To generate value for the enterprise, it is MOST important that IT investments are:

To generate value for the enterprise, it is most important that IT investments are consistent with the enterprise’s business objectives. This means that IT investments should support and enable the achievement of the enterprise’s vision, mission, goals, and strategies. IT investments should also align with the enterprise’s values, culture, risk appetite, and stakeholder expectations. Byensuring that IT investments are consistent with the enterprise’s business objectives, the enterprise can maximize the benefits and value that IT can deliver, and avoid wasting resources on IT projects or initiatives that are not relevant, necessary, or effective. According to one source1, “Driving value creation with technology investments requires a clear understanding of how technology can enable business strategy and create value for the organization.” The other options are not the most important factor for generating value for the enterprise, but rather some of the steps or outcomes that can support or result from IT investments. Aligning IT investments with the IT strategic objectives is important, but not sufficient, as the IT strategic objectives should also be aligned with the enterprise’s business objectives. Approving IT investments by the CFO is a part of the financial governance process, but it does not guarantee that the IT investments are consistent with the enterprise’s business objectives. Including IT investments in the balanced scorecard is a way of measuring and reporting on the performance and value of IT investments, but it does not ensure that the IT investments are consistent with the enterprise’s business objectives. References := Driving value creation with technology investments