IT Strategic Planning Process Audit Findings

A.

Sure, I'd be happy to provide a detailed explanation of the answer choices and why one of them should be given the highest priority.

A. The IT strategic plan was completed prior to the formulation of the business strategic plan: This finding indicates that the IT strategic plan was developed without considering the business objectives and goals, which could lead to misalignment between the IT and business strategies. However, this finding may not necessarily require the highest priority unless it leads to significant business risks or has a significant impact on the organization's operations.

B. Assumptions in the IT strategic plan have not been communicated to business stakeholders: This finding suggests that there is a lack of communication and collaboration between IT and business stakeholders, which could result in misunderstandings, conflicts, or delays in achieving the strategic objectives. Failure to communicate assumptions could lead to potential risks, such as budget overruns, missed deadlines, or inaccurate performance metrics.

C. The IT strategic plan was formulated based on the current IT capabilities: This finding implies that the IT strategic plan may not consider emerging technologies or future trends, which could hinder the organization's ability to adapt to changing business needs or take advantage of new opportunities. However, this finding may not be the highest priority unless it poses a significant threat to the organization's competitiveness or sustainability.

D. The IT strategic plan does not include resource requirements for implementation: This finding highlights a critical gap in the planning process, as the absence of resource requirements could lead to a failure to allocate sufficient resources to execute the plan, resulting in delays or incomplete implementation. This could cause significant business risks, such as lost revenue, missed opportunities, or reputational damage.

Therefore, based on the potential impact and likelihood of the risks associated with each finding, option D (The IT strategic plan does not include resource requirements for implementation) should be given the highest priority. The absence of resource requirements could significantly affect the organization's ability to execute the IT strategic plan and achieve its objectives. The IS auditor should recommend remedial actions to address this finding, such as conducting a resource assessment, developing a budget, or establishing a governance framework to oversee the implementation process.