You are on page 1of 38

Corporate Governance of IT:

ISO 38500 Case Study

Presented by:
Mark Toomey

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 1
This set of presentation slides was Consultants may provide a copy of these
developed for, and delivered at the itSMF slides to their clients without royalty
Australia 11th National Conference. providing that they are in their original
form and that they are accompanied by a
The slides are now available for download recommendation that Infonomics be
by participants in the conference and other consulted if further guidance is required.
interested parties, for their personal use in
self-development, and for the purpose of This material was prepared to provide
facilitating conversations with their general guidance and stimulate debate. It
colleagues, including top level should not be construed as providing
management and directors. Permission is professional advice and services for any
hereby given for participants to print and particular or specific situation. As such, it
copy this material for these purposes only. should not be used as a substitute for
consultation with expert advisers. Before
The slides do not equip readers with the making any decision or taking any action
in-depth knowledge required to enable you should consult with Infonomics Pty Ltd
them to provide any form of instruction or or other competent professionals.
consulting advice.

Use of these slides and copies thereof for


the purpose of knowledge transfer and
consulting is restricted to personnel
expressly approved by Infonomics and is
subject to payment of a license fee.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 2
Top 5 management priorities of local CIOs
(Courtesy Peter Hind)

2006 2007
Aligning IT and business goals 1 1
Improving internal user satisfaction 3 2
Business continuity/risk management 2 3
IT-enabled process improvement 4 4
IT staff development 6 5
Controlling IT costs 5 6
Measuring & communicating IT value 10 7
IT governance IT governance 8 8
Improving project management discipline 9 9
Regulatory compliance 11 10
Revenue generating services/products N/A 11
Internal IT knowledge management 7 12

2 September, 2008 Page 3


Source: CIO Australia Magazine State of the CIO Survey (2007)
The Midco Case Study
As presented at the CEOs briefing

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008
IT is changing the rules of the game in delivery
of education how do we adapt and lead?

G-O-Learning

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 5
We worked through a structured process to build
understanding and prepare for change

2a Interviews
6a Signoff
1a Logistics 4a Develop Charter
4b Develop Policy

Four-draft 6b Communication
1b Assertions Review
Cycle

3 Executive
Workshop

1c Briefings 2b Artefacts 5 Develop Process


6c Meeting

Prepare Collect Design Implement


2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 6
We measured ourselves against the standard for
corporate governance of IT

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 7
ISO 3500 Framework
A Model, and Six Principles

Corporate
Governance
Evaluate Responsibility;
Direct Monitor Strategy;
Acquisition;
Policies

Conformance
Proposals
Plans,

Performance
Performance;
Conformance;
Human Behaviour.

IT IT
Projects Operations

Corporate Management

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 8
Using ISO 38500
Guide for assessment and improvement
Evaluate Direct Monitor
Principles

Responsibility
What does each cell mean?

Strategy How do you perform?

What should you seek to improve?


Acquisition
What consequences of improvement
Performance should you seek?

Do our management systems meet the


Conformance needs of effective governance?
vs
Human Behaviour Do our management systems meet the
requirements of formal frameworks?

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 9
The measurement showed where we had scope
for improvement

A = Financial Institution 2006 Research with RMIT


B = Listed Industrial Industry November 2006
C = Local Government Body Midco, May 2007

A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C

AS8015 Principles
2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 10
We considered key issues regarding assignment
of responsibility for IT

Things Midco needs to change Barriers to change


Clearly define responsibility / Lack of vision
Clear alignment of role to Role clarity
responsibility Acknowledgement and
Assign executive responsibility acceptance of business
Provide staff with the skills and imperative to change
tools associated with their Acceptance of new approach and
assigned responsibilities roles
Clarify the role of business Shared understanding of issues
owners Capability
Develop and monitor Internal expertise in operational
performance indicators management
Implement KPIs & reporting Executive ownership
Promote responsibility (in all
directions) to all staff

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 11
We considered key issues regarding planning for
IT

Things Midco needs to change Barriers to change:


Develop a business structure and Willingness to own
process to plan Current workloads
Plan process improvement first IT not seen as integral to
and include IT as a tool to company planning
achieve outcome Understanding the business
Link strategic and business Competence
planning with IT planning
Internal expertise at all levels
Develop an IT plan
Define/clarify responsibilities
Assign responsibility
Monitor performance

