The COBIT 2019 Design Guide explicitly states that the governance system design workflow is not required to be applied in full in every situation. When an enterprise is dealing with a specific, high-impact initiative- such as a digital transformation program-it is both practical and recommended to focus the design effort on relevant areas only.
Applying the full workflow may introduce unnecessary complexity and delay. Instead, COBIT encourages tailoring the design process to address the initiative's specific objectives, risks, and priorities. This approach ensures governance efforts are proportionate, focused, and value-driven.
Digital transformation initiatives typically emphasize innovation, agility, technology adoption, and business integration. Therefore, governance design should concentrate on objectives, components, and focus areas directly related to those concerns rather than attempting enterprise-wide redesign.
COBIT highlights that selective application of the workflow improves adoption, stakeholder engagement, and effectiveness while still remaining compliant with governance principles. Thus, focusing on specific areas of interest is the most effective approach in such scenarios.