S22 is intended to cover a 10-year horizon. Why was such an extended period selected for study?
This is, in part, one of the ways the Strategy 2022 (S22) strategy project was conceived as distinct from Strategy 1. Strategy 1 was intended to be “revolutionary” in that it was designed to identify several relatively short-term changes or new opportunities upon which ISACA could capitalize to create an impact and provide new/increased value to constituents. S22 recognizes that those new opportunities identified in Strategy 1 are still in their infancy and need more time to mature; however, at the same time, the association cannot stand still. It needs to continue identifying opportunities and subtle transformations that will enable it to survive and thrive in the future—but those things don’t have to happen overnight. They are “evolutionary” and can take years to come to fruition. With this understanding is the recognition that potential initiatives identified in 2011 may not still be effective or a priority in 2013, hence there is a need to continually reevaluate and adjust previous plans. (Note: The 10-year horizon is divided into three segments, the first of four years, the second two of three years each. This division will enable prioritization of projects, grouping of like projects, scheduling of projects with interdependencies, and time for reevaluation for suitability given the environment at the time.)
S22 makes reference to ISACA providing guidance to a number of potential audiences slightly outside its traditional niche. What about its core constituencies?
ISACA is dedicated to providing valuable services to its core constituents. Those activities will not “go away” as S22 initiatives are undertaken. In fact, a portion of the S22 activities identified have to do with providing more in-depth guidance to current constituents, in the area of cloud computing and other outsourced services, and in the area of implementation and value capture for governance roles. It is true that new audiences will be investigated in the course of carrying out S22. In many cases, those activities will be undertaken in collaboration with other organizations already in that professional “space.” A recent survey showed that chapter leaders and international volunteers felt ISACA could provide useful guidance to these audiences, but they may not end up as members. Instead, they may be consumers of ISACA’s publications, education and certifications.
It has been indicated that ISACA’s vision and tag line remain appropriate for the S22 activities. What does that mean?
As part of Strategy 1, ISACA adopted a new vision, which was subsequently added to the logo as a tag line: Trust in, and value from, information systems. This phrase captures both what ISACA can offer its constituents—guidance, research, education, certifications, standards, etc., that educate and inform constituents on how to ensure that they and their enterprises can trust their information systems and realize value from them—and simultaneously reinforce that this is the valuable service ISACA’s constituents make possible within their organizations. In reviewing the results of the research behind S22, nothing was uncovered that would necessitate a change in that wording and the objectives that support it. Trust in, and value from, information systems and the information they produce are still of vital importance to enterprises worldwide, and define a need the ISACA community can fill.
COBIT 5 is just about ready to be issued. Will S22 affect any COBIT plans?
In support of S22’s outreach to different professional areas and industry specialties, initiatives are proposed to ensure that practical, COBIT-based guidance is created to assist those constituencies.
How does S22 affect the IT Governance Institute?
S22’s proposed initiatives are focused on ISACA and are not expected to have any impact on ITGI’s activities.
What will be the chapters’ role in S22?
Chapters will continue to be relied upon to provide the localized service and support they provide now: education, networking, leadership development and professional growth. Although not all of S22’s proposed activities will focus on increasing membership (some will emphasize providing products to consumers), increased numbers and diversity of membership may result. In this case, the chapters’ ability to provide local networking and engagement will prove even more important. ISACA is committed to keeping chapters up to date on S22 developments, and providing support and assistance where needed.
How can a member be involved in S22 activities or have questions answered about S22?
As is the case with most of ISACA’s activities, there will be a strong volunteer component to many of the S22 proposed initiatives. Volunteer bodies at the international level will be counted on to create the new and customized knowledge envisioned, to reach out to potential collaborators, and to help spread the word about new or enhanced services and products. The best way to get involved is via the Invitation to Participate process. Although the official application period closes soon, it is always possible to submit your name and area of interest/expertise. In addition to the annual repopulation of all the volunteer bodies, which is what the Invitation to Participate process addresses, there is a continual need for volunteers throughout the year as new activities or areas of focus are identified. To submit your name and statement of interest, contact volunteer@isaca.org. If you have a question about S22, contact strategy@isaca.org.