Isaca COBIT 5 Practice Test Questions, Exam Dumps

Practice Exams:

View All

COBIT 5 Isaca Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question 1

Which principle is key for the governance and management of enterprise IT?

A. Managing IT Operations
B. Insure Resource Optimization
C. Enabling a Holistic Approach
D. Managing Information

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The key principle for governance and management of enterprise IT is Enabling a Holistic Approach. This principle ensures that IT governance and management address all aspects of the enterprise’s IT strategy, operations, and capabilities in an integrated manner. It emphasizes that IT should be managed not in isolation but as part of the broader enterprise ecosystem. A holistic approach involves coordinating people, processes, technology, and strategy to achieve enterprise goals and effectively manage risks.

Let’s break down each option:

A. Managing IT Operations
While managing IT operations is an important aspect of IT governance, it focuses primarily on the day-to-day functioning of IT services and infrastructure. However, governance is broader and includes strategic decision-making, risk management, and alignment with business objectives. Managing IT operations is a tactical activity rather than a holistic governance principle.
B. Insure Resource Optimization
Resource optimization is a key goal of IT management, but it is more of an objective or goal rather than a principle that drives the governance of enterprise IT. Optimizing resources, including people, technology, and finances, is essential, but it must be done in the context of a broader strategic plan, which is why holistic thinking takes precedence in governance principles.
C. Enabling a Holistic Approach
This is the correct answer because it focuses on comprehensive governance that integrates various aspects of IT, such as operations, strategy, risk management, and performance, ensuring alignment with the overall business strategy. This holistic approach allows for better decision-making, resource management, and risk control across the entire enterprise.
D. Managing Information
Managing information is certainly crucial in the context of IT governance, especially in terms of data security, compliance, and accessibility. However, managing information is a component of a broader governance framework rather than a principle that drives the entire process of IT governance and management.

A holistic approach in IT governance enables an integrated view of all IT processes, aligning technology with business needs and managing risks, resources, and performance effectively. It's the fundamental principle that ensures a comprehensive strategy for IT governance.

Question 2

What percentage represents F - full achievement of an attribute in an assessed process, as defined by the COBIT 5 assessment approach?

A. 100%
B. 85% to 100%
C. 75% to 100%
D. On average 85 %

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

In the COBIT 5 framework, the assessment approach is designed to measure the maturity of processes within an organization, with specific levels representing the degree of achievement for each process attribute. The F rating represents full achievement, which is the highest level of maturity for a given process.

The F (full achievement) level is defined as the situation where an attribute is fully implemented, managed, and optimized according to the defined process. This is represented by 100% because it indicates complete success in achieving the desired outcomes for that attribute.

Let’s break down the options:

A. 100%
This is the correct answer. F - full achievement means the attribute has been fully implemented and is functioning optimally, which is quantified as 100% in COBIT 5.
B. 85% to 100%
This option refers to a range but does not exactly describe F - full achievement. F specifically means the attribute is 100% achieved, not in a range.
C. 75% to 100%
This percentage range suggests a level of maturity but does not align with the full achievement level in COBIT 5. It is more closely related to other levels of maturity, like managed or established, rather than the F level.
D. On average 85%
This option is a generalization and does not directly describe the full achievement level. The full achievement is defined as 100%, and 85% is not the benchmark for the highest level of maturity in COBIT 5.

In COBIT 5, the F - full achievement of an attribute corresponds to 100% achievement, which means that the process and its associated attributes are completely realized and functioning at their best.

Question 3

Identify the missing word in the following sentence.
The definition of (?) is a collection of practices influenced by the enterprise's policies and procedures that takes input from a number of sources, manipulates the inputs, and produces outputs.

