Information and Technology (I&T) Scope

Information and Technology (I&T) Scope in COBIT 2019 Foundation: Complete Guide

Understanding Information and Technology (I&T) Scope in COBIT 2019

Why Information and Technology (I&T) Scope is Important

The Information and Technology (I&T) Scope is a critical foundational concept in COBIT 2019 because it establishes the boundaries of what the framework addresses. Understanding I&T scope is essential for organizations because:

• Clear Boundaries: It defines what falls under IT governance and management, preventing confusion about organizational responsibilities
• Effective Implementation: Organizations can determine which processes, resources, and activities need to be governed and managed
• Resource Allocation: Understanding scope helps organizations prioritize investments and allocate resources appropriately
• Stakeholder Communication: It provides a common language for discussing IT governance across the enterprise
• Risk Management: Clear scope definition helps identify and manage IT-related risks comprehensively
• Competitive Advantage: Proper scope management enables organizations to leverage IT effectively for business value

What is Information and Technology (I&T) Scope?

The Information and Technology (I&T) Scope in COBIT 2019 refers to the extent and boundaries of information and technology elements that organizations must consider when implementing governance and management practices.

COBIT 2019 recognizes that I&T scope encompasses:

• Information: All types of data and information created, processed, stored, transmitted, and destroyed by the organization, regardless of format or location
• Technology: All hardware, software, infrastructure, networks, cloud services, and digital platforms used to create, process, and manage information
• IT Services: All internal and external IT services that support business objectives
• Digital Transformation: New technologies and digital initiatives that extend traditional IT boundaries

The I&T scope includes:

• Traditional IT infrastructure (servers, networks, databases)
• Cloud computing services and platforms
• Mobile and endpoint devices
• Internet of Things (IoT) and emerging technologies
• Third-party and outsourced IT services
• Business process automation and digital services
• Cybersecurity and information protection measures

Key Principles of I&T Scope in COBIT 2019

1. Integrated Perspective: COBIT 2019 takes an integrated view that considers information and technology as interconnected elements rather than separate domains.

2. Enterprise-Wide Coverage: The scope extends beyond the IT department to include all parts of the organization that create, use, or depend on IT and information.

3. End-to-End Value Chain: I&T scope encompasses the entire information and technology value chain, from creation through retirement of information and systems.

4. External Dependencies: The scope includes IT services and information managed by third parties, cloud providers, and external partners.

5. Flexibility and Scalability: Organizations can tailor their I&T scope based on their size, industry, risk profile, and business objectives.

How Information and Technology (I&T) Scope Works

Step 1: Identification of IT Elements
Organizations first identify all information and technology elements within the enterprise. This includes:

• All systems and applications
• Data repositories and databases
• Infrastructure components
• Cloud and SaaS services
• Third-party IT providers
• Digital channels and platforms

Step 2: Definition of Boundaries
Clear boundaries are established to determine:

• What is within the organization's IT governance scope
• What is outside the scope
• What requires shared responsibility or monitoring
• What is managed by third parties or external entities

Step 3: Determination of Governance Responsibility
Organizations decide who is responsible for governance and management activities:

• IT governance bodies (CIO, IT steering committee)
• Business process owners
• Risk and compliance teams
• External service providers
• Board and executive management

Step 4: Tailoring of COBIT Processes
Based on I&T scope, organizations select and tailor relevant COBIT governance and management processes. Not all organizations need to implement all processes equally.

Step 5: Documentation and Communication
The I&T scope is documented and communicated across the organization to ensure common understanding and alignment.

COBIT 2019 Framework Structure and I&T Scope

COBIT 2019 organizes governance and management activities into distinct areas that apply across the I&T scope:

• Governance Processes: Address strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, and value delivery
• Management Processes: Handle operational delivery of IT services and achievement of business objectives

All these processes operate within the defined I&T scope to ensure comprehensive coverage of information and technology governance.

Scope Considerations in Modern Environments

Cloud Computing: Organizations must determine whether cloud services fall within their IT governance scope and define responsibility boundaries with cloud providers.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Personal devices used for business purposes require scope decisions regarding governance and security.

Third-Party Providers: Outsourced IT functions must be included in the scope with clear governance arrangements.

Emerging Technologies: New technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT must be assessed for inclusion in the I&T scope.

