The aim of this thesis is to provide insights into what the concept of audit quality means for a number of parties who have responsibilities for delivering, commissioning or evaluating audit quality in practice - auditors, AC members and quality inspectors concerning. It explores the influence of internal and external factors in the auditing setting on the construction of meaning of audit quality and how meaning is symbolised in practice. This research is based on an interpretive approach employing research methods of document analysis, semi-structured interviews and a survey questionnaire. Drawing on a symbolic interactionist framework, the research illustrates the process of giving meaning to audit quality in practice. The study identifies various constructs that give meaning to audit quality in practice - auditors' characteristics, firm's characteristics, compliance obligations, the content and control of audit procedures, financial statement quality and client service orientation. It also identifies acts such as asking challenging questions, professional appearance, the quality of interaction between auditor and AC, consultation and training, and objects such as documents and records as fundamental in symbolising audit quality in practice. The study also highlights the existence of possible conflicts between some of these constructs of audit quality and the potential for problems in audit quality in practice.The research reports that the audit practitioners predominantly framed their conceptions of the meaning of audit quality around four important constructs: client service, compliance obligations, the technical audit process or content, and individual auditors' characteristics. Client service is found to have a particular importance for the practitioners' meaning of audit quality. Their construction of the meaning for audit quality is influenced by interactions with other audit market constituents as well as by economic and societal forces in the auditing environment. Auditors perceptions of what quality means in practice are underpinned by factors such as the need to legitimise the conduct of the auditor, to restore trust and confidence in the public at large about the quality of audit services, to maintain profitability and the survival of the audit firm given the competitive and commercial pressures in the audit market, and to legitimise firm methodology and the resulting audit process to outside constituents.Amongst the AC members interviewed, the meaning of audit quality appears to be associated with the characteristics of individual auditors, in particular, auditors' interpersonal and behavioural skills, attributes of the audit firm (size and industry specialisation) and financial statement quality. The findings show that AC members perceptions of audit quality significantly depend on the 'relational' rather than the technical attributes of individual auditors. The quality of the financial statements also dominates the AC members' perceptions of audit quality rather than a technical interpretation of the quality of the content of the audit process. The AC members' conception of meaning for audit quality is influenced by interaction and communication with the external auditors. For the quality inspectors, the meaning of audit quality is mainly constructed in relation to the conduct or content of an audit. Therefore, the level of challenge to the management of the audit, and the sufficiency of evidence and documentation are important for constructing their perceptions of audit quality. They also ascribe considerable importance to the internal compliance-quality control applied within the audit firm the notion of audit quality. Overall, the study describes the multifaceted meaning of audit quality and how this is influenced and shaped by interactions - based on role expectations, self-image, economic and social factors - and illustrates the way in which various acts and objects are used to represent practical meaning for the abstract concept of audit quality in practice. These findings have relevance for auditors, other parties to audit engagements, policy makers and regulators concerned with the contribution of auditing to the financial reporting system and for academic researchers seeking to develop a deeper understanding of how that contribution is achieved in practice.

This research study deals with the role of ward committee members in local government and administration in South Africa with reference to the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM). Most importantly, the transformation of local government and administration in South Africa and the role of the state as well as local government from the public administration perspective in this study highlight the importance of municipal regulatory framework and policies in decision-making. There are two scientific research methodologies called qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In this research project, the qualitative research methodology has been used to assess the roles, functions and performance of ward committees in enhancing service delivery in the local communities. It involved collecting data, processing and analysing data to necessitate a reflection on the planning, and the structuring and execution of the research in order to comply with the demands of truth, objectivity and validity. The methodology has resulted in a research project through which the ward committee system in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) can be understood within the government service delivery programme and one that attempts to clarify the involvement of local communities and stakeholders. A hypothetical process model for ward committees in the City of Tshwane outlines and clarifies the roles and functions of ward committees in the service delivery processes. A City of Tshwane ward committee model system is proposed to promote working relationships in the municipality and efficacy in service delivery to the local communities other stakeholders by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) departments. The recommendations from the findings is that the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) should build the capacity of ward committee members through continuous training and development and consider increasing the term of office of ward committees to be concurrent with the elections of councillors and that communication, verbal and written for the local communities meetings, should be improved. Monitoring and evaluation of departments within the current performance management system of both ward committee members and local communities, holding the municipal government accountable should be included. Copyright / Dissertation (MAdmin)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / unrestricted

