Thesis (D.Com. .(Rekeningkundige wetenskappe))--Universiteit van Pretoria, 2005. / Summary in English. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1986.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Also available online.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Melbourne, Dept. of Accounting and Business Information Systems, 2006. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 213-229).

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2004. / Includes bibliography.

The aim of this thesis is to analyse auditing methods, which are specified in International Standards on Auditing - ISAs, and consequently apply some of these theoretical outputs to the financial statement of a real company.

Fair Value Accounting is becoming increasingly more prominent, and auditing such measurements is at times difficult as a great deal of estimates and judgments are involved. This makes auditors jobs more challenging. Research has found that there is a need for understanding how auditing standards affect the audit process. Furthermore, some studies have shown that there is a gap between auditors and inspectors view of what constitutes sufficient and appropriate audit evidence regarding fair value measurements, the “FVM gap”. The aim of this study is to provide new insight on how auditing standards and inspectors affect the judgment of auditors in regards to fair value measurements. This study contributes to audit standard setters by illuminating how current auditing standards affect auditor judgment when auditing fair value measurements. It also contributes knowledge on how inspections affect judgment in the auditing process. Finally, it provides insight to practitioners on how box-checking and similar tools affect auditor judgment. We performed semi-structured interviews with respondents who have considerable experience of fair value measurements. The empirical data was thematically analysed and related to theories on judgment and decision-making as well as structure versus judgment research. A number of interesting findings were made; auditing standards seem to be well adjusted to auditors’ needs, documentation is one of the major issues when dealing with fair value measurements and the toughness of inspections between countries seem to differ. Some potential topics for future research were identified: whether or not a gap of interpretations exists between auditors and the lawyers of inspecting entities, and what effects such a gap could have; if the documentation of both audit clients and auditors needs to be improved upon. More potential areas for future research can be found in the Conclusion.

The International Standards on Auditing are created and published by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. These standards are high quality, modern and approved by regulators throughout the world. Most of the developed countries addopted the ISAs in some way. The International Standards on Auditing have been effective for all audits in the Czech Republic since 2005. Their implementation in the European Union is expected shortly. Standards contribute to better international comparability and enhance the credibility and quality of the audit, including auditor's report. The Clarity project was in progress between 2003 and 2009. It was aimed at clearing standards, increasing clarity and facilitating their interpretation.