COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the course on Lead & Manage Quality Audits. This course is designed to equip you with the comprehensive skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage quality audits within your organisation. By mastering these principles and techniques, you will enhance the performance of your audit team and ensure that your organisation maintains high standards of quality and compliance.

We begin with an introduction to the fundamental principles of quality auditing. Understanding these principles, such as independence, objectivity, and systematic analysis, is crucial for conducting audits that are thorough, fair, and effective. These principles form the foundation of all quality auditing activities.

Next, we delve into the various methods and techniques used in quality auditing. This section will cover both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including document review, interviews, observations, and data analysis. Mastering these methods and techniques ensures that you can gather comprehensive and accurate audit evidence.

An understanding of Australian auditing regulations and standards is essential for conducting compliant audits. This section will discuss the key regulatory frameworks and standards that govern auditing practices in Australia. Staying current with these regulations ensures that your audits meet legal and industry requirements.

Leveraging technology is critical for effective audit management. This section will explore the essential technology required for quality auditing activities, including audit management software, data analytics tools, and digital documentation systems. Using the right technology can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your audits and support your leadership role in managing the audit team.

Developing the performance of your audit team members is vital for continuous improvement. This section will cover strategies for providing constructive feedback, encouraging self-review, and advising on individual improvement. Effective leadership and development strategies help build a high-performing audit team.

An understanding of current Australian audit practices is essential for staying up-to-date with industry standards. This section will discuss the latest trends, methodologies, and best practices in the field of auditing in Australia, helping you align your audit processes with contemporary standards.

The entry meeting sets the tone for the audit process. This section will cover how to prepare an entry meeting agenda, confirm and review the audit plan, and adjust the plan if needed. Conducting a successful entry meeting ensures all parties are aligned and informed from the start.

Gathering evidence is a critical component of the audit process. This section will guide you in identifying information sources, interviewing stakeholders, and collecting documentation. Comprehensive evidence gathering ensures that your audit findings are accurate and reliable.

Effective resource management is essential for leading an audit team. This section will cover how to supervise team activities, re-assign team members as necessary, and implement contingency actions. Proper resource management ensures that your audit team operates efficiently and effectively.

The exit meeting concludes the audit process and communicates findings to stakeholders. This section will discuss how to review and agree on findings, prepare for the exit meeting, present findings to stakeholders, confirm reporting arrangements, discuss the audit context and follow-up actions, and submit the final audit report. A well-conducted exit meeting ensures clarity and agreement on the audit outcomes.

Leading performance improvement involves providing performance feedback, encouraging self-review, and advising on individual improvement. This section will cover strategies for leading your team towards continuous improvement and higher performance standards.

This course aims to provide you with the comprehensive skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage quality audits effectively. By the end of this course, you will be prepared to implement robust audit strategies, manage your audit team efficiently, and contribute to the continuous improvement of your organisation's quality management systems.

This course is designed to align with the content outlined in the Nationally Recognised Unit of Competency BSBAUD512 Lead quality audits.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Quality Auditing Principles

·       Independence and Objectivity

·       Integrity

·       Evidence-Based Approach

·       Systematic and Structured Approach

·       Competence and Due Professional Care

·       Confidentiality

·       Communication

·       Risk-Based Approach

·       Continual Improvement

2. Quality Auditing Methods and Techniques

·       Planning and Preparation

·       On-Site Audit Methods

·       Data Analysis Techniques

·       Documentation and Reporting

·       Follow-Up and Continuous Improvement

3. Australian Auditing Regulations and Standards

4. Key Technology Required for Quality Auditing Activities for Leading a Quality Audit Team

5. Strategies to Develop Performance Improvement in Audit Team Members

·       Training and Development

·       Mentoring and Coaching

·       Performance Evaluation and Feedback

·       Empowerment and Engagement

·       Recognition and Rewards

·       Resource Allocation and Support

·       Continuous Improvement and Innovation

6. Current Australian Audit Practices

·       Regulatory Framework

·       Australian Auditing Standards (ASA)

·       Quality Control Standards

·       Professional Ethics and Independence

·       Audit Methodologies and Techniques

·       Reporting and Communication

·       Continuous Improvement and Innovation

7. Conduct Entry Meeting

·       Prepare Entry Meeting Agenda

·       Confirm and Review Audit Plan

·       Adjust Audit Plan if Needed

8. Gather Evidence

·       Identify Information Sources

·       Interview Stakeholders

·       Collect Documentation

9. Manage Team Resources

·       Supervise Team Activities

·       Re-assign Team Members

·       Implement Contingency Actions

10. Conduct Exit Meeting

·       Review and Agree on Findings

·       Prepare for Exit Meeting

·       Present Findings to Stakeholders

·       Confirm Reporting Arrangements

·       Discuss Audit Context and Follow-Up

·       Submit Final Audit Report

11. Lead Performance Improvement

·       Provide Performance Feedback

·       Encourage Self-Review

·       Advise on Individual Improvement

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.