A theoretical Wigner-function approach to the study of quantum transport in
open systems in presence of phonon scattering is presented. It is shown he
re that in order to solve the Wigner equation in its integral form the know
ledge of the Wigner function at all points of the phase space at all initia
l time t(0) can be substituted by the knowledge of the same function inside
the region of interest at t(0) and on its boundary at all times t' less th
en the observation time t. The theory has been applied to calculate the cur
rent associated with electron quantum transport across given potential prof
iles and in presence of phonon scattering. [S0163-1829(99)12703-6].