Key research themes
1. What factors influence the effectiveness of internal audit functions in organizations?
This research theme investigates specific organizational, structural, and relational factors that impact the effectiveness of internal audit (IA) functions, with a focus on how internal audit departments can enhance risk management, internal controls, and governance. Understanding these factors is critical as effective internal auditing improves organizational governance, compliance, and operational efficiency across sectors.
2. How do the characteristics and behaviors of the audit committee influence investment and interaction with internal audit functions?
Research under this theme focuses on the dynamics between audit committees—the board substructures charged with oversight—and internal audit functions. It explores how audit committee composition, expertise, diligence, and procedures affect the resourcing of internal audit units and the extent of reliance on internal audit work by external auditors, highlighting the governance role of audit committees in strengthening internal audit capabilities.
3. What is the role of internal audit in public sector governance and how can its capability be improved in local government contexts?
This theme addresses public sector internal auditing, focusing on issues of governance accountability, fraud prevention, and the effectiveness of public financial management through internal audit functions. It explores challenges unique to government settings—such as resource limitations, corruption risks, and institutional weaknesses—while assessing how internal audit capabilities can be developed to enhance good governance and accountability at local government levels.