Final answer:
A mandatory IS project is required to comply with external requirements like government regulations or company mandates, ensuring legal and effective operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mandatory IS project is typically one that is required to meet the specific needs or regulations imposed by external entities such as government bodies, industry standards, or company-wide mandates. For instance, a new federal privacy regulation may necessitate changes to information systems to ensure compliance, or a company may require an update to its systems to stay competitive or support a new business initiative. These projects are considered non-discretionary, meaning they are not optional and must be carried out to ensure that the organization continues to operate legally and effectively.