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 12
We considered key issues regarding decisions to
invest (spend) on IT

Things Midco needs to change Barriers to change


We need to plan to know what to Lack of adherence to process
acquire Lack of resources / time to fully
Ownership / Sponsorship at develop business case
senior & exec levels of products Culture
Business case methodology / Skills / competence, time &
formal business case process inclination
Stakeholder consultation No formal steering committee
Integrated planning process Lack of business ownership
Return on investment evaluation

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 13
We designed a new way of controlling our use of
IT

Council
A = Financial Institution
B = Listed Industrial
C = Local Government Body
2006 Research with RMIT
Industry November 2006 Performance Measure: Audit & Risk
Committee
Corporate
Committee
Executive
Committee
Governance Organisation:
Midco, May 2007

We can target and Chief Executive Officer


Revised committee
assess our Business
structures focus on
improvement. business issues and
Development ICT Governance
Advisory Committees
Committee
Education
Programs

executive responsibility.
Legend
Education
Services Reports
Business System ICT Infrastructure
A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C Corporate Steering Committee Steering Committee Participates
Services
Informs
Owns
AS8015 Principles

Responsibility Policy:
Manage, update & communicate business/ICT strategy

Manage business/ICT investment budget & priorities


Measure & Report business/ICT performance

Process Model:
Midco
Monitor emerging technologies & trends

Everybody can Evaluate business process/ICT performance


Manage business/ICT architecture

Manage business continuity


Twenty-four key
understand and be
Manage business/ICT operation

Develop prioritised bus/ICT change


processes to be detailed,

Deliver Business/ICT Initiative


Plan new business/ICT initiative
Establish business/ICT strategy
Conduct teaching and learning

IT Governance

Manage Production Change


Approve Business Case

Manage operational Risk


operations using production
systems & technology

effective in their role.


infrastructure

showing how we translate

plan
Manage production problems

Manual
Administer and manage the TAFE
business using management &

strategy into plans, plans


support systems & infrastructure

Conduct preventative maintenance

into projects and projects


Select, engage & manage supplier

Manage initiative to realisation of benefits

into appropriate
Manage & allocate resource pool

Monitor programme/project portfolio

Define, implement and monitor Policy

operational capability.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 14
Midco Developed Policy for control of IT
based on the ISO 38500 principles
Evalu ate Direct M on itor
Prin cip les

Responsibility

Strategy

Acquisition
Your ISO
38500
Strategic Policies
Performance

Conformance

Framework
Human Behaviour
Your posture relative to Principles
Board role: consultation and approval

Operating policies
Specify how projects and operations are conducted
Board role: awareness

Usage policies
Rules for how people use the business systems and technology resources
Board role: part of user community.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 15
Midcos structure for governing IT is firmly based
on clear responsibility for Demand and Supply

Ongoing
Business Domain:
Strategic business
How IT is used to
Business operations
enable and operate
Future
the business

ValIT
Demand

Demand
Supply

Supply
IT Domain: Effective IT Reliable IT
How IT is managed enabled change Service
and delivered.
ITIL, ISO 20000, ISO 27000, CoBiT
etc

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 16
Midcos system for governing IT fully integrates
board oversight and management tasks.
Responsibility

Corporate
Governance Oversight
ISO 38500
Board

Rules, Direction, Performance,

The System of Governance


Behaviour Conformance

Business Domain: How IT Ongoing business


Strategic
is used to enable and operations
Business
operate the business
Responsibility
Management

Future

ValIT
Demand

Demand
Supply

Supply
IT Domain: Effective IT
How IT is managed and Reliable IT Service
enabled change
delivered.
ITIL, ISO 20000, ISO 27000, CoBiT etc

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, Page 17
2008
Midcos Overarching Policy: Responsibility for IT