The purpose of this study was to indentify collective skills and background that audit committee members must have in order to be effective. In addition, the study examined the extent of prevalence of each skill indentified, which can then be deduced into model to work out the right combination of audit members according to qualifications, experience and skills that they posses. The model can thus be used in selecting candidates to serve in audit committees. Two categories of samples selected from a list of the top 100 companies for 2008 to 2010 and a combined list of the bottom 20 companies for the 2005 to 2009 and the bottom 20 companies for 2010, compiled by Inet Bridge and published by Business Times, were used in the study. Profiles of audit committee members of companies selected in the samples, which were published in the annual reports of the respective companies in which they were serving as audit committee members were consolidated with those published on Bloomberg Business week website, http:investing.businessweek.com/research /stocks/people/ person, and thereafter summarized. The profiles indicated qualifications, professional background, business management experience and a list of companies that each member was serving or had served as a member of board of directors. Skills categories adopted in Audit Committee Institute (2006) were used in analysing expertise, experience and background of audit committee members, namely financial, business management, corporate director, legal and industry specific background. The variables were statistically tested using t-test and chi-square. The results of the study revealed that finance, corporate director and business management were necessary for an audit committee to function effectively. The study further found that legal and industry specific background were least considered skills in the composition of audit committees. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

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.

O objetivo do estudo foi construir o perfil dos indicados pelos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa - CEPs - para membros da Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa - CONEP, líderes no sistema de controle da ética em pesquisa no Brasil, quanto à representação de grupos sociais, formação e experiência profissional e experiência e conhecimento em ética na pesquisa. Enquanto informantes-chave, buscou-se conhecer práticas correntes no sistema, e compreensão da regulamentação. Foram aplicados questionários, via correio ou via eletrônica, aos 188 componentes da lista de 2003, obtendo-se 94 respostas válidas, que representaram 80% dos CEPs. O questionário constou de 4 partes - a parte I, de caracterização pessoal, mostrou proporção semelhante de gênero, alta qualificação acadêmica, participação em cursos de pequena duração sobre ética em pesquisa/ bioética, e sensibilidade social. Dos respondentes, 50% tinham cargos de gestão na instituição, 18% deles ligados diretamente à pesquisa, apenas 4% eram representantes de usuários, 90% participaram de pesquisas nos últimos 10 anos, sendo um terço em pesquisa clínica. A parte II correspondeu a uma auto-avaliação de sua participação como membros de CEPs, que mostrou satisfação com a relevância do trabalho, valorização de qualidades como responsabilidade, compromisso, habilidade para trabalho em equipe, sendo que 89% e 85% consideraram-se preparados e competentes respectivamente, apesar de percepção variada da representatividade e compreensão política de sua atuação. Identificaram-se áreas de maior dificuldade na análise de projetos, e encontros, seminários e discussão de casos como formas preferenciais de preparação. A parte III identificou as percepções sobre o funcionamento do sistema de avaliação ética das pesquisas no Brasil, evidenciando a utilização das diretrizes e normas do CNS na análise dos projetos. A mais efetiva participação dos representantes de usuários e o monitoramento das pesquisas são dificuldades freqüentes. Sugestões de melhoria do sistema referiram a abordagem dos projetos da área de ciências humanas, pré-requisitos e preparação para membros de CEPs, integração e melhoria da comunicação entre CEPs e com a Comissão Nacional. A parte IV foram estudos de casos, que evidenciaram convergência de posicionamentos na grande maioria das situações apresentadas. Conclui-se que o reconhecimento da liderança desses indicados nos CEPs institucionais tem reflexos da cultura institucional, mais comumente universidades, e que a indicação de membros reconhecidos pelos seus pares, pode conformar um perfil favorável à atuação na Comissão Nacional. / The objective of the study was to analyze the profile of the persons indicated by the research ethics institutional review boards to become members of the National Commission of Research Ethics (Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa/CONEP), considered as leaders in the research ethics evaluation system in Brazil, as to their social group representation, professional experience, experience in research ethics, views about current practices in the system and relations to formal regulations. Questionnaires were sent by mail and electronically to the 188 members of IRBs indicated as candidates in 2003 for nomination as member of CONEP, with 94 answers, representing 80% of the IRB universe at that time. The questionnaire was composed of 4 parts, with part 1 dedicated to personal characterization. The results indicated equal gender proportions, high academic qualification, and frequent participation in short courses about research and bioethics. About 50% occupied institutional positions, 18% directly related to research, and only 4% were representatives of the patients. About 90% had involvement with research in the last 10 years, a third with clinical research. Part II was dedicated to their self-evaluation as members of IRBs, revealing feelings of satisfaction and gratification with their work, and valorization of attributes such as responsibility, compromise, team work capabilities, and 89% and 85% considered themselves prepared and competent for their functions, although with differing perceptions regarding representation and political understandings about their work. Some areas present more difficulties in the analysis of the projects and meetings, seminars and case discussions were mentioned as preferential mechanisms for development. Part III identified perceptions about the functioning of the national research ethics evaluation system, and the utilization of official regulations in project analysis. A more effective participation of the patient representatives and the monitoring of projects are major problems. Areas of necessary investment: how to deal with social sciences research projects, pre-requisites and preparation of IRB members and improved communication of IRBs with each other and the National Commission. Part IV consisted of case studies dedicated to frequent ethical dilemmas in research and the majority had convergent positions as to how to deal with them. The profile of these members as leaders in their IRBs reflects also very strong institutional cultures.

