Fricke Collection Essays - Valerie, Lady Meux, Frick Collection

Fricke Collection Essays - Valerie, Lady Meux, Frick Collection fricke collection The Fricke Collection Lady Meux v. Frances Duncombe Donated by the Fricke family is a collection housed on fifth avenue, ranging from sculptures and paintings, to furniture of renowned artists. Paintings in particular, such as, Whistler's, Lady Meux and Gainsborough's, Frances Duncombe, are classic examples of subtle yet provocative feminist portrayals. The initial impact of these illustrations is a combination of the surface imagery and the abstract artistic message conveying politics, religion or personal bias. Artist's attention to detail on these portrait's surface, captures likeness but focuses setting through richness of color and poise into character personality. When contrasting and comparing two paintings of distinct styles of select eras, conflicting perceptions are created. Whistler's, Lady Meux and Gainsborough's Frances Duncombe both exhibit similar themes however were dissimilar in character composure, panoramic setting, and mood representation. In contrasting the portraits, confrontational and vulnerable personalities are clearly visible. These separate presentations are outlined through Whistler's Lady Meux's determined expression and Gainsborough's Frances Duncombes subtle sidelong distracted look. Lady Meux exhibits simple confidence and independence in her concrete and firm stance, as opposed to Duncombe's fragile and elegant unsteady footing. Gainsborough captures a complacent vulnerability perhaps suggesting innocence. Whistler on the other hand, illustrates a more dramatic impact through the direct gaze of Lady Meux's expressive eyes which both dare and humble the viewer. Both artists, conveniently shape the central figures by positioning them in creative scenery. In each instance, the artist chooses a particular backdrop to heighten or diminish the central figure. The scenery casts certain illusionistic differences that create the sensation of depth and solidarity. Lady Meux commands attention as her profile encourages the viewer to step closer and absorb the scene intimately. This portrait uses opaque colors of greys and pinks to bring out the subject's features, however the scope casts a dreariness about the piece. In Frances Duncombe, Gainsborough is careful in surrounding her in an arboreal landscape, due to the size of the natural scene, the central figure is amplified. The shadows in the piece engulf the regal subject, perhaps alluding to her place in society, as a solitary figure in an ambiguous or precarious state. The obscured details of the trees, sunset, and faded classical architecture seem to melt against Duncombe. The shadowed effect forces the viewer to step back a sufficient distance to view the painting in it'! s entirety. The artist purposely decreases Frances Duncombe's features as if he intended to enhance the details of her ornate costume instead of the subject herself. In addition to the backdrop, the artist draws focus thru light and darkness to impress a mood. Both pieces shroud each figure in obscure shadowy scenes but draw light from the model itself. Whistler, chose colors such as grey, pink, and flat white, that downplays the heightened glow of her outfit. Gainsborough's piece illustrates ashen browns, olives, creams and azure blues in earthy tones to create a sense of mystery. This portrait, unlike Whistler's Lady Meux, uses light tones to capture Frances Duncombe's milky white flesh. This central figure is ghostly in complection as opposed to Whistler's painting. Lady Meux appears healthy in comparison, and shifts the mood by adding a slight pouty expression. In short, these artists transcend our response into intense contrasting manipulations. Each piece shares like and contrasting elements, either in Lady Meux's well endowed form to Duncombes delicate figure or the satin pink tresses to the satin teal folds of Duncombe's costume. Both artists incorporate the abstract as well as shadow and light that either enhances or detracts the femme fatale. On close examination, each work exhibits calculated strokes that deliver a balanced arrangement of color variations. The significance of the subject's status quo, is hinted by each artist, however the possibilities for interpretations are endless, be it the representation of female appreciation or contrasting inferior bias. In all instances, the viewer takes with him a primal effect that will continue to last. Grade Received on Report : B

