A CEO of a domestic enterprise plans to expand its operations globally. The CEO has selected
enterprise goals using the COBIT goals cascade and has tasked the CIO with tailoring COBIT as
required. After selecting the relevant alignment goals, which of the following should be the CIOs
NEXT priority?
B
Explanation:
In the COBIT 2019 framework, after selecting the relevant alignment goals, the CIO's next priority
should be identifying and understanding the design factors. Design factors are crucial as they
influence the tailoring of the governance system to align with the specific needs and context of the
enterprise.
The COBIT 2019 Design Guide emphasizes that design factors impact the governance and
management objectives and help in customizing the COBIT framework. The selection and analysis of
design factors ensure that the governance system is practical and relevant to the enterprise's
environment.
Design Factors in COBIT 2019 include:
Enterprise Strategy: Different strategies (e.g., growth, innovation, cost leadership) require different
governance approaches.
Enterprise Goals: Aligning IT-related goals with overall enterprise goals.
Risk Profile: Understanding the risk appetite and tolerance.
I&T-Related Issues: Identifying issues specific to information and technology.
Threat Landscape: Assessing external and internal threats.
Compliance Requirements: Meeting legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
Role of IT: Determining IT's role in the enterprise (e.g., support, factory, turnaround, strategic).
Sourcing Model: Whether IT services are in-house, outsourced, or a combination.
IT Implementation Methods: Traditional, agile, or hybrid methods used in IT initiatives.
Technology Adoption Strategy: How quickly the enterprise adopts new technologies.
Enterprise Size: The size of the enterprise can affect governance and management practices.
The process of tailoring COBIT involves:
Analyzing Design Factors: Understanding and documenting the enterprise's design factors.
Designing the Tailored Governance System: Based on the analyzed design factors, select and
customize the governance and management objectives.
COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide Reference:
COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology, Chapter 4. This chapter provides an
overview of the COBIT goals cascade and the importance of aligning enterprise goals with IT-related
goals.
COBIT 2019 Design Guide, Chapter 2. This chapter describes design factors in detail and their role in
tailoring the governance system.
COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, Chapter 3. This chapter outlines the steps for implementing a
tailored COBIT governance system, emphasizing the importance of understanding and leveraging
design factors.
Thus, the CIO should prioritize understanding the design factors to ensure the tailored COBIT
governance system aligns with the enterprise's specific context and requirements. This approach
ensures the governance system is both effective and efficient, addressing the unique challenges and
opportunities of the enterprise.
Which of the following components should be considered in addition to processes, policies and
procedures when designing a governance system?
A
Explanation:
In COBIT 2019, information is seen as a key enabler because it underpins effective governance and
management practices. Information items refer to the data and information that the organization
needs to achieve its goals and support decision-making processes. This includes various types of
information such as financial data, operational data, compliance reports, and performance metrics.
The COBIT 2019 Framework identifies seven components of a governance system:
Processes: Structured sets of practices and activities to achieve specific objectives and produce a set
of outputs in support of achieving overall IT-related goals.
Organizational Structures: Key decision-making entities in an enterprise.
Principles, Policies, and Frameworks: Established rules and guidelines.
Information: All information produced and used by the enterprise, crucial for governance.
Culture, Ethics, and Behavior: Encompasses the values of the enterprise and its employees.
People, Skills, and Competencies: Required for successful completion of all activities and decision-
making.
Services, Infrastructure, and Applications: Enabling and supporting the enterprise through its use of
technology.
Information items fall under the fourth component, "Information," which is necessary for effective
governance. Information items ensure that:
Decision-makers have the relevant data to make informed decisions.
There is transparency and accountability in reporting.
The organization can monitor and measure performance against strategic objectives.
Compliance with regulatory and legal requirements is maintained.
COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation Guide Reference:
COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology, Chapter 5: This chapter details the
governance and management objectives and their components, highlighting the importance of
information.
COBIT 2019 Design Guide, Chapter 2: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the
components of a governance system, including information items.
COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, Chapter 3: This chapter explains how to incorporate various
governance system components, such as information items, into the tailored governance system
design.
