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Baseline Framework Reforms Progress : Information Technology

Baseline Framework Reforms Progress : Information Technology. Ezra Dick & Tony Lester August 2011. Purpose of Presentation . In this presentation we will discuss Observations & perspective of my role Recap the recent PITAA IT Workshop Outline the findings from that workshop

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Baseline Framework Reforms Progress : Information Technology

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  1. Baseline Framework ReformsProgress: Information Technology Ezra Dick & Tony Lester August 2011

  2. Purpose of Presentation • In this presentation we will discuss • Observations & perspective of my role • Recap the recent PITAA IT Workshop • Outline the findings from that workshop • Discuss whether these findings are the right areas of focus • This session will be followed by updates on progress from some PITAA countries.

  3. Observations & Perspective of my role • Help countries build pragmatic, Best Practice IT Strategic Plans (ITSP). • Focus on: • 10 Core modules for Tax Administrations • Use a series of guiding Principles for both IT & Business • The ITSP is Business Focussed. • High level costs are identified. • Aim to consult widely both internally & externally.

  4. Recapthe recent PITAA IT Workshop • Excellent workshop undertaken. • Wide range of capabilities on display. • Excellent progress has been made by some PITAA countries. • Others now realise what is required. • Amazing skills within this region. • Course attendees have identified key areas for them to focus on at home. • OCO presentation identified similar issues that we are experiencing.

  5. Findings from the recent PITAA IT Conference • Seven priority activity groups identified • Business Ownership for IT systems • Preparing the business case to gain political and other support • Change Management • People Capability • Staff Retention • IT Risks • Data Torque • We will quickly discuss these to help us confirm/disagree on their appropriateness.

  6. Business Ownership for IT Systems • All attendees agreed with concept. • Logical business units for each system. • Business owners need to be involved from the start • Power/Key Business users could be the starting point • Business owners accountable for all decisions. • IT has a role to inform business owners on new opportunities.

  7. Preparing the business case to gain political and other support • “Business Case is more than the paper it is written on.” • Two aims - business case & marketing tool. • Are there successful working examples in the region? • Must link to: • Your Corporate documents • Current government policies & direction • Other agencies direction to reflect total government view • Timing is of the essence. • Do not over promise – conservative cost benefit. • Prepare for negative feedback. • Understand you are competing for government funding.

  8. Change Management • NOT an IT issue. • Study all stakeholder needs & undertake constant feedback. • Some people do not like change. • Be prepared for negative response - FAQs • Target messages appropriately– WIIFM. • Understand all costs fully.

  9. People Capability • Significant capability already in the region, you have regional experts NOW. • In-country training, countries train countries. • Exchange program. • Share documents/resources NOW. • PICs forums to continue • PFTAC • Data Torque • Not always in house, can be supplemented by contractors.

  10. Staff Retention • Become an “employer of choice.” • Ensure right skills are recruited. • If possible, meet market recruitment conditions: • Current public service regulations do not help • Management must lead by example. • Consider lifestyle choice opportunities. • Staff rotations/training developments. • Incentive to become a “Regional Expert.”

  11. IT Risks: Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity Planning • Two main areas of concern: • Disaster Recovery (DR)/Business Continuity Planning (BCP) • One size does not fit all. • If you have NO PLANS start somewhere – document your current environment. • Test your documents and procedures regularly. • Offshore data storage is an acceptable component. • Build towards complete DR/BCP plans • Share any existing documents now • Widely communicate the need for these plans. • Treat this matter with the Management oversight and budget it deserves.

  12. IT Risks: Security Capability 2. Security Capability • One size does not fit all. • If you have no security policy, document what is happening now. • Government has a role to play • Setting standards and policies • Undertaking audits • Regular review and audit of security by both internal and external resources. • Place more emphasis on security training. • Clearly communicate reasons for security. • Be aware of professional skills that can assist • Share any existing documents now • Security is typically role based.

  13. Data Torque • Consider combined maintenance agreements for smaller PICs. • Why are PICs not seeing cost of entry price reductions? • Still see merit in a Regional Support Centre. • Systems issues are not being shared across PICs via Time Torque. • If appropriate consider group study tours.

  14. Key Areas of Focus for Course Attendees

  15. Discussion We will quickly discuss these to help us confirm/disagree on their appropriateness. Have we identified the right 7 issues?

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