Study for the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your certification exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


How does the principle 'Optimize and automate' view the role of human intervention?

  1. As essential in all processes

  2. As necessary only when it adds real value

  3. As something to be minimized entirely

  4. As a step that should always happen first

The correct answer is: As necessary only when it adds real value

The principle of 'Optimize and automate' emphasizes the importance of human intervention only when it adds real value. This perspective acknowledges that while automation can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce manual effort, there are situations where human insight, decision-making, and creativity are crucial. This principle encourages organizations to assess their processes critically to identify areas where human involvement is truly beneficial, ensuring that resources are used wisely and effectively. By focusing on valuable human contributions, the organization can streamline operations and maximize the positive impact of both technology and personnel. In the context of the other choices, viewing human intervention as essential in all processes can lead to inefficiencies, where automation could have sufficed. Considering it as something to be minimized entirely dismisses the unique capabilities that humans bring to complex, nuanced tasks. Lastly, suggesting that human intervention should always happen first neglects the potential benefits of starting with automated solutions before determining if and when human input is necessary.