Billions of dollars are spent each year on technology in cities and states, from desktop computers to mainframes. It is impractical for non-specialists to master the complex inner-workings of these new technologies, yet public managers' reliance on information technology to govern effectively make IT planning and implementation crucial. Two respected journalists from Governing magazine provide a unique, nuts-and-bolts guide to help current practitioners, as well as students who will become tomorrow's city and state managers, successfully oversee IT specialists and maximize the potential of IT systems.

This first book in the Governing Management Series draws on the authors' involvement in the Government Performance Project (conducted by the Syracuse's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs). Barrett and Greene, after conducting nearly 100 interviews with practitioners on the front lines, look systematically at the best practices of cities and states that garnered high grades in the study. They offer real-world and up-to-the-minute guidance about procurement, strategic planning, training, out-sourcing, standardization, project management, cost-benefit analysis, and the appropriate use of the Internet in the public sector. Powering Up features summary take-away points and three in-depth case studies, pointing readers to both innovations to emulate and pitfalls to avoid.

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Introduction: What This Book Is—And Is Not
1. IT on the Front Lines
2. To Each His Own
3. Landmines in Project Management
4. Lurching Toward the Center
5. Who's in Charge?
6. Standardization: They Walk Alike and Talk Alike
7. Strategic Planning: Getting from Here to There
8. Procurement: Buy Buy Buy
9. Outsourcing
10. Training
11. Is It Worth It?
12. Oh, What a Tangled Web
13. Case in Point: Washington State's Electronic Filing Service
14. Case in Point: Philadelphia's GIS System
15. Case in Point: Phoenix's Financial Management System
16. Making the Grade
17. The Crystal Ball
Appendix A: Interviewed Sources Appendix B: Cities Appendix C: States Appendix D: Glossary Index

“World-class organizations have reaped the benefits of information technology, and their processes and services are held as the benchmark toward which other organizations strive. Virginia's state government has been identified as one of these organizations, and our proper application of technology is a driving force behind this recognition. I believe Powering Up is an essential tool for managers. The authors provide a steady approach to harnessing the benefits of productivity gains by effectively managing technology. Barrett and Greene are right on target in delivering a no-nonsense approach, providing real life experiences that offer valuable direction for organizations seeking to improve their own technology functions. All government organizations will gain from the insight provided in Powering Up.”

“Powering Up provides a wealth of information on IT management. Barrett and Greene's lively writing style and effective use of examples will pull students right into the material, allowing them to effortlessly absorb new concepts and issues. The extended case studies, outstanding metaphors, and first-hand accounts from real IT professionals help readers to understand the many aspects of management and decision making.”

“Powering Up is the first of its kind, a timely, systematic, high quality, and much needed, IT management manual — disguised as a thoroughly readable, even entertaining discussion of IT challenges and opportunities. The book is customer-centric and reader friendly, with a sound balance of academic, journalistic, government and vendor perspectives. It steps away from fads and fashion, with candid discussion of best as well as poor practices in the core IT management areas.”

Katherine Barrett and Richard Greene, a husband and wife team, are special project editors and management columnists at Governing. They oversee the magazine's involvement in the Government Performance Project, and their first report, covering the 50 states, was a finalist in the National Magazine Awards and received the Washington Monthly's award for journalism. Barrett and Greene have spoken widely to public and private sector organizations involved with city and state government. Their work has been quoted and referenced in a variety of state, city and federal documents, including the federal Government Performance Results Act (GPRA). They have also served as members of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board task force on Service Efforts and Accomplishments reporting.

Richard Greene and Katherine Barrett, a husband and wife team, are special project editors and management columnists at Governing. They oversee the magazine's involvement in the Government Performance Project, and their first report, covering the 50 states, was a finalist in the National Magazine Awards and received the Washington Monthly's award for journalism. Barrett and Greene have spoken widely to public and private sector organizations involved with city and state government. Their work has been quoted and referenced in a variety of state, city and federal documents, including the federal Government Performance Results Act (GPRA). They have also served as members of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board task force on Service Efforts and Accomplishments reporting.