A global organization has noticed a significant decrease in the return on IT investments in a particular region. To enhance project governance in this region, the CEO should FIRST

The most appropriate initial action for a CEO, operating at a governance level, is to first understand the context and root cause of the performance issue. Engaging directly with the region's leadership is a fundamental step in the "Evaluate" component of the Evaluate, Direct, and Monitor (EDM) governance model. This collaborative approach ensures that any subsequent corrective actions are based on a thorough understanding of the specific challenges in that region, rather than on assumptions. This diagnostic step is crucial for effective governance and strategic decision-making before directing specific reviews or implementing changes.

A. Performing a benefit calculation and reviewing selection methodology is a specific, tactical response that assumes the problem lies in these areas, which may not be the case.
B. Suspending funding is a drastic and premature reaction that could be highly disruptive and demoralizing without first understanding the underlying cause of the issue.
C. An independent review of business cases is a detailed audit activity that should be initiated only after an initial investigation points to the business cases as a likely problem area.

1. ISACA, CGEIT Review Manual, 8th Edition. Domain 1: Governance of Enterprise IT, Task 1.05, emphasizes the importance of communication with stakeholders to understand performance and adapt to changing needs. The CEO's first action should be to communicate with the relevant stakeholders (regional leadership) to evaluate the situation.

2. ISACA, COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology. Chapter 4, Governance and Management Objectives, EDM02 (Ensured Benefits Delivery). This objective states that governance must "evaluate value optimization" and "monitor value optimization." When monitoring reveals a significant decrease in returns, the evaluation process must be re-engaged to understand the cause before directing corrective action.

3. ISACA, COBIT 2019 Framework: Governance and Management Objectives. EDM01 (Ensured Governance Framework Setting and Maintenance). This process highlights the need to direct the governance system, which includes understanding and responding to the enterprise context. A performance issue in a specific region is a key contextual factor that requires evaluation through stakeholder engagement first.