The IT module of the toolkit looks at how an organisation's information technology systems contribute to business efficiency.
'A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history -- with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila.' (Mitch Ratcliffe)
Overview assessment
These questions focus on how well IT systems support business needs and the performance and management of the internal IT function.
Detailed assessment
The NAO has developed materials to support a detailed assessment
in this area. These materials focus on three main areas, each
with sub-areas: Users (including usability, user support, and
training), IT systems (including data quality, security, and
maintenance procedures) and Management (including staff skills
and governance). Please contact the NAO Efficiency Centre Team
for further information and to discuss how these materials could
be applied to your organisation.
Other sources include
'Improving IT procurement: The impact of the Office of Government Commerce's initiatives on departments and suppliers in the delivery of major IT-enabled projects': this report includes the common causes of IT failure and five case studies of major IT-enabled projects, examining how departments have managed these projects, drawing on the new approaches and processes developed by OGC in partnership with them.
'The British Library: Providing services beyond the Reading Rooms': this report focuses on the effectiveness of the services that can be accessed remotely and some broader strategic and user communication issues that have an impact on the effectiveness of these remote services.
'Progress in Making E-Services Accessible to All: Encouraging Use by Older People': this report looks at what departments and a range of other bodies are doing to ensure Government e-services are accessible to older people.
OGC Successful Delivery Toolkit: contains IT guidance, including the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL).
Links to external sites are provided for further information. Please note that the NAO is not responsible for the content of external sites referenced.