Considering information items is essential because they provide the necessary context and insights
for effective governance. By ensuring that information is accurate, timely, and relevant, an
organization can better align its IT governance with its overall business objectives, thereby enhancing
decision-making, performance tracking, and compliance.
When is it MOST important for an enterprise to apply the full governance design workflow and
carefully consider all design factors?
A
Explanation:
Applying the full governance design workflow and carefully considering all design factors is most
important when an enterprise requires a broad, holistic, and comprehensive view of its governance
system. This scenario is where the entire spectrum of the governance framework needs to be
analyzed and tailored to ensure it meets the enterprise's overall strategic goals and operational
needs.
Reference in COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation:
COBIT 2019 Design Guide, Chapter 2: This chapter elaborates on how design factors influence the
creation of a tailored governance system that is comprehensive and aligns with the enterprise's
unique context.
COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology, Chapter 4: This chapter discusses the
importance of a holistic approach in establishing governance and the necessity of considering all
design factors to create a system that encompasses all aspects of enterprise IT and business
objectives.
COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, Chapter 3: This chapter provides steps for implementing a
comprehensive governance system, emphasizing the importance of a full governance design
workflow to achieve a thorough and effective governance structure.
By following the full governance design workflow, enterprises can ensure that their governance
framework is not only comprehensive but also customized to address specific needs, thereby
improving alignment, efficiency, and compliance across the organization.
Which function within the IT corporate structure is responsible for classifying information using an
agreed-upon classification scheme for a new data collection system?
A
Explanation:
The function within the IT corporate structure responsible for classifying information using an
agreed-upon classification scheme for a new data collection system is the Information Security
function. Information security ensures that data is properly classified to protect it according to its
sensitivity and criticality.
Reference in COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation:
COBIT 2019 Framework: Governance and Management Objectives, APO13 (Managed Security): This
objective outlines the responsibilities of the information security function, which includes defining
and implementing information classification schemes.
COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, Chapter 3: This chapter details how information security policies
and practices should be established, including the classification of information assets.
COBIT 2019 Framework: Deliver, Service and Support (DSS05, Managed Security Services): This
objective highlights the role of information security in managing security services, including data
classification and protection measures.
By classifying information, the information security function ensures that data is adequately
protected against unauthorized access and breaches, adhering to compliance requirements and
supporting the overall security posture of the enterprise.
What can management do to help ensure a planned IT initiative will meet future state objectives?
A
Explanation:
To ensure a planned IT initiative meets future state objectives, management should conduct stage
gate reviews during implementation. Stage gate reviews are a critical part of project management
and governance, ensuring that projects are on track, meeting their objectives, and adhering to the
planned schedule and budget.
Stage gate reviews are formal checkpoints at various phases of a project where progress is assessed,
and decisions are made about whether to proceed to the next stage. These reviews help to ensure
that:
The project remains aligned with business objectives and stakeholder expectations.
Risks are identified and managed effectively.
Necessary adjustments are made based on the current project status and future state objectives.
COBIT 2019 emphasizes the importance of governance and management practices to ensure
successful project outcomes. Stage gate reviews align with COBIT's governance objectives by
providing oversight, ensuring alignment with business goals, and enabling course corrections when
needed.
COBIT 2019 Framework Reference:
COBIT 2019 Framework: Governance and Management Objectives, BAI01 Manage Programs and
Projects: This objective highlights the importance of structured project management and governance
practices, including stage gate reviews.
COBIT 2019 Design Guide: Emphasizes the need for effective monitoring and control mechanisms
throughout the project lifecycle to ensure alignment with enterprise goals.
Conducting stage gate reviews is a proactive measure to ensure that IT initiatives stay on track and
achieve their intended future state objectives, making it the best choice among the given options.
Which of the following is an example of a specific focus area to which COBIT could be customized?
B
Explanation:
An example of a specific focus area to which COBIT could be customized is "cybersecurity." COBIT
2019 allows for customization to address specific governance and management needs, and
cybersecurity is a critical area that often requires tailored governance practices.
COBIT 2019 includes the concept of focus areas, which are specific governance topics that require a
tailored approach. Cybersecurity is a prime example of a focus area because it encompasses a range
of activities and controls that need to be integrated into the overall governance framework.