A. Principles
B. Intrinsic goals
C. Enterprise goals
D. Processes

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

In the context of governance and management, especially when referring to frameworks like COBIT 5, the missing word in this sentence is "Processes". Here’s why:

D. Processes
The definition of a process aligns with the description in the sentence. A process is indeed a collection of practices that follows an established set of activities, which are influenced by policies and procedures. It takes inputs (such as data, resources, etc.), manipulates them, and produces outputs (such as reports, products, or services). In COBIT 5, processes are central elements that ensure governance and management of IT within an organization, allowing organizations to achieve their objectives and goals.
A. Principles
Principles are fundamental beliefs or values that guide behavior and decision-making, but they do not typically involve the direct manipulation of inputs and outputs as described in the sentence. Principles are more abstract compared to the concrete activities that processes encompass.
B. Intrinsic goals
Intrinsic goals refer to the inherent objectives of an entity but do not fit the description of a collection of practices manipulating inputs and producing outputs. Intrinsic goals are generally internal, qualitative goals, and not processes in the sense described.
C. Enterprise goals
Enterprise goals refer to the overarching, strategic objectives of the organization, such as maximizing profits or achieving sustainability. These are higher-level goals, and while processes help achieve them, the description of manipulating inputs and producing outputs fits better with the term processes rather than enterprise goals.

The word "Processes" best fits the sentence as it refers to a structured set of activities that transform inputs into outputs within an organization, making it the correct choice.

Question 4

Which factor may indicate a need for the improved governance of enterprise IT?

A. Tailoring COBIT and other supporting good practices and standards to fit the unique context of the enterprise is required
B. Significant incidents related to IT risk, such as data loss or project failure, have been experienced
C. A focus on quick wins and prioritizing the most beneficial improvements that are easy to implement is needed
D. Key program roles and responsibilities should be defined and assigned

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The need for improved governance of enterprise IT typically arises in response to significant issues or challenges that impact the performance, security, or effectiveness of IT within the organization. Here's why B is the correct answer:

B. Significant incidents related to IT risk, such as data loss or project failure, have been experienced
The occurrence of significant IT incidents, such as data loss, security breaches, or project failures, is a clear indication that the governance of IT within the organization may not be functioning effectively. These types of incidents highlight gaps in risk management, control mechanisms, or accountability, which are core components of IT governance. When such incidents happen, it often signals that there is a need to review and improve the governance framework to ensure proper oversight, risk management, and compliance.

Now, let's break down why the other options are not as fitting:

A. Tailoring COBIT and other supporting good practices and standards to fit the unique context of the enterprise is required
While tailoring frameworks like COBIT to an organization's specific context can be an important step in the governance process, it does not directly indicate a failure in governance. This might be part of an ongoing improvement initiative but does not necessarily signal a critical need for improved governance as much as option B does. Tailoring practices is part of refining and aligning governance but is not a direct response to failures or issues.
C. A focus on quick wins and prioritizing the most beneficial improvements that are easy to implement is needed
This option describes an approach to making improvements rather than an indication of a governance issue. While focusing on quick wins is often a strategy for quick progress, it does not directly highlight the need for improved governance in a systematic way. IT governance improvement typically requires a more comprehensive approach rather than just focusing on short-term improvements.
D. Key program roles and responsibilities should be defined and assigned
Defining roles and responsibilities is an important part of governance and project management. However, this is more of a proactive measure that can be part of an overall improvement process but does not necessarily indicate that there is a significant issue or failure in governance. It is a good practice but does not directly point to the need for improved governance due to past failures or incidents.

B is the most accurate factor indicating a need for improved governance. Significant IT incidents such as data loss or project failure clearly highlight vulnerabilities in IT governance that need to be addressed to prevent future risks and ensure better oversight and control.

Question 5

Which statement describes the difference between specific and generic work products?

A. Specific work products are defined at each capability level, generic work products are defined on an organizational level
B. Specific work products are associated with the IT-related goals, generic work products are associated with the higher-level enterprise goals
C. Specific work products are defined for each process, generic work products are defined for all generic processes from capability level 2 to 5
D. Specific work products define the objectives at the activity level, generic work products define the level objectives of a process

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

In the context of frameworks like COBIT or process management, work products refer to the tangible deliverables or outputs produced during the execution of processes. These work products can be specific or generic, depending on their scope and application.

