What does the systems development life cycle (SDLC) entail?

The systems development life cycle (SDLC) is fundamentally a structured process that outlines the sequence of phases involved in developing an information system. This process typically encompasses several stages, including planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.

By focusing on the correct answer, it is evident that the SDLC is designed to guide teams through each critical step necessary for the successful creation of an information system. This structured approach helps ensure that system requirements are thoroughly understood and met, quality is maintained throughout the development process, and systems are effectively tested before they are deployed.

The other choices, while relating to aspects of IT management, do not encapsulate the purpose and scope of the SDLC. For instance, auditing system security pertains to assessing existing systems for security vulnerabilities rather than developing new systems. Budgeting IT projects focuses on financial planning and resource allocation, which is only a small aspect of what the SDLC addresses. Finally, strategies for mitigating technology risks deal with identifying and addressing potential risks associated with technologies, without specifically outlining the comprehensive process involved in developing new information systems. Thus, the emphasis on planning, creating, testing, and deploying information systems aligns perfectly with the essence of the systems development life cycle.