It is possible for auditors to gain experience in auditing research and development expenditure for clients in a variety of industries, such as the rural, electronic, and medical, as well as, manufacturing industries. Relevant task-based experience aids in the completion of this case as it deals with issues that auditors generally consider when auditing research and development in any industry, such as the issue of expensing versus capitalization of expenditure.
It is also possible for auditors to gain experience in auditing clients in the manufacturing industry without ever auditing research and development expenditure for those clients. The knowledge gained when auditing clients in an industry setting provides a context for any task performed within that setting (Biggs et al. 1993). Relevant industry-based experience aids in the completion of this case as the task is set in the manufacturing industry and deals with issues of producing and selling a product.
The case set in the superannuation industry deals with the identification of audit procedures necessary to confirm the existence, rights, and obligations and valuation of investments. The informa- tion cues provided to participants included excerpts from relevant accounting standards and regula- tions. These regulations detail the auditing and disclosure rules particular to superannuation funds.