According to the CRISC Review Manual1, impact assessment is the process of identifying and evaluating the potential effects of changes to IT services on the organization's business objectives, processes, resources, and risks. Impact assessment is essential for ensuring that the changes are aligned with the organization's strategy, goals, and risk appetite, and that the benefits of the changes outweigh the costs and risks. Impact assessment also helps to prioritize, plan, and implement the changes effectively and efficiently, and to monitor and measure the outcomes of the changes. Therefore, the most important factor for a risk practitioner to consider when evaluating plans for changes to IT services is the impact assessment of the change. References = CRISC Review Manual1, page 224.

The most important activity when conducting a post-implementation review as part of the system development life cycle (SDLC) is to verify that the project objectives are met. The project objectives are the specific and measurable outcomes that the project aims to achieve. By verifying that the project objectives are met, the post-implementation review can evaluate the success and value of the project, and identify the lessons learned and best practices for future projects. Identifying project cost overruns, leveraging an independent review team, and reviewing the project initiation risk matrix are other possible activities, but they are not as important as verifying that the project objectives are met. References = ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) Certification Exam Question and Answers, question 4; CRISC Review Manual, 6th Edition, page 153.

The main purpose of monitoring risk is to provide decision support for the organization. Risk monitoring is the process of tracking and reviewing the risk management activities, the risk profile, and the risk performance of the organization. By monitoring risk, the organization can obtain timely and relevant information and feedback on the risk situation, and use it to make informed and effective decisions on risk management and business objectives. Communication, risk analysis, and benchmarking are other possible purposes of risk monitoring, but they are not as important as decision support. References = ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) Certification Exam Question and Answers, question 12; CRISC Review Manual, 6th Edition, page 215.

Scenario analysis and stress testing are the best methods to enable an organization to determine whether external emerging risk factors will impact the organization's risk profile, as they help to simulate and evaluate the potential outcomes and effects of various risk events and scenarios on the enterprise's objectives and operations. Scenario analysis and stress testing can help to identify and assess the impact of external emerging risk factors, such as changes in the market, technology, regulation, or environment, and to measure the resilience and preparedness of the enterprise to cope with these factors. Control identification and mitigation, adoption of a compliance-based approach, and prevention and detection techniques are not the best methods to enable an organization to determine whether external emerging risk factors will impact the organization's risk profile, as they do not help to simulate and evaluate the potential outcomes and effects of various risk events and scenarios, but rather to manage and monitor the existing or known risks. References = CRISC:
Certified in Risk & Information Systems Control Sample Questions, question 223.

Risk appetite is the amount and type of risk that an enterprise is willing to accept in pursuit of its objectives.
Risk appetite provides the most important information to facilitate a risk response decision, as it defines the boundaries and expectations for the risk management process. Risk appetite helps to determine the acceptable level of variation around the objectives, and to prioritize and allocate resources for the risk responses. Risk appetite also helps to align the risk management program with the enterprise's strategy, culture, and values.
The other options are not as important as risk appetite, as they provide different types of information for the risk management process:
* Audit findings are the results of the independent and objective examination of the risk management program, such as by internal or external auditors. Audit findings provide assurance and feedback on the effectiveness and efficiency of the risk management program, and may identify gaps or weaknesses that need to be addressed. Audit findings may influence the risk response decision, but they are not as essential as risk appetite, as they are based on the existing or past performance of the risk management program, and may not reflect the future or potential risks or opportunities.
* Key risk indicators are the metrics that measure the changes in the level of risk exposure, such as by monitoring the risk drivers, triggers, or events. Key risk indicators provide information on the current or emerging risks, and may alert the enterprise to take action or adjust the risk response. Key risk indicators may influence the risk response decision, but they are not as essential as risk appetite, as they are based on the observed or estimated data or trends, and may not account for the uncertainties or complexities of the risks.
* Industry best practices are the methods or techniques that have been proven to be effective or efficient in managing risks, such as by benchmarking or adopting standards or frameworks. Industry best practices provide guidance and direction on how to implement the risk management program, and may improve the quality or consistency of the risk response. Industry best practices may influence the risk response decision, but they are not as essential as risk appetite, as they are based on the experiences or recommendations of other enterprises, and may not be suitable or applicable for the specific context or objectives of the enterprise. References = Risk and Information Systems Control Study Manual, 7th Edition, Chapter 1, Section 1.2.1.1, pp. 18-19.