Continuous Auditing Research Articles

Continuous internal auditing: can big data analytics help

This paper considers the underlying procedures in big data and its various analytical tools which accountants and auditors may have to use in internal and continuous auditing. It describes the nature and characteristics of big data, distinguishes between traditional, continuous auditing and continuous monitoring, importance of data analytics for internal auditors, applications of big data and audit data analytics. It further discusses benefits of big data analytics (BDA), concerns and challenges which are likely to affect the auditors deeply but do not yet have perfect solutions. As there has been a big hype about BDA and auditors claim that BDA is the future, auditors need to reshape their talent, professional qualifications, skills, and competencies in order to meet the emerging technological challenges. At the end, the paper suggests the need for updating the accounting curriculum at the university and professional accounting bodies levels and also gives direction for future research.

Continuous internal auditing: can big data analytics help

Continuous internal auditing: can big data analytics help

CONTINUOUS AUDITING SUPPORTED BY XBRL: An Application on the Brazilian Public Digital Bookkeeping System

CONTINUOUS AUDITING SUPPORTED BY XBRL: An Application on the Brazilian Public Digital Bookkeeping System

Сравнительный анализ материнской смертности в Дальневосточном и Сибирском федеральном округах

Objective. To perform comparative analysis of parameters and structure of maternal mortality (MM) in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) and Siberian Federal District (SFD) in 2014–2019. Materials and methods. The database for analysis was generated using map-based emergency notifications of maternal deaths (69 in FEFD and 180 in SFD). We used methods of descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ2-test, and calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results. Between 2014 and 2018, the dynamics of MM in the FEFD and SFD had a one-way trend: it decreased in 2014–2017, but dramatically increased in 2018 primarily due to social factors. In 2019, we observed a significant growth of MM in the FEFD, while the SFD demonstrated a reduction of MM. The most common cause of maternal death in both districts was extragenital diseases. However, there were some differences in the structure of obstetric causes: in FEFD, preeclampsia and obstetric hemorrhage were the most frequent obstetric causes of death, while in SFD, women primarily developed embolism and placental abruption. Conclusion. The dynamics and structure of MM in the FEFD and SFD require management decisions aimed at improving medical care with the consideration of clinical guidelines, organization of continuous audit, systematic development of practical teamwork skills both in simulation training centers and healthcare institutions. Key words: Far Eastern Federal District, maternal mortality, Siberian Federal District

835: How accurate is the prenatal diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality?

The objective of the study was to examine the outcomes of prenatally diagnosed fatal fetal abnormalities in a high volume European center. We examined both termination rates and spontaneous fetal loss. Data was gathered prospectively in a large tertiary referral center over 5 years from 2013-2017 inclusively. We defined fatal fetal abnormalities as conditions where death was predicted before or shortly after birth. We included all cases of prenatally diagnosed Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, Triploidy, Renal agenesis, limb body wall complex and anencephaly. Baseline demographic and delivery details were recorded on an anonymized computerized database, these data are subject to continuous audit. The gestation at diagnosis, associated anomalies and the nature of diagnostic tests were recorded. Outcomes including termination of pregnancy (TOP), miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death were recorded. There were a total of 44,750 deliveries in the study period. There were 1836 congenital anomalies diagnosed in the study period including 163 cases (8.8%) of fatal abnormalities. There was an incidence therefore of 0.3% or 1 in 333. 67% women chose a termination of pregnancy following the diagnosis. There was an incidence of 9.5% for second trimester miscarriages and 11.7% for stillbirths. The total fetal loss rate prior to delivery in those that did not undergo termination was 65%. There were 35% neonatal deaths with only 1 surviving to 5 weeks. All cases of prenatally diagnosed fatal fetal abnormalities in the study resulted in death, the diagnosis was therefore accurately made. This study was based in a unit where termination of pregnancy required travel to another jurisdiction during the study period, allowing a unique opportunity to observe the natural history. In this study in 99% of cases babies did not survive beyond 4 weeks of life. 65% died before birth and 35% died in the early neonatal period. Accurate outcome data is beneficial when counselling those who choose to continue their pregnancy or in settings where there is limited access to termination of pregnancy.

