What should an IS auditor prioritize when experiencing decreased query performance in a data warehouse?

When dealing with decreased query performance in a data warehouse, it is critical for an IS auditor to prioritize user spool and database limit controls. This is because these controls play an essential role in managing resources allocated to users and preventing system overloading.

User spool controls effectively manage the temporary storage of data generated during query execution, ensuring that users do not exhaust available resources, which can lead to performance degradation. Database limit controls help to set thresholds for database usage, limiting the impact of any single query or user on overall performance. By monitoring and adjusting these controls, the auditor can identify bottlenecks, allocate appropriate resources, and ensure that system performance remains optimal for all users.

Focusing on user spool and database limit controls helps maintain the overall efficiency of the data warehouse, allowing for faster query responses and a smoother user experience. It directly addresses the root causes of performance issues linked to resource allocation and management.