Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-04T11:45:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Jose_Carlos_Penha.pdf: 1184679 bytes, checksum: b4481f679814c2f7d3cdb3fb6dda5f07 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-07-19 / The purpose of this work consists of the exploratory study about the positioning of directors and managers of an eastern multinational subsidiary company established in Brazil, as regards the implementation of the requirements determined for the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the companies which have American Depositary Receipts negotiated in North American stock exchange. Initially they are presented, from bibliographical and documentary research, the main points of the Act and the management aspects with which it interacts, as risk management, corporate governance and internal controls. In the sequence, the methods and techniques of the research are demonstrated, as well as the argument that substantiated the decision for the use of the case study method as the appropriate strategy for the research. The elaboration of the protocol for the case study consisted in the main tactics to increase the research reliability and to guide the researcher during its development. To collect the data it was elaborated and applied a questionnaire to all directors and managers of the company. The data had been treated by the descriptive Statistics, conjugated with not-parametric techniques (discriminant analysis), for the application of the Kruskal-Wallis test, with the use of SPSS software. After the data collection, treatment, analysis and interpretation, it was gotten answer to the research question, how the company directors and managers will act front to the necessity of the requirements implementation determined for the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The research demonstrated that the directors and managers are conscious of the deficiencies of the current internal control system, corporate governance and risk management. It also demonstrated the necessity of investments for the full attendance to the requirements of the Law. In addition, it was verified that the rules of internal control and corporate governance are not fulfilled by all the employees. It was detected, also, the existence of an appetite for risks, however the culture directed to the risk management is incipient. / O objetivo deste trabalho consiste no estudo explorat??rio sobre o posicionamento dos diretores e gerentes de uma companhia subsidi??ria de multinacional oriental estabelecida no Brasil, quanto ?? implementa????o dos requisitos determinados pela Lei Sarbanes-Oxley para as empresas que possuem American Depositary Receipts negociados em bolsas de valores norte-americanas. Inicialmente s??o apresentados, a partir de pesquisa bibliogr??fica e documental, os principais pontos da citada Lei e os aspectos de gest??o com os quais interage, como gest??o de riscos, governan??a corporativa e controles internos. Na seq????ncia s??o demonstrados os m??todos e t??cnicas da pesquisa e a argumenta????o que embasou a decis??o pela utiliza????o do m??todo do estudo de caso como a estrat??gia mais adequada para a pesquisa. A elabora????o do protocolo para o estudo de caso constituiu-se na t??tica principal para aumentar a confiabilidade da pesquisa e orientar o pesquisador durante o seu desenvolvimento. Para coletar os dados foi elaborado e aplicado question??rio a todos os diretores e gerentes da empresa. Os dados foram tratados pela Estat??stica descritiva, conjugada com t??cnicas n??o-param??tricas (an??lise discriminante), pela aplica????o do teste de Kruskal-Wallis, com aux??lio do software SPSS. Da coleta, tabula????o, an??lise e interpreta????o dos dados obteve-se a resposta ?? quest??o de pesquisa, como os diretores e gerentes da empresa agir??o frente ?? necessidade de implementa????o dos requisitos determinados pela Lei Sarbanes-Oxley. A pesquisa demonstrou que os diretores e gerentes est??o conscientes das defici??ncias dos atuais sistemas de controle interno, governan??a corporativa e gest??o de riscos. Demonstrou tamb??m a necessidade de investimentos para o pleno atendimento ??s exig??ncias da Lei. Subsidiariamente, verificou-se que as regras de controle interno e governan??a corporativa n??o s??o cumpridas por todos os funcion??rios. Foi detectada, tamb??m, a exist??ncia de um apetite para riscos, por??m a cultura voltada ?? gest??o de riscos ainda ?? incipiente.