Data Privacy and Compliance: Regulatory requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.) may expand the I&T scope to include specific data governance and protection measures.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Information and Technology (I&T) Scope

Tip 1: Understand the Core Definition

Remember that I&T scope defines the boundaries of information and technology elements that an organization must consider for governance and management. In exam questions, look for answers that emphasize:

• Establishing clear boundaries and limits
• Defining what is and is not covered by IT governance
• Identifying all IT and information elements to be managed

Tip 2: Recognize the Integrated Nature

COBIT 2019 emphasizes that information and technology are integrated, not separate concepts. When answering questions:

• Do not choose answers that treat IT and information as distinct domains
• Look for answers that discuss how information and technology work together
• Recognize that governance covers both data/information and systems/technology

Tip 3: Think Enterprise-Wide

I&T scope extends beyond the IT department. Correct answers typically include:

• References to all parts of the organization (not just IT)
• Business departments, operations, and stakeholders
• End-to-end processes and value chains
• Multiple organizational levels (board, management, operations)

Tip 4: Include External Elements

Modern I&T scope must account for external entities. Look for answers that mention:

• Cloud service providers
• Third-party IT vendors and outsourced providers
• Business partners and integration partners
• Regulatory and compliance requirements from external sources

Tip 5: Recognize Flexibility in Scope

Organizations tailor their I&T scope based on:

• Size and complexity of the organization
• Industry and regulatory environment
• Risk profile and strategic objectives
• Available resources and capabilities

Exam answers should reflect that scope is not one-size-fits-all but must be defined according to organizational needs.

Tip 6: Link Scope to Governance Responsibility

Understand that defining I&T scope directly connects to:

• Who is responsible for governance decisions
• Which processes must be implemented
• How risk and compliance are managed
• Where resources should be allocated

When answering questions, connect scope definition to practical governance implications.

Tip 7: Differentiate Scope from Processes

Common Exam Trap: Do not confuse the I&T scope (what is covered) with the COBIT processes (how to manage what is covered).

• Scope: Defines what elements are included in IT governance
• Processes: Define how to govern and manage those elements

Correct answers for scope questions focus on identifying and defining elements, not on executing governance activities.

Tip 8: Recognize Contemporary IT Elements

Modern exam questions may include contemporary technologies. I&T scope should encompass:

• Cloud computing (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Mobile and endpoint computing
• IoT and connected devices
• Big data and analytics platforms
• Digital and omnichannel services
• Cybersecurity infrastructure

Choose answers that acknowledge the breadth of modern IT rather than traditional on-premises systems only.

Tip 9: Focus on Risk and Value

I&T scope is ultimately defined to:

• Manage IT-related risks comprehensively
• Enable delivery of IT value to the business
• Ensure compliance with regulations and policies
• Optimize IT investments and resource allocation

When unsure about a scope question, consider which answer best supports risk management and value delivery.

Tip 10: Common Question Patterns

Pattern 1: What does I&T scope include?
Answer should list: hardware, software, data, services, both internal and external elements, emerging technologies.

Pattern 2: Why is defining I&T scope important?
Answer should emphasize: clarity, accountability, resource allocation, risk management, strategic alignment.

Pattern 3: Who is responsible for I&T governance within the defined scope?
Answer should include: board/governance level, CIO/IT leadership, business process owners, third-party providers as applicable.

Pattern 4: How does organizational context affect I&T scope?
Answer should recognize: size, industry, risk profile, strategic objectives, regulatory requirements all influence scope.

Pattern 5: What should be included in modern I&T scope?
Answer should mention: cloud services, mobile, IoT, emerging technologies, third-party services, not just traditional IT.

Tip 11: Use Process of Elimination Wisely

When uncertain, eliminate answers that:

• Limit scope to IT department only
• Exclude cloud or external services
• Focus on implementation rather than definition
• Suggest a single standard scope for all organizations
• Ignore business stakeholder involvement
• Overlook information management alongside technology

Tip 12: Study Real-World Examples

Be prepared to apply I&T scope concepts to scenarios. For example:

• Scenario: An organization uses multiple cloud providers. How does this affect I&T scope?
  Answer: Cloud services and the governance arrangements with cloud providers must be included in the scope.
• Scenario: An organization outsources help desk operations. Is this within I&T scope?
  Answer: Yes, outsourced IT services must be included with defined responsibility boundaries.
• Scenario: A company is implementing IoT devices. Should these be in IT governance scope?
  Answer: Yes, all technology and information elements, including IoT, should be considered within I&T scope.

Key Takeaways for Exam Success

• I&T scope defines boundaries of what must be governed and managed
• Scope includes information and technology as integrated elements
• Scope extends beyond IT to the entire organization
• Scope must include external services and providers
• Scope is tailored to organizational context and needs
• Scope drives accountability and resource allocation decisions
• Scope encompasses modern technologies like cloud, mobile, and IoT
• Scope is foundational to all governance and management processes