Prior to setting IT objectives, an enterprise MUST have established its:

Architecture, while important for guiding IT implementations, is typically developed to support established strategies and objectives, not prior to them.

Policies provide rules and guidelines for how objectives are met, but the objectives themselves must first be defined based on strategic direction.

Enterprise strategies define the overarching direction and goals of the organization, providing the necessary context and framework from which specific IT objectives can be derived and aligned to support the business's strategic direction.

Controls are mechanisms to ensure objectives are achieved and risks are mitigated, which are implemented after objectives and policies are established.