Archive for the 'Impact of technology' Category

Gershon Review into ICT

Published by
Maria (Murphy) Horrigan
at 10 November, 2008 in Gershon Review, ICT and Impact of technology. 1 Comment

Canberra has been abuzz in ICT circles ever since the Gerson Report into ICT in the federal government arena was announced.  Sir Peter Gershon in 2003 conducted a review into teh UK Public Sector so many in Australia eagerly awaited his review of ICT.

The perception going into the review was that there is massive decentralisation of ICT in government, poor ICT outcomes and the need to strengthen whole of government management of ICT to improve efficiencies and services. However it is important to note that the review was conducted prior to the current economic and financial crisis and the ICT market in Canberra is in the midst of a slow cyclical period. As reported by Intermedium:

“Even before the economy slowed, Government ICT spending slowed as agencies took a conservative approach to procurement in the lead-up to the Federal election. Earlier this year, the impact of a number of Government measures, especially the blunt application of a 2% efficiency dividend on agency spending, began to bite in the ICT market.

The current downturn in ICT spending by the Federal Government does not reflect the economic downturn, but rather the coincidence of three cycles that uniquely affect the public sector: a change of Government (the political cycle); the first year after an election (the electoral cycle); and seasonal spending patterns (the budget cycle). However, what is worrying is that this has occurred as Australia begins to face the full force of the global financial crisis”.

The Gershon Report has been released (Oct 2008) prior to formal comment or acceptance by Cabinet. Many in the industry are trying to unpack the implications of these recommendations for their business to work out whether this is good or bad news. Has the Grinch just stolen Christmas or are there many opportunities to be found under the ICT tree in the post Gershon Review phase?

Here is a snapshot of the recommendations:

  1. Strengthen Pan-Government Governance - establishment of a ministerial committee on ICT
  2. Strengthen Agency Governance - improve agency capability
  3. Tighten Management of ICT Business as Usual (BAU)  Funding - increase development funding compared to BAU
  4. Enhance Management of Australian Public Service (APS) ICT skills base - create career structure including training and development
  5. Develop Data Centre Strategy
  6. Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness of ICT Market place
  7. Develop Whole of Government Sustainability Plan

So is this good news or bad news for the ICT industry? Well it depends. All change is good change so the focus on streamlining process and a whole of government approach may be viewed as a positive step towards making it easier to do business with government. Also the funding of development projects and building capability in ICT is certainly welcome. The question is, how long will it take to have approval for these recommendations and what will be the priorities of the federal government? •

Web 2.0 and the impact of technology on social computing

Published by
Maria (Murphy) Horrigan
at 8 November, 2007 in Impact of technology, social computing and Women in ICT. 5 Comments

Today I presented to the WIC hot breakfast series on Web 2.0 and the impact of technology on social computing. I talked about how life is really fast paced, we are time poor and don’t have time to catch up with our friends and family as it is, let alone have time for social networking with web friends. But a communication and connectivity revolution is occurring and like any good revolution, its one that connect people, information and knowledge and is about the people and YOU taking control.

Yes, I’m busy and time poor, but what I’ve realised is, this is exactly why social computing works for me. By using the social computing tools available me i am sharing contacts with people I trust and learning how to quickly get through the noise on the Internet, to the sites that are going to be interesting and relevant to me.You can leverage off the power of the many and build your network through friends and friends of friends. Its about getting connected. It also about trust and how you trusted network can work for you so you can gain access to the knowledge and information you need.

This connectivity revolution is fostering innovation and creativity. Instead of the Web 1.0 top down approach to information, Web 2.0 allows a bottom up approach to sharing information. That’s why the social stuff is at the very core of Web 2.0. Knowledge may be power, but the real power is when that knowledge is shared. Viva the revolution!

Positive impact of technology

Published by
Maria (Murphy) Horrigan
at 13 September, 2007 in Impact of technology. 0 Comments

2007 - 2008 WIC HOT Breakfast Series

It is back again, the new WIC HOT Breakfast Series begins this week! This year’s series follows on from the theme of the WIC in Winter debate, with each speaker looking at the impact of technology on areas ranging from boarder security, to ethics, to agriculture, to marketing and more. For all the details on the event, speakers and topics, visit the WIC website.

We are kicking off the series with Anne Trimmer CEO of the Medical Industry Association of Australia, speaking on “Medical Technology – Creating a Healthier Australia”.

Where: The Hall, University House, ANU, 1 Balmain Crescent, Acton

When: Thursday 13 September, 7.15am for breakfast at 7.30am. Talk beings at 8.00am


This series is shaping up to be even more popular, informative and entertaining than ever, so once again, we are offering a special discount price if you combine your membership and purchase of a series ticket. Current members will have already received this offer in their membership renewal and new members can take up the offer on the registration form.