Average grades are calculated by averaging the grades each state received in the five management areas. Utah's planning and integration capabilities are prominent in both its information technology and financial management systems. Washington's information technology activities, such as strategic planning and use of the Internet for citizen transactions with the state, are among the best in the land. Maryland's strong planning process for capital projects is striking, the report shows. Change occurred most noticeably in information technology management, a high-priority target.
Most states now have a chief information officer to ensure technology business gets done right.
For example, Kansas made great strides with wide replacements of human resources, budget, accounting, and other information technology systems. Another trend associated with successful information technology systems is that strategic plans are in place and integration exists with other functions such as financial management and human resources management. Virginia, for example, has sophisticated information technology systems that integrate capital management and financial management systems. Iowa is an example of a state that has made sweeping changes for recruitment, compensation, and succession planning to get and keep highly qualified employees. Overall, the Government Performance Project finds that states that are managed well, operate well.