What is the primary benefit of requiring a steering committee to oversee IT investments?

The primary benefit of requiring a steering committee to oversee IT investments is to ensure that investments are made according to business requirements. A steering committee is typically composed of stakeholders from various levels and departments within an organization, providing a holistic view of the business needs and strategic objectives. This committee plays a crucial role in aligning IT initiatives with the overall business strategy, thus promoting investments that deliver value and support the organization's goals.

By having a steering committee in place, organizations can prioritize projects based on their alignment with business priorities, resource availability, and potential return on investment. This governance helps ensure that IT spending is focused on initiatives that are essential for the business, rather than being driven by technology trends or isolated departmental needs. As a result, the steering committee actively guides the decision-making process, fostering collaboration and communication among different business units.

The other options focus on specific aspects of IT investment management, such as feasibility studies, security controls, or standardized methodologies, which may be important but are not the primary focus of a steering committee’s role in overseeing IT investments.