Due to budget cuts, IT has been forced to limit service offerings in the portfolio. There has been significant resistance from business leaders to this decision. Which of the following is the BEST…

Engaging an external consultant to document alignment is a reactive and potentially defensive measure that doesn't directly address the core issue of joint decision-making and prioritization in the face of cuts.

While performing a cost-benefit analysis is good practice, simply communicating the results without direct business involvement in the prioritization process may not resolve the resistance or ensure alignment.

Reallocating budget from maintenance projects might offer short-term relief but could lead to technical debt and long-term stability issues without a strategic, collaborative decision-making process.

When facing budget cuts and business resistance, the CIO should engage directly with business leaders to collaboratively prioritize the IT portfolio. This ensures that essential services aligned with critical business objectives are maintained or receive adequate funding, fostering shared ownership and reducing friction by making joint, informed decisions.