Exam CISA topic 1 question 613 discussion

For option A, while IT governance is very important for project success and strategic alignment but it does not directly address cost-effectiveness in a measurable or consensus-building way. For option C, these metrics are key to evaluating cost-effectiveness objectively and allow stakeholders to form informed, data-driven consensus. It directly answers this e.g. “Are we getting good value for what we’re spending on IT?” So, the option C will be the best choice here.

Performance reporting (C) is the only tool that proves cost-effectiveness with evidence, fostering stakeholder alignment.

While IT project governance and management (option A) are also crucial for ensuring that IT initiatives are aligned with strategic objectives and effectively executed, without robust performance monitoring and reporting mechanisms, stakeholders may lack visibility into the actual outcomes and cost-effectiveness of IT investments, hindering their ability to make informed decisions and build consensus.

To build consensus among key stakeholders on the cost-effectiveness of IT, having IT project governance and management in place is MOST important. Effective IT project governance and management ensure that IT initiatives are aligned with organizational goals, deliver value, and are executed efficiently. It involves processes for decision-making, resource allocation, risk management, and overall project oversight. When these governance and management structures are in place, stakeholders are more likely to have confidence in the cost-effectiveness of IT initiatives.

Consensus among key stakeholders on the cost-effectiveness of IT requires a comprehensive and structured approach to IT project governance and management. This includes establishing a clear project management framework, defining roles and responsibilities, developing a project charter and plan, and monitoring progress through regular reporting and review.