copyright 2010, the world bank group. all rights reserved. ict - a core management issue part 2...

Copyright 2010, The World Bank Group. All Rights Reserved.

ICT - a core management issue

Part 2

Managing ICT resources

Produced in Collaboration between World Bank Institute and the Development Data Group (DECDG)


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:• 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 formats2


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 organization-

wide discussions

Extranets extend a private network onto the Internet with special provisions for access, authorization, and authentication

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ICT for external communication and e-Government

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 e-

Government• 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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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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Outsourcing

• 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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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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Sound ICT practices

• Conditions for sound ICT management include:• 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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ICT Project management

• Larger ICT projects demand special management

• Management elements:• Investment management

• Information management

• IT architecture

• System development

• Information security

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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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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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Security threats

• 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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Free statistical software

• For general office use: Open Office, a suite compatible with Microsoft Office

• Free statistical packages include: • CSPro

• CCOUNT

• ProtoGenie

• IMPS

• Stats

• and others

• ASYCUDA is software for international trade statistics

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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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