Performance Management
Only Long-Term Planning Can Counter Short-Term Thinking
John Kamensky, Government Executive
Agency plans tend to be designed around the four-year election cycle, but the most important challenges require a much longer time horizon.
Program Management Bill Heads to Obama’s Desk
Charles Clark, Government Executive
Senate-passed bill would create new agency management positions.
Beth Cobert talks metrics, employee engagement
Carten Cordell, Federal Times
Acting Office of Personnel Director Beth Cobert has faced a few tall orders during her time in government.
This Is No Way to Run a Government
Stan Soloway, Government Executive
Addressing fiscal concerns doesn’t preclude improving the way agencies deliver on their missions.

Analytics/Evaluation
Agencies Continue to Struggle with DATA Act Implementation
Mohana Ravindranath, Nextgov
Some agencies are on track to miss DATA Act implementation timelines.
Implementation deadline ‘just the beginning’ for DATA Act
Meredith Somers, Federal News Radio
With six months until the deadline for full implementation of the DATA Act agency heads are taking a realistic — but confident — approach to their work as the deadline looms.
Are agencies ready for the Data Act?
Chase Gunter, Federal Computer Week
With the financial reporting requirements of the Data Act set to take effect in May 2017, a key oversight panel voiced concerns over agencies’ progress.
A Robust Vision for Using Data in Government
Sarah Urahn, Governing
State and local decision-makers are learning to harness it as a strategic asset.
Making the Case for Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Jennifer Brooks, Stanford Social Innovation Review
Evidence-based practice has great potential to improve social outcomes, but only if we do a better job marketing and adapting it to address the specific problems at hand.
Measuring Outcomes to Improve Social Services
Connie Ballmer, Stanford Social Innovation Review
Funders can support positive change by backing proven, replicable interventions and new measurement tools that help draw the connection between services offered and results achieved.
U.S. Chief Data Scientist: ‘Time is Now’ For Technologists to Jump into Public Service
Frank Konkel, Nextgov
The data already exists, DJ Patil said, to solve some important crises—if only we could piece together the pieces.

Efficiency/Reorganization
A Gingrich Commission to Reorganize Government?
Tom Shoop, Government Executive
A proposal for a new role for the former House speaker.