Implementing IT governance: a primer for informaticians
| Published date | 13 November 2017 |
| Pages | 282-287 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-07-2017-0023 |
| Date | 13 November 2017 |
| Author | H. Frank Cervone |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Records management & preservation,Information repositories |
Implementing IT governance:
a primer for informaticians
H. Frank Cervone
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this articleis to explore the relevance of information technology(IT) governance
to informaticians.In most organizations, informatics is partof the IT function. Therefore, an understanding of
IT governance is of benefitto informaticians in their day-to-day work. In addition, while IT governanceis not
data governance, informaticiansoften are responsible for data governance efforts.Understanding the larger
picture of IT governancecan be useful to informaticians, as it provides a solid context and many modelsthat
can be usedor adapted for data governance efforts.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper is a general review of IT governancebased on industry
best practiceand the author’s experience.
Findings –IT governance is critical to success in IT as it helps ensure all stakeholders have a voice and
appropriate decision-making rights in guiding the IT efforts across the organization. Implementing and
maintaining an IT governancestructure requires commitment from the organizationat all levels and requires
time and resourcesfor management and implementation.
Originality/value –This paper provides an overview and introduction to IT governance concepts
specificallyfor the informatics professional.
Keywords Informatics governance, Informatics practice, Information technology decision making,
Information technology governance, Information technology governance operations, ValIT model
Paper type General review
In most organizations, informatics is eithera part of the IT unit or considered to be closely
related to IT functions. Therefore,an understanding of IT governance –what it is and what
can be accomplished with it –is criticalfor informaticians. While IT governance is not data
governance, data governance is usually incorporated into an organization’s IT governance
efforts. This is why understanding the larger picture of IT governance is useful when
designing data governancemodels.
In the simplest terms, IT governance is a repeatable, rational process to collect ideas,
select projects and prioritize the implementation of these ideas and projects (Hites and
Block, 2010). IT governance is needed in organizations because “there is almost an infinite
need for IT and finite resources available tothe organization”(Kropf & Scalzi, 2012,p.2).A
major motivation in implementing an IT governance model is to shift to a model of
management where IT decisions that affect the performance and operations of the business
units are a shared responsibility with the business units and IT and not just primarily
decided upon by the IT function.In effect, this reduces the role of IT as final decision maker
and places greater emphasison collaboration in achieving solutions.
In effect, governance is about aligningstrategy related to technology with the strategies
of the larger organization. In doing so, this helpsensure that the organization stays on track
in achieving their goals (Schwartz,2007). Through an IT governance framework, more focus
can be placed on evaluating and addressing business issues rather than focusing on how
specific technologies can be made to address those issues. Particularly in complex
DLP
33,4
282
Received 16 July 2017
Revised 16 July 2017
Accepted 18 July 2017
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.33 No. 4, 2017
pp. 282-287
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-07-2017-0023
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