The Center for The Business of Government

Speeding Up the Learning Curve: Observations from a Survey of Seasoned Political Appointees

Mon, 18 May 2009 11:31:13 -0400

New Report!!! The outgoing Senate-confirmed appointees of President George W. Bush shared their insights in a survey conducted by the National Academy of Public Administration and the Partnership for Public Service during September 2008. In general, this was a seasoned group with a significant amount of federal experience prior to taking their positions, and many of them had served for more than the average Presidential Appointments with Senate Confirmation (PAS) period of service. Their observations are presented within this report as a guide for their successors.

US and UK Routes to Employment: Strategies to Improve Integrated Service Delivery to People with Disabilities

Mon, 18 May 2009 11:25:17 -0400

New Report!!! In this report, the authors examine the experience of the United States and United Kingdom in developing effective strategies for providing integrated service delivery. The report examines what works and what doesn't work, and provides a roadmap to improving services for individuals with disabilities. While more research is needed, the report identifies 12 strategies to strengthen integrated service delivery systems, and to assist individuals with disabilities in gaining and maintaining productive employment.

Vice Admiral Robert Murrett , Director of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on the radio

Tue, 5 May 2009 08:32:33 -0400

On May 9, 2009, Vice Admiral Robert Murrett , Director of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency will be on the WJFK radio station or download the .mp3 files or transcripts from our website.

Increasing Transparency and Accountability in Federal Performance Reporting: Lessons from the OMB Pilot Program

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:51:59 -0400

New Report!!! In 2006, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) authorized the Performance and Accountability Reporting (PAR) Pilot Program, which permitted executive branch agencies to use an alternative approach to reporting financial and performance information. Eleven departments and agencies volunteered to participate in the FY 2007 PAR Pilot Program. Three initiatives were held to assess and share lessons learned from the PAR Pilot Program. A summary of these initiatives as well as recommendations in how federal performance reporting can be improved are included in this concise, 14-page report.

"Lauching a New Mission: Michael Griffin and NASA's Return to the Moon"

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:45:02 -0400

New Report!!! President George W. Bush told NASA to return to the moon and prepare for manned exploration of Mars. The man he put in charge, Michael Griffin, was a certified rocket scientist with a passion for manned space exploration. In the four years he served as NASA Administrator, Griffin was continually forced to make controversial financial tradeoffs that brought him into conflict with constituencies who disagreed with him. He did, however, make significant progress in redirecting NASA toward the new Moon-Mars program.

Panel discussion: Dr. Gerald Cross, Dr. Steven Jones, & Dr. Robert Kolodner on the radio

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:49:27 -0400

Panel discussion on April 11, 2009: Dr. Gerald Cross, Dr. Steven Jones, & Dr. Robert Kolodner on WJFK radio station or download the .mp3 files or transcripts from our website.

"Transfroming Information Technology at the Department of Veterans Affairs"

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:38:25 -0400

New Report!!! Jonathan Walters' report chronicles the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) efforts to realign and centralize its information technology activities. Describing it as an "ambitious, audacious and arduous crusade," Walters makes it very clear that this is still very much a work in progress. There are significant hurdles ahead and certain significant adjustments will no doubt need to be made for this ambitious undertaking to be ultimately implemented and sustained by the VA. Yet at the same time, the effort offers the VA's new leadership a clear and established roadmap for moving the effort forward, because a lot of hard work has been done for them.

Steven L. Katz, President of Lion Taming, LLC on the radio

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:03:34 -0400

On April 4, 2009, Steven L. Katz, President of Lion Taming, LLC will be on the WJFK radio station or download the .mp3 files or transcripts from our website.

"Transformation of the Department of Defense's Business Systems"

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:00:36 -0400

New Report!!! The Department of Defense launched an ambitious effort to transform its vast network of back office mission support systems in 2001. It has since invested large amounts of funding in the effort. What progress has been achieved to date? What has been its impact? This report provides answers and insights into these questions as it assesses the progress of this effort. The authors, who have extensive experience in Defense reforms, also offer recommendations on leadership, governance, and management steps that the new Administration may want to undertake to ensure the Department?s business transformation efforts are meaningful.

Judy Tillman, Commissioner, Financial Management Service, Department of the Treasury on the radio

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:55:31 -0400

On March 28, 2009, Judy Tillman, Commissioner, Financial Management Service, Department of the Treasury will be on the WJFK radio station or download the .mp3 files or transcripts from our website.

Dr. Ward Casscells, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on the radio

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:52:59 -0400

On March 21, 2009, Dr. Ward Casscells, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs will be on the WJFK radio station or download the .mp3 files or transcripts from our website.