IT is an essential enabling resource for current The IT Governance Committee is responsible


and future administration of Midco and for for establishing and maintaining an effective
service Delivery. Responsibility for effective, system of governance within which the
efficient and acceptable use of IT is broadly responsibilities defined in this policy are
based and not confined to the Information implemented.
Systems Department.
Realisation of the value of IT investments is the
direct responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer
All procedures relating to the use of IT in
and the Executive Management Team. This
Midco shall contain clear and specific responsibility may not be delegated.
statements of responsibility regarding:
Capability of the company to conduct its normal
monitoring performance of the procedure, and administrative and service operations insofar as
maintenance and improvement of the procedure; they are dependent on IT is the direct
responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer and
conduct of roles defined in the procedure. the Executive Management Team. This
responsibility may not be delegated.
The IT Governance Committee is responsible
for monitoring performance of, and acting to The Chief Executive Officer and the Executive
resolve problems with, the companys ongoing Management Team are all members of the IT
operational use of IT and with the companys Governance Committee and are collectively
responsible for implementing the decisions of the
IT related investment projects. Committee.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 18
The Responsibility Policy is specific about
executive and management responsibility

Responsibility for Strategy Responsibility for Planning


for the ongoing and future use of IT Preparation of proposals for
is integral to business strategies investment in IT is the responsibility
and is the direct responsibility of the of the Steering Committees
Chief Executive Officer and the Steering Committees are
Executive Management Team. responsible for ensuring that the full
Allocation of resources for IT is the intended benefits of the investment
responsibility of board, acting on the are realised.
advice of the Chief Executive Officer. Preparation of technical plans for IT
The IT budget is a responsibility of infrastructure and software systems
the IT Governance Committee with aspects of business initiatives is the
the support of the Business Systems responsibility of the Senior Manager
Steering Committees and the IT Information Systems, working
Infrastructure Steering Committee. collaboratively with the
corresponding Business System
Steering Committee.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 19
It establishes clear expectations of the new IT
Governance committees

Responsibility for Delivery Responsibility for Operation.


Projects are the responsibility of Day to day operation, control and
the Steering Committee which was maintenance of Midcos operational
responsible for preparing the business systems and infrastructure
business case. is the joint responsibility of the
This responsibility includes ensuring Information Systems Department
that the project is properly managed and the designated Business System
and has sufficient, appropriately Owners and Administrators.
skilled resources to deliver the This responsibility is subject to
intended business outcome and procedures for .. change
continues until acceptance by the IT management, problem management,
Governance Committee that all data protection and security,
attainable benefits have been performance and availability
delivered. management and so on.
It requires clearly defined Service
Level Specifications for each business
system and for the IT infrastructure.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 20
There five further overarching policies

IT Innovation Posture (Strategy) IT Controls (Conformance)


Defines Midcos intentions in respect of which controls are to be established
technology leadership: delegation of authority to design,
how and where innovation is encouraged implement and enforce the controls
how much innovation risk is acceptable. baseline identification of the external
IT Investment Controls (Acquisition) controls (legislation, regulation, code of
rules for expenditure on IT (including practice etc.) that affect planning,
allocation of staff resources). delivering and operating IT capabilities.
business cases for new initiatives, and IT Human Factors (Human
oversight of initiatives through to Behaviour)
realisation of results. Identify the people in the process
controls for selection and engagement of involved in providing the IT capabilities
external organisations for all classes of IT who use the business systems
supplies. business partner organisations (both
IT Capability (Performance) upstream and downstream),
individual customers,
IT capabilities that are to be maintained
people seeking information.
within Midco
attitude to preparing for change, and
limits for the amount of concurrent change
supporting people as change is delivered.
the organisation undertakes
level of dedicated resources available for
IT and other aspects of change
benchmark targets for performance,
capacity, availability, reliability, integrity
and security
2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 21
Midcos system for governing IT recognises that
IT is the enabler, not the driver
Operating context of the organisation
External
Internal.

Four key elements of operating organisations


People who participate in business events
Process what business events take place People
Structure where business events happen
Technology enabling and recording events
The
IT intrinsic to day to day operations Process Business Structure
Business process specific - Transactions, System
Customers, Etc
Generic - Email, Telephony, Information

Technology

This model is a variant


on H.J. Leavitts Model
of organisational
change, published in
1965.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 22
The Fundamental Equations:
Changing The Business System

People People
People

The The
The
Process Business Structure Process Business
Process Structure
Structure
Business
System System
System

Technology Technology
Technology
Traditional IT Change Project

IT is now a fundamental enabler of Implementing IT enabled change involves


change and is leading to new business attention to every facet of business
models and new business practices models and practices
Eg e-Government Internal and external factors

