Analytics/Evaluation
OMB putting a twist on applied research to solve federal management challenges
Jason Miller, Federal News Radio
What is different about OMB’s plan to create the Government Effectiveness Advanced Research (GEAR) Center is the focus on internal federal challenges such as workforce modernization and the use of data.

Innovation
Project management vs. product management
Steve Kelman, Federal Computer Week
The author argues that government innovation needs more of the latter.
The Fast-Follower Strategy for Technology in Government
Stephen Goldsmith, Governing
The public sector shouldn’t be on the bleeding edge of innovation. It should focus on integrating proven tools.

Management
Why modernizing human capital systems is so hard
Chase Gunter, Federal Computer Week
Treasury, DOD and others are working to modernize talent management, but budgetary, cultural and political challenges complicate their progress.

Open Government
Key open gov deadline nears with no public action
Alex Howard, Federal Computer Week
The author asks whether stakeholders and activists take the White House at its word that it is interested in advancing open data and open government policy?

Reorganization
White House Instructs Agencies to Stop Performing ‘Low Value’ Work
Charles Clark, Government Executive
New OMB guidance aims to cut the burden on agencies, in part by rescinding previous presidents’ reporting requirements.
It’s Dismantlers v. Rebuilders on the Government Reform Front
Paul Light, Government Executive
A new study shows momentum among reform advocates pushing for bigger government.
How business process reengineering can support performance improvement
Emad Elias and Bob Etris, Federal Computer Week
Modern use of BPR can create cost savings by focusing on problem definition and clarity of roles and responsibilities vs. people’s individual performance.