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CGEIT · Question #513

Which of the following should a new CIO do FIRST to set the strategic direction for IT?

The correct answer is C. Review existing enterprise strategic objectives.. The first action a new CIO should take to set IT's strategic direction is to review existing enterprise strategic objectives. This foundational step ensures that any IT strategy developed will be inherently aligned with the organization's overarching goals.

Submitted by certguy· Apr 18, 2026Governance of Enterprise IT

Question

Which of the following should a new CIO do FIRST to set the strategic direction for IT?

Options

  • ADevelop well-defined business cases that include strategic outcomes.
  • BRemap stakeholder analysis and desired expectations.
  • CReview existing enterprise strategic objectives.
  • DRedesign detailed RACI charts of the IT function.

How the community answered

(16 responses)
  • B
    13% (2)
  • C
    81% (13)
  • D
    6% (1)

Why each option

The first action a new CIO should take to set IT's strategic direction is to review existing enterprise strategic objectives. This foundational step ensures that any IT strategy developed will be inherently aligned with the organization's overarching goals.

ADevelop well-defined business cases that include strategic outcomes.

Developing business cases comes after understanding the strategic objectives, as business cases are tools to justify projects that *support* those objectives.

BRemap stakeholder analysis and desired expectations.

While stakeholder analysis is critical, it should follow an understanding of the existing enterprise strategy to properly contextualize stakeholder expectations regarding IT's role in achieving those strategies.

CReview existing enterprise strategic objectives.Correct

To effectively set the strategic direction for IT, a new CIO must first thoroughly understand the enterprise's existing strategic objectives. This provides the foundational context for all IT initiatives, ensuring that the IT strategy directly supports and enables the overall business goals, rather than operating in isolation.

DRedesign detailed RACI charts of the IT function.

Redesigning RACI charts is an operational/organizational task, important for clarifying roles and responsibilities within IT, but it does not define the *strategic direction* of IT itself.

Concept tested: CIO initial strategic alignment

Topics

#IT Strategy#Strategic Alignment#Enterprise Objectives#CIO Responsibilities

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