, these are two different experiences under the same umbrella of immersive technology. Virtual reality is a fully immersive, computer-generated simulation, which includes visual and auditory inputs. With virtual reality the user is taken out of their real environment.

Using Strategic Foresight: Interview with CDR Eric Popiel, US Coast Guard

Submitted by on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 15:44

Strategic foresight is not futuristic forecasting. Foresight is about being able to perceive the significance and nature of events before they have occurred. It is about having the imagination to be prepared for what may come, regardless of which scenario occurs – it’s a mindset, not a process. It is about going beyond the tyranny of the present and preparing the best you can for the uncertainty of the future

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