Evolution From IT Governance to Cyber-Agility

Abstract

This chapter explores IT governance, a critical aspect of corporate governance that enhances decision-making and execution in information technology. IT governance is essential for public and private sectors, promoting equity, transparency, and accountability to achieve organizational objectives. It is unique as IT projects are fundamentally business projects. The chapter traces IT's evolution from early “electronic calculators” to its current strategic role in businesses. It highlights IT's shift from cost-saving measures to a key element in strategic planning and the increasing integration of IT over decades. The historical perspective includes the impact of early automation technologies, such as the alphabetizing machine during the Great Depression, on modern data processing systems. The chapter emphasizes IT governance's significant influence on organizational success and its role in navigating contemporary IT challenges.