Introduction

This book situates information technology at the centre of public policy and management. IT is now a vital part of any government organisation, opening new policy windows and enabling a vast range of tasks to be carried out faster and more efficiently. But it has also introduced new problems and challenges.

Case Studies

Four in-depth case studies demonstrate how information systems have become inextricably linked with the core tasks of governmental organisations. The key government departments examined are:

• the Inland Revenue Service and Social Security Administration in the US
• the Inland Revenue and Benefits Agency in the UK