Explore how the volume of maritime transport remains high due to the dynamic growth in developing countries with emerging market economies. The WritePass Journal

Explore how the volume of maritime transport remains high due to the dynamic growth in developing countries with emerging market economies. Introduction Explore how the volume of maritime transport remains high due to the dynamic growth in developing countries with emerging market economies. IntroductionConclusionReferenceRelated Introduction Sea transport is the backbone of international trade and globalization, carrying more than 80% of the volume of world merchandise trade. In 2007 the volume of international maritime transport increased by 4,8% compared with the 2006 year and reached 8.02 billion tons. For comparison, over the past three decades, average annual growth rate of world sea transport accounted for an estimated 3,1%. Strong demand for maritime transportation services spur growth in the global economy and international commodity trade. In 2007, the gross domestic product (GDP) of all countries in the world increased by 3,8%, while world merchandise exports increased by 5,5% compared with the previous year. Thus, despite rising energy prices and its potential impact on transport costs and trade, and despite increasing global risks and uncertainties such as those associated with a significant rise in prices for petroleum commodities, the global credit crisis, the depreciation of the dollar of the United States, growth in the global economy and trade was still sustainable. In 2007, was carried more than 8 billion tons of cargo, the historical record.   More than 80% of all raw materials and goods were transported by sea in the world. In 2007, the volume of traffic by sea increased by 4.8% to over 8 billion tons. By 2008 the world fleet grew by 7.2% and reached a total deadweight of 1.12 billion tons. However, the initial favorable half of 2008 was replaced by a worldwide crisis and a sharp drop in shipments. After second half of 2008 the strong demand for bulk carrier by grain traders led to an increase in freight rates in September 2009 year. The situation has been fueled by a slight shortage of ships. Dynamics of the Baltic Freight Index (BFI) in September 2009 for the Panamax wore an ambiguous character: in the first half of the month the index has grown, and then gradually began to lose ground. Last month of the 2010 year does not justify the hopes of ship-owners to recover the freight market for bulk tonnage. The level of the Baltic Freight Index for almost all types of bulk carriers (except hendysize’’) showed a decrease in the first place, for large vessels. Finally, in anticipation of the Christmas holidays BFI for bulk carriers Panamax by 523 points or 22%. According to analysis of previous years 2006, 2007, 2008 ,2009, 2010 freight brokers pay attention to their return to a crisis level in December 2008 the ratio of time dry bulk charter rates keypsizeand Panamax. Currently it is 50% and means that the deadweight ton bulk carriers such as Panamax Charterers costs 4 times more expensive than bulk carriers keypsize (twice the rate and approximately the same half DWT). This indicates a strong demand for bulk carrier Panamax, which in turn is caused by using them to carry a wider range of commodities (coal, grain, sugar, fertilizer, bauxite, etc.) and also has a smaller excess of the courts type compared with the bulk carriers keypsize’’.   Executive summary.(Review of Maritime Transport, 2008), Review of Maritime Transport, Annual 2008 Issue ‘’Panamax’’ dry bulk market – perfect market Under the marketing research is meant to collect, analyze range of data needed to solve the problems facing the firm marketing the situation, as well as the formation of a report on progress. Known a lot of instances where large companies are destroyed due to the fact that it is not paid due attention to research on marketing.