Managing ICT resources
ICT - a core management issue
Part 2
Produced in Collaboration between World Bank Institute and
the Development Data Group (DECDG)
Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
ICT for dissemination
• Modern technology has reduced the need for printing
• In addition to printed formats, CD-ROMS and Internet can be used
• Advantages of Internet publishing include:
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Speed
Cost reduction
Versatility and interactivity
No limit to data and metadata
Equal access for all
Possibility to publish out-of-print editions
Database searches are possible
Flexible download formats
Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
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ICT for internal communication
Intranet
• very useful tool for internal communication
• built from the same concepts and technologies used for the Internet
• provide a gateway to the Internet by means of a network gateway
with a firewall
• deliver tools and applications, and for collaboration
• used as corporate culture-change platforms, enabling organizationwide discussions
Extranets extend a private network onto the Internet with special
provisions for access, authorization, and authentication
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
ICT for external communication and eGovernment
e-Government
• increasingly important: promoted by the United Nations
• is about providing information and knowledge to citizens
• Electronic dissemination of statistics is therefore part of eGovernment
• is also about providing e-services to citizens and business
• Electronic data collection is therefore also part of e-Government
• Some countries have started collecting Census data electronically
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
Custom-made or off-the-shelf
• Customized software development is risky
• Many customized software projects were never or only partially
completed, or much later than planned, or over budget
• If an off-the-shelf product meets most of the requirements, buy it and
drop additional requirements
• Avoid immature products
• Check experiences of other buyers of a product
• Check whether or not the product is compatible with existing IT
• Assess risks and price/performance issues
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
Outsourcing
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Outsourcing: buying ITC products or services
Proven technologies are available in the marketplace
Standard products are less expensive
Vendors have specialized skills
The NSO can concentrate on its core mission
Competition can bring innovation to bear
Risks can be shared with a vendor
Proprietary systems are only available from a vendor
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
Relations with vendors
• NSOs can accomplish their missions by outsourcing
• Jeopardizing core functions or information confidentiality are risks
• Outsourcing risks can be shared with a vendor, along with the
rewards
• Market analysis is needed to be sure the acquisition of the product is
justified
• Care should be taken not to invent something that is much more
cost-effectively available in the market
• Do not create a sub-optimal solution to a problem best left to the
creativity and competition of the private sector
• Maintain a healthy relationship with a commercial supplier
• Managing outsourcing requires special expertise
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
Sound ICT practices
• Conditions for sound ICT management include:
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Attention from top-level management
Effective risk analysis
Avoidance of untried technologies
Preference for small projects
End-user involvement
Preparation of a detailed ITC project plan
• Three phases:
1. Selection phase
2. Controlling
3. Evaluation
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
ICT Project management
• Larger ICT projects demand special management
• Management elements:
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Investment management
Information management
IT architecture
System development
Information security
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
ICT Strategy
• Main pillars of an ICT strategy for NSOs should be:
• One common system with common standards across the NSO
• Common access throughout the organization to all data and metadata
• Data security: common access restricted in accordance with the rules
on the protection of confidential data
• Common documentation: access to all common repositories of
documentation
• Metadata must be accessible in direct conjunction with the data
• Common platforms and tools; a limited number of technological
platforms
• Common methods for ICT projects and system development
• ICT training program to facilitate collaboration and rotation of staff
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
Computer system security
• Risks include break-ins, causing disruption and possible corruption
• For NSOs electronic data collection involves risks
• Information security policy is needed to ensure:
• Integrity
• Confidentiality
• Availability of data and systems
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
Security threats
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Viruses, worms and Trojans are malware
Other malware includes adware and spyware
Antivirus software can be used to fight malware
Spam is unwanted email and can be kept out through spam filters
A firewall is designed to block unauthorized access to computer
systems, in particular Intranets
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
Free statistical software
• For general office use: Open Office, a suite compatible with
Microsoft Office
• Free statistical packages include:
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CSPro
CCOUNT
ProtoGenie
IMPS
Stats
and others
ASYCUDA is software for international trade statistics
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.
Paperless office
• The concept of paperless office arose with the proliferation of the PC
• Improvements in printers and copiers have made it easier to
reproduce documents in bulk
• Initially, the use of paper increased instead of decreased
• Over the last decade, the use of office paper has stabilized
• Many paper systems can be replaced by digital systems and
Internet replaces reference books
• Paper can also be eliminated by automating paper-based processes
that rely on forms; in the case of NSOs electronic data capture
• Special consideration must be given to electronic signature etc.
• Consideration must also be given to equal access; paper must be
maintained when some participants cannot practically gain
electronic access
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Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.