At its recent Annual Conference, the Institute of Municipal Management – SA Division used the theme ‘Managing IT Effectively’. Part of South Australia’s 1998 Local Government Week, the Conference attracted over 80 delegates.
“Feedback from the Conference indicates that this was timely and relevant information for all managers,” said Fred Pedler, IMM President. “Ranging from thought provoking strategic planning through to practical examples of how IT systems are changing the way Councils are doing business, there was something for everyone.
“The message is clear, you cannot be a manager in any industry without making the most of IT.”
Year 2000 compliance, management software, new trends in telecommunications and training via the Internet were all covered in the program. Best practice examples included running a telecentre at Tumby Bay; a business Internet service at Unley; GIS and Asset Management at West Torrens; and developing a call centre at the City of Adelaide.
Keynote speaker James Chong, Manager IT Strategy at Ericsson Australia, said that a strategic approach to IT management was vital for all organisations. He said that at least five percent of total revenue should be earmarked for IT.
“Define your IT Management Plan and how it supports the organisation,” he said. “Set up clear measures of how IT and business will work together, and build up an IT awareness among all line managers.”
Steve Howe, Managing Director of Change Management, said that people want better technology to do their work.
“The end user is usually the most knowledgeable,” he said. “We are now finding situations where people often have more powerful computers at home than they do at work. Tap into this resource.
“It is staff that come up with the new ideas, so they must be recognised as a vital element in developing your IT Strategy.”
Covering the issue of Year 2000 compliance, Garry Dohnt from Stowe Computing Australia, said that if organisations have not started to address this matter, it is almost too late!
“Act quickly and assess your risk,” he said. “Establish a team to identify the risk and then develop an action plan.”
He urged Councils to ensure they obtain a compliance statement from each of their suppliers.
