IT Governance Strategic Planning Process

What is the Information Technology (IT) Governance Strategic Planning Process?

This process is part of the IT Governance Playbook which has been designed to help organizations establish a robust and effective IT Governance framework. It offers step-by-step instructions, essential deliverables, practical tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and real-world examples. Essentially, it acts as an IT Governance Template, complete with detailed guidance.

This comprehensive technology governance process  includes 25 key steps tailored to suit the needs of various organizations. Users are advised to select the 10-12 most critical components that align with their specific needs. Implementing all 25 elements might be overwhelming and counterproductive. If necessary, consider executing these steps in phases, grouping 5-7 elements in each phase.

This IT Governance Strategic Planning Process is dynamic and regularly updated, with the latest information available, on our portal. We meticulously track all changes and versions but always refer to the version on the portal for the most current information.

Transform this process into a template by removing the guidance pages, and you’re set to go!

Why Did We Create This IT Governance Planning Process?

Effective IT governance is crucial for organizations in various sectors in the digital age. IT governance ensures that IT investments support business objectives, manage risks effectively, and deliver value. It’s about overseeing IT performance and aligning it with overall business goals.

Creating a comprehensive IT governance framework can be challenging. Drawing from our extensive experience, we have identified 25 essential steps for effective IT governance. This process details each step, offering a roadmap for organizations to develop their own IT governance framework that resonates with their unique challenges and objectives.

IT Governance Best Practices

Before delving into the specifics, it’s important to highlight some best practices:

1. Executive buy-in is critical for success.
2. Early identification and continuous engagement with stakeholders are essential.
3. Stakeholders may not always be SMEs; ensure to involve IT governance experts.
4. Keep a laser focus on aligning IT with business objectives.
5. Collaboration between IT and business units is key.
6. Prioritize effectively; time and resources are always limited.
7. Adopt an iterative approach for continuous improvement.
8. Effective communication is crucial throughout the process.
9. A small, diverse, and analytical team is usually most effective.
10. Remember, this process is a tool; following these best practices is critical for success.

How to Use the Process

This process can be used to:

1. Develop a new IT Governance framework.
2. Refine or update an existing framework.

We recommend an agile approach, tackling the framework in small, manageable sections. When deciding on the steps and their sequence, keep in mind your organization’s specific needs and capabilities.

This step-by-step process is best used in conjunction with other resources on our portal, such as:

• IT Governance Discussion Group.
• CIO’s Guide to IT Governance.
• Extensive IT Governance Reference Library.
• Regular CIO Events on IT Governance.

Overview – What to Expect?

This process is divided into essential steps to create a comprehensive IT governance framework. Each step can be a standalone initiative.

Here’s a list of key elements:

1. Identify Stakeholders
2. Establish IT Governance Baseline
3. Assess IT Governance Capabilities
4. Conduct IT Governance Maturity Assessment
5. Evaluate Current IT Governance Model
6. Business and IT Alignment Analysis
7. IT Risk Management Assessment
8. Assess IT Governance Staffing and Skills
9. Organizational Readiness for IT Governance
10. IT Financial Management and Budgeting
11. Define IT Governance Vision and Mission
12. Establish IT Governance Principles
13. Align IT Governance with Business Strategy
14. Set Long-Term IT Governance Goals
15. Develop Short-Term IT Governance Objectives
16. Identify IT Governance Opportunities
17. Prioritize IT Governance Initiatives
18. Define IT Governance Structure and Roles
19. Develop IT Governance Policies and Procedures
20. Foster a Culture of IT Governance and Compliance
21. Design IT Governance Reporting Framework
22. IT Governance Performance Measurement
23. Regulatory Compliance and IT Governance Standards
24. Develop IT Governance Communication Plan
25. Implement and Review IT Governance Framework

This is an [almost] exhaustive list, and most organizations, especially small and mid-sized organizations, will be well advised to select those components that apply to their situation.

Now, let’s examine each of these components, including the steps involved in constructing them and the corresponding deliverables they entail.