E-Government, Great Docs - Essay Example

Full Discussion - Essay Questions eGov is the short form for E-Government and was launched in the year 2002, since then eGOv Initiatives have helped when it comes to the improvement of services to the citizens as well as increase the efficiency and effectiveness of all government operations. However, it is imperative to understand that there are many factors that are to be considered when it comes to eGov. In the 21st century, information and communication technologies can be said to be in vogue. This is because the government is using ICT in a bid to promote their services that they perform online. However, the available technology is just but one element on the entire information landscape. It cannot be described as sufficient in order to generate or even create changes with the impact that it has. As GREAT DOCS, eGov is just but the use of modern information as well as communication technologies that exists in public organizations with a bid to support or even redefine the existing or even future relations with key stakeholders in the external and internal environment and creating value. eGov might very useful when it comes to the formation of GREAT DOCS plans, actions and programs. This is because the eGOv will provide lines of creating ways in which there can be improvement of government efficiency as well as effectiveness. Further, there will be actions and programs that will be centered towards back office consolidations, the reduction of the number of duplicative systems as well as the general streamlining of the processes that exist in the government. This will give GREAT DOCS a head start as it will find it easier interacting with the government when it comes to the arranging of programs, actions and plans. Further, from a GREAT DOCS perspective, the time that is spend on the identification as well as the access to relevant information in regards to benefit programs that match GREAT DOCS specific needs is also catered for. eGov allows the local government or even the social service caseworkers to effectively identify as well as match alternative programs which can be said to stick to individual specific needs. Therefore, there is a need for the future CIO to take in mind the risks that come with eGOv, however, there is always a need to ensure that the company is strategically placed in terms of eGOv. This is because the GREAT DOCS initiative will sometimes need the intervention of eGOv and consequently there is a need for the future CIO to have a positive attitude with the initiative. 1 2. (a) There are several goals and objectives that the government has when it comes to driving the process that is required in Capital planning and investment control. The goals include ensuring that there is a structured as well as an integrated way in which information technology investments are managed. The main goal and objective of the CPIC is to ensure that all the investments in IT are all aligned with the EPA mission as well as the fact that the IT investment support the business needs while maximizing returns and minimizing returns throughout the whole investment lifecycle. (b) There are several guidelines that must be followed when it comes to the following of the Capital planning and investment control. It is imperative to understand that the process has three phases each with its own timeline. The first phase is referred to as select and in this phase, the department often determines new initiatives that will be funded. This must be presented before the budget has been presented in order for the investment portfolios to be included in the final budget. The second phase is referred to as control and it involves the management process that is used to monitor the progress of the initiatives, their projected costs, performance as well as expected mission benefits. It is this stage that ensures that the each investment is properly managed. This phase is spontaneous and continuous and should therefore, be expected. Lastly, there is the evaluation and it occurs at the end of a financial year, it is included in the financial year report. It involves the representation of the actual results versus expected results. It assesses the different impact of the IT investment, it is also here that changes that might occur to the initiative when needed. Finally, it is also at this stage that there is a revision of investment management processes that is based on lessons that are learned. (c) When companies request for ongoing O&M or new ARE/IT DME projects, their validity is often checked and their benefit to the managers, program, departmental executives and key stakeholders is checked. If the request will increase the capability of the company to achieve its missions as well as business objectives then it is put in line for ongoing O&M or new IS/IT DME projects. Further, there is also checking for a clear alignment between proposed initiatives with the IT strategic objectives and goals. The Clinger Cohen act requires Federal agencies to focus on the results that are achieved through IT initiatives while at the same time streamlining the IT acquisition process. (d) There is a need for the CIO to ensure that all documents and needs that are required for ongoing O&M or new IS/IT DME projects are in place. This includes any investment with a cumulative steady or mixed cycle funding; further the financial system should be presented in a way that shows it is steady. The CIO should ensures that all employees under the significance of the program and the policy implication of the program. There is also a need for high executive visibility among the chief officers and ensure that there is integration of all the departments in a bid to follow the rules and regulations for the CPIC processes. Short Essay Questions 1 IRM resources must be utilized and closely managed in order for any business to succeed. This is because the IRM often takes a broad view of the enterprise and does not only focus narrowly on the requirement of a particular department or group. The CIO must ensure that he or she creates an effective strategic IRM plan which describes effectively an organization’s information requirements and strategies in order to satisfy them and yield to different benefits. The CIO understands that information is often an invaluable asset and consequently there is a need for the organization to move beyond data management and use information to its advantage. 2 . The first critical skill that a CIO should have is mastery of communication. The best CIO often understand that they are on stage and take advantage of the situation by constantly relating messages and values that are core to the company. They often focus on authenticity, passion and consistency. Further, the CIO should also create deep and personal connections in order to inspire people that exist both inside as well as outside the organization. In the ever changing technological environment, there is a need for the CIO to keep constantly trained in order to ensure that he understands the various information technologies that exist in the market in order to better master communication. Works Cited Gregory S. Smith Straight to the Top: Becoming a World-Class CIO. 2006. 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