Ministry of Research, Science and Technology
- Within this section:
- Context
- Ready Access to Information and Services
- Alignment With E-government Goals
Ministry of Research, Science and Technology
Context
The Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) is a policy agency that predominately communicates with a narrow audience. It contracts other agencies such as the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) to manage the actual funding of research and innovation projects.
The Ministry's mission is "to inspire and assist New Zealanders to achieve a better future through research and innovation".
Ministry of Research, Science and Technology E-government Initiatives
- Advanced Network initiative
- Electronic Records and Document Management System
- Contact management
Summary
Ready Access: MoRST provides ready access to information on its website and through the government portal. Maintaining up-to-date metadata records will ensure that people can continue to find relevant MoRST information.
Alignment: MoRST's involvement in the sector to promote the benefits of the Internet for research and consultation, aligns well with the E-government Strategy. Improved internal systems to help staff access and manage information will improve alignment further.
Internet and Communications Technology
MoRST has adopted an approach to e-government that focuses on staff access to information and the encouragement of e-government initiatives throughout the research, science and technology sector. MoRST uses its position in the sector to help ensure individuals, businesses, organisations and government agencies are aware of e-government, its benefits and opportunities.
MoRST is actively involved in a number of sector wide projects. For example, MoRST has an ongoing role in the Advanced Network Project, which intends to ensure that New Zealand remains technologically able to contribute and be involved internationally in research.
Part of MoRST's leadership role in the sector is to be a broker, networking the research, science and technology sector throughout New Zealand and overseas. Existing information management systems can do this, but are proving to be inadequate for the expanded leadership role, as they rely on knowledge held by individuals. Increased staff numbers have also put pressure on internal information systems and processes. Consequently, the need to replace or improve the information systems is becoming urgent, and options are now being considered.
MoRST may implement improved records and document management system to help staff find and access information more effectively. Because MoRST operates a policy of generally unrestricted access to information, an intranet based metadata record system would help staff find the information they need, while at the same time avoiding information overload.
Additional information technology tools are also needed, such as a contact management system. These systems will help reduce reliance on individuals as the sole holders of information, and enable other staff to more effectively access information.
Ready Access to Information and Services
Metadata
MoRST has 77 metadata records, including 62 documents, 14 services, and an agency record, providing access to a great deal of the Ministry's information through the portal.
MoRST's metadata covers all major topics on the website. In future, consolidating metadata records and keeping them up to date will ensure ready access to the Ministry's information.
Website Assessment
Website assessed during May 2004:
Overall, MoRST's website is of an average standard. The site's strengths were in required government content, but the usability of the site could be improved.
Key quality issues noted during the assessment included:
- Good range, depth and presentation of information content.
- Usability and site navigation could be improved for easier use.
- Many documents are in PDF only, excluding people who are unable or unwilling to read this format.
- The addition of consultation documents would make it easier to offer feedback on proposed changes to policy or procedures.
- Required email addresses are not available or were not answered.
- The homepage is larger than standard and slow to load on dial-up connections.
- Missing accessibility features, such as navigation skipping, access keys and style sheet problems may impede some physically impaired people's access.
- Contact details could be more specific, to enable responsive handling of enquiries.
- More links to other related content would be useful.
Alignment With E-government Goals
Convenience and Satisfaction
MoRST operates a single website providing information about the agency, who to contact, and links to other organisations. MoRST is unlikely to need online user authentication.
Integration and Efficiency
The Advanced Network Project aims to introduce high speed Internet throughout New Zealand, connecting approximately 120 different research organisations that will be comparable with Internet systems used overseas. The Network will enable Internet speeds of 1Gigabit/sec, forecast to rise to around 40Gbit/sec within the next few years. It will enable people in New Zealand to contribute to overseas projects without being restricted by technology.
Information provided by MoRST on its website is not well integrated with information from other agencies. MoRST should use existing levels of co-operation within the sector to integrate and share information more widely using the Internet and websites.
Participation
MoRST has an online system for consultation with stakeholders and interest groups.
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