Chief Information Officer Zalmai Azmi spoke at the National Press Club on October 17 in front of a large audience consisting of government employees, academics, and private industry. CIO Azmi and Mr. Randolph Hite, director, IT Architecture & Systems Issues at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, were panel members for a discussion on “Essential Ingredients for Successful IT Projects.” The moderator was Allan Holmes, executive editor of Government Executive Magazine.
Mr. Holmes asked CIO Azmi and Mr. Hite questions on topics such as project management in the government today, the definitions of IT project failure and success, risk management, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
“Success depends on clear communication,” said CIO Azmi. He explained that success is determined by the IT product’s users and replied, “The key is how we are going to engage our users. How do we make them part of the process? It is important that we make users part of the process; it is the key to success. We are successful only when our systems and applications are used by the users.” He used Sentinel as an example by saying, “The users are the biggest advocates of the program for us.”
On the topic of risk management, CIO Azmi pointed out that “Knowing that we have risks and vulnerabilities,” is one way to manage them. He also suggested that having users on board at the beginning was another way to avoid risks. Mr. Hite added, “Oversight bodies can play a predictive role.”
The moderator posed the question of SMEs. “Some IT organizations are starting to rely more on subject matter experts to help consult on a major IT project, and in rare occasions, actually run it. What are your thoughts about the importance of these so-called “Smees” (sic) and their role on a project?” asked Mr. Holmes. “SMEs are fantastic,” said CIO Azmi. “Contractors are the backbone of the organization. But as far as project management responsibility, policy, and planning, we cannot let anybody else do it. These are inherently governmental functions and must be executed by the government employees. The partnership is there, but it doesn’t remove the government from responsibility.”
Afterwards, the audience was encouraged to ask questions to either participant. CIO Azmi was asked how do you meet user needs when many technologists say, “I know what you want,” and create what they think the user wants? He reiterated making users part of the development and to have a communication plan. He emphasized that users need to approve of the technology and communication can assist with that. “How are we going to sell technology to customers…buy in,” he replied.
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