Specific work products: These are work products that are defined for each specific process. They are directly related to a particular process and are tailored to meet the goals and objectives of that process. For example, a specific work product for a process in capability level 3 would be different from the one in capability level 5 because it focuses on that particular process at that level.
Generic work products: These are work products that are applicable to multiple processes across the organization and are used as a general guideline. They typically represent work products that span multiple levels of capability, from level 2 to level 5, and are not tied to a specific process but provide an overarching framework.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Specific work products are defined at each capability level, generic work products are defined on an organizational level.
While specific work products are defined at each capability level, the definition of generic work products is not restricted to just the organizational level; they span across multiple capability levels.
B. Specific work products are associated with the IT-related goals, generic work products are associated with the higher-level enterprise goals.
This is not a correct distinction. Both specific and generic work products may be associated with IT-related goals, and generic work products do not necessarily align with only enterprise goals; they can be relevant to multiple goals and processes.
D. Specific work products define the objectives at the activity level, generic work products define the level objectives of a process.
This statement is somewhat misleading. Specific work products are tied to particular processes, not just activities. Generic work products are broader in scope and can apply across multiple processes, not necessarily just defining process-level objectives.

The correct answer is C because specific work products are tied to individual processes, while generic work products are designed to be applicable across multiple processes and capability levels (from level 2 to 5), providing a broader scope of guidance.

Question 6

Which process domain is the MOST suitable for skills such as Project management and Capacity management?

A. Monitor, Evaluate and Assess (MEA)
B. Deliver, Service and Support (DSS)
C. Build, Acquire and Implement (BAI)
D. Align, Plan and Organize (APO)

Correct Answer: D Align, Plan and Organize (APO)

Explanation:

APO (Align, Plan, and Organize): This process domain focuses on strategic and operational planning, aligning IT and business goals, and organizing resources and processes to achieve those goals. Project management and capacity management are crucial for this domain because they directly involve planning, organizing, and ensuring resources (including people, technology, and finances) are allocated appropriately to meet business objectives. Project management is integral to planning and organizing projects and resources, while capacity management ensures that IT resources meet future demands, which is a critical part of strategic planning.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. MEA (Monitor, Evaluate and Assess): This domain focuses on monitoring performance, assessing risks, and evaluating the effectiveness of processes. While capacity and project management might indirectly relate to monitoring and evaluating certain aspects, MEA is not directly concerned with planning and organizing projects or managing resources.
B. DSS (Deliver, Service and Support): This domain is about the operational side of IT services, including delivering services to customers and supporting ongoing operations. While project management might be important for certain aspects, DSS is more about the execution and delivery of services, not the strategic planning and capacity management.
C. BAI (Build, Acquire, and Implement): This domain focuses on the creation, acquisition, and implementation of IT solutions and services. While project management is certainly involved in these activities, capacity management is not the primary focus of this domain, making APO the more appropriate choice for skills related to project and capacity management.

The APO (Align, Plan and Organize) domain is the most suitable for skills such as project management and capacity management because it emphasizes the planning, organization, and alignment of resources to meet strategic goals.

Question 7

Identify the missing word in the following sentence:
Governance is about [?] and deciding amongst different stakeholders' value interests.

A. Transforming
B. Selecting
C. Supporting
D. Negotiating

Correct Answer: D Negotiating

Explanation:

Governance often involves negotiating among different stakeholders, balancing competing interests, and making decisions that align with the organization's objectives. The word "negotiating" fits well in this context, as it reflects the process of engaging with stakeholders to decide on priorities, value, and strategic direction.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Transforming: While governance can lead to transformation in an organization, the word "transforming" doesn't specifically convey the process of dealing with different stakeholders' interests in the way "negotiating" does.
B. Selecting: Selecting could be part of governance, but it is too narrow to describe the broader process of managing stakeholder interests and making decisions.
C. Supporting: Governance does involve support in some areas, but it is more about decision-making and managing conflicting interests, not just providing support.

The missing word is negotiating, as governance involves negotiating among various stakeholders to balance and decide on their value interests.