( Paul Krugman , Robin wells ) Panamax dry bulk market is perfect market firstly because in the market involved many independent firms, which takes their own decision what to produce and in what amount, while monopoly market is the exclusive right to manufacture owned by one person, group of persons or the state. Also Monopolistic firms create entry barriers for new firms, limiting access to sources of raw materials and energy, using high technology, used very big expenses when Panamax (perfect) market is not restricted, possible free access to anyone who wishes to become an entrepreneur. Oligopoly is the existence of several companies, usually large, on whose shoulders the brunt of industry sales, so Panamax dry bulk market still perfect in that case, because in perfect market the sellers are independent of each other against to oligopoly market system. In perfect market will not be founded a series of concrete forms which have artificial monopolies such as a cartel, syndicate, trust, concern. Oligopoly is divid ed in two different parts: price this artificial churning of commodity prices. It is widely used price discrimination, under certain conditions: the seller of a monopoly, the presence of a strong marketing policy of the firm; inability to resell the goods at the original purchaser. This kind of competition is especially often used in services. This tendency cannot be founded in perfect market as in perfect market the buyers are well informed about the prices. The other part of oligopoly is non-price – it is competition, carried out by means of improving product quality and conditions of sale at that point ‘’Panamax’’ dry bulk market still the perfect market according to that the goods in perfect market are homogeneous so there is no real way for improving quality of bulk cargo and selling conditions. So all previously mentioned types of market are not about Panamax dry bulk market, there is clearly identified that ‘’Panamax’â₠¬â„¢ dry bulk market is a perfect market.   ( KRUGMAN WELLS ) microeconomics). Bulk carrier panamax Dynamics of the Baltic Freight Index (BFI) in December 2009 was stable for all sizes of dry bulk tonnage. Compared with the beginning of the first months of 2009 year BFI for Panamax has decreased by 1.8%. However, if we turn to the beginning of January 2009, dramatic changes are evident freight market conditions that have occurred over the past 12 months. Growth of BFI for the Panamax for the period totaled 6.6 times. Compared with just a failure late 2008 early 2009 Freight market dry bulk actually reborn from the ashes and the beginning of 2009 has stabilized at a relatively high level. When, last month of 2010 as was mentioned before does not justify the hopes of ship-owners to recover the freight market for bulk tonnage, in that case could be identified that first half of 2009 was much pleasant for ship-owners than late 2010. Dynamics of the Baltic freight index in December 2010: Type of tonnage 01.12.10 15.12.10 23.12.10 Bulker Keypsize 2869 2687 2379 Bulker Panamax 2380 2234 1857 Bulker Superhendymaks 1550 1659 1517 Bulker Hendysize 802 835 834 Source: Clarkson Dynamics of the Baltic freight index in December 2009: Type of tonnage 01.12.09 14.12.09 30.12.09 Bulker Panamax 3635 3574 3567 Bulker Superhendymaks 2376 2420 2224 Bulker Hendysize 1143 1239 1159 Source: Clarkson Dynamics of the Baltic Freight Index in April 2008: Type of tonnage 01.04.08 15.04.08 30.04.08 Bulker Panamax 7767 8160 8972 Bulker Superhendymaks 4792 4705 5444 Bulker hendysize 2392 2361 Source: Clarkson 2789 To analyze the above table does not need to be a doctor of Mathematical Sciences, bremsstrahlung from the table to see that every year the dynamics of Baltic Exchange decrease, if compare the data from first half of 2008 with first half of 2010, can be easily identified the fall of almost 3 times when 2009 was also not rising with the alignment on a 2008 or even 2010. New building Market According to Clarkson Research Services, in 2009 compared with 2008 the number of ordered bulk carriers has decreased in 6,5 times, container by 30 times, universal dry cargo ships 15 times, Ro-Ro 44 times, and reefer vessels generally was not ordered. And this despite the fact that contract prices for bulk carriers, according to the same source, as compared with 2008 decreased by 23-36%, and container by 24-40%. The basis for this decline, as analysts note, decreased by 30-40% on the price of ancillary equipment, as well as reducing the cost of shipbuilding steel. Number of dry cargo ships ordered by the type of tonnage in 2006-2009.: Type of vessel Year 2006 2007 2008 2009* Bulkers 699 1960 1114 170 Containers 465 535 208 7 General 400 398 