Final answer:
Hardware disposal is not considered a direct operating cost of an IT initiative, while end-user data management, ongoing hardware replacement, and software upgrades are.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which option is not a direct operating cost of an IT initiative. Direct operating costs are expenses that are directly tied to the operation and maintenance of the initiative.
These costs include things such as end-user data management, ongoing hardware replacement, and software upgrades. However, hardware disposal is not considered a direct operating cost because it is associated with the end of the hardware's life cycle rather than its ongoing operation and maintenance.
The direct operating costs of an IT initiative include the ongoing expenses directly associated with running and maintaining the IT system.
Out of the options provided, software upgrades is not a direct operating cost. While software upgrades may be necessary to keep the system up-to-date and secure, they are considered an indirect cost as they are not directly related to the day-to-day operation of the IT initiative.