scholarly journals The use of public sector data analytics in the Netherlands

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Fleur van Veenstra ◽  
Francisca Grommé ◽  
Somayeh Djafari
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sector Data

Purpose Public sector data analytics concerns the process of retrieving data, data analysis, publication of the results as well as re-using the data by government organizations to improve their operations and enhance public policy. This paper aims to explore the use of public sector data analytics in the Netherlands and the opportunities and challenges of this use. Design/methodology/approach This paper finds 74 applications of public sector data analytics, identified by a Web search and consultation with policymakers. The applications are categorized by application type, organization(s) involved and application domain, and illustrative examples are used to elaborate opportunities and challenges. Findings Public sector data analytics is most frequently used for inspection and enforcement of social services and for criminal investigation. Even though its usage is often experimental, it raises concerns for scope creep, repeated targeting of the same (group of) individuals, personal data use by third parties and the transparency of governmental processes. Research limitations/implications Drawing on desk research, it was not always possible to identify which type of data or which technology was used in the applications that were found. Furthermore, the case studies are illustrative rather than providing an in-depth overview of opportunities and challenges of the use of data analytics in government. Originality/value Most studies either perform a literature overview or present a single case study; this paper presents a more comprehensive overview of how a public sector uses data analytics.

Artificial intelligence-based public sector data analytics for economic crisis policymaking

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-662
Author(s):  
Euripidis N. Loukis ◽  
Manolis Maragoudakis ◽  
Niki Kyriakou
Keyword(s):  
Feature Selection ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Public Policies ◽  
Economic Crises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public And Private Sector ◽  
Sector Data

Purpose Public sector has started exploiting artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, however, mainly for operational but much less for tactical or level tasks. The purpose of this study is to exploit AI for the highest strategic-level task of government: to develop an AI-based public sector data analytics methodology for supporting policymaking for one of the most serious and large-scale challenges that governments repeatedly face, the economic crises that lead to economic recessions (though the proposed methodology is of much more general applicability). Design/methodology/approach A public sector data analytics methodology has been developed, which enables the exploitation of existing public and private sector data, through advanced processing of them using a big data-oriented AI technique, “all-relevant” feature selection, to identify characteristics of firms as well as their external environment that affect (positively or negatively) their resilience to economic crisis. Findings A first application of the proposed public sector data analytics methodology has been conducted, using Greek firms’ data concerning the economic crisis period 2009–2014, which has led to interesting conclusions and insights, revealing factors affecting the extent of sales revenue decrease in Greek firms during the above crisis period and providing a first validation of the methodology used in this study. Research limitations/implications This paper contributes to the advancement of two emerging highly important, for the society, but minimally researched, digital government research domains: public sector data analytics (and especially policy analytics) and government exploitation of AI. It exploits an AI feature selection algorithm, the Boruta “all-relevant” variables identification algorithm, which has been minimally exploited in the past for public sector data analytics, to support the design of public policies for addressing one of the most serious and large-scale economic challenges that governments repeatedly face: the economic crises. Practical implications The proposed methodology allows the identification of characteristics of firms as well as their external environment that affect positively or negatively their resilience to economic crisis. This enables a better understanding of the kinds of firms that are more strongly hit by the crisis, which is quite useful for the design of public policies for supporting them; and at the same time reveals firms’ practices, resources, capabilities, etc. that enhance their ability to cope with economic crisis, to design policies for promoting them through educational and support activities. Social implications This methodology can be very useful for the design of more effective public policies for reducing the negative impacts of economic crises on firms, and therefore mitigating their negative consequences for the society, such as unemployment, poverty and social exclusion. Originality/value This study develops a novel approach to the exploitation of public and private sector data, based on a minimally exploited, for such purposes, AI technique (“all-relevant” feature selection), to support the design of public policies for addressing one of the most threatening disruptions that modern economies and societies repeatedly face, the economic crises.

