4.Description of The Methods
		4.1 Elementary Method "Audit" (AUD)

  4.1 Elementarmethode "Audit" (AUD)

Contents		1 Identification/Definition of the Method 2 Brief Characteristic of the Method 3 Limits of the Methods Application 4 Specification of the Methods Allocation 5 Interfaces 6 Further Literature

1 Identification/Definition of the Method

2 Brief Characteristic of the Method

The objective of the "Audit" (AUD) is to ascertain deviations from the set standards, rules, and procedures connected with the realization of activities. In particular, an audit has to point out possibilities for improvements.

Operational Sequence

The audit principle implies that a team headed by an audit manager assesses and evaluates the realization of activities based on set assessment criteria. Assessments and evaluations are realized by means of general human discernment and by applying the interview technique. Depending on the scope of the assessment it may be sufficient that instead of a team only one individual person is in charge of the audit.

In all, an audit is comprised of the following steps:

• audit initiation
• audit preparation
• audit realization

The audit preparation includes setting up the audit team, fixing the responsibilities, defining the objectives of the audit, and making available the required material, in particular the assessment criteria. Usually, the audit manager is responsible for the audit planning.

During the audit realization phase the audit team directed by the audit manager assesses and evaluates the realization of the activities on the basis of the assessment criteria. The results are documented. Any detected deviations have to be acknowledged by the management of the responsible person in charge.

Recommendation

A preparatory meeting is recommended in order to initiate the realization phase. During that meeting both the audit team and the persons in charge of the activities will be informed about the corresponding objectives and procedures.

At the end of the realization phase the audit result ought to be presented. In this connection recommendations for improvements should be made.

3 Limits of the Methods Application

4 Specification of the Methods Allocation

5 Interfaces

6 Further Literature

GDPA Online Last Updated 01.Jan.2002 Updated by Webmaster Last Revised 01.Jan.2002 Revised by Webmaster