April/May 2006

Information Age

www.acs.org.au

“Victoria Reigns”

This article examines the initiatives being taken in Victoria which recognise the role of ICT as an enabler of the State's development. It provides a relevant case study for those interested in programme management. Various intitatives of the Victorian government include:

• capped liability and risk insurance for government contracts
• scholarships for on-the-job training
• funding for export R&D

The 5-year plan includes a series of Whole-of-Government procurement policies to improve processes for local companies engaging with the government. For example, they will retian IP and they will no longer need to obtain excessive insurance.

Another interesting approach being undertaken as part of the programme is the opening of an office in Bangalore to assist Victorian ICT companies do business with their Indian counterparts. This is tackling the Indian push into Australia head-on and attempting to achieve a win-win situation.

The ICT skills shortage is being addressed by generous funding arrangements to TAFEs, particularly in rural areas, as well as scholarships at university level. There is a recognition that a wider group of interests must play a role and the State Government can act as a facilitator for the necessary changes.

“Performance vacuum for ICT projects” by Beverley Head
Some interesting observations related to the assertion that a significant number of Australian companies pay only lip service to project management and ICT governance.

• Over 60% of companies have no way to measure benefits achieved by IT projects
• While 86% have a Business Case for projects, fewer than 40% of thos actually monitor it