Definition Audit - Time for a new definition of the word Audit?

K

kgott

#1

In this era of adopting the process approach perhaps; it’s time to redefine the definition what it is when we use the word audit.

ISO 9000 2006 Fundamentals and Vocabulary provides this definition which is also in the Coves list of definitions.

Audit - systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which audit criteria are fulfilled.

I think this definition could be improved given the concept of the process approach advocated by the ISO in 9001 and other standards.

I think a more modern definition of the word audit would contain key words or phrases such as or similar to:

Search for objective evidence
Process requirements
Transformation of inputs into outputs
Processes defined by management
Planned arrangements
Defined process

To start things going I'll suggest this:

An audit is the search for objective evidence that demonstrates that processes defined by management to transform inputs into outputs are effectively implemented.

 
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A

ab001

#3
Re: Time for a new definition of the word audit?


An audit is the search for objective evidence that demonstrates that processes defined by management to transform inputs into outputs are effectively implemented.

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what if you are auditing accounts instead of processes?
or management wasn't the one doing the definition?

too restrictive.
 
K

kgott

#4
Re: Time for a new definition of the word audit?

I take your point and I suppose that the application of the audit may impact the definition of an audit. However; by the same token; I would imagine that auditing money management would also still include auditing the money management process/s.

Also; as I am sure most on this forum would agree that the requirements of ISO 9001 can be extended to any management system and process so auditing money management processes ought not be any different to auditing any other process. I do however, realise that auditing money management may be done a bit differently to auditing quality, safety or other management processes involved in transforming inputs into outputs. Auditing money management processes is something I have never attempted.

Thanks for contributing
 

Colin

Quite Involved in Discussions
#5
Re: Time for a new definition of the word audit?

Nice try Kgott - it is not easy creating definitions which suit everyone and translate into different languages. I like the idea of simplifying definitions but from my point of view I wouldn't want to lose the inclusion of the words systematic and documented.

Don't forget also that we may be conducting different types of audit such as product audits and I am not sure if this fits the bill for them.
 
K

kgott

#6
Re: Time for a new definition of the word audit?

Thanks Colin. I was coming at this from a ISO 9001 process auditing angle which I can see I forgot to point out.

I agree that the word doucmented should have been in my definition. but hay, thats why we put these things out there and thanks to you and others and the cove we have a platform for getting things out there and getting ideas from our peers, - cheers.
 

harry

Super Moderator
#7
Compared to the traditional clause based or procedure based approach, the process approach is just a more effective method to carry out an audit. It does not change the meaning of 'audit' in any way. So why is there a need to have a new definition?
 
#8
Process auditing is also too narrow a focus. All auditing isn't of processes. Let's not forget, we can audit a process for other things. Also, while audit in terms of ISO 9001 can be of processes, there are other industries where product is the focus, for example. So the definition has to allow for those types too, doesn't it?
 

Stijloor

Staff member
Super Moderator
#9
Friends,

I am sure that the Committee (TC 176) has given the definition a lot of thought. No need to reinvent the wheel. I am very pleased with the current definition. In fact, for my Internal Audit courses, I designed an exercise around it. :agree1:

Stijloor.
 
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