Abstract
Purpose – To investigate and understand the reasons why internal auditing is often perceived to not
add value. This paper describes the development of a new process model and approach that will
improve the actual and perceived value of auditing.
Design/methodology/approach – Process analysis, identified areas of potential inefficiency and
conflict. The literature review identified the standards and guidance that influence the way internal
auditing is managed and its current trends. A questionnaire was sent to auditors and auditees at AWE
Plc., to gain their views on audit effectiveness and quantify their perception of value.
Findings – Questionnaire results show variations in the perceived value of internal auditing,
particularly of some key stages in the process. The management of internal auditing is too focused on
programme achievement, not the resulting value from improvement action.
Research limitations/implications – The new process model has yet to be tried in practice, and
this identifies an area of future research. It is envisaged that some additional audit preparation would
be required, and the time taken to conduct an audit may also increase slightly. The financial benefits
quoted by applying the new model would be estimated and may require some justification.
Practical implications – The new model should improve audit effectiveness and its perceived
value as the focus changes from simply undertaking an audit, to demonstrating its actual financial
value. It has the potential to significantly influence the way both internal and external auditing is
conducted in the future.
Originality/value – The improved process model and cost-benefit audit methodology approach was
found to be unique within the scope of the literature review.
Keywords Internal auditing, Quality, Continuous improvement, ISO 9000 series
Paper type Research paper
Introduction and background
The conducting of audits, internal to a company, to assess the status of a quality
system is a regular occurrence, yet never seems to be popular or necessarily results in a
positive or beneficial outcome. It is often considered to lack respect (Small, 1998);
indeed, recent events in the financial sector (WorldCom, Enron, etc.) have done little to
improve the reputation of the auditing profession. The negativity created by auditing
can impact morale and adversely affect working practices. So it is a useful exercise to
examine the nuances within the process, identify the elements that are ineffective or
create difficulty, and the reasons why. The ineffective elements could then be
eliminated, bypassed or their impact controlled, or new process elements developed.
However, it is important to quantify the current status so that changes made can be
measured to validate improvement.