CISA Governance and Management of IT Practice Question
During an IT audit, the auditor discovers that the IT strategy is not formally documented. Which of the following is the MOST significant risk associated with this finding?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Lack of alignment between IT investments and business goals.
Without a formally documented IT strategy, IT investments may not be aligned with business goals, leading to misalignment and wasted resources. This is the most significant risk as it directly impacts the organization's ability to achieve its objectives. Option A is possible but less direct. Option B is a consequence but not the most significant. Option D is a potential outcome but not as critical as misalignment with business goals.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Difficulty in recruiting qualified IT staff.
Why it's wrong here
Recruiting is not directly impacted by undocumented strategy.
- ✗
Inability to measure the performance of IT systems.
Why it's wrong here
Performance measurement is affected but alignment is more critical.
- ✓
Lack of alignment between IT investments and business goals.
Why this is correct
Undocumented strategy leads to misalignment, the most significant risk.
- ✗
Increased operational costs due to unplanned IT initiatives.
Why it's wrong here
Unplanned initiatives can increase costs but are not the most significant risk.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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