Article

IT Governance

By:
Maria (Ria) Pretorius,
Riaaz Mahomed
12 Dec 20251 min read
insight featured image
What is IT Governance?

IT governance is a structured framework aligning IT investments with business goals and managing associated risks effectively.

Contents

Why is it important?

  • Improved Decision-Making
    Effective IT governance enhances decision-making processes within IT an business operations for better outcomes.
  • ResourceOptimisation
    Optimising IT resources through governance ensures efficient use of technology and budget within organisations.
  • Transparency and Accountability
    IT governance increases transparency and accountability, promoting trust and clear responsibility in IT operations.

Organisations can leverage off a number of frameworks as they navigate their IT governance adoption.

Framework Focus Area Best For
COBIT
IT governance & management
Holistic IT control and alignment
ITIL
IT service management
Operational IT and service delivery
ISO 38500
High-level IT governance
Board-level oversight
ISO 27001
Information security
Data protection, risk, compliance
COSO
Risk and control frameworks
Broader risk and compliance

IT Governance Pillars:

Includes, achieving the goals and strategies through the coherent undertaking of activities by linking business objectives to IT initiatives.

Focuses on, creating new benefits through IT, maintaining and increasing benefits derived from existing IT investments, and ensuring that IT structures, resources and processes are dynamic enough to deliver value.

Encompasses, the management of IT human resources, as well as the adequacy of IT capability and infrastructure to support the IT strategy.

Includes, the identification, assessment, and management of IT risks, as well as the implementation of controls to mitigate these risks.

Involves, tracking the achievement of the objectives of IT-related services and solutions and compliance with specific external requirements.

Comprises of adequate and timely feedback to key stakeholders, including business leaders and IT staff, regarding the effectiveness of the IT strategy, value delivered, resource management, risk management and performance management.

From insights to board packs

Lessons learnt in implementation:

  • IT governance Frameworks should be practical and fit for purpose in relation to the Organisation’s size and complex
  • IT governance should to be supported at a Board and Exco level for effective adoption across the business
  • Feedback mechanisms should be established across various Governance structures with ultimate reporting at a Board level
  • Focused reporting based on stakeholder needs
  • Clear roles and accountability should be established from the onset
  • Measure and monitor performance to track progress
  • IT Governance is a continuous journey which requires ongoing effort and adaptation
TAGS  
Authors