Cybersecurity Focus Area in COBIT 2019:
Tailoring Governance Practices: COBIT 2019 can be adapted to address specific cybersecurity needs,
ensuring that the enterprise has robust policies, processes, and controls in place to protect its
information assets.
Aligning with Industry Standards: Customizing COBIT for cybersecurity helps align IT governance with
industry standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and others.
Risk Management: Focused cybersecurity governance ensures that risks are identified, assessed, and
mitigated effectively.
Compliance: Helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to cybersecurity, such as
GDPR, CCPA, and others.
COBIT 2019 Framework Reference:
COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology, Chapter 5: Discusses the concept of focus
areas and how COBIT can be customized to address specific governance topics, including
cybersecurity.
COBIT 2019 Design Guide, Chapter 4: Provides guidance on how to tailor COBIT to specific focus
areas, ensuring relevant and effective governance practices.
Customizing COBIT to focus on cybersecurity ensures that the enterprise can address specific security
challenges, align with best practices, and maintain robust governance over its cybersecurity
initiatives, making it the best choice among the given options.
While tailoring design factors, which of the following roles of IT demonstrates the HIGHEST level of
enterprise dependency on I&T?
B
Explanation:
In COBIT 2019, the role of IT that demonstrates the highest level of enterprise dependency on
Information and Technology (I&T) is Strategic. This role indicates that IT is not only integral to the
business but is also a driver of innovation and strategic initiatives.
Reference in COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation:
COBIT 2019 Design Guide, Chapter 3: This chapter explains the various roles of IT within an
enterprise. The strategic role is where IT is pivotal for business transformation, competitive
advantage, and achieving strategic business goals.
COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology, Chapter 4: This chapter highlights the
impact of the strategic role of IT on the governance system, emphasizing the high dependency on IT
for achieving business objectives.
Enterprises with IT in a strategic role rely heavily on IT to drive business strategies, innovate, and
gain a competitive edge, making it the highest level of dependency on I&T.
What is a PRIMARY responsibility of the program management office during the planning phase that
defines the initial program concept business case?
D
Explanation:
The primary responsibility of the program management office (PMO) during the planning phase that
defines the initial program concept business case is ensuring that both needs and business objectives
are stated. This responsibility ensures that the program aligns with the enterprise's strategic goals
and addresses specific business needs.
Reference in COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation:
COBIT 2019 Framework: Governance and Management Objectives, BAI01 (Managed Programs): This
objective emphasizes the role of the PMO in defining program requirements and business objectives
during the planning phase.
COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, Chapter 3: This chapter outlines the responsibilities of the PMO
in program planning, which includes articulating business needs and objectives to ensure alignment
and clarity.
By clearly stating needs and business objectives, the PMO sets a solid foundation for the program,
facilitating alignment with strategic goals and effective resource allocation.
Which of the following is a KEY consideration when determining the initial scope of a governance
system?
D
Explanation:
When determining the initial scope of a governance system, one of the key considerations is the
current I&T-related issues of the enterprise. Understanding and addressing these issues ensures that
the governance system is relevant and focused on the areas that need the most attention and
improvement. This approach aligns with the practical and contextual nature of COBIT 2019, which
emphasizes tailoring governance solutions to the specific needs and circumstances of the enterprise.
Detailed Explanation with Reference:
Current I&T-Related Issues (Option D):
COBIT 2019 stresses the importance of understanding the specific issues and challenges an
enterprise is facing in its current I&T environment. These issues could include inefficiencies, security
vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, misalignment with business objectives, or any other problems
impacting the performance and value delivery of IT.
Addressing these issues directly in the initial scope ensures that the governance system can provide
immediate value by targeting the most critical areas. This focus helps in demonstrating early
successes and building credibility for the governance initiative.
According to the COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, understanding current issues allows the
organization to prioritize actions that will have the most significant impact on improving governance
and management practices.
Compliance Requirements (Option A):
Compliance requirements are essential and need to be considered when designing a governance
system, but they are part of a broader context rather than the key initial driver. They ensure that the
governance system meets regulatory and legal standards but do not necessarily prioritize the most
urgent internal issues.
Size of the Enterprise (Option B):
The size of the enterprise influences the complexity and scalability of the governance system but is
not a primary consideration for the initial scope. The focus should be on specific needs and issues
rather than just the size.