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 23
The Fundamental Equations:
Changing The Business System

Change Program
Changed
People Business System People
People
People
Process
Technology
The Changed
The
Structure ChangedThe Changed
Process Business Structure People Process Business Structure
Process Structure
Process BusinessStructure
System Business Context System
System
Process
Technology
Technology Changed
Technology
Technology
Traditional IT Change Project
Structure Technology
People

IT is now a fundamental enabler of Implementing IT enabled change involves


change and is leading to new business attention to every facet of business
models and new business practices models and practices
Eg e-Government Internal and external factors

Governing IT Enabled Change involves much more than governing technology activities.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 24
The Executive has overall responsibility for IT

Three organisation
Board elements:
IT Governance
Audit & Risk Corporate Executive
Committee Committee Committee Committee
Business System
Steering
Committees
IT Infrastructure
Chief Executive Officer
Steering
Committee
Business
Development IT Governance
Advisory Committees
Committee
Front-line
operations
Legend
Production
Operations Reports
Business System IT Infrastructure
Steering Steering
Corporate Committee Committee
Participates
Services
Informs
Owns

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 25
The IT Governance Committee is the focus for
key decisions about the use of IT

Purpose: Monitor IT investments through to


strategy for future use of (and investment realisation of business outcomes.
in) IT is integral to and driven by the Approve or recommend proposed
companys business strategy; investments in IT to CEO and board.
all investments in IT produce their Direct and monitor appropriate Key
intended outcomes; Performance Indicators for use and
the companys IT assets are managed and delivery of IT, initiating corrective action
used appropriately; and as and when required.
the operational performance of the Establish and monitor conformance with
companys IT resources meets reasonable additional detailed policies as required to
expectations in an efficient, effective and ensure that use of IT at Midco is
acceptable manner. appropriate and that Midcos assets are
properly managed and protected.
Duties:
Ensure that use of IT conforms with legal
Establish and manage conformance with and regulatory requirements
top level policies governing the use of IT
Ensure that the people involved in and
Set responsibility for IT, planning, impacted by IT are given due
acquiring, performance and conformance consideration.
Define strategy for the use of IT in service Continue development of a system of
and administration, prioritise initiatives governance for IT to ensure effective,
and allocate resources efficient and acceptable use of IT in both
Ensure appropriate business cases and administration and service delivery.
plans for investment in IT
2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 26
The IT Governance Committee is an Executive
Committee, which engages the organisation

Members: As-required attendees (non voting):


Chief Executive Officer (Chair); Project managers (internal or
Deputy Chief Executive; external) of major business change
General Manager Corporate Services; and IT projects;
General Manager Front Line Representatives of stakeholder
Programs; bodies (suppliers, customers,
industry, government, IT vendors,
General Manager, Production consultants and auditors);
Operations.
Additional personnel by invitation, to
Delegation of membership is not provide information in respect of an
permitted. agenda item.
Permanent attendees (non-voting):
Secretary (EA to the General
Manager, Corporate Services);
Senior Manager, Information
Systems (also as chair of the IT
Infrastructure Steering Committee);
Chair of each Business System
Steering Committee.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 27
Steering committees are key to operation of the
governance system

Business System Steering IT Infrastructure steering committee.


Committees. Oversight of the companys IT
Evolution of existing committees; infrastructure;
Focus on business process or Oversight of operational service
activity, and the use of the delivery;
information systems in that context; Chaired by the Senior Manager,
Prepare plans, recommend Information Systems.
investment, deliver benefits and
solve problems;
Chaired by a Senior Manager
responsible for key business
activities within the scope of the
Steering Committee.

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 28
The Process Model involves four primary process
groups

1 2 3 4
Vision Strategy Plan Deliver Operate
Ge neralised Specific Detaile d Activity Ongoing
Inte nded Actions,
perfor mance Busine ss C ha nge Busin ess Set Targets
Targets
, ca pa bility, Priority & Projects Manage &
profile , Seque nce
People report
be haviour Busine ss Ca se : -
A llocate Funds &
Process performance
Resour ces Structure Ensure Service
Organise Syste ms Technology
Support the
3 Key Questions & Infrastructure
Manage business
Do todays IT systems meet Project Risk
ongoing needs? Benef its
Does planned business affect IT
systems?
What does technology evolution
mean for business? Policy Foundation