Exploring continuous auditing solutions and internal auditing: A research note

Research Question: Organizations increasingly buy standardized continuous auditing solutions from vendors rather than develop their own. What opportunities lie in exploring the adoption, implementation and application of such solutions in the context of internal auditing? Motivation: Extant literature has not fully examined the implications of this development and there are several interesting unexplored research questions in this area. Idea: We develop a framework for examining continuous auditing as an information system solution and link this to internal auditing. Data: We employ existing literature as data and build on similar frameworks from ERP systems and AIS research. Findings: The findings of the paper are a series of research questions for examining this relationship as well as a proposal for using different theoretical perspectives and methodologies. Contribution: The contribution is a new perspective on continuous auditing research that could move this research area forward and link it to current developments in the field.

A Proposed Framework for Solving Conflicts of Mining Projects

The purpose of this paper was to propose a framework for solving conflicts of mining projects, based on the inclusion of: (i) the alignments to the project management framework of the Project Management Institute; (ii) the implementation of an Integrated Sustainable Development Program; (iii) a public surrender of accounts and (iv) the continuous audit processes by internal institutions and by external, independent and international institutions. This proposed framework was contextualized to a conflict with a specific mining project; however, a generic solution framework is presented. Finally, some recommendations for future researches were proposed.

Exploring the conceptual structure of the auditing discipline through co‐word analysis: An international perspective

The purpose of this study was to explore the conceptual structure of the auditing discipline between 2000 and 2016, by synthesizing keywords cited in 2,119 articles published in 24 accounting and auditing journals, using co‐word analysis and social network analysis (SNA). We aimed to highlight dominant, fading, and emerging themes in the discipline across the periods and across continents. The main outputs of this study can be summarized as follows. The consistent decline in fragmentation, and the increase in connectedness, within the SNA showed that the auditing discipline became an increasingly tight and more cohesive network. While the generic keywords auditing and auditor were used far less frequently in the final period of the study, the keywords audit quality, audit fees, internal control, financial reporting quality, and continuous auditing were increasingly cited across the study periods. Moreover, regional analyzes unveiled similarities and differences between territories.

Impacts of digitization on auditing: A Delphi study for Germany

The ongoing digitization of the economy presents challenges and opportunities for the auditing profession and requires both auditors and their clients to adapt. Against the background of current technological developments in big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technology, this study examines changes in auditing practices expected by German auditing professionals within the next five to ten years. It addresses the perception of auditing, the auditor–client relationship, regulations, structural and procedural changes for auditing firms, and the profile of the auditing profession. These will probably change with new technologies. We surveyed experts as part of a Delphi study in Germany conducted over two rounds. The results show that no far-reaching changes are expected within the given time horizon. The annual audit will increasingly evolve toward a continuous audit approach. Despite predominantly uncertain opinions, experts believe that new technologies will not replace the auditor, but rather will provide relief and support. Even if the job’s necessary requirements make it more difficult to remain in the profession, disruptive effects in auditors’ workplaces are not expected in the near future. Nevertheless, the consequences of using new technologies in the auditing process offer numerous future research opportunities.

REVITALIZING AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF APIP IN BUILDING STRONG TONE AT THE TOP AS AN EFFORT TO PREVENT CORRUPTION IN INDONESIA

No country or organization can fully avoid the risk of fraud. The most common fraud in Indonesia is corruption. Corruption has become a culture that is very difficult to separate in every sector especially in the government sector. Sadly, many corruption cases involve regional leaders. Indirectly, the bad example or tone at the top of the leader is one of the causes of the culture of corruption still inherent in the government sector. Corruption in the government sector will certainly have an impact on the declining quality of public services in the community. Weak internal control systems, consisting of both hard control and soft control, in Government are one of the main factors that leads the leaders having the opportunity and motivation to commit corruption continuously. Within the Indonesian Government there isGovernment Internal Auditor (hereinafter referred to Aparat Pengawasan Intern Pemerintah / APIP). APIP is expected to be able to answer the need for the current audit profession. The new paradigm demands the role of APIP not only acting as a supervisor but also a controller. As a Controller, APIP plays a role in guiding and ensuring that all existing processes in government to achieve objectives have been implemented accountably and can minimize risks especially fraud risks by performing several roles such as consulting and assurance service to prevent, detect, and prove the occurrence of fraud through an active role in the whistleblowing system, risk-based audit,forensic audit and continuous audit. To support the role of APIP, it is necessary to strengthen the institutional, regulation and capabilitysectors so that APIP's role can be effective and maximal. If APIP's role is effective in establishing a good control system then the opportunities and wishes of a local leader in committingcorruption is also small so the leaders can provide good tone at the top for subordinates. Thus, it will be able to form a strong anti-corruption culture for any regional leaders. Therefore,the revitalization and strengthening of APIP can be used as a strategy in making anti-corruption system and culture in Indonesia

