In today's fast-paced digital world, information technology is no longer a support function; it's a fundamental driver of business strategy and a key source of competitive advantage. Effective IT governance is the discipline that ensures an organization's technology investments are aligned with its overarching business goals, creating a framework for making informed decisions and managing risk. Without a robust governance structure, IT can become an unpredictable cost center, failing to deliver the value and innovation necessary to thrive. This course is designed for leaders who want to transform their IT function from a reactive service provider into a proactive, strategic partner that propels the entire enterprise forward.

Over this intensive five-day program, you will learn the essential principles and best practices for creating and implementing an effective IT governance framework. We will cover everything from foundational models like COBIT and ITIL to the critical art of measuring IT performance and value. By focusing on practical, actionable strategies, this course will equip you with the skills to optimize IT's contribution to the business, improve stakeholder communication, and build a culture of accountability and excellence. You will leave prepared to lead your organization's IT function with confidence, ensuring technology investments consistently deliver on their promise and support long-term strategic objectives.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
• Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)
• IT Directors and Managers
• Senior Business Leaders
• Enterprise Architects
• Business Relationship Managers
• Internal and External Auditors
• Project Management Office (PMO) Leaders
• Senior Risk and Compliance Officers
• IT Governance and Strategy Professionals

Objectives:

• Define and articulate the core principles of IT governance
• Align IT strategy and investments with the organization's business objectives
• Understand and apply leading IT governance frameworks and standards
• Establish effective IT decision-making and accountability structures
• Measure and report on the value and performance of IT
• Develop a robust risk management and cybersecurity governance plan
• Optimize IT resource allocation and portfolio management
• Communicate IT value and strategy effectively to business stakeholders
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement in IT governance

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Foundations of IT Governance

• The difference between IT management and IT governance
• The value proposition of effective IT governance
• Key governance components: strategic alignment, value delivery, and risk management
• Stakeholder roles and responsibilities in IT governance
• How IT governance supports business resilience and agility

Module 2: Strategic Alignment

• Translating business goals into IT strategy and objectives
• The process of creating a future-state IT roadmap
• Communicating IT value in business terms
• The role of enterprise architecture in strategic alignment
• Measuring the success of IT's contribution to business outcomes

Module 3: IT Governance Frameworks and Standards

• An in-depth look at the COBIT framework
• Understanding the ITIL service management framework
• The role of ISO 27001 for information security governance
• Leveraging these frameworks to build a custom governance model
• Combining frameworks for comprehensive governance

Module 4: Decision-Making and Accountability

• Designing effective IT governance committees and councils
• Establishing clear roles for IT investment decisions
• The RACI model for defining accountability in IT projects
• Implementing a transparent IT project prioritization process
• Fostering a culture of shared responsibility for IT outcomes

Module 5: Performance Measurement and Value Delivery

• Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for IT
• Developing a balanced scorecard for IT
• Measuring the return on investment (ROI) of IT projects
• The importance of IT service level agreements (SLAs)
• Communicating IT's value proposition to the board and executive team

Module 6: IT Risk and Compliance Management

• Integrating IT risk management into enterprise risk management (ERM)
• The role of governance in cybersecurity and data privacy
• Developing a robust IT compliance program
• The importance of internal and external IT audits
• Managing third-party and vendor-related IT risks

Module 7: IT Portfolio and Resource Management

• The principles of IT portfolio management
• Allocating IT resources effectively to high-value projects
• The process of managing the IT budget and expenditures
• The governance of shadow IT and unauthorized projects
• Optimizing resource utilization and cost management

Module 8: The Role of the CIO and IT Leadership

• The evolving role of the CIO as a strategic leader
• Building a high-performing IT leadership team
• Fostering strong relationships with business leaders
• Driving innovation and digital transformation through governance
• Leading organizational change to support IT governance

Module 9: Continuous Improvement in IT Governance

• Implementing a governance maturity model
• The process of regularly reviewing and updating the governance framework
• Using feedback to refine IT processes and policies
• Benchmarking against industry best practices
• The importance of continuous learning for the IT governance team

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.