USMBOK™: Key Concepts

The Governance Framework

Who is responsible for what decisions and actions, when and to what extent

Governance is defined as “the specification and management of the decision rights, decision-making procedures, and role and level of responsibilities required to ensure that assets are used appropriately to further the goals of the enterprise”. 

A governance framework is a decision-making method that encompasses the customer and service provider organizations. The framework ensures compliance with any mandatory regulations, incorporates investment and risk analysis activities, and includes a tightly integrated system for managing policies.

Governance can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance, international governance, national governance and local governance, and service provider Governance; the principles of operation are the same.

Governance requires the formal definition of roles involved in decision-making, as well as the careful listing of all the decisions falling within its scope under normal operations.  Governance should also consider scenarios where exceptional circumstances alter the makeup of roles and responsibilities, such as experienced during disaster recovery events.

A service governance framework defines how decisions are made relevant to a specific service model, service portfolio, or individual service.  The framework includes all the decision-making considerations or criteria required to manage the investment of service provider resources and the involvement of practices and general activities in the service lifecycle.

The USMBOK extends the traditional 'RACI' chart concept (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed), to include a 'S' - Supportive, or 'SCARI'.

SCARI charts define if, when, and to what extent each role within a service provider organization performs activities to deliver and support the service levels agreed with the customer communities.