This course provides public managers with the basic knowledge to successfully manage technology projects and government information. The use of information technology has become an indispensable part of the public sector. Governments now use technology to communicate with citizens, disseminate information, and engage in digital democracy. In addition, technology has been heralded as a means of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations, through streamlining work flows, reducing duplicate data entry, and automating manual processes.

This survey course aims to prepare public managers for fully taking advantage of information technology. Specifically, we will address issues such as how to deal with technology, how to make good investments in IT, and how to translate the goals and promises of technology into real organizational efforts. As public administrators, each of you will have power and control over technology (in terms of budgeting, acquiring, using) but you will hire the “techies” instead of becoming one. So, the ultimate course goal is to teach you how to talk to those “techies” and vendors, understand what you need from a system, identify when you are being misled, and basically serve as a technology champion for your organization.

The goal of the course is to enhance a broad understanding of e-government and information policy. To realize the goals of this course, we will focus on concepts and tools for managing information technology. The course modules will include a basic introduction to information technology, understanding e-government efforts, the dimensions of technology initiatives, critical success factor identification, strategic management, project management, risk management, and change management. Additional tools and concepts will also be covered throughout the course, with strategic information technology management acting as the overarching framework to unify our discussions.

This course will operate in both academic and applied settings through assigned readings, in-class discussions, and group presentations. The emphasis of the class is centered on practical, applied research and readings as they relate to public sector information technology. The class discussions are designed to translate your assigned readings into real-world examples and best practices, in an effort to create a community of practice.

Get a first-hand introduction to Technology and Community Engagement from Professor Todd Nicolet.