Which factor best assesses whether the IT strategy supports the organization's business objectives?

The factor that best assesses whether the IT strategy supports the organization's business objectives is the consistency of IT plans with management strategy.

This alignment ensures that IT initiatives are not developed in isolation but are integral to achieving broader organizational goals. When IT plans are consistent with the management strategy, it indicates that technology investments and projects are designed to directly support business priorities, thus enhancing overall performance. This alignment fosters a collaborative approach between IT and other areas of the organization, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to drive the desired business outcomes.

The other factors, while relevant to operational efficiency, do not directly assess the strategic alignment of IT with business objectives. For instance, having the necessary personnel and equipment does contribute to IT capability but does not guarantee that those capabilities support the business direction. Similarly, efficient and effective use of resources is important for operation but does not directly connect to strategic alignment. Lastly, maintaining excess capacity may provide flexibility but does not inherently ensure that the IT strategy is aligned with the organization's strategic goals.