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 The most important factor for the effective design of an IT balanced scorecard is identifying appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs). KPIs are the measures that reflect the critical success factors of the IT strategy and goals, and that help to monitor and evaluate the IT performance and value. KPIs should be aligned with the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard: financial, customer, internal process, and learning and growth. KPIs should also be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. By choosing the right KPIs, the IT balanced scorecard can provide a comprehensive and balanced view of the IT contribution to the business, and support the decision-making and improvement processes

The IT program manager should first obtain confirmation from the business and a decision by the steering committee before proceeding with the requirement change request. This is because the requirement change request is a major scope change that will affect the program budget, schedule, quality, and risk. The IT program manager needs to ensure that the business owner and the steering committee are aware of the implications and benefits of the change, and that they approve it formally. The IT program manager also needs to follow the established change management process and document the change request and its approval.

Requesting additional funding from the business owner to cover the additional scope is not the first step, as it assumes that the change request is already approved and justified. The IT program manager should first seek confirmation and approval from the business owner and the steering committee before asking for more resources.

Reporting the matter to internal audit as a program deviation to be reviewed is not the first step, as it implies that the change request is a violation or a problem. The IT program manager should first communicate with the business owner and the steering committee to understand their rationale and expectations for the change request, and to present the impact analysis and alternatives.

Aligning IT with the business and agreeing to the business request is not the first step, as it disregards the role and authority of the steering committee. The IT program manager should not accept or reject the change request without consulting with the steering committee, which is responsible for overseeing and governing the program.

References := Program Management Best Practices | Smartsheet, Best Practices for Running an Ongoing Program section. Program Management: 8 Tips & Tricks for Success (Update 2023), Tip 2: Defining the control processes section. Program Management Best Practices - Project Management Institute, Comprehend the differences between programs and projects section.

The security status of a new business acquisition is a critical factor that can affect the value, performance, and reputation of the acquiring company. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a thorough IT risk assessment of the target company as part of the overall due diligence process. An IT risk assessment can help to identify and evaluate the current and potential cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and controls in the target company’s IT environment, as well as the compliance with relevant laws and regulations. An IT risk assessment can also help to estimate the costs and efforts required to remediate any security gaps or issues, and to align the security policies and standards of both parties. By integrating IT risk assessment into the due diligence process, the acquiring company can make informed decisions about the feasibility, valuation, and integration of the new business acquisition12. References: Due diligence for Mergers and Acquisitions through a cybersecurity lens. Microsoft Security tips for mitigating risk in mergers and acquisitions.

Understanding the enterprise’s risk tolerance is the most important step for the CTO to create the appropriate risk policies for IT, as it would help to define the acceptable level of risk exposure and the risk appetite for mobile applications. Risk tolerance is the degree of uncertainty that an enterprise is willing to accept in pursuit of its objectives, and it reflects the enterprise’s culture, strategy, and stakeholder expectations. Risk policies for IT should be aligned with the enterprise’s risk tolerance, as well as its mission, vision, and goals. The other options are not as important, as they are more related to the implementation or measurement of risk management, rather than the establishment of risk policies. References: : CGEIT Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 4: Risk Optimization, Section 4.3: IT Risk Management, Subsection 4.3.1: IT Risk Management Overview, Page 153 : CGEIT Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 4: Risk Optimization, Section 4.3: IT Risk Management, Subsection 4.3.2: IT Risk Management Process, Page 156 : Proactive IT Risk Management in an Era of Emerging Technologies

 The first step in implementing IT governance is to ensure that IT roles and responsibilities are established. This means that the board of directors should define the authority, accountability, and decision rights of the key stakeholders involved in IT governance, such as the board itself, senior management, business units, IT function, and external parties. By doing so, the board can ensure that IT governance is aligned with the enterprise governance and strategy, and that IT performance and value delivery are monitored and evaluated. Establishing IT roles and responsibilities is also a prerequisite for defining IT policies and procedures, developing a portfolio of IT-enabled investments, and implementing an IT balanced scorecard. References := CGEIT Exam Content Outline, Domain 1: Framework for the Governance of Enterprise IT1; COBIT 5: Enabling Processes, chapter 4, section 4.1.12; Improve IT Governance to Drive Business Results