292 19 Ro-Ro 87 137 87 2 Refrigerators 4 9 8 * till middle of December Source: CRS According to Chinese sources, 65% of Chinas shipbuilders received no new orders in 2009, the worst off were newly emerging in the wake of the shipbuilding boom of 2007-2008, the players. It is estimated that in 2009, China built a total deadweight tonnage of about 40 million tons, up 41% more than in 2008 at the same time, Chinese shipyards in 2009, received orders for vessels with total deadweight of 22.94 million tons, up 61% from a year earlier. Fortunately, Chinese shipyards a great help by the Government of that countrys direct and indirect support measures for domestic shipbuilding. During the first 11 months of 2010, orders for dry bulk tonnage amounted to 68.4 million dwt, reaching the highest since 1996, except for the shipbuilding boom of 2007/2008., indicator. Almost as many 68.9 million dwt in the 11 months of 2010 amounted to delivery of new tonnage. As a result, with 22 million dwt (8%) ruptured shipbuilding contracts worldwide portfolio of orders for bulk carrier according to Clarksons totaled 279 million dwt, or 52.9% of the existing fleet. Second hand vessel market There is a high activity of Chinese buyers of used dry bulk carriers, which was dominating this market segment ’’ Panamax’’ dry bulk. Brokers noted buying dry bulk carrier in China with symbolic name INDIA deadweight of 76,620 tons, built in 2005 by a Japanese shipyard Sasebo. The transaction price was $ 36.3 million In general, during December the price of modern bulk carrier Panamax less than 5 years of age have been further strengthened, and the modern superhendimaks remained at the same level. The price level for modern bulk carrier second hand† in December 2009.: Type of tonnage Year of vessel DWT Price, thoundsdant. USD Start of December2009 y. End of December2009 y. Changes (+) (–) ‘’Panamax’’ max 5 y. 74000 32935 33424 +389 ‘’Superhendymaks’’ max 5 y. 52000 27281 27308 +27 Source: Baltic Sale Purchase Assessment Considering to the December price dynamics for used bulk carrier, we note that the decrease in the freight market conditions affected the level of prices, led to their downward trend. Most analysts believed that the excess of the formed dry bulk lead to a further fall in prices. But, despite a decrease in prices for used bulk carrier, according to analysts Arctic Securities in 2010 they still remain 20% higher than in early 2009. The price level for modern bulk carrier second hand† in December 2010.: Type of tonnage Year of vessel DWT Price, thoundsdant. USD Start of December2010 y. End of December2010 y. Changes (+) (–) ‘’Panamax’’ max 5 y. 74000 38494 37830 664 ‘’Superhendymaks’’ max 5 y. 52000 32315 31267 1048 Source: Baltic Sale Purchase Assessment Conclusion Forecast of the freight market According to analysts of First Securities with a total deadweight bulk carrier, which will go to scrap in 2011, could reach 12 million tons and revenues of the new tonnage 20 million tons That is the pressure of excess tonnage in the freight market is retained. According to experts of international rating agency Moodys Investors excess of supply over demand in the area of dry bulk traffic will negatively affect the marine industry in the short term, although the overall long-term prospects for the industry over the next decade are more favorable due to expected further growth in demand for raw materials from developing countries. Therefore, Moodys recommends that the shipping companies involved in transportation of bulk cargo hold more prudent investment policy on orders new fleet. Now, when are launched more new bulk carriers, freight rates remaining highly volatile due to large variations in supply and demand. Reference .   Executive summary.(Review of Maritime Transport, 2008), Review of Maritime Transport, Annual 2008 Issue 1. «Review of Maritime Transport », UNCTAD, 2008 Ð ³, unctad.org. 2. ОÐ ±Ã ·Ã ¾Ã'€ Ð ¼Ã ¸Ã'€Ð ¾Ã ²Ã ¾Ã ³Ã ¾ Ð ¼Ã ¾Ã'€Ã' Ã ºÃ ¾Ã ³Ã ¾ Ã'„Ð »Ã ¾Ã'‚Ð ° Ð ¾Ã'‚ Ð ®Ã ÃÅ¡Ã ¢Ã Ãâ€, Ð ¸Ã ½Ã'„Ð ¾Ã'€Ð ¼Ã °Ã'†Ð ¸Ã'  Ã'  Ã' Ã °Ã ¹Ã'‚Ð ° maritimebusinessnews.com.ua. 3. ИÐ ·Ã ´Ã °Ã ½Ã ¸Ã µ Fairplay, fairplay.co.uk. Page Reference : null Stopford Microeconomics 1 Microekonomiks 2 Clarcson Baltic Sale Purchase Assessment Source: CRS agency Moodys Investors analysts of First Securities baltic freight index http://tutor2u.net/economics/revision-notes/a2-micro-oligopoly-overview.html

