Sonia Gantman

IT Outsourcing in the Public Sector: A Literature Analysis

Abstract This article presents an analysis of geographically and disciplinary scattered academic publications on ITO in public organizations. The interdisciplinary scope of public ITO research area is defined, and conceptual approaches of IS and Public Administration research fields to public ITO are compared. Highlighting the impact of certain organizational characteristics on ITO decisions, governance and results makes a contribution to ITO research in general. Consolidation and analysis of diverse findings will benefit both public officials and outsourcing vendors. Finally, the study suggests directions for future research. Discussion on control in outsourced IT projects can be found in the literature belonging to several research disciplines.

Design observations for interagency collaboration

Abstract We present 14 design observations for public safety networks (PSNs) and describe how they may apply more broadly to a wider range of inter-organizational systems within the public sector. A PSN is an interagency collaboration focused on developing and using information systems in support of information sharing and functional interoperability among public safety organizations engaged in law enforcement, criminal justice, and emergency response. We base our design observations upon an analysis of an extensive survey of 80 PSNs plus 6 in-depth case studies. The design observations identify commonalities that can guide agencies participating in interagency collaborations in addressing the interlocking issues they face. Our goal in presenting this set of design observations is to: (1) encourage improved PSN systems design and (2) draw attention to the importance of jointly addressing governance and technological considerations when designing PSNs.

Design observations regarding public safety networks

Through this paper we advance an initial set of 12 observations that will form the basis for developing design principles for public safety networks (PSN), and more broadly for inter-organizational systems within the public sector. A public safety network is an interagency collaboration focused on the development and use of information and communication technologies to support the information sharing and functional interoperability needs of public safety organizations engaged in law enforcement, criminal justice, and emergency response. Our goal in presenting this initial set of PSN design observations is to: (1) encourage improved PSN systems design through the development of design principles and (2) increase the attention paid, when designing and developing these forms of information systems, to the co-design of structures of governance and operation that PSN entail.

Communication and control in outsourced IS development projects: Mapping to COBIT domains

Internal control over information technology (IT control) in complex outsourced information system development (ISD) projects is an ambiguous and sensitive issue. In this study we bring together Information Systems and Accounting perspectives to investigate how internal controls are incorporated into existing communication practices in outsourced ISD projects. The paper proposes that tools used for client-vendor communication are capable of supporting some of the IT control functions governed by the COBIT framework. In addition, it analyzes the influence of project complexity on the performance of communication tools as informal IT controls. Perceptual field data for the analysis were collected from project managers through an online survey instrument.

Introducing Students to Understanding Business Processes and Identifying Data Sources

ABSTRACT The ability to understand, document, and analyse business processes is a key skill for accountants. The lack of business experience makes it difficult for many students to grasp the concep...

Contractual Specification of Communication Tools in Outsourced ISD Projects

Technical and organizational complexity of outsourced information systems development (ISD) projects calls for increased attention to communication, governance and control. Contract management and client-vendor relationships are both well studied but rarely analyzed together. Earlier studies suggest combining formal (i.e., agreed upon upfront and contractually specified) and informal (i.e., voluntary and emerging during the project) communication mechanisms for best results.