Synopsis
Delivering IT projects on time and within budget while maintaining privacy, security, and accountability is one of the major public challenges of our time. The Handbook of Public Information Systems, Second Edition addresses all aspects of public IT projects while emphasizing a common theme: technology is too important to leave to the technocrats. Doing so imperils democratic values and is poor public management, jeopardizing strategic planning, policy development, and the mobilization of human capital.
The handbook points the way to successful execution of IT projects by offering 39 contributed articles by experts in the field. Content includes introductory material that addresses 21st century public information systems, modern IT needs, and the development of e-government. It follows with an examination of the growth and use of information technology within and among government agencies and organizations. The book addresses current policy issues, offers case studies, and demonstrates successful public sector applications. Each section leads to a holistic approach that emphasizes communication, understanding, and participation from top management, technology teams, and end users.
Booknews
Warp-speed trends in information technology (IT) challenge schools of public administration and practitioners of public management to assimilate the implications for their domain. Some 60 contributors share their expertise in a comprehensive overview of multiple aspects of IT in the public sector including: the historical background of US federal information policy; related policy issues; the World Wide Web as the principal electronic gateway into government; impacts on economic, social, and information infrastructures; assessment and management of IT- associated risks; IT competencies; graduate education for public information system technology; and trends. Includes five case studies of public cyber-communication by legislators, educators, and in public health; and applications at the Federal, state, and local levels. The editor's concluding chapter summarizes leading recent theoretical perspectives on the interface between information systems and government/politics. Garson teaches public administration at North Carolina State U., Raleigh. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)