 Management transparency is the most important driver of IT governance, because it enables the alignment of IT and business goals, the accountability of IT performance and value, the communication and collaboration among stakeholders, and the compliance with laws and regulations. Management transparency refers to the degree to which information about IT decisions, processes, outcomes, and risks is shared openly and honestly with relevant parties, such as the board of directors, senior management, business units, IT staff, customers, and regulators. Management transparency can help to build trust, confidence, and support for IT initiatives, as well as to identify and address any issues or gaps in IT governance12. References: What is IT governance? A formal way to align IT & business strategy. Definition of IT Governance (ITG) - IT Glossary | Gartner.

The CIO’s first course of action should be to report the risk to executive management, as they are ultimately responsible for the strategic direction and risk appetite of the enterprise. Reporting the risk will help to ensure that executive management is aware of the potential impact and consequences of the change in business direction, and that they can make informed decisions about how to proceed. Reporting the risk will also help to establish a clear communication channel and a collaborative relationship between the IT function and the business function, which are essential for effective IT governance and risk management.

Recommending delaying the business change is not the first course of action, as it may not be feasible or desirable for the enterprise. The CIO should not interfere with the business objectives or priorities without first understanding the rationale and expectations of executive management. The CIO should also not assume that the risk is unacceptable or unmanageable without conducting a proper risk assessment and analysis.

Implementing IT changes to align with the plan is not the first course of action, as it may be premature or inappropriate for the IT function to act on the change in business direction without first consulting with executive management and other stakeholders. The CIO should not initiate or approve any IT changes without first understanding the scope, requirements, benefits, and risks of the change, and without following the established change management process and procedures.

Planning for the corresponding IT reorganization is not the first course of action, as it may be unnecessary or counterproductive for the IT function to restructure its resources, roles, and responsibilities without first communicating with executive management and other stakeholders. The CIO should not assume that the change in business direction will require a major IT reorganization without first evaluating the current and future state of the IT environment, and without considering the impact on the IT performance, efficiency, and effectiveness.

References := IT Risk Resources | ISACA, Risk Management Best Practices section. IT Risk Management Process & Frameworks - ProjectManager, How to Manage Risk in IT section. Complete Guide to IT Risk Management | CompTIA, How to Implement an Effective Risk Management Strategy section. IT Risk Management Best Practices | Risk Management Strategies, Continuous Evaluation section. 6 Best Practices in Cybersecurity Risk Management - Indusface, Communication of Risks section.

The first step in creating an effective long-term mobile application strategy is to identify the business requirements concerning mobile applications. Business requirements are the needs, expectations, and objectives of the business stakeholders and customers for a product or service. Business requirements can help to define the scope, purpose, value, and quality of the mobile applications, as well as to align them with the business strategy and goals12.

By identifying the business requirements concerning mobile applications, the enterprise can understand what the customers want and need from the mobile applications, what problems or pain points they are facing with the current applications, what features or functions they are looking for or missing, what benefits or outcomes they are expecting or measuring, and what preferences or feedback they have for improving the mobile applications12.

Identifying the business requirements concerning mobile applications can also help the enterprise to prioritize and plan the development, testing, and deployment of the mobile applications, by using criteria such as feasibility, suitability, scalability, security, compliance, etc. Identifying the business requirements concerning mobile applications can also help the enterprise to monitor and evaluate the performance and satisfaction of the mobile applications, by using metrics, indicators, and reports12.

Therefore, identifying the business requirements concerning mobile applications is the first step in creating an effective long-term mobile application strategy. This can help the enterprise to deliver mobile applications that meet or exceed the customer expectations and requirements, and that are superior to the legacy browser-based applications. References: Business Requirements: Definition & Best Practices. How to Write a Business Requirements Document: A Comprehensive Guide.

