ITIL4-DPI practice question 2 of 10

An organization has IT divisions distributed globally. As the organization has grown, it has become difficult to align the activities of the IT divisions with the organization's objectives. How can the organization ensure that all IT activities are aligned with the organization's objectives?

Answer options

A: Put compliance controls in place to ensure that all centres of expertise are following the same practices

B: Prioritize risk mitigation strategies in alignment with the organization's risk appetite

C: Establish increasingly detailed objectives at each level of the organization that align directly with the objectives of the layer above Correct answer

D: Collect feedback from both organizational and IT leadership from each region

Correct Answer:

C. Establish increasingly detailed objectives at each level of the organization that align directly with the objectives of the layer above

Explanation

The most effective method to ensure alignment across a distributed organization is to establish a clear hierarchy of objectives. This process, known as cascading objectives, translates high-level strategic goals into more specific, detailed objectives for each subsequent level of the organization (e.g., divisions, departments, teams). This creates a direct line of sight from the daily activities of every IT division back to the overarching organizational objectives, ensuring that all efforts are coordinated and contribute to the same strategic vision. This is a fundamental principle of governance and strategic planning.

Why Incorrect

A. Enforcing common practices ensures operational consistency, but it does not guarantee that those practices are aligned with strategic business objectives.
B. Aligning risk mitigation is a component of governance but is too narrow; it does not address the alignment of all IT activities as the question requires.
D. Collecting feedback is an important communication activity, but it is an input to the planning process and does not, by itself, create or enforce alignment.

References

1. ITIL® 4: Direct

Plan and Improve. AXELOS

2020.

Section 2.1.3

"Cascading objectives": This section explicitly describes the process. It states

"Objectives can be cascaded down through an organization

from the governing body to all levels of staff... This cascade ensures that there is a tangible link between an individual’s daily work and the vision of the organization." This directly supports option C as the correct mechanism for ensuring alignment.

Section 3.1.2

"Governance activities": This section outlines the 'Direct' activity of a governing body

which includes "setting the direction and prioritization for the organization

its portfolios

programmes

products

and services." Cascading objectives is the primary method for implementing this direction throughout the organization.

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