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Insider's Guide to Using Information in Government Executive Briefing

Abstract

An introduction to the Insider’s Guide

Problems Facing Government Managers

The Big Lessons

Case Stories

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The Big Lessons

Strategy sets the stage

Whether in business or in government, strategic thinking is concerned with mission-critical objectives, with an emphasis on customers and stakeholders. Strategies

place a high value on human, organizational, and technological resources and seek maximum return on those investments, rather than minimized costs.

A sound strategy includes:
  • a clear and agreed upon picture of the business, policy, or program need
  • an understanding of the needs of all stakeholders, including users, customers, who pays, who benefits, and who gets hurt
  • consideration about how the new information system will fit in with existing older information systems, business processes, standard operating practices, and organizational culture
  • an eye for future agency goals, anticipated legislation, budget cycles, and regulatory actions
  • a communication plan made up of a brief, high-level statement to explain the expected outcome

Figure 4