IT governance

Governance concerns the structure, oversight and management processes which ensure the delivery of the expected benefits of IT in a controlled way to help enhance the long term sustainable success of the enterprise. This means we need the correct management structures, the correct reporting structures and good measureable indices.

Tasks

Question 1. Introduction to IT Governance. Define in detail what IT governance is and how it differs from the management of information systems. Briefly overview ISO38500 and its five principles. Governance requires reporting structures. Identify the measurable elements you think IT departments should use to report to higher management. Introduce the balanced score card and consider how the measureable elements you have defined fit into the score card. What is Cobit? Overview Cobit principles and processes for IT governance. Find an example of IT governance structures in an organisation and critically appraise them.

Question 2. Shared Services.In a time of austerity, IT budgets can be severely cut. One solution is for two companies to combine their IT into a shared service which provides IT to both companies. The idea of shared IT services has been particularly pursued in the public sector. Some local councils have started sharing IT services. It has been an important issues for central government, where attempts to share services have been recently criticised by the National Audit Office. Provide a definition of shared services. Explain why organisations such as local councils might share services. What would you expect to be in a business case for shared services?Outline the steps in a project to move IT services to a shared service. What are the possible business models? Discuss the problems and issues with shared services using a case study. Critically appraise the value of sharing services and suggest how a successful shared service should be developed.