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Making Smart IT Choices: Understanding Value and Risk in Government IT Investments

Abstract

Introduction

PART ONE: ASSESSING INNOVATIVE USES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Chapter 1. The risks of IT innovation in government

Chapter 2. The analysis and evaluation process

Chapter 3. Preparing a business case

Chapter 4. Presenting your business case

PART TWO: SMART IT SKILLS, TECHNIQUES, AND TOOLS

Introduction to Smart IT skills, techniques, and tools

Skills for working with groups

Information gathering techniques

Tools for Phase 1 -- Understanding the problem and its context

Tools for Phase 2 -- Identifying and testing solutions

Tools for Phase 3 -- Evaluating and making smart choices
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Chapter 3. Preparing a business case

Risks and ways to address them

Risks are inherent in the implementation of any project. Use your business case to demonstrate that you know the risks, and how to mitigate them. Based on your risk analysis, develop a statement of risks you're likely to encounter on this project, and identify methods for addressing each one. Explain how the approach you have chosen reduces the risk or at least takes it into account. Anticipate the kinds of questions people will ask about risks and have ready answers based on your analysis.

Sample discussion of risk
This project challenges the entire Municipal Affairs Division to rethink its approach to its mission. We are already in the process of moving from a regulatory approach to one that is more focused on technical assistance. However, staff are very comfortable in creating their own ways of working, gathering, and recording information. The staff in the central office and especially in the regions must accept the value of adopting standard practices and of sharing information across individuals, regions, and functions. To help assure their acceptance, we have involved representatives of every region and all the associated functions in the planning and analysis phase of this project. Their needs have been identified and taken into account and their ideas for improvement are incorporated in the plan. The project team must continue to work in this collaborative way. In addition, some changes may need to be imposed when cooperation cannot be achieved in other ways. The Contact Information Manager and the Division Director will take responsibility for identifying these issues and recommending needed action.