Information technology project management within public sector organizations
Journal of Enterprise Information Management
ISSN: 1741-0398
Article publication date: 28 September 2010
Abstract
Purpose
The project management literature contains a growing body of research addressing information technology (IT). Currently, the majority of these studies direct attention towards projects completed within private sector organizations. Given the unique characteristics surrounding public sector organizations, this paper aims to argue that it is inappropriate to apply the lessons learned from private sector organizations in the public arena without investigating their applicability empirically.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of the historical evolution of IT usage within public sector organizations is offered. The broad body of project management knowledge is discussed, and the unique characteristics of public sector organizations are detailed. These three concepts combine to provide a conceptual framework for reviewing empirical research published in Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy.
Findings
It is concluded that the additional empirical research is needed to further our understanding of the applicability of project management principles, developed and applied in private sector organizations, to the unique organizational format presented by public sector operations.
Originality/value
As the use of, and dependence on, IT within all organizations continues to expand throughout the world, it becomes critically important for managers to understand “best business practices” so that these successful managerial techniques can be applied appropriately to enhance and refine operational practices. Importantly, problems associated with the successful management of information technology projects have been and continue to be significant concerns, thus highlighting the need for better knowledge development and transfer that can be provided by well designed and completed research.
Keywords
Citation
Rosacker, K.M. and Rosacker, R.E. (2010), "Information technology project management within public sector organizations", Journal of Enterprise Information Management, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 587-594. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410391011083047
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited