What is a common outcome of an audit?

In the context of an audit, a common outcome is indeed the fulfillment of various objectives outlined during the planning phase. One of the primary goals of conducting an audit is to satisfy regulatory requirements, ensuring that the organization complies with applicable laws and standards, such as those stipulated by ISO/IEC 27001.

Furthermore, audits play a critical role in providing management with valuable insights on performance. By assessing various processes and controls, auditors can offer a detailed evaluation of how well the organization is meeting its goals and adhering to its policies, which is vital for effective decision-making and strategic planning.

Additionally, audits are instrumental in identifying opportunities for improvement. Through systematic examination, auditors can highlight areas where processes may be lacking or where enhancements can be made, ultimately contributing to the organization's overall effectiveness and efficiency.

Therefore, since audits can simultaneously satisfy regulatory requirements, offer actionable insights to management, and pinpoint areas for improvement, the answer encompasses all of these important outcomes, confirming that the correct choice is indeed inclusive of all options presented.