The Electronic Commerce In the US Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Electronic Commerce In the US - Case Study Example Since this is a new medium for commerce and as the global marketing of goods or services is growing enormously, there is a need for redrafting the legal environment suitably. The legitimate revenues to the governments were previously realized through taxes on sales, as applicable under the standard law. This new face of marketing which is termed electronic commerce has once again highlighted the need for creating new laws to safeguard the interests of the customers as well as the manufacturers and revamping the source for taxes to be levied. The changes, which result from electronic commerce and related technology offer significant benefits to business, consumers, and government. They increase convenience, efficiency, and productivity and reduce costs. It is important to look forward to the changes and how they will influence the current tax laws as they relate to maintaining consistent revenue flows and taxpayer equity. In the U.S., the emergence of electronic commerce has left a prominent impact on the telecommunication, information and computer sectors, advertising, publishing, and media industries. The issues brought forth by the electronic commerce, which relate to sales tax and use tax, have attracted the attention of the federal, state and local governments. Promoting the growth of internet commerce is inevitable because of its potential in generating revenues and jobs and increasing productivity. However, the state and local governments are dependent on a consistent inflow of revenues to maintain essential services. Sales and use tax account for 36.7 percent of overall tax revenues. There is a need for a cooperative and simplified sales and use the tax system to provide for efficient and equitable taxation of interstate commerce. The Internet Tax Freedom Act created the Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce and this commission recommended that while the internet should not be taxed more than other channels, it should not permit the avoidance of tax. The remote vendors argued that imposition of sales tax collection responsibilities in all of the thousands of the taxing jurisdictions in the U.S. would create an unacceptable burden (Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, September 22, 1999). The doctrine of sovereign immunity, in international law, permits a court to give up its jurisdictional rights in respect of foreign enterprises or countries. This doctrine has as its bases the traditional notions that a sovereign should not be subject to litigation in a foreign court. The result is that investors may be unable to obtain relief in their country's legal system. In some countries, this doctrine's application to commerce has been limited. While contracting with a private party if a foreign nation does not allow itself to be subject to the local laws, then recourse to U.S. courts in case of a breach is not possible.

Case Study on Boeing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Case Study on Boeing - Essay Example 1. Boeing Corporation's forwarding looking market strategy is based on assumptions about the air travel market and the equipment (aircraft) needed for continued growth. Boeing's projections assume that the current fleet of aircraft will need to be upgraded and retained or replaced. The current fleet consists of 17,330 aircraft. By 2025 the fleet will have an estimated 35,970 aircraft consisting of 27,210 new or replacement aircraft, and 8,760 retained aircraft. Future growth and the need for replacement aircraft will drive the aircraft industry's competitive market (Showronski, p1). Boeing will need to be able to provide new aircraft that are both efficient and economical. Boeing's new large aircraft segment is marketing both one and two aisle airplanes with the focus on the new 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 Freighter aircraft. This is in contrast with Boeings 'point to point' strategy that focuses on smaller aircraft that serve the purpose of moving people and cargo from one poin t to another rather than to a central location where cargo and passengers would deplane and board a smaller plane to reach their destination (hub and spoke strategy). Boeing's successful market entry of their 747-8 Freighