Home
>
Executive Report
>
Tools
Introduction to COBIT
Haydn Thomas
(June 22, 2009)
|
|
An overview of the COBIT framework, which takes a top-down approach to IT governance with emphasis on four PPM-related areas: planning and organization; acquisition and implementation; delivery and support; and monitoring and evaluation.
In the quest for a practical framework for IT governance and control, the Information Systems Audit and Control Association and the IT Governance Institute created the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT) in 1996 for IT. Four editions have been published since November 2005, with the most recent incremental release, 4.1, featuring streamlined control objectives and application controls, improved process controls, and an enhanced explanation of performance management.
COBIT has been rapidly adopted across major organizations, particularly in the United States, where it assists in Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and Europe. The framework bridges the gap between risks, control needs and technical implementation approaches. It provides a processes-oriented structure classified by domain, which identifies the resources to be leveraged, defines the control objectives to be considered, and incorporates major international standards.
COBIT outlines 34 high-level objectives that cover multiple sub-objectives across four domains:
Planning and Organization – Defining the strategic IT plan and information architecture; determining the technology direction; defining the processes organization and relationships; managing the investment; communicating the direction; managing the human resources; and managing risk issues and projects.
Acquisition and Implementation – Identifying and acquiring solutions, software and technology; enabling operation and use; procuring resources; managing changes and accrediting the solutions and changes to them.
Delivery and Support – Defining and managing service levels, third-party services, and performance and capacity; ensuring continuous service and security; identifying and allocating costs; managing the service desk and incidents; managing problems, data, configurations, and the physical environment and operations.
Monitoring and Evaluation – Monitoring and evaluating performance and internal control; ensuring regulatory compliance; and providing IT governance.
The framework focuses on what needs to be done, rather than providing prescriptive guidelines on how to achieve objectives.
Please login/register to read the entire article.
Sponsored Announcements and Special Offers
|
Project Management Software That Breaks the Mold - Is your team is struggling under the weight of outdated schedules, multiple spreadsheets, and mountains of email? Get organized, get visibility, and save up to 3 hours a day with LiquidPlanner. Scheduling has never been easier with drag-n-drop prioritization that fits the way YOUR team works. Free for 30 days.
Resource Planning Summit, Sept. 19-21, 2010, La Jolla, CA - Resource Planning is HOT today! Opening Keynoter Mike Hanford, Research Director at Gartner, will describe why, and what firms must do about it. Nine industry speakers will describe the startling results they have achieved. If you have anything to do with resource management, register NOW!
ProjectWorld® & World Congress for Business Analysts® is the premier conference for advancing collaboration through practice. The high level content cannot be found at any other industry event because it stretches far beyond the fundamentals to provide leadership, strategy and enterprise wide information - exactly what you need to be more valuable to yourself and your organization.
Are you ready to gain the highest recognition for a BA and apply the best practices defined in the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®? Let us help you prepare for Certified Business Analysis Professional® certification with our CBAP® Exam Prep Course. We also provide CBAP® Application Workshops (free webinars) to help you successfully get approved for the CBAP® application.
Are your Business Analysis Skills Current? Business analysis is not just about IT requirements anymore. Organizations are looking for a new breed of professionals to bridge the business and technology gap with value-centric solutions. Develop the fundamental skills and best practices you need to stay ahead of changes in your field with our business analysis training offerings.
|
|
|
|
|