Class 9 - Public Sector Tech Careers, Project Management, and Managing the Tech Department

In this class, we covered Chapter 9: Global Electronic Government and looked at how technology in the public sector is used around the world. We looked at government websites from North Korea and high internet use countries. We also handed out a summary of good project management practices. Much of what we do in the workplace will involve collaboration with other people and agencies. Knowing how to work together collectively towards a goal is part of successful project management. This is also related to our previous SDI work in helping us understand and build "productive working relationships".

We also finished our group presentations. Inge and Gabriel shared their insights into electronic government by looking at four Southern California cities. On the external site, libraries were found to have more "hits" or visits, followed by animal services. Differences between "Intranet" and public Internet content was discussed. CRM or customer relationship management was highlighted as a strategy of meeting the needs of citizens.

Alex and Amy shared how the Metro database is used to manage large costly and complex transportation projects. Even the construction of a seemigly simple bike lane can cost a great deal (it's not just painting the lane on the street). The Metro system was found to eliminate volumes of paper and the previous practice (best technology in it's day) of faxing 200 page documents between agencies. The Metro database was able to organize multiple funding resources and allow you to see all the transportation projects in LA county.

AB 1871 and 911 Emergencies were presented by Cheryl and John. This was the legislation designed to create a uniform process for cell phone providers and phone companies to locate people via GPS (global positioning system) technology. On the legal side, challenges by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on protecting privacy are of concern.