Efficacy of the P-POSSUM scoring system as a prognostic indicator in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy

Background: Continuous audit of surgical practice is essential in enhancing patient care and lowering health care cost. This prospective study aimed to assess the validity of the Portsmouth- physiologic and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (P-POSSUM) score in predicting the risk of morbidity and mortality and to identify the risk factors for poor outcome at a tertiary care teaching hospital in India.Methods: A prospective study of 100 patients (70 emergency and 30 elective) undergoing exploratory laparotomy admitted in Department of General Surgery over a 10 months period at Rabindranath Tagore Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, were included in the study group. The risks of mortality and morbidity were calculated by using P-POSSUM equation. The predicted risks were compared with the observed risks of mortality and morbidity and statistically analysed.Results: The overall mortality rate of 11% with (O:E=0.85, p=0.59) and morbidity rate of 41% with (O:E=0.78, p=0.089). Higher percentage of mortality and morbidity were found with patients not able to be resuscitated successfully before surgery. Chest infections (18%), pyrexia (15%) and wound infections (14%) are areas requiring prompt care to minimize mortality rate.Conclusions: Even though P-POSSUM over predicted mortality it was not statistically significant as concluded by other studies. With P-POSSUM outcome of the patient and operative risk can be predicted and pre-operative counselling, optimization, implementing resuscitative measures and adequate care in specific high risk groups can be given with targeted interventions; improving quality of care and cost reduction.

The effect of a multidisciplinary care bundle on the incidence of delirium after hip fracture surgery: a quality improvement study.

Delirium is a common complication following hip fracture surgery. We introduced a peri-operative care bundle that standardised management in the emergency department, operating theatre and ward. This incorporated: use of fascia iliaca blocks; rationalisation of analgesia; avoidance of drugs known to trigger delirium; a regular education program for staff; and continuous auditing of compliance. The study was conducted between June 2017 and December 2018. We recruited 150 patients before (control group) and 150 patients after (care bundle group) the introduction of the care bundle. In patients having surgery for a hip fracture, there was a lower incidence of delirium on the third postoperative day in the care bundle group compared with the control group (33 patients (22%) vs. 49 patients (33%)), respectively; p=0.04). Patients in the care bundle group had an adjusted OR of 2.2 (95%CI 1.1-4.4) (p=0.03) for the avoidance of delirium on the third postoperative day. There was no difference between groups for the secondary outcome measures (measured at 30days postoperatively) including: all-cause mortality; composite morbidity; institutionalisation; and walking status. During the study period, compliance with elements of the care bundle improved in the emergency department (49 patients (33%) compared with 85 patients (59%); p<0.001) and anaesthetic department (40 patients (27%) compared with 104 patients (69%); p<0.001), while orthogeriatrics maintained a high level of compliance (140 patients (93%) compared with 143 patients (95%); p=0.45). There was a clinically and statistically significant reduction in the incidence of delirium following hip fracture surgery in patients treated with a multidisciplinary care bundle.

An Efficient Research Of Autoranking Of Amazon Research Using Regression Models

Before providing services to customers it is very important to know about the requirements as well as the services or products we are providing them contains opinions of other customers in which manner like-it is a positive review from the customer or the negative review. Since, an opinion plays a very important role in purchasing anything. There are some sites running online for the purpose of providing goods to the customers also they focused onto taking the decision over the posting reviews whether it is a positive response or negative. The motive of the work is to analyse the social data or products reviews simultaneously, and then create a model that will automatically create a model for product review. This paper bringing the continuous audits from a web based business website amazon and apply different content mining methods to pre-process the information and afterward apply an AI approach through which results will assess the viability of surveys through an outstanding measure for decency of fit. In this paper a development model with a computational cost model is utilized. The improved cost model with the word handling and positioning is utilized in given research.

