Para 3.22.20 — MSO (Audit)
Original Rule Text
3.22.20 The distinct advantages of retrieval packages over other methods are that these enable cent per cent review of data, and ensure accuracy of processing and effective use of the auditor's time in analysing the results of interrogation. Use of retrieval software will, however, always remain a problem area primarily because of the multitude of hardware and software systems in use in various departments, requiring expertise in several programming languages.
- Issues for audit scrutiny
# Audit of Acquisition
Generally the acquisition of computer facilities involves the following stages:
(i) Definition of a computer policy and strategy based on an evaluation of organisational requirements and the ways and means of satisfying them.
(ii) Establishment of the need.
(iii) A thorough examination and evaluation of the alternative courses of action available.
(iv) Precise specification of the requirements and delineation of existing and future applications, hardware, software, modes of operations, conditions of supply, etc.
(v) Evaluation of alternative sources of supply and selection of the most appropriate source(s).
(vi) Physical acquisition of the facilities and the systems.
Often these stages tend to overlap or merge imperceptibly into one another.
What This Means
Retrieval software packages offer significant advantages: they enable 100% review of data (not just sampling), ensure processing accuracy, and make efficient use of audit time. However, the variety of hardware and software across government departments means auditors need expertise in multiple programming languages, which remains a challenge. For acquiring computer facilities, organisations must follow a structured process from defining computer policy through needs assessment, evaluation of alternatives, specification of requirements, to final procurement.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- 1Retrieval packages enable cent per cent (100%) data review — not just sampling
- 2They ensure accuracy of processing and efficient use of auditor's time
- 3Challenge: auditors need expertise in multiple programming languages across departments
- 4Acquisition of computer facilities involves a structured multi-stage process
- 5Stages: policy definition, needs assessment, alternative evaluation, specification, procurement
- 6Stages often overlap or merge in practice
Practical Example
An audit team wants to verify all 50,000 pension payments processed by a state system in one year. Using retrieval software, they can check every single payment in hours rather than sampling 500 cases manually over weeks. However, when they move to audit the Land Records Department next, they find it runs on a completely different platform requiring different programming expertise, forcing them to request specialist support.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 100% review better than sampling?▼
What is the main challenge with retrieval software?▼
What are the stages of computer facility acquisition that audit must review?▼
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.