Free Isaca COBIT-2019 Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 4

 A principle of a proper governance framework is that it should be based on a conceptual model. A conceptual model is “a representation of a system that uses concepts and ideas to form said representation” 8. A conceptual model helps to define the scope, purpose, structure, and content of a governance framework. It also helps to communicate the key concepts and relationships of a governance system to stakeholders. COBIT is based on a conceptual model that consists of three maincomponents: the governance system, the governance components, and the design factors9. References: 8: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conceptual_model  9: COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology, page 26

According to the COBIT 2019 Design Guide, a service manager is responsible for managing the development, implementation, evaluation and ongoing maintenance of new and existing products and services. A service manager ensures that the products and services meet the needs and expectations of the customers and stakeholders, and that they are aligned with the enterprise strategy and objectives. A service manager also monitors and reports on the performance and quality of the products and services, and initiates improvement actions when necessary.1, p. 64 References: 1: COBIT 2019 Design Guide: Designing an Information and Technology Governance Solution

The high-level program plan is a document that describes the rationale, objectives, scope, approach, benefits, costs, risks, and timeline of the EGIT implementation program. The EGIT implementation program is a program that involves designing and implementing a governance system for an enterprise using COBIT 2019. The high-level program plan provides the basis for obtaining approval, funding, resources, and support for the program from the stakeholders. The high-level program plan is an output of the “what needs to be done” phase. The “what needs to be done” phase is the fourth phase of the governance implementation roadmap, which involves defining the target state of information and technology governance in an enterprise that is aligned with its strategy, objectives, and stakeholder needs. This phase also involves identifying the gaps and issues that need to be addressed to achieve the target state, setting the improvement targets and priorities, developing a detailed business case and a high-level program plan for implementing a governance system using COBIT 2019. By developing a high-level program plan as an output of the “what needs to be done” phase, an enterprise can ensure that it has a clear and realistic roadmap for designing and implementing a governance system using COBIT 2019, that it has defined the expected outcomes, benefits, value, etc., from doing so, that it has considered the relevant risks, costs, resources, etc., involved in doing so, that it has obtained stakeholder buy-in and commitment for doing so, etc.

People, skills and competencies are required for successful completion of all activities within a governance system. People are the individuals or groups who perform or are accountable for the governance activities and tasks. Skills and competencies are the abilities and knowledge that people need to perform their roles and responsibilities. People, skills and competencies are one of the seven enablers of a governance system, as defined by COBIT.12 References: COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology, COBIT 2019 Framework: Governance System

 According to the COBIT 2019 Process Assessment Model, a common characteristic of process capability levels 2 to 5 is that the process’s description is well-defined. This means that the process has a clear purpose, scope, inputs, outputs, activities, roles, responsibilities, interfaces, controls, measures, practices and procedures that are documented and maintained. A well-defined process enables consistent executionand improvement across the enterprise.2, p. 16 References: 2: COBIT 2019 Process Assessment Model: Using COBIT 2019

 The IT balanced scorecard (BSC) is a tool that helps to measure and communicate the achievement of IT goals in relation to enterprise goals, using four dimensions: financial, customer, internal, and learning and growth. The alignment goal titled “Enabling and supporting business processes by integrating applications and technology” is aligned to the internal dimension of the IT BSC, as it relates to the efficiency and effectiveness of IT processes that support business processes2, p. 20. References: 2: COBIT 2019 Framework: Governance and Management Objectives

A guiding principle in the development of COBIT is that COBIT aligns with other related and relevant I&T standards, frameworks and regulations. This is based on the principle of integration, which states that “governance of enterprise I&T should ensure integration into enterprise governance; alignment with other related standards, frameworks and regulations; and provision of a common language for all stakeholders” . COBIT does not include or replace other standards, frameworks or regulations, but rather complements them by providing a holistic and comprehensive approach to governance of enterprise I&T. 

 The IT design factor is a design factor that describes how an enterprise uses information and technology to achieve its goals and objectives. There are six IT design factors defined in COBIT 2019: strategic; operational; data-driven; compliance-driven; innovation-driven; customer intimacy-driven. Each design factor has different implications for the governance and management of information and technology in terms of focus areas, processes, practices, roles, structures, and metrics. When considering the role of IT design factor, and the design factor value is strategic, one of the management objectives that should be a priority is managed innovation (APO04), which involves identifying new opportunities for using information and technology to create value for the enterprise. This management objective supports the strategic role of IT in enabling business transformation, differentiation, competitiveness, growth, and sustainability. This management objective also involves establishing an innovation culture and process that encourages creativity, experimentation, collaboration, learning, and improvement5 References: 5: COBIT 2019 Design Guide: page 35-36 : COBIT 2019 Process Reference Guide: page 57-59

The governance system in COBIT 2019 includes various components that support the effective management and control of enterprise IT. "Services, infrastructure, and applications" is one such component, encompassing the physical and virtual tools required for IT operations. This component ensures that the technology systems align with the enterprise's strategic objectives, as outlined in the COBIT core model (specifically in the framework sections on governance components). This is part of delivering and supporting IT services to meet business needs effectively​.

According to the COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, the best way for senior leadership to communicate its expectations for IT governance prior to commencing a governance implementation plan is to include a scope statement in the business case. The scope statement defines the boundaries and objectives of the IT governance system, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved. The scope statement also provides clarity and alignment on what is expected from IT governance and how it will support the enterprise strategy.2, p. 25-26 References: 2: COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide: Implementing an Information and Technology Governance Solution