Role of IT within the Enterprise (Option C):
The strategic role of IT is crucial for determining the overall governance approach, but it is more
about aligning IT with business goals rather than pinpointing specific initial issues to address. It
informs the design but does not drive the immediate focus of the initial scope.
Conclusion: The correct answer is D. Current I&T-related issues of the enterprise. Focusing on these
issues ensures that the governance system addresses the most pressing needs and delivers tangible
improvements, which is a fundamental principle in the COBIT 2019 framework.
Reference:
ISACA. COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide: Implementing and Optimizing an Information and
Technology Governance Solution. ISACA.
ISACA. COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology. ISACA.
In which of the following phases should long-term targets be adjusted based on experience?
D
Explanation:
In the COBIT 2019 implementation lifecycle, the phase where long-term targets should be adjusted
based on experience is the evaluation phase, known as "Did we get there?". This phase involves
assessing the results of the implemented governance and management practices to determine if the
objectives have been met and to identify areas for improvement.
Detailed Explanation with Reference:
How do we get there? (Option A):
This phase focuses on developing and executing the plan to achieve the governance objectives. It
involves identifying the steps, resources, and timeline needed to reach the desired state. While
important for planning, this phase is more about action and implementation rather than evaluation
and adjustment of long-term targets.
Where are we now? (Option B):
This phase involves assessing the current state of the governance system, identifying gaps, and
understanding the baseline. It provides the foundational information needed to plan improvements
but does not involve adjusting long-term targets.
What needs to be done? (Option C):
This phase is concerned with identifying the specific actions and initiatives required to address the
gaps and achieve the governance objectives. It involves planning and prioritizing activities but not
the evaluation and adjustment of long-term targets based on experience.
Did we get there? (Option D):
In this phase, the enterprise evaluates the outcomes of the implemented governance system against
the set objectives and targets. It involves assessing whether the desired goals were achieved and
analyzing the effectiveness of the governance practices. Based on this evaluation, the organization
can adjust long-term targets to better align with practical experience, new insights, and evolving
business needs. This phase is critical for continuous improvement and ensuring that the governance
system remains relevant and effective over time.
According to the COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, this phase includes reviewing performance
metrics, stakeholder feedback, and lessons learned from the implementation process. These insights
are then used to refine and adjust long-term targets to improve future performance and outcomes.
Conclusion: The correct answer is D. Did we get there?. This phase involves evaluating the results of
the governance implementation, learning from the experience, and making necessary adjustments
to long-term targets to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the enterprise’s goals.
Reference:
ISACA. COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide: Implementing and Optimizing an Information and
Technology Governance Solution. ISACA.
ISACA. COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology. ISACA.
Which of the following needs to be resolved when finalizing the initial governance design?
D
Explanation:
The initial governance design process involves gathering inputs from various stakeholders, including
business units, IT, and external partners. These inputs can sometimes conflict, and it is crucial to
resolve these conflicts to create a unified governance system that supports enterprise objectives.
Key Steps:
Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page regarding priorities and
objectives.
Conflict Resolution: Addressing and resolving any discrepancies or conflicts in inputs to ensure a
consistent and aligned governance system.
Prioritization: Establishing clear priorities to guide decision-making and resource allocation.
COBIT 2019 Framework Reference:
COBIT 2019 Design Guide, Chapter 4: Discusses the importance of resolving conflicting inputs and
establishing a cohesive governance framework that aligns with enterprise priorities.
COBIT 2019 Framework: Governance and Management Objectives: Emphasizes the need for
alignment between IT and enterprise goals, requiring the resolution of any conflicting priorities.
Resolving conflicting inputs and priorities ensures that the governance system is well-aligned and
effective in achieving enterprise goals.
Who would be identified as an external stakeholder when soliciting feedback on a business case
associated with a new system upgrade to satisfy new regulations?
D
Explanation:
When soliciting feedback on a business case associated with a new system upgrade to satisfy new
regulations, the current IT service vendor would be identified as an external stakeholder. External
stakeholders are those outside the organization who can influence or be influenced by the outcomes
of the project.
In the context of COBIT 2019, external stakeholders are those who are not part of the enterprise but
have a vested interest in the success of IT initiatives. The current IT service vendor plays a critical role
in providing feedback on the feasibility, implementation challenges, and potential impact of the new
system upgrade.
