Definition of IT management and governance
Let’s look at both of them in simple terms:
IT Governance – The governance function of an organization is responsible for determining strategic direction.
IT Management – The management function is to take that strategic set of directions and convert it into actions/policies that will bring the company closer to achieving strategic goals.
Governance, when applied directly to an IT organization and its management, is no different. Those in charge of IT management will look at the overall management of the organization in line with their vision, mission and objectives, and ensure that the strategic direction adopted within IT is in line with the overall business strategy.
IT Management: Different roles, different tasks
Simply put, management is about leadership and management is about action. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, the lines are not always as clear as possible. Somewhere in the middle, the administration and the administration are often confused and, because of the confusion, serious problems can develop.
Both of these activities will see greater success when those in charge of administration and administration better understand their roles and stay within their ranks. In classifying the Administration of Governance, Barry S. Bader poses seven guiding questions to determine whether something falls under management and is a board function:
- Does it speak of the future?
- Is it the core of the mission?
- Is a high-level policy needs to be made to resolve the situation?
- Is the red flag flying?
- Is the watchdog watching?
- Does the CEO want and need board support?
If we were to live in a perfect world, managers and employees would not know and understand their duties and responsibilities and perform them responsibly. Sadly, that does not always happen. That is why the administrative job ultimately responds if they are not diligent in their management responsibilities.
All organizations will face known and unknown risks. New technologies have magnified these risks, made them more widespread and entered the business. Managers should work closely with IT staff and senior management in managing risk management and establishing a healthy appetite for business.
So, management relationship – what does management look like? Suppose the IT
management team decides that the organization deploys all services in the cloud. With this decision-making process, it is up to the IT management team to decide what is best to achieve this result.
The management team forms teams within the IT organization with investigative options, decides which services can be removed and which should remain in the house, and presents the options in a paper that will return to the management team for a final decision. With all the information that needs to be provided, the management team decides on the option to proceed with it. They approved the budget and gave the management team time to finalize it.
The management team will now go back and allow the IT organization to perform the required functions. Managers will notify the management board. Unless there are certain factors that affect the ability of the solution to meet the requirements of the board, or there are excessive costs that exceed any permitted condition. the implementation of the project will fall upon their management team.
Confidence in effective IT Governance & Management
A critical factor for success in the management and management of IT is a responsible community. When those in charge of IT management do not trust those in charge of IT to make efforts that will meet strategic objectives, the people in power are able to intervene and try to take over the management role. This is an indication of a deep cultural problem that needs to be solved.
The ongoing confusion between administrative responsibilities is contradictory; both sides need to stay in their swimming paths. If the board is not confident that their managers are not able to deliver the strategy they have set, they will need to invest in training or coaching to help them succeed, or they will need to decide if they have the right people in the right positions.
COBIT framework for IT management
The party in charge must manage; they must provide leadership and strategies. They have to focus on the big picture. Governance is about setting up a work framework and making sure it is done.
That is why it should be separated from management, who are responsible for planning and executing. The ruling party must avoid making decisions at the management level and be part of the day-to-day implementation of the strategy.
Information Technology Management Objectives (COBIT) is a management and administrative framework, specifically designed for IT. COBIT clearly distinguishes management and administrative functions using memorization:
Evaluate, Direct, and Monitor (EDM) integrates management functions. EDM is about ensuring that stakeholder needs are assessed to identify and agree on goals to be achieved, guided by prioritization and decision-making, and considered performance and objectives
System, Construction, Running, and Monitor (PBRM) integrates management functions. PBRM is about ensuring that all activities and appointments comply with the guidelines set for governance.