The most important consideration during the decision-making process of outsourcing some IT services is to identify the core IT processes that are critical for the organization’s strategic objectives and competitive advantage. Core IT processes are those that provide unique value to the organization and differentiate it from its competitors. Outsourcing core IT processes may result in loss of control, innovation, and differentiation, as well as increased dependency and risk. Therefore, core IT processes should be retained in-house, while non-core IT processes can be outsourced to benefit from economies of scale, cost reduction, and access to specialized skills and technologies. References := CGEIT Exam Content Outline, Domain 3: Benefits Realization1; COBIT 5: Enabling Processes, chapter 4, section 4.2.32; IT governance -managing the outsourcing relationship

An enterprise’s board of directors can best manage enterprise risk by requiring the establishment of an ERM framework. An ERM framework is a methodology that looks at risk management strategically from the perspective of the entire firm or organization. It is a top-down strategy that aims to identify, assess, and prepare for potential losses, dangers, hazards, and other potentialsfor harm that may interfere with an organization’s operations and objectives and/or lead to losses. An ERM framework provides structured feedback and guidance to business units, executive management, and board members implementing and managing ERM programs. An ERM framework helps establish a consistent risk management culture, regardless of employee turnover or industry standards. It also often involves making the risk plan of action available to all stakeholders as part of an annual report

 Portfolio management is the process of selecting, prioritizing, and managing a collection of projects, programs, and initiatives that align with the strategic goals and objectives of an organization. Portfolio management can help to ensure that the IT initiatives meet their goals, by providing a holistic and integrated view of the IT investments, resources, and outcomes. Portfolio management can also help to optimize the value and benefits of the IT initiatives, by balancing the risks, costs, and dependencies among them. Portfolio management can also help to monitor and control the performance and progress of the IT initiatives, by using metrics, indicators, and reports123. References: What is Portfolio Management? Definition & Examples. A Guide to IT Portfolio Management | Adobe Workfront. IT Portfolio Management: Importance, How-To Steps and Tips.

The best course of action for the CIO is to develop and communicate an accountability matrix. An accountability matrix, also known as a responsibility assignment matrix, is a project management tool that defines the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in a project or process1 An accountability matrix can help to clarify who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed (RACI) for each task or deliverable, and avoid confusion and ambiguity in the decision-making process2 By developing and communicating an accountability matrix, the CIO can ensure that the IT portfolio management policies and processes are understood and followed by all the relevant parties, and that the IT projects are aligned with the enterprise goals. References: RACI Matrix: Responsibility Assignment Matrix Guide 20233, Responsibility assignment matrix - Wikipedia2, Accountability Matrix - Explained - The Business Professor, LLC1

 Procedures have been established for assessing and mitigating information security risks is the most effective way to demonstrate operational readiness to address information security risk issues, as it shows that the enterprise has a systematic and consistent approach to identify, analyze, treat, and monitor information security risks. Procedures also provide guidance and direction for the staff involved in information security risk management activities12. References := CGEIT Exam Content Outline, Domain 4, Subtopic B: IT Risk Management, Task 1: Ensure that an IT risk management framework exists to identify, analyze, mitigate, manage, monitor, and communicate IT-related business risk, and that the framework for IT risk management is in alignment with the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework.

 An assessment to determine if data privacy protection is addressed is the first request that the IT steering committee should make to comply with the board’s mandate, as it helps to ensure that the use of geolocation software does not violate any applicable laws, regulations, or ethical standards regarding the collection, processing, and sharing of personal or sensitive data. Data privacy protection is an important aspect of information governance, which is part of the CGEIT Domain 1: Governance of Enterprise IT1. An assessment can also identify the risks and controls associated with the geolocation software, and provide recommendations and best practices for its implementation and management2. References := CGEIT Exam Content Outline, Domain 1, Subtopic C: Information Governance, Task 1: Define and implement information governance processes to ensure alignment with enterprise goals and objectives.

 Gap analysis results will provide the most useful information for the CIO to determine if IT staff have adequate skills to deliver on key strategic objectives, as they compare the current state ofthe IT staff skills with the desired or required state. Gap analysis results also help to identify the gaps or deficiencies in the IT staff skills, and to plan and implement the actions and strategies to close or reduce the gaps1. A gap analysis can be performed using various methods and tools, such as SWOT analysis, skill matrix, competency framework, etc.