Data Analytics for Government

• In Event: Advanced topics - Forensics, Government and International Accounting

Abstract

Constituent demands for improved transparency in governmental reporting have increased since the recent (2008-2009) financial crisis in the U.S. that impacted the financial well-being of a number of U.S.-based governmental entities at both state and local levels. Since that time several governmental entities in the U.S. have led the effort to provide an open data environment but these early initiatives do not incorporate robust analytic capabilities to satisfy constituent inquiries.
The purpose of this research is to develop an ENHanced ANalytic Constituent Environment (ENHANCE) facilitated by open government data that fulfills the reporting requirements of the various governmental stakeholders, such as citizens, analysts, bond investors, creditors, and oversight officials . Auditors should also be considered within the group of governmental stakeholders. The first step is the availability of open governmental data, presented in a standardized and usable format. The second step is that of designing a series of analytic ‘apps’ that can provide meaningful information to the entity’s stakeholders. The third step is the development of ENHANCE where apps can function, acting upon the standardized government data to support constituent reporting requirements.

This research will contribute to academic literature by proposing an enhanced analytic constituent environment (ENHANCE) where governmental stakeholders can create reports on demand to satisfy their analytic requirements. This will also be the first academic paper that examines available data analytics in government. In addition, it will provide a literature review of current practices and transparency in government financial reporting.

Authors

• Stephen Kozlowski, Rutgers Business School

• Hussein Issa, Rutgers Business School

• Deniz A Appelbaum, Rutgers University - Newark