Key factors affecting the implementation of clinical pathways: a systematic review

Objective To systematically review the barriers and facilitators affecting the implementation of clinical pathways for the clinical pathways. Methods PubMed, Embase, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, Cvip databases were searched to collect articles about clinical pathways implementation barriers and facilitators from inception to January 4th, 2019. The tool of confidence in the evidence from reviews of qualitative research(CERQual)was used to grade the confidence of each study. Results A total of 43 articles from 12 countries were included.There were 8 main categories and 31 subcategories of the barriers about clinical pathways, including content of the clinical pathways, negative outcomes of clinical pathways, physicians knowledge, physicians attitude, resource availability, implementation of activities, patients factors and social factors. The first three barriers of high confidence were lacking of time, capital, equipment, staff and other resources(15 articles, 34.9%), increasing workload(14 articles, 32.6%), unrecognizing pathways(12 articles, 27.9%). There were 6 main categories and 28 subcategories of the facilitators about clinical pathways, including pathways content related, physician related, resource factor and implementation activity. The first three facilitators of high confidence were communication, education and training(25 articles, 58.1%), supporting from managers and colleagues(21 articles, 48.8%)and establishing a clinical pathway facilitation committee(17 articles, 39.5%). Conclusions The successful implementation of clinical pathways connects with its development process, aftereffect evaluation and feedback. It will be implemented effectively only by the completely and environmentally acceptable pathways design, adequate resources, effective organizational activities, continuous audit, evaluation and feedback and physicians active cooperation. Key words: Clinical pathways; Implementation; Barrier; Facilitator; Systematic review

Severe maternal morbidity among women with a history of cesarean section at a tertiary referral teaching hospital in the southeast of Iran

ObjectivesAlthough the cesarean section (C-section) is known as a lifesaving procedure, it can also increase the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. This study was conducted to achieve two objectives: (1) determination of maternal near miss (MNM) indicators and pregnancy outcomes among women with a history of C-section and (2) investigation of the women's experience of near miss events during childbirth to provide a deeper understanding of the weaknesses of care delivery process. Study designThe present study was conducted using a prospective cross-sectional study using the World Health Organization (organ system dysfunction–based) criteria. MethodsAll subjects were women at more than 22 weeks of gestation who gave birth in Ali ibn Abi Talib Hospital, Zahedan, Iran, and were referred to this hospital for childbirth or those within 42 days of pregnancy termination. Logistic regression was used to predict the risk factors for severe maternal outcomes (SMOs). ResultsNearly 58% of all MNM cases were related to women with a history of C-section. The MNM ratio was estimated at 8.04 per 1000 live births. Moreover, the frequent causes of SMOs were reported as severe hemorrhage (58.3%), severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (27.8%), medical condition (8.3%), and sepsis or severe systemic infection (5.6%). Abnormally invasive placenta (61%) was the most common cause of severe hemorrhage. After adjustment for potential confounder variables, the hemoglobin level of <11 g/dl (odds ratio [OR] = 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09–0.36) and place of residence (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.19–0.90) remained as independent risk factors for SMOs in the final model of multivariate analysis. ConclusionA risk assessment system is needed to diagnose and manage the risk factors for SMOs during prenatal care. In addition, there should be a continuous audit of the indication and number of C-sections performed across health facilities.

Cloud-Based In-Memory Columnar Database Architecture for Continuous Audit Analytics

ABSTRACTThis study introduces the database architecture that manages data in the main physical memory using columnar format. It proposes a conceptual framework for applying the in-memory columnar database systems to support high-speed continuous audit analytics. To evaluate the proposed framework, this study develops a prototype and conducts simulation tests. The test results show high computational efficiency and effectiveness of the in-memory columnar database relative to the conventional ERP system. Furthermore, the deployment of the in-memory columnar database to the cloud shows the promise of scaling up the in-memory columnar database for continuous audit analytics.

Utilizing Blockchain and Smart Contracts to Enable Audit 4.0: From the Perspective of Accountability Audit of Air Pollution Control in China

ABSTRACT Industry 4.0 uses many technologies, such as smart sensors and IoT, to fundamentally improve manufacturing processes. These advanced tools can also be utilized by auditors for the purpose of achieving real-time auditing and monitoring, pushing the profession toward a new generation: “Audit 4.0.” Blockchains and smart contracts should be utilized to overcome new challenges in the transformation toward Audit 4.0. This paper explores the potential of blockchain and smart contracts to reengineer current audit procedures, thereby enabling Audit 4.0. First, this paper demonstrates a framework that summarizes where blockchain and smart contracts should be applied to help implement Audit 4.0. Then, it designs and implements a system to facilitate accountability audit for Chinese government officials regarding air pollution control. In this case, real air quality data are collected via crowdsourcing, verified and analyzed by blockchain and smart contracts to achieve a continuous audit of government officials' performance on air protection.

