CISA Governance and Management of IT Practice Question
An organization is implementing a new IT governance framework. Which of the following is the PRIMARY benefit of using a framework like COBIT?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse the primary benefit of a governance framework (strategic alignment) with secondary benefits like cost reduction or compliance, leading them to pick a plausible but incorrect answer that addresses a tactical outcome rather than the core strategic purpose.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Aligning IT strategy with business goals.
COBIT is designed to bridge the gap between business objectives and IT operations by providing a framework that maps IT processes to business goals. The primary benefit is ensuring that IT strategy directly supports and enables business strategy, rather than focusing on cost reduction or risk elimination.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reducing IT operational costs.
Why it's wrong here
Cost reduction is a possible outcome but not the primary benefit of governance frameworks.
- ✓
Aligning IT strategy with business goals.
Why this is correct
COBIT and similar frameworks focus on creating value by aligning IT with business objectives.
- ✗
Eliminating all IT-related risks.
Why it's wrong here
Risk management is a component, but risks cannot be fully eliminated.
- ✗
Ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Why it's wrong here
Compliance is supported, but governance frameworks primarily aim to align IT with business strategy.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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