Which of the following BEST indicates to an IS auditor that an IT-related project will deliver value to the organization?
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A. B. C. D.D.
The BEST indicator that an IT-related project will deliver value to the organization is option D, "Requirements are based on stakeholder expectations."
Explanation: A successful IT-related project is one that delivers value to the organization, which can be defined as meeting the needs and expectations of stakeholders. Stakeholders are individuals or groups that have a vested interest in the project and can be impacted by its outcomes. Stakeholders can include customers, employees, shareholders, management, regulators, and other parties.
Option A, "The cost of the project is within the organization's risk appetite," is not the best indicator because the cost alone does not necessarily indicate value to the organization. While staying within the organization's risk appetite is important, it does not guarantee that the project will deliver value or meet stakeholder expectations.
Option B, "The project will use existing infrastructure to deliver services," may be a good indicator of cost savings or efficiency gains, but it does not necessarily indicate value to the organization. The project may still fail to meet stakeholder expectations or provide the necessary benefits.
Option C, "Competitors are considering similar IT-based solutions," may indicate that the project is a necessary investment for the organization to remain competitive, but it does not necessarily indicate value to the organization. The project may still fail to meet stakeholder expectations or provide the necessary benefits.
Option D, "Requirements are based on stakeholder expectations," is the best indicator because it focuses on meeting the needs and expectations of stakeholders. If the requirements of the project are aligned with stakeholder expectations, it is more likely that the project will deliver value to the organization. By involving stakeholders in the requirements gathering process, the organization can ensure that the project is focused on meeting their needs and providing the necessary benefits.
In summary, while all the options may have some relevance to delivering value to the organization, the BEST indicator that an IT-related project will deliver value is that its requirements are based on stakeholder expectations.