In the context of IT governance as per ISACA (the organization that offers the CISA certification), ensuring independence from production processes is a key principle. IT governance should provide oversight, direction and control, and should not be directly involved in operational or production activities. This independence allows IT governance to objectively evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of IT processes, manage risks, and ensure alignment with business objectives. Although sharing IT strategies and creating a roadmap for business gains are also important, independence from production processes is a more fundamental requirement for effective IT governance according to ISACA's framework. Therefore, the answer D is more suitable when considering the CISA exam materials.

Why not A?

While option A, "IT governance has created a roadmap for realizing business gains," is important for outlining a strategic direction, it focuses more on the creation of a roadmap rather than the ongoing collaborative and transparent sharing of IT strategies. Openly sharing IT strategies (option C) ensures that relevant stakeholders are informed and engaged, promoting better alignment with organizational goals. This transparency is a fundamental aspect of effective IT governance, making option C the more critical factor in fulfilling its responsibilities.

This is the most important because a clear roadmap aligns IT efforts with business objectives, guiding the governance function in fulfilling its responsibilities effectively.

The most important factor in ensuring the IT governance function can fulfill its responsibilities is that IT governance ensures that IT strategies are openly shared across the organization. Open and transparent communication of IT strategies is fundamental to the effectiveness of IT governance. It helps in aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals, promoting understanding and support across different business units, and fostering collaboration. Effective IT governance involves collaboration, communication, and alignment with the broader organizational objectives. Ensuring that IT strategies are openly shared facilitates a shared understanding of IT's role in achieving business goals and enhances the overall governance process.

C. IT governance ensures that IT strategies are openly shared across the organization. This is because IT governance is not only about controlling and monitoring IT activities, but also about aligning them with the business goals and values. By sharing IT strategies across the organization, IT governance can foster collaboration, communication, and trust among different stakeholders.