Strengthening the Management of Federal Programs

D URING a period of national emergency, when it is imperative that we make maximum use of our national resources, the effective execution of federal programs assumes critical importance. In his last budget message to the Congress, the President pointed to timely advances in the organization and management of the executive branch of the federal government. Impetus for these improvements can be traced in part to the work of the Commission on Organization of the Executive Branch of the Government, but the greatest momentum has been generated within the departments and agencies as the result of a continuing concern for management improvement that has been built up over a long period of years. Improvements currently being made in the management of the executive branch are the logical sequel of a long series of efforts. The current government-wide drive for management improvement, officially known as the President's Management Program, has the objective of increasing the effectiveness and economy of federal programs. This objective is achieved through comprehensive efforts (1) to improve government-wide organization, (2) to improve processes or activities common to all agencies, and (3) to strengthen the management of federal programs. Important steps have been taken to improve government organization structure and clarify responsibilities during the past two years.' Landmarks also have been established in the

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