Harvard University · edX
Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles
4.71,590 ratingsMobilize people to tackle tough problems and build the capacity to thrive through the dangers of change
Overview
Updated in May 2025.
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A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course.
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Information Systems (IS) auditing, aligned with ISACA’s five core domains essential for the CISA exam. Starting with foundational IS auditing standards, guidelines, and ethical considerations, it then moves into governance and IT management, emphasizing frameworks and controls critical for effective audits.
The course covers the lifecycle of information systems—from acquisition and development to implementation and operations—highlighting how aligning technology with business goals supports continuity and resilience in organizations. Throughout, practical scenarios are used to bridge theory and real-world applications, focusing on risk management, control assessments, and compliance.
This course covers emerging technologies like cloud computing and virtualization, highlighting their impact on audit practices. By the end, you’ll be ready for the CISA exam and equipped to handle modern IT auditing challenges.
Ideal for IT professionals seeking to specialize in IS auditing or improve their IT governance knowledge, especially those pursuing CISA certification. Prior experience in IT security, audit, or risk management is helpful but not mandatory.
Courses in this learning path or series 5
- Information Systems Auditing and Governance
- Governance and Management of IT
- Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resiliency
- Protection of Information Assets
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Structured courses with graded quizzes, assignments and deadlines you can reset.
- A shareable certificate from the university or company when you pay.
- Financial aid is often approved for students in India (apply 15 days before you need it).
- Covers niche tools that universities don't teach.
- Self-paced: start any time.
- A clear syllabus (5 parts) you can see before you start.
Disadvantages
- Paid after a 7-day free trial (Coursera Plus or per course).
- Some courses can be audited for free, but graded work and certificates need payment.
- Many courses are produced quickly from slides and screen recordings; read the reviews first.
Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.
This course is paid. Here is how to take it for free
- Free trials: You can start a 7-day free trial for many individual courses, Specializations, or a Coursera Plus subscription to test full course features. Cancel before the seventh day if you do not want to be charged.
- Financial aid: If you cannot afford the fee for a certificate, you can apply for financial aid through the link on the course home page by filling out an application about your background and goals.
Taught by
- Packt - Course Instructors
Packt is in Tier 5: mass-produced or unclear of our institution ranking (40/100). Thousands of courses turned out quickly; check reviews first.
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