Assurance of the execution of business controls is the primary element in sustaining an effective governance framework, as it ensures that the IT governance processes and activities are performed in accordance with the established policies, standards, and procedures. Assurance also provides feedback and monitoring on the performance, compliance, and outcomes of the IT governance framework, and identifies areas for improvement and optimization12. References := CGEIT Exam Content Outline, Domain 1, Subtopic A: Governance Framework, Task 5: Ensure that assurance processes are established to provide confidence that the IT governance framework is designed and operating effectively.