CHAPTER 5

CONNECTING WITH THE COBIT 2019 IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE ®

Chapter 5
Connecting With the COBIT ® 2019 Implementation Guide

5.1 Purpose of the COBIT® 2019 Implementation Guide

The COBIT® 2019 Implementation Guide emphasizes an enterprisewide view of governance of I&T, recognizing that
I&T are pervasive in enterprises, and that it is neither possible, nor good practice, to separate business and IT-related
activities.

The governance and management of enterprise I&T should, therefore, be implemented as an integral part of
enterprise governance, covering the full end-to-end business and IT functional areas of responsibility.

When governance system implementations fail, one of the common reasons is that they are not initiated and then
managed properly as programs, to ensure that benefits are realized. Governance programs must be sponsored by
executive management and properly scoped, and should always define objectives that are attainable. These
provisions enable the enterprise to absorb the pace of change as planned. Program management is, therefore,
addressed as an integral part of the implementation life cycle.

While a program and project approach is recommended to drive improvement initiatives effectively, the overarching
goal is to establish a normal business practice and a sustainable approach to governing and managing enterprise I&T
(as with any other aspect of enterprise governance). For this reason, the implementation approach is based on
empowering business and IT stakeholders to take ownership of I&T-related governance and management decisions
and activities by facilitating and enabling change.

The implementation program closes when the process for focusing on IT-related priorities and governance
improvement generates a measurable benefit, and the results of the program have become embedded in ongoing
business activity.

More information on these subjects can be found in the COBIT® 2019 Implementation Guide.

5.2 COBIT Implementation Approach

The COBIT implementation approach is summarized in Figure 5.1.

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