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 29
Most of these things already happen, but we now
have a different perspective
Manage, update & communicate business/IT strategy
New approach to
responsibility
Measure & Report business/IT performance

Manage business/IT investment budget & priorities

Monitor emerging technologies & trends


Overarching
Manage business/IT architecture policies to guide
Evaluate business process/IT performance Manage business continuity decisions
Manage business/IT operation All processes
Develop prioritised bus/IT change plan

need to be
Deliver Business/IT Initiative
Plan new business/IT initiative
Establish business/IT strategy

Manage Production Change


Conduct business operations

Manage operational Risk


Approve Business Case

using production systems &


technology infrastructure
reviewed and
upgraded
Manage production problems

Administer and manage the


business using management &
support systems & infrastructure

Conduct preventative maintenance

Select, engage & manage supplier

Manage initiative to realisation of benefits

Manage & allocate resource pool

Monitor programme/project portfolio

Define, implement and monitor Policy

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 30
It looks complicated, but experience will make it
seem easy

The Magic
Roundabout in
Swindon, UK
looks confusing
but has a lower
accident rate
than normal
intersections,
with much
higher traffic
flows.

Public domain photograph courtesy Wikipedia


2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 31
Process outlines provide initial understanding.
Detailed process design is required.

Manage business/ICT investment budget & priorities


Purpose:
Allocate available resources efficiently and to the most appropriate activities. Adjust
allocation and priority in the light of experience.
Frequency:
Annual establishment of budget overall, and determination of allocation for ongoing
operation of IT, basic maintenance of business systems, and investment in new
infrastructure and capability.
Responsibility:
IT Governance Committee
Requires:
Identification of the program of investment activities (derived from and aligned to
strategy) with identification of likely benefits and priorities, in order to establish best
sequence of activity. See Process Develop business/ICT initiative change plan.
Note:
This process needs to be integrated to the companys overall budget setting process,
so that competing demands for funding from all activities (business development,
infrastructure, IT etc) are properly managed.
2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 32
Midcos governance development program

Stage one
Business System & IT Infrastructure
Steering Committees
Stage three
Governance
Committee Initiative
Planning
Guiding Policies

Strategic Plan
Membership)

Assessments

Governance
Responsibility Initiative
(including

Strategic
Charters
Policy Delivery

Training

Refined
Governance Continuing
Process Operations
Model Governance Processes
Detailed Policies

Continuing current initiatives


Continuing business operations

Governance Oversight
2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 33
Midcos situation today
Continuing to evolve their system for governance of IT;
Learnings from the project supported a major restructure
of the organisation;
Business is now fully engaged in setting the IT agenda
and is fully responsible for deciding priority;
IT department gets on with its job free of unfair criticism,
and is able to devote resources to improving service
delivery;
New initiatives are getting off the ground as well defined,
formal business projects for the first time in years;
Skunkworks initiatives have disappeared;
Suppliers are no longer driving the Technocitement
agenda.
2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd What does ISO 38500 mean for us? 2 September, 2008 Page 34
Information Technology allows us to
change the way we do things

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 35
Corporate Governance of IT enables us to direct
and control the change with confidence

Corporate
Governance
Evaluate Responsibility;
Direct Monitor Strategy;
Acquisition;
Policies

Conformance
Proposals
Plans,

Performance
Performance;
Conformance;
Human Behaviour.

IT IT
Projects Operations

Corporate Management

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 36
ISO 38500 provides the missing link in building
an effective system of governance

Evaluate Direct Monitor


Principles

Responsibility

Strategy

CobiT Acquisition

ITIL Performance

Prince2 People
Conformance

PMBOK Human
Behaviour

Gateway
ValIT Control
Process and Direct Structure
use of IT.

Council

Technology
Audit & Risk Corporate Executive
Committee Committee Committee

Chief Executive Officer

Business
Development ICT Governance
Advisory Committees
Committee
Education
Programs
Legend
Education
Services Reports
Business System ICT Infrastructure
Corporate Steering Committee Steering Committee Participates
Services
Informs
Owns

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008 Page 37
Discussion
and
Questions

2008 Infonomics Pty Ltd Corporate Governance of IT: ISO 38500 Case Study 2 September, 2008

You might also like