Context matters: enablers and barriers to knowledge sharing in Australian public sector ICT projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1921-1941
Author(s):  
Yakub Karagoz ◽  
Naomi Whiteside ◽  
Axel Korthaus
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Current Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Project Environment ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose This paper aims to extend the theory relating to knowledge sharing barriers and enablers in the public sector information and communication technology (ICT) project context. Design/methodology/approach A case study method was used whereby project managers from each of the seven departments of the Victorian Public Sector in Australia were interviewed about their knowledge sharing practice. A semi-structured interview instrument based on Riege’s (2005) barrier framework was used to explore the barriers to knowledge sharing that they experienced as part of their work. Findings The study found that many of Riege’s (2005) barriers did not apply in the public sector ICT project environment, demonstrating that context matters. In addition, five enablers were identified, resulting in a new model of enablers and barriers to knowledge sharing in public sector ICT projects. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a single case, the Victorian Public Sector, and consequently the results are not generalisable. Future research should explore the applicability of the model in other public sector ICT project contexts. Practical implications The study highlights the relationship between knowledge sharing and the project manager and the role it plays in project delivery. The model presented provides a starting point for public sector practitioners to develop their knowledge sharing practice, potentially enhancing project outcomes in the process. Originality/value This study examines barriers to knowledge sharing in an under-researched context, that of the public sector ICT project environment. It builds on current theory and provides insights for practitioners in the public sector.

Enabling integrated business planning through big data analytics: a case study on sales and operations planning

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Schlegel ◽  
Hendrik Sebastian Birkel ◽  
Evi Hartmann
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
Business Planning ◽  
Operations Planning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate how big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) enable the implementation of integrated business planning (IBP) – the advanced form of sales and operations planning (S&OP) – by counteracting the increasing information processing requirements.Design/methodology/approachThe research model is grounded in the organizational information processing theory (OIPT). An embedded single case study on a multinational agrochemical company with multiple geographically distinguished sub-units of analysis was conducted. Data were collected in workshops, semistructured interviews as well as direct observations and enriched by secondary data from internal company sources as well as publicly available sources.FindingsThe results show the relevancy of establishing BDAC within an organization to apply IBP by providing empirical evidence of BDA solutions in S&OP. The study highlights how BDAC increase an organization's information processing capacity and consequently enable efficient and effective S&OP. Practical guidance toward the development of tangible, human and intangible BDAC in a particular sequence is given.Originality/valueThis study is the first theoretically grounded, empirical investigation of S&OP implementation journeys under consideration of the impact of BDAC.

Bulgarian public sector data breach reveals EU trend

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Data Privacy ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Data Breach ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Data Protection Regulation ◽  
High Profile ◽  
General Data ◽  
Sector Data

Subject Public sector and GDPR. Significance Public attention before and since the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in May 2018 has largely focused on high-profile corporate data breaches and fines, such as recently at British Airways and the hotel chain Marriott. However, the data breach at the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency last month put public sector agencies, and their obligations under GDPR, under the spotlight. Impacts The upsurge in data breach notifications will stabilise as GDPR implementation progresses. Local public sector agencies are beginning to take data privacy and security seriously. Outsourcing of public services to private contractors is complicating cybersecurity.

Stranger danger! What’s the real challenge in integration?

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 194-205
Author(s):  
Anne Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Improvement ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integration Service ◽  
Stranger Danger ◽  
And Function