Question 8

At what level are Inputs and Outputs defined?

A. Process
B. Management practice
C. Activity
D. Detailed Activity

Correct Answer: A Process

Explanation:

In frameworks like COBIT, inputs and outputs are typically defined at the process level. This is because a process represents a set of activities designed to achieve a specific objective, and within this context, inputs (such as data or resources) are transformed into outputs (such as deliverables or results).

Why the other options are incorrect:

B. Management practice: While management practices provide overall guidance and support for processes, they do not specifically define the inputs and outputs. The focus is more on how processes should be managed or improved.
C. Activity: Activities are individual tasks within a process, and while they may use inputs and produce outputs, the overall definition of inputs and outputs is generally made at the process level, not at the individual activity level.
D. Detailed Activity: Detailed activities are more granular steps within a process. Inputs and outputs are generally defined at a higher level to represent the overall flow of value within the process, not just at the detailed activity level.

Inputs and outputs are defined at the process level because processes represent the overall flow and transformation of resources, data, and activities that lead to outcomes.

Question 9

Which practice would NOT help to encourage desired behavior in an enterprise?

A. Introducing a bonus scheme
B. Communicating enforcement of policies
C. Appointing business champions
D. Publishing Escalation procedures

Correct Answer: A Introducing a bonus scheme

Explanation:

Introducing a bonus scheme could potentially encourage desired behavior, but it is not the most effective or sustainable way to create long-term, intrinsic motivation for desired behaviors. Bonuses can be tied to performance metrics, but they don't always align with the overall values or desired behaviors within an enterprise. In some cases, bonuses might even lead to behaviors focused more on achieving short-term goals for personal gain rather than fostering collaboration or long-term company-wide success.

Why the other options are helpful:

B. Communicating enforcement of policies: Clearly communicating that policies will be enforced helps set expectations for behavior. When employees know there are consequences for not following policies, they are more likely to adhere to those guidelines, which encourages the desired behavior.
C. Appointing business champions: Business champions are individuals within the organization who actively promote desired behaviors, values, or initiatives. They can lead by example and influence others, making this a great practice for encouraging positive behavior.
D. Publishing Escalation procedures: Having clear escalation procedures allows employees to know how to raise issues and concerns effectively. This practice helps create an environment where problems can be addressed in a structured and transparent way, ensuring that undesirable behaviors are managed appropriately.

While bonus schemes may provide short-term incentives, they don't directly foster the desired behavior in an enterprise. Practices like enforcing policies, appointing business champions, and publishing escalation procedures are more focused on long-term behavior change, cultural alignment, and transparent problem-solving.

Question 10

Which item describes a key component of a Governance System?

A. Setting the Governance Framework
B. Identifying responsibilities for governance
C. Ensuring compliance with regulations
D. Optimization of IT assets, resources and capabilities

Correct Answer: B Identifying responsibilities for governance

Explanation:

A key component of a governance system is identifying responsibilities for governance. In a governance system, it's critical to clearly define roles and responsibilities, specifying who is responsible for making decisions, overseeing actions, and ensuring that the processes and activities align with the organization’s objectives and compliance standards. Without clear accountability, governance becomes fragmented and ineffective.

Why the other options are important but not key components:

A. Setting the Governance Framework: The governance framework is indeed a key part of the overall governance structure, as it sets the guidelines, principles, and objectives. However, the act of identifying specific responsibilities within the framework is the more crucial aspect of ensuring effective governance.
C. Ensuring compliance with regulations: While compliance is an important aspect of governance, it is more of an outcome of a well-structured governance system rather than a key component. Governance systems should ensure compliance, but ensuring compliance on its own isn't the foundation of governance.
D. Optimization of IT assets, resources and capabilities: Optimizing resources is a goal of good governance, but it is more related to operational efficiency rather than the foundational structure or key component of a governance system.

The most critical component of a governance system is ensuring that responsibilities are properly defined and assigned. This allows for effective decision-making, accountability, and execution within the governance framework.