COBIT 2019 Framework Reference:
COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, Chapter 7: Highlights the importance of engaging external
stakeholders, including vendors, to gain valuable insights and feedback.
COBIT 2019 Framework: Governance and Management Objectives: Emphasizes the need for
stakeholder engagement, including both internal and external parties, to ensure comprehensive
feedback and alignment with requirements.
Engaging the current IT service vendor as an external stakeholder ensures that all relevant
perspectives are considered, enhancing the quality and feasibility of the business case.
At which stage of the governance system design flow are design factors translated into governance
and management priorities?
D
Explanation:
In the COBIT 2019 Governance System Design Workflow, design factors are essential elements that
influence the tailoring and implementation of a governance system. These design factors include
elements such as enterprise strategy, goals, risk profile, compliance requirements, and more. The
stage where these design factors are translated into specific governance and management priorities
is during the "Refining the Scope" phase.
Detailed Explanation with Reference:
Concluding the Governance System Design (Option A):
This stage involves finalizing and approving the design of the governance system. By this point, the
design factors have already been considered and translated into actionable priorities.
Understanding the Enterprise Strategy (Option B):
At this stage, the focus is on understanding the enterprise's strategic direction and objectives. While
it is crucial to gather this understanding to inform the governance system design, the actual
translation of design factors into governance and management priorities occurs later.
Determining the Initial Scope (Option C):
This stage involves setting the preliminary boundaries and focus areas for the governance system. It
identifies the broad areas that need governance attention but does not yet translate specific design
factors into detailed priorities.
Refining the Scope (Option D):
During this phase, the initial scope is refined based on a deeper analysis of the design factors. It is at
this stage that the design factors are critically analyzed and translated into specific governance and
management priorities. This phase ensures that the governance system is tailored to the unique
needs of the enterprise and aligns with its strategic goals, risk profile, and other key considerations.
According to the COBIT 2019 Design Guide, refining the scope involves using the identified design
factors to make informed decisions about where to focus governance efforts and how to prioritize
various governance and management activities. This ensures a targeted and effective governance
system.
Conclusion: The correct answer is D. Refining the scope. In this phase, design factors are
systematically translated into specific governance and management priorities, ensuring that the
governance system is precisely aligned with the enterprise's needs and objectives.
Reference:
ISACA. COBIT 2019 Design Guide: Designing an Information and Technology Governance Solution.
ISACA.
ISACA. COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology. ISACA.
Which of the following situations is MOST likely the root cause for an enterprise lacking the required
skills and competencies to execute an EGIT implementation program plan?
A
Explanation:
The most likely root cause for an enterprise lacking the required skills and competencies to execute
an EGIT (Enterprise Governance of IT) implementation program plan is that enterprise training does
not include business and management skill development. Effective EGIT implementation requires a
blend of technical, business, and management skills.
Reference in COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation:
COBIT 2019 Framework: Governance and Management Objectives, APO07 (Managed Human
Resources): This objective emphasizes the importance of developing skills and competencies,
including business and management skills, for successful governance and management of enterprise
IT.
COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide, Chapter 3: This chapter outlines the need for comprehensive
training programs that address not only technical skills but also business and management
capabilities to ensure successful implementation of governance frameworks.
Without proper training that includes business and management skills, staff may be ill-prepared to
handle the complexities of EGIT implementation, leading to skill gaps and competency issues.
Which of the following should be used when translating design factor values into governance and
management priorities?
C
Explanation:
When translating design factor values into governance and management priorities, a weighted
calculation should be used. This method allows for the consideration of various factors according to
their relative importance and impact on the governance system.
Reference in COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation:
COBIT 2019 Design Guide, Chapter 4: This chapter explains the process of translating design factor
values into actionable governance and management priorities, emphasizing the use of weighted
calculations to reflect the importance of different design factors.
COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology, Chapter 4: This chapter highlights how
weighted calculations can help prioritize governance and management activities based on the
enterprise's specific context and needs.
Using weighted calculations ensures a balanced and proportionate approach to prioritizing
governance and management objectives, leading to a more effective and tailored governance
system.