Which issue should an IS auditor report if an enterprise architecture lacks a future state representation?

Reporting the absence of a future state representation in an enterprise architecture (EA) is important because it indicates an incomplete framework that fails to guide the organization toward its long-term strategic goals. A future state representation outlines the desired end state of the organization’s technology and processes, providing clarity on how the enterprise aims to evolve and adapt over time. Without this, stakeholders lack a roadmap for progression, potentially leading to misaligned investments, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities for innovation.

Moreover, a comprehensive EA should link current capabilities with future aspirations, ensuring that all efforts are strategically aligned. By not having a defined future state, the organization may struggle to prioritize projects or identify necessary changes, which can impede effective planning and decision-making. Thus, signaling the absence of such a representation highlights a critical gap that needs to be addressed for the organization to effectively navigate its technology landscape and achieve its strategic objectives.