Overview

This course offers a thorough exploration of IT governance principles and their application in information systems auditing. You will begin with the foundational aspects of governance, including the policies, controls, and best practices that support effective enterprise IT management. Understanding the role of business intelligence, strategic planning, and organizational structures will be crucial for those looking to align IT initiatives with broader business goals. Detailed discussions on IT standards, policies, and procedures will provide the clarity needed to differentiate and implement these essential governance components effectively. As you progress, the course delves into risk management and maturity models, which are critical for conducting comprehensive risk-based audits. You will explore various risk analysis methodologies and learn how to apply frameworks like ISACA’s Capability Maturity Model Integration to assess the maturity of controls and policies within an organization. Key concepts such as roles, responsibilities, and the segregation of duties will be covered to ensure a holistic understanding of governance structures and their impact on risk management and audit quality. In the final modules, the course focuses on resource management, cloud governance, and quality assurance. You will gain insights into managing IT resources, handling organizational change, and adhering to industry standards and regulations. Additionally, you will learn how to assess third-party services, govern cloud environments, and implement performance monitoring frameworks like COBIT and ITIL. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the expertise to perform high-quality IS audits and contribute significantly to your organization’s IT governance and compliance strategies. This course is designed for IT professionals, auditors, and governance specialists seeking to deepen their knowledge in IT governance and prepare for the CISA certification exam. A basic understanding of information systems and governance principles is recommended, though no prior CISA experience is necessary.

Syllabus

IT Governance Fundamentals and Structures

In this module, we will explore the fundamentals of IT governance, including its definition and importance. You will learn best practices for implementing IT governance within an organization, understand the role of business intelligence in strategic planning, and distinguish between IT standards, policies, and procedures. Additionally, we will cover the organizational structures that support effective IT governance.

Roles, Risk Management, and Maturity Models

In this module, we will focus on the roles and responsibilities critical to IS governance, emphasizing the importance of segregation of duties. You’ll gain insights into risk management processes and learn how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative risk analyses. We will also introduce maturity models such as ISACA’s Capability Maturity Model Integration to assess and improve control and policy effectiveness.

Resource, Change, and Service Management

In this module, we will discuss the management of IT and human resources within an organization, focusing on compliance with industry standards and regulations. You’ll explore resource utilization and IT portfolio management, as well as human resource practices like recruitment and training. Additionally, we will address the impact of organizational change management and financial considerations in the context of IS audits.

Cloud Governance, Third-Party Services, and Quality Assurance

In this module, we will delve into cloud governance and the complexities of managing third-party services. You’ll learn about the governance of cloud environments, legal and regulatory considerations, and the importance of maintaining business continuity. We will also cover quality assurance practices, performance metrics, and reporting frameworks, such as COBIT and ITIL, to enhance the quality and effectiveness of IT audits.