IT Governance - The Basics

What Is IT Governance?

At the macro level, successful IT governance is accomplished by basing IT practices on high-quality, well-defined, repeatable processes. At the micro level, IT governance focuses on developing precise policies, clearly defined procedures, and scrupulously detailed documentation. In addition to zeroing in on these areas, IT governance also constitutes a forward-looking plan for continual improvement.

Types of Governance Models

There are two main public models for IT governance. The IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a widely accepted approach. Specifically developed for IT service management and operations, ITIL is a framework of best practices that are documented in an abstract fashion to be applicable to any IT organization. ITIL's main focus is to provide service objectives, key activities, and key performance indicators for applications management, IT service delivery and support, infrastructure management, and business perspectives. This method is divided into 48 modules/processes.

Elsewhere, the Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT) is used as a control framework for corporate IT processes. Organizations use COBIT to manage accountability of IT resources, focus resources on business goals, and to build a framework for risk assessment. It divides information technology into 34 modules/processes that are further organized into four domains: planning, acquiring and implementing, delivery and support, and monitoring.

Action Plan

1.Get executives on board. IT governance is a control management system that enables you to translate a strategic vision into practical and measurable actions. If the top executives don't understand and support a strategic framework for IT governance, then the outcome won't have value. Also, governance is embedded in organizational culture and politics, not just processes. Backing from the C-level team is therefore critical.

2.Know what you're working towards. Reviews of successful IT governance models have revealed that there are characteristics common to all models. Derived from industry standards, the following outcomes are indicative, but not exhaustive, of well-executed governance deployments:

• Complete, flexible IT structure geared toward the delivery of business applications. 
• Centrally managed IT infrastructure, as well as centralized IT staff. 
• Estimated project costs based on a five-year lifecycle cost. 
• Project portfolio management in place. 
• Clearly defined reporting relationships and strict adherence to standards.

3.Use modules from the standards bodies. An IT shop in a mid-sized company won't be able to implement ITIL or COBIT in whole - they are simply too big and all-encompassing. You can, however, use parts of them that speak directly to your particular needs. For example, if the help desk is your worry, then use the help desk module from ITIL like the government of Ontario did. When using this module-by-module approach, keep the following tips in mind:

• Be sure to first benchmark the trouble area before moving ahead with the module. This way, you will be able to better measure performance over time. 
• Continue to stay focused on this one area of change, as training, implementation, and change management will pose major ongoing challenges. 
• Use such projects as a learning experience. Document everything and use this information when moving on to the next area that could use governance.

4.Tie in governance with compensation. Management must lead the charge when implementing IT governance. Bonus programs for employees will have to change to reflect a focus on positive metrics and key performance indicator improvements.

In Summary

IT governance plays an important role in making companies more successful via streamlined and standardized processes. Get started now to realize long-term benefits.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4084526
By Rick Spair