What should an IS auditor consider most when reviewing an enterprise's project portfolio?

When reviewing an enterprise's project portfolio, the most critical aspect to consider is whether the portfolio is aligned with the business plan. This assessment is vital because a project's success largely depends on its relevance and contribution to the broader business objectives and strategies. An alignment with the business plan ensures that the projects undertaken will support the organization’s goals and priorities, enabling it to utilize resources effectively and generate maximum value.

Projects that align with the business plan are typically positioned to enhance the organization's competitiveness, improve operational efficiency, and drive growth. This alignment is crucial for prioritizing resources, assessing project feasibility and impact, and ensuring that the direction of IT initiatives resonates with the overall mission and vision of the business, ultimately guiding decision-making processes around project execution.

While factors such as budget adherence, approval from the IT steering committee, and alignment with the investment strategy are important, they are secondary to the overarching goal of ensuring that the IT projects are strategically integrated into the business’s long-term plans. Without this alignment, even well-budgeted and approved projects could fail to deliver meaningful contributions to the enterprise.