The Computer Society of SA (CSSA) and Project Management SA (PMSA) have established an IT and project governance special interest group (SIG).
At a meeting in Midrand yesterday with CSSA and PMSA members, about 20 people expressed an interest in being involved in the SIG.
Elmar Roberg, former president of CSSA and main speaker at the meeting, said the primary aim of the SIG is to promote CobiT (a set of best practices, policies and recommendations in IT projects).
He noted that projects in the IT industry often cost more than intended and take longer to deploy than necessary, adding: "In IT and project management we have a distinct lack of professionalism."
The growing complexity of the IT environment, fragmented IT infrastructures and poor communication between IT departments and business managers were listed among the reasons for the need to establish the SIG.
"User frustration often leads to the adoption of ad hoc solutions," he said.
The SIG plans to distribute newsletters and e-mails to CSSA and PMSA members and interested others, to invite comments and ideas in the form of an online forum, and to organise speakers at public talks; all with the view of giving advice on IT projects and creating an awareness of CobiT.
Roberg stressed that the SIG is not designed to compete with the auditing certification board known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
The CSSA has around 3 500 members, he said.
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