ABSTRACT
I. Introduction.............................................................................................................. 12 II. The growth of IT in the public sector ..................................................................... 12
A. The need for instruction in software application............................................ 13 B. The need for instruction in IT management ................................................... 14
III. Methodology and data collection ............................................................................ 16 A. Findings on instruction system application use .............................................. 17 B. Findings on instruction in IT management ..................................................... 22
IV. Conclusion................................................................................................................ 24 References.......................................................................................................................... 25
The information technology (IT) revolution in the public sector has been slowed by shrinking budgets and expanding expenditures for security and other concerns, but the promise of greater efficiency and effectiveness continues to encourage investment in new technologies. A continuing obstacle, however, has been the gap
between public-sector IT needs and the skills of public employees. Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs have tried to address the need for IT skills, but much still needs to be done to meet agency needs. This chapter focuses on the IT skills currently being taught in MPA programs and the perception that they do not fully address public-sector needs. On the basis of a survey of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration-affiliated MPA programs, the authors conclude that greater attention needs to be paid to effective IT management, including the concepts identified by the Clinger-Cohen Act, in order for public managers to be able to use IT effectively to meet organizational imperatives.
