AWWA IMT61452

Addressing information technology (IT) governance poses a dilemma for many utilities. If the utility is ahead of general fund departments in its use of technology, how does that impact the utility's technology progress? Do all departments have an equal voice in determining technology needs and priorities? A proven IT governance model is a large part of the solution to the dilemma. IT governance is the system by which an organization's IT portfolio is directed and controlled. It describes the distribution of IT decision-making rights and responsibilities among different stakeholders in the organization, and describes the rules and procedures for making and monitoring decisions on strategic IT concerns. Using industry-standard models, utilities can collaboratively develop a sustainable IT governance structure with common and repeatable processes that address the four primary components making up IT governance: IT strategic alignment within the organization; IT value delivery; IT risk management; and, IT performance measurement. Expected outcomes of an IT governance framework will: describe an enterprise perspective for IT governance, with a balance between city or county Information Systems Services as well as Utility Department needs, leading to a clear understanding of how IT governance relates to these components of the organization; define a framework for delegation of roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities; define existing IT systems, and IT business processes; and, all parties accept and adopt the governance recommendations. In summary, this paper discusses: IT Governance and the need for a plan; benefits of IT Governance Assessed & Classified; and, practice improvement process for IT governance. Includes figures.