Which of the following should be the MOST essential consideration when outsourcing IT services?

Outsourcing IT services requires a clear distinction between core and non-core processes to ensure that strategic capabilities are retained in-house while non-core activities are outsourced. The CGEIT Review Manual 8th Edition highlights that identifying core and non-core processes is the most essential consideration for outsourcing decisions.

Extract from CGEIT Review Manual 8th Edition (Domain 5: Benefits Realization):"The most critical consideration in outsourcing IT services is identifying core and non-core business processes. Core processes, which provide competitive advantage, should typically be retained, while non-core processes can be outsourced to improve efficiency and focus on strategic priorities." (Approximate reference: Domain 5, Section on Outsourcing Strategy)

Identification of core and non-core business processes (option A) ensures that outsourcing aligns with the enterprise’s strategic goals and avoids compromising critical capabilities.

Why not the other options?

B. Compliance with enterprise architecture (EA): EA compliance is important but secondary to determining what processes should be outsourced.

C. Alignment with existing human resources (HR) policies and practices: HR alignment is operational and less critical than strategic process identification.

D. Adoption of a diverse vendor selection process: Vendor selection follows the decision to outsource and is not the primary consideration.