Submitted by Elba Lopes (elba.lopes@fecap.br) on 2018-08-08T20:55:48Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Henrique Melo Soares.pdf: 533329 bytes, checksum: 8149f342b7866150d9525342c38f4a54 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-08T20:55:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Henrique Melo Soares.pdf: 533329 bytes, checksum: 8149f342b7866150d9525342c38f4a54 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-26 / This research analyzes the degree of fulfillment of public budget execution, based on the values proposed and approved in the Annual Budget Law of the organs of the state legal system, composed by: Public Defender, Public Prosecutor and Court of Justice, all at state level. Considering the period from 2007 to 2015, the period after the publication of the Fiscal Responsibility Law. The research also seeks to identify the significance of variables that may influence the degree of budget assertiveness. The study had a quantitative approach, using econometric analyzes such as mean test, POLS regressions and panels with fixed and variable effects. In this study, it was possible to observe that about 60% of the analyzed organs present budgetary variations above 5%. It was evidenced that the variables size, type and GDP are statistically significant, since the simple existence of the area of internal control and the composition of the revenue has no significant relation with the accuracy in the budget. / Esta pesquisa analisa o grau de cumprimento da execu????o or??ament??ria p??blica, tendo como base os valores propostos e aprovados na Lei Or??ament??ria Anual (LOA), dos ??rg??os ligados ao sistema judici??rio estadual, quais sejam: Defensoria P??blica Estadual, Minist??rio P??blico Estadual e Tribunal de Justi??a. O recorte cronol??gico abrange o per??odo de 2007 a 2015, per??odo este posterior a publica????o da Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal. A pesquisa tamb??m procura identificar a signific??ncia de vari??veis que possam influenciar o grau de assertividade or??ament??ria. O estudo teve abordagem de natureza quantitativa, utilizando-se analises econom??tricas tais como teste de m??dia, regress??es POLS e pain??is com efeitos fixos e vari??veis. Neste estudo p??de-se constatar que cerca de 60% dos ??rg??os analisados apresentam varia????es or??ament??rias acima de 5%. Ficou evidenciado que as vari??veis tamanho, tipo de ??rg??o e PIB s??o estatisticamente significantes, j?? a simples exist??ncia da ??rea de controle interno e a composi????o da receita n??o tem rela????o significativa com a acuracidade no or??amento.

This study attempted to discover the role of internal auditors in the professional development of audit committee members, leading to enhanced performance, through the provision of induction programmes and professional development opportunities to committee members, with due regard for the principles of good governance and international best practices. A secondary aim of this study was to propose methods to improve the relationship between the internal audit activity and audit committees in providing additional support to its members. The audit committee's needs and requirements were assessed by using the audit committee charter as the basis in identifying the responsibilities of the committee and the professional development needs of committee members in an organisation. It was found that a framework for the induction and professional development of audit committee members would be most useful to internal auditors to assist audit committees to meet their requirements and improve their performance. / Auditing / M. Com.

The purpose of quality control within internal auditing functions is to ensure that internal auditing functions add value by providing a quality service. The aim of this research project was to investigate the importance of quality control within internal auditing functions as prescribed by the standards and guidelines of the internal auditing profession. It was also attempted to determine to what extent these standards and guidelines are applied within internal auditing functions in South Africa. The study concluded that quality control is not adequately applied within all internal auditing functions in South Africa. Compliance with the internal auditing standards (implemented on 1 January 2002) should contribute to improve the situation. The internal auditors’ professional body should motivate internal auditing functions to exercise quality control according to the internal auditing standards. This will uplift the image of the internal auditing profession and ensure the future existence of internal auditing functions. / Auditing / M.Comm.

A company’s board of directors is ultimately responsible for putting effective corporate governance (CG) structures in place as mechanisms to enhance its accountability to stakeholders. An audit committee (AC), which is a subcommittee of the board, is one component of the company’s CG structures. In South Africa, legislation, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listing requirements, and the King code and report of Governance for South Africa 2009 (King III) deal with the composition and responsibilities of ACs. As the shares of AltX listed companies, which are categorised as high-growth potential, small to medium-sized listed companies, are traded publicly, they are required to comply with the Companies Act and to establish an AC according to the Act’s composition requirements to fulfil mandatory responsibilities. In terms of the JSE listing requirements, AltX listed companies must appoint an AC or explain their reason(s) for not doing so. As the total market capitalisation of AltX listed companies has increased by 87% over the past three years, greater numbers of stakeholder groups are being affected. Since stakeholder groups are protected when companies implement effective CG processes, the purpose of this study is to understand the way in which the AC of an AltX listed company, as an example of a high-growth potential, small to medium-sized listed company, adds value to the company and its stakeholders. Attributes that contribute to the value added by ACs were identified as being the characteristics of AC members; the fulfilment of responsibilities through optimised activities; and the fulfilment of responsibilities by maintaining healthy relationships with the board and information providers. An explorative qualitative case-based research design was applied in terms of which a single AltX listed company was selected according to predetermined selection criteria. Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews, field notes and company documents. Descriptive open coding techniques were used for data analysis with the findings of the study subsequently being presented in terms of a theoretical framework of the attributes that influence the extent to which the AC adds value. The findings of the study confirm that these attributes of the AC facilitate its ability to add value to the AltX listed company investigated and its stakeholders in terms of enlightened shareholder theory. / Auditing / M. Com. (Auditing)

This study was conducted to generate an in-depth understanding of key internal audit function (IAF) customers’ perceptions of the work performed by the Department of National Treasury’s IAF. This study was further intended to address the absence of any qualitative study of IAF customers’ experiences and expectations, and their perceptions of the challenges the IAF faces. The study had five research objectives, namely: to identify the role of the IAF in the public sector in relation to its customers; to discuss strategies to meet the expectations of IAF customers; to determine the experiences of the identified key IAF customers of the work performed by the IAF in the National Treasury; to determine the expectations of the identified key IAF customers of the IAF in the National Treasury, and to ascertain what the identified key IAF customers perceive to be challenges facing the IAF in the National Treasury. In order to achieve the research objectives, the study implemented a qualitative research design using the National Treasury as a case study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants selected from the key IAF customers’ categories (comprising the audit committee (AC), executive and senior managers, programme and operating managers, and external auditors). Three main themes emerged from the identified key customers’ views. These were (1) Experiences, which revealed that the participants were reasonably satisfied with the work of the IAF in the National Treasury. Participants from the AC, the executive and senior managers, and the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) felt that the IAF does add value, while the programme and operating managers participants indicated that the IAF does not demonstrate a holistic view when it conducts evaluations. (2) Expectations, the AC participants expected the AGSA to be able to rely on the work of the IAF, that the IAF should maintain a findings register, and that it should demonstrate IT skills. Executive and senior managers participants expected the IAF to add value to the strategic direction of the National Treasury. Programme and operating managers participants expected the IAF to be open and consultative, to set realistic audit plans, to provide regular feedback, and to demonstrate knowledge of the business. The AGSA participants called for the IAF to demonstrate technical competencies as well as independence and objectivity. (3) Challenges, participants perceived the IAF’s lack of knowledge of the business, the limited reliance placed on its work by the AGSA, the lack of audit action monitoring processes and the lack of management support for the IAF as its biggest challenges. This study could benefit the National Treasury’s IAF by helping it to understand the changing needs and expectations of its customers, and to identify areas for improvement. It may also benefit professional audit bodies and the newly-established National School of Government by providing them with insights into the training needs of internal auditors, and the necessity of providing continuing professional educational programmes. / Auditing / MCom (Auditing)

As stakeholders start holding companies accountable for the non-financial impacts of their operations, it is increasingly recognised that the parties to whom companies are accountable extends beyond shareholders to include other stakeholders as well. Around the world, companies are responding to stakeholder demands by voluntarily reporting on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. Unscrupulous companies may however, be tempted to use green-wash to make false claims relating to their CSR performance in order to reap the associated benefits. This information risk may be ameliorated through the independent assurance of CSR disclosures, enhancing the confidence of stakeholders in its veracity. Reporting companies usually voluntarily obtain independent assurance on their CSR performance. However, in South Africa, independent CSR assurance is a regulatory requirement for all JSE-listed companies, albeit on an ‘apply or explain’ basis. This thesis, which utilises a mixed methods research approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative components, seeks to identify and understand the characteristics of the emerging independent CSR assurance phenomenon. In this regard, the empirical component of the study was conducted in three phases: in the first phase companies’ CSR disclosures and assurance reports are examined; in the second phase survey responses from companies are reviewed; and in the third phase interviews with CSR assurors are analysed. In this thesis, the extent to which companies provide independent assurance on their CSR disclosures is established; the providers of independent CSR assurance are identified; the reasons that companies select certain CSR assurance providers are explored; the reasons that companies provide independent assurance on their CSR disclosures are determined; the CSR assurance practices of the various CSR assurors are reviewed and compared; and the primary standards and/or frameworks used in CSR assurance engagements are identified. A conclusion is reached that although independent CSR assurance is a de facto mandatory requirement for JSE-listed companies, only 26% of the companies had their CSR disclosures independently assured. Despite its de facto mandatory nature, the study found that South African CSR assurance practices remain largely unregulated, resulting in a diversity of CSR assurors; utilising various assurance approaches, standards and practices. In this thesis, it is argued that these inconsistencies undermine the purpose of CSR assurance and reduce stakeholder confidence. It is accordingly proposed that the identified deficiencies could be addressed through the regulation of CSR reporting and assurance. An oversight/regulatory body should be established to prescribe the competencies that CSR assurors should possess; to develop appropriate CSR assurance engagement standards; and to clearly articulate the scope that CSR assurance engagements should cover; with which all CSR assurors should comply. / Auditing / D. Com. (Auditing)

Text in English / Procurement fraud is an enormous problem and the South African news is perforated with reports of this illicit act. Procurement fraud occurs in all the phases of the procurement cycle, but this illicit act is mostly committed during the tender phase. Business does not see procurement fraud as a crime and therefor this crime is committed due to non-existent internal controls and processes to assess the adequacy of these controls. The purpose of the research was to highlight that procurement fraud occurs when internal controls are being bypassed or if an entity has an ineffective internal control system. The researcher studied the appraising of internal controls to understand the role it plays in detecting, preventing and investigating procurement fraud, specifically during the tender phase. The research design utilised was a qualitative research approach and an empirical design plan or strategy, to obtain the information. The researcher opted for this design to obtain information from literature and information from individuals in appraising internal controls. This ensured a comprehensive data gathering process. The goal of this research was to provide practical recommendations to assist investigators in private and public sectors with investigations into procurement fraud during a tender. / Police Practice / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

This study was conducted to generate an in-depth understanding of key internal audit function (IAF) customers’ perceptions of the work performed by the Department of National Treasury’s IAF. This study was further intended to address the absence of any qualitative study of IAF customers’ experiences and expectations, and their perceptions of the challenges the IAF faces. The study had five research objectives, namely: to identify the role of the IAF in the public sector in relation to its customers; to discuss strategies to meet the expectations of IAF customers; to determine the experiences of the identified key IAF customers of the work performed by the IAF in the National Treasury; to determine the expectations of the identified key IAF customers of the IAF in the National Treasury, and to ascertain what the identified key IAF customers perceive to be challenges facing the IAF in the National Treasury. In order to achieve the research objectives, the study implemented a qualitative research design using the National Treasury as a case study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants selected from the key IAF customers’ categories (comprising the audit committee (AC), executive and senior managers, programme and operating managers, and external auditors). Three main themes emerged from the identified key customers’ views. These were (1) Experiences, which revealed that the participants were reasonably satisfied with the work of the IAF in the National Treasury. Participants from the AC, the executive and senior managers, and the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) felt that the IAF does add value, while the programme and operating managers participants indicated that the IAF does not demonstrate a holistic view when it conducts evaluations. (2) Expectations, the AC participants expected the AGSA to be able to rely on the work of the IAF, that the IAF should maintain a findings register, and that it should demonstrate IT skills. Executive and senior managers participants expected the IAF to add value to the strategic direction of the National Treasury. Programme and operating managers participants expected the IAF to be open and consultative, to set realistic audit plans, to provide regular feedback, and to demonstrate knowledge of the business. The AGSA participants called for the IAF to demonstrate technical competencies as well as independence and objectivity. (3) Challenges, participants perceived the IAF’s lack of knowledge of the business, the limited reliance placed on its work by the AGSA, the lack of audit action monitoring processes and the lack of management support for the IAF as its biggest challenges. This study could benefit the National Treasury’s IAF by helping it to understand the changing needs and expectations of its customers, and to identify areas for improvement. It may also benefit professional audit bodies and the newly-established National School of Government by providing them with insights into the training needs of internal auditors, and the necessity of providing continuing professional educational programmes. / Auditing / MCom (Auditing)

As stakeholders start holding companies accountable for the non-financial impacts of their operations, it is increasingly recognised that the parties to whom companies are accountable extends beyond shareholders to include other stakeholders as well. Around the world, companies are responding to stakeholder demands by voluntarily reporting on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. Unscrupulous companies may however, be tempted to use green-wash to make false claims relating to their CSR performance in order to reap the associated benefits. This information risk may be ameliorated through the independent assurance of CSR disclosures, enhancing the confidence of stakeholders in its veracity. Reporting companies usually voluntarily obtain independent assurance on their CSR performance. However, in South Africa, independent CSR assurance is a regulatory requirement for all JSE-listed companies, albeit on an ‘apply or explain’ basis. This thesis, which utilises a mixed methods research approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative components, seeks to identify and understand the characteristics of the emerging independent CSR assurance phenomenon. In this regard, the empirical component of the study was conducted in three phases: in the first phase companies’ CSR disclosures and assurance reports are examined; in the second phase survey responses from companies are reviewed; and in the third phase interviews with CSR assurors are analysed. In this thesis, the extent to which companies provide independent assurance on their CSR disclosures is established; the providers of independent CSR assurance are identified; the reasons that companies select certain CSR assurance providers are explored; the reasons that companies provide independent assurance on their CSR disclosures are determined; the CSR assurance practices of the various CSR assurors are reviewed and compared; and the primary standards and/or frameworks used in CSR assurance engagements are identified. A conclusion is reached that although independent CSR assurance is a de facto mandatory requirement for JSE-listed companies, only 26% of the companies had their CSR disclosures independently assured. Despite its de facto mandatory nature, the study found that South African CSR assurance practices remain largely unregulated, resulting in a diversity of CSR assurors; utilising various assurance approaches, standards and practices. In this thesis, it is argued that these inconsistencies undermine the purpose of CSR assurance and reduce stakeholder confidence. It is accordingly proposed that the identified deficiencies could be addressed through the regulation of CSR reporting and assurance. An oversight/regulatory body should be established to prescribe the competencies that CSR assurors should possess; to develop appropriate CSR assurance engagement standards; and to clearly articulate the scope that CSR assurance engagements should cover; with which all CSR assurors should comply. / Auditing / D. Com. (Auditing)