Continuous Auditing Effectiveness as a Fraud Deterrent

İşletme yapılarının giderek büyümesi ve karmaşıklaşması ile yöneticilerin işletme faaliyetleri üzerindeki kontrol gücü, azalmaya başlamakta ve buna bağlı olarak işletmelerde hata ve hile riski de artmaya başlamaktadır. Bu bağlamda işletmelerin büyüklüğü ne olursa olsun hilelerin ortaya çıkartılması ve bu eylemleri önlemeye yönelik uygulamaların gerçekleştirilmesi gerekmektedir. Hile önlemede birçok yöntem kullanılmakla birlikte en çok kullanılan yöntemlerden biri de sürekli denetim tekniğidir. Sürekli denetim, gerçek zamanlı muhasebe sistemleri altında dijital ortamlarda verilerin kaydedilmesi, raporlanması ve denetimini ifade etmektedir. Kavramsal olarak tasarlanan bu çalışmanın amacı, sürekli denetimin hile önlemedeki rolünü incelemektir. Bu amaçla ilk olarak hata ve hile kavramları ve türleri ile ilgili bir kavramsal bir çerçeve oluşturularak denetim ve sürekli denetim kavramı açıklanmıştır. Son olarak hile önlemede sürekli denetimin rolü incelenmiştir.

Measures of Harm from Heavy Metal Pollution in Battery Technicians’ Workshop within Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Soil pollution with Heavy Metals (HMs) has been of much interests lately and is one of the major issues to be faced globally and requires attention because heavy metals above their normal ranges are extremely threatened to both biotic and abiotic life. It was therefore of interest to conduct study to assess the extent of heavy-metal contamination of soils within battery technicians’ workshops within Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of twenty-five composite soil samples were collected from six selected battery charger workshop within Ilorin metropolis and analyzed for the presence of heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Result reveals significant positive relationship between Mn and Fe (r=0.511**, p&lt;0.001), Mn and Cu (r=0.565**, p&lt;0.001), Fe and Cr (r=0.895**, p&lt;0.001), Fe and Cu (r=0.823**, p&lt;0.001) and between Cr and Cu (r=830**, p&lt;0.001). Result also shows significant negative relationship between Mn and Cr (r=-0.679**, p&lt;0.001), Pb and Cu (r=-0.468*, p&lt;0.05) respectively. The pollution status of heavy metals in soils was evaluated using quantitative indices (pollution index–PI). The result shows that Zn was moderately contaminated while other heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) had very slight contamination (pollution index&lt;0.1). The Ilorin metropolis soils of Kwara State were found to have a moderate to very slight contamination respectively. Large variations in PI values of Zn revealed that soil in those areas of the city, which are influenced by anthropogenic activities, have moderate concentrations of Zn resulting in “considerable risk”. The findings of this study recommend comprehensive continuous annual monitoring and auditing and further studies on the level of these heavy metals in the near future to ascertain long-term effects of anthropogenic impact is forestalled to protect the men and the environment. This should also involve larger coverage with studies on ground water around such locations. Furthermore, continuous metals speciation should be carried out so that the form and extent of metal bioavailability can be evaluated further.

An infection control journey in hospital based practice conversion

BACKGROUND Outpatient care is provided in hospital-based (HB) outpatient clinics, non-HB clinics and physician offices, ambulatory surgical centers, and other settings. Some settings may have minimal infection control (IC) oversight based on hospital-affiliated status. Whatever the designation, it is essential that care is provided under conditions that minimize or eliminate risks of healthcare-associated infections. The project goals are to effectively bring physician based practices (PBPs) under hospital licensure, ensure safe delivery of care, and produce successful regulatory surveys. METHODS In 2016 at an urban academic medical center, a number of operational PBPs began converting to HB. They included a wide range of clinical specialties that provided a multitude of services (including urology, otolaryngology and dermatology), many of which were at high risk for transmitting infection from person to person if IC breaches occurred. During this time, IC hired a full time practitioner dedicated to PBP/ outpatient and was fully integrated into the practices. Initial assessments of each practice was done, including a full review of infection control processes. Identified needs and risks were addressed. IC presence was established through regular and continuous education, rounding, and auditing. Existing hospital policies and procedures were adjusted and adopted by the practices. RESULTS 100% of the 30 practices achieved HB status and fared well to very well during numerous regulatory activities. There has been a great improvement in following infection control expectations. Adherence to hospital policy and procedure was seen in all settings, including increased adherence to standard and isolation precautions, increased compliance to standards for low, intermediate, high level disinfection and sterilization. CONCLUSIONS The IC journey to HB conversion was successful. A collaborative approach including all levels of personnel was vital in this change. Also, leadership and staff buy-in was critical in moving forward with making and sustaining IC improvements in practice and to maintain survey readiness.