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the complexities involved in delivering seamless patient-centred care across organisational boundaries. There is particular focus on how working with an organisation outside the public sector challenges the ideology of those involved, thereby hindering progress. It will explore the challenges and solutions to delivering a service and discuss the key components of success. It will investigate the theory of partnership working and balance the importance of the emotional investment and understanding with leadership and project management. Design/methodology/approach It explores the current “crisis” in NHS, along with political statements, emphasising its importance, but failing to address the issues faced by workers and agencies in the “outside” world. It will examine the concept of the “other” to explain the struggle required to gain a place at the table in discussing integration/service improvement. It will use experience in negotiating between a reasonably large care and nursing home provider and public sector bodies in Wales and consider the factors leading to a successful collaboration. Findings The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act, 2014 makes it clear that integration is seen as a critical means to achieve better outcomes for people and whilst not contesting that principle, the paper shows that integration is often limited in thinking and action to “public sector” integration. Originality/value There have been few attempts to explore the role and function of care and nursing home providers in service improvement from the provider’s perspective. It will challenge the practice of commissioning, that gives all the power to the commissioner and explores the commissioners’ accountability for their role in partnership work. It also offers hope for a different kind of relationship, based on mature conversations and mutual respect, along with a system of governance offering guarantees for sustainability.

Leadership and management development post-war: exploring future trends

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majd Megheirkouni
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Management Development ◽  
Future Trends ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Conflict Zones ◽  
Leadership And Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Post War

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand current challenges and future trends in leadership and management development that can help practitioners in post-wars periods, using evidence from Syrian public sector. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative method design is used for data collection: semi-structured interviews with 24 senior managers in the public sector. Findings The findings revealed that the current challenges includes egos, technological hurdles, financial constraints, instability and the different expectations of new and old staff; future trends include developing collective leadership, technology literacy applications for effective leadership development, focusing on self-learning and development, focusing on creativity and innovation for transferring learning and development and targeting both vertical and horizontal learning and development. Research limitations/implications Research data have been collected with managers working in an unstable environment. Only the public sector has been involved in the study. There were a number of limitations, e.g. selection of participant sample size and exploratory methodology, which affect generalizing the findings. Practical implications The implication of the current study is practical in nature. Essentially, post-war governments can use the results of the current study to help leaders and managers develop and implement effective strategies to meet their enormous and urgent needs. Originality/value Leadership/management development has become a strategic issue in post-war countries, acting as the key element in the stage of extensive reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and the restoration and restructuring of social services in former conflict zones, and the restoration and restructuring of economy and many other roles.

Knowledge risk management in the public sector: insights into a Swedish municipality

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 717-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Birgitta Lindvall ◽  
Guido Bruns
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public

Purpose This study aims to contribute to the understanding of knowledge risk management (KRM) and a range of related knowledge management practices in the public sector through a case study conducted in a Swedish municipality. Design/methodology/approach A single case study was conducted in a Swedish municipality involving two offices. Data were collected through an online survey, group interviews and group exercises involving members of the offices who represented different functions, roles and age groups. Findings The findings underline the need for a systematic approach to KRM for being in a position to continuously deliver the municipality’s products and services, specifically against the knowledge challenges ahead. In addition, the authors identified a number of internal and external factors that are challenging KRM. Research limitations/implications Data were collected from a single case study, to generalize the findings future research should study additional local governments. Practical implications A holistic KRM framework is proposed intended to help managers tackle present and future challenges in the public sector. Originality/value The study contributes to the underdeveloped field of KRM by providing insights into KRM and KRM-related activities found in a Swedish municipality.

Realizing e-government benefits with minimal capabilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 262-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keld Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
It Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Benefits Realization ◽  
Process Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to increase our understanding of the requirements for public sector organizations to implement benefits realization practices. The research compares benefits realization practices as suggested by the literature with actual practice with the goal of identifying both insufficiencies in the current literature and challenges in practice that must be overcome to improve the current situation. Design/methodology/approach The case study approach is used to study benefits realization across national and local government organizations. Findings Five major challenges that are not dealt with by existing literature were identified: benefits realization requires not just organizational capabilities, but also inter-organizational capabilities; coordination of benefits realization across organizational units, local and central government and across internal organizational levels is both essential and very challenging; managing benefits realization includes much more than integrating benefits realization practices in IT projects; different benefits realization practices are needed at central government level, local management level and case worker level; and different uses of technology require different levels of benefits realization capabilities and different practices. The case also illustrates that under certain conditions, organization can actually realize significant improvements with limited benefits realization capabilities: When IT is used not to change but to fully automate processes, the reliance on formal benefits realization practices is decreased. Research limitations/implications The findings are based on a single case. Originality/value There is only little empirical research studying benefits realization in a public sector context. Furthermore, the research studies benefits realization from an organizational process perspective, and not from the perspective of IT projects.

E-government transformations: challenges and strategies

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keld Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Successful Case ◽  
Path Dependent ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Do So ◽  
Project Level

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to analyse the possibilities for e-government transformations in public sector organisations and how these possibilities can be improved. Design/methodology/approach The research constructs a model based on a literature review that focusses on the pressure that drives transformations, on the challenges transformations face and on the abilities needed for overcoming these challenges. The resulting model is subsequently used to analyse a successful case and to identify the keys to success in terms of the strategies used to transform. Findings The possibilities for transformation depend on the organisational and contextual configuration (a public sector organisation and the context it operates in) which is more or less supportive of transformations. The configuration can be characterized by the pressure to transform, the challenges that must be overcome and the abilities to do so. There are some basic conditions that impact the possibilities for making the configuration more supportive of transformations: the interest of powerful stakeholders, the degree of publicness, the possibilities for changing the configuration are path dependent and the factors that matter for the possibilities for transformation are interrelated and might be governed by different authorities which make it difficult to manage and change them. When improving the possibilities for transformation in a configuration, the pressure can be increased, transformations can be made easier to accomplish by reducing challenges and by providing more support and abilities might be developed to better overcome the challenges. Transformation is accomplished through an interplay between actions that improve and exploit the configuration. Research limitations/implications The findings are based on a single case. Practical implications The public sector should find the balance between making transformations easier and increasing capabilities. The lessons from this research suggest that a more balanced strategy focussing more on eliminating the contextual and organisational challenges that make these projects so complex and providing more support might be a better investment than just aiming to increase project level capabilities. Social implications Just as practice might benefit from changing the balance between increasing project level capabilities and making transformation easier, e-government research might improve its relevance by changing the balance between suggesting new approaches and researching the basic conditions for the exploitation of IT in public sector organisations. While the essence of public sector organisations in some cases makes transformations very challenging, there are still factors that might be improved upon through research. Originality/value Previous research has established knowledge about transformational challenges and solutions. Based on this knowledge this research constructs a model that can be used to systematically analyse the possibilities for success, and strategies for dealing with these challenges are suggested.

Anonymity of library users in The Netherlands and Croatia

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 407-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessie Schepman ◽  
Marian Koren ◽  
Aleksandra Horvat ◽  
Dejana Kurtovic ◽  
Ivana Hebrang Grgic
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Joint Research Project ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Privacy Issues

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to document a joint research project aimed at investigating the existing library practices regarding protection of personal data, in view of computerization of libraries and its consequences, and awareness of the privacy (anonymity) of the library users that was carried out simultaneously in The Netherlands and Croatia in the autumn of 2007.Design/methodology/approachThe research was a continuation of an ongoing cooperation between The Netherlands Public Library Association and the Department of Information Sciences, University of Zagreb. A questionnaire was developed based on previously conducted interviews with librarians and survey of recent literature on anonymity. It was carried out online via a special link on the web site of The Netherlands Public Library Association and sent by e‐mail to selected libraries in Croatia.FindingsReplies obtained from 65 Dutch and 33 Croatian libraries of all types have been compared and commented in the paper. The research shows that despite existing differences in library facilities librarians in both countries have not yet become fully aware of all aspects of privacy issues that new services provided by the new technology have brought about, nor received adequate training or taken appropriate measures.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on library practices regarding data protection and measures and steps to be taken by libraries in order to improve the present inadequacies can be envisaged in future.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on data security issues in Dutch and Croatian libraries.

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