Government Executive October 2003 Vol. 35, No.15

It's nearly impossible to secure air travel, let alone the rest of transportation. The hit list taking shape today may be the biggest ever. When government managers attack problems head-on, they often create as many difficulties as they solve. Systems thinkers propose a different approach. For civilian engineers involved in Iraqi reconstruction, courage and technical skill are useful, but flexibility, a sense of humor and bags of cash are even better. David Mader brought a low-key but high-intensity style to the massive effort to overhaul the IRS. start departments Knowledge management tools get FBI agents connected in the fight against terrorism. Vying for VISIT contract; in a word, it's "bull"; fighting the software pirates. The government's online travel program puts the "e" in easy trip planning. Lawmakers are throwing up roadblocks to Bush administration job competitions. No news is bad news, considering how much media coverage shapes people's attitudes about government. - start COLUMNS =