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.

O objetivo do estudo foi construir o perfil dos indicados pelos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa - CEPs - para membros da Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa - CONEP, líderes no sistema de controle da ética em pesquisa no Brasil, quanto à representação de grupos sociais, formação e experiência profissional e experiência e conhecimento em ética na pesquisa. Enquanto informantes-chave, buscou-se conhecer práticas correntes no sistema, e compreensão da regulamentação. Foram aplicados questionários, via correio ou via eletrônica, aos 188 componentes da lista de 2003, obtendo-se 94 respostas válidas, que representaram 80% dos CEPs. O questionário constou de 4 partes - a parte I, de caracterização pessoal, mostrou proporção semelhante de gênero, alta qualificação acadêmica, participação em cursos de pequena duração sobre ética em pesquisa/ bioética, e sensibilidade social. Dos respondentes, 50% tinham cargos de gestão na instituição, 18% deles ligados diretamente à pesquisa, apenas 4% eram representantes de usuários, 90% participaram de pesquisas nos últimos 10 anos, sendo um terço em pesquisa clínica. A parte II correspondeu a uma auto-avaliação de sua participação como membros de CEPs, que mostrou satisfação com a relevância do trabalho, valorização de qualidades como responsabilidade, compromisso, habilidade para trabalho em equipe, sendo que 89% e 85% consideraram-se preparados e competentes respectivamente, apesar de percepção variada da representatividade e compreensão política de sua atuação. Identificaram-se áreas de maior dificuldade na análise de projetos, e encontros, seminários e discussão de casos como formas preferenciais de preparação. A parte III identificou as percepções sobre o funcionamento do sistema de avaliação ética das pesquisas no Brasil, evidenciando a utilização das diretrizes e normas do CNS na análise dos projetos. A mais efetiva participação dos representantes de usuários e o monitoramento das pesquisas são dificuldades freqüentes. Sugestões de melhoria do sistema referiram a abordagem dos projetos da área de ciências humanas, pré-requisitos e preparação para membros de CEPs, integração e melhoria da comunicação entre CEPs e com a Comissão Nacional. A parte IV foram estudos de casos, que evidenciaram convergência de posicionamentos na grande maioria das situações apresentadas. Conclui-se que o reconhecimento da liderança desses indicados nos CEPs institucionais tem reflexos da cultura institucional, mais comumente universidades, e que a indicação de membros reconhecidos pelos seus pares, pode conformar um perfil favorável à atuação na Comissão Nacional. / The objective of the study was to analyze the profile of the persons indicated by the research ethics institutional review boards to become members of the National Commission of Research Ethics (Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa/CONEP), considered as leaders in the research ethics evaluation system in Brazil, as to their social group representation, professional experience, experience in research ethics, views about current practices in the system and relations to formal regulations. Questionnaires were sent by mail and electronically to the 188 members of IRBs indicated as candidates in 2003 for nomination as member of CONEP, with 94 answers, representing 80% of the IRB universe at that time. The questionnaire was composed of 4 parts, with part 1 dedicated to personal characterization. The results indicated equal gender proportions, high academic qualification, and frequent participation in short courses about research and bioethics. About 50% occupied institutional positions, 18% directly related to research, and only 4% were representatives of the patients. About 90% had involvement with research in the last 10 years, a third with clinical research. Part II was dedicated to their self-evaluation as members of IRBs, revealing feelings of satisfaction and gratification with their work, and valorization of attributes such as responsibility, compromise, team work capabilities, and 89% and 85% considered themselves prepared and competent for their functions, although with differing perceptions regarding representation and political understandings about their work. Some areas present more difficulties in the analysis of the projects and meetings, seminars and case discussions were mentioned as preferential mechanisms for development. Part III identified perceptions about the functioning of the national research ethics evaluation system, and the utilization of official regulations in project analysis. A more effective participation of the patient representatives and the monitoring of projects are major problems. Areas of necessary investment: how to deal with social sciences research projects, pre-requisites and preparation of IRB members and improved communication of IRBs with each other and the National Commission. Part IV consisted of case studies dedicated to frequent ethical dilemmas in research and the majority had convergent positions as to how to deal with them. The profile of these members as leaders in their IRBs reflects also very strong institutional cultures.

This item contains the agenda, minutes, and attachments for the Faculty Senate meeting on this date. There may be additional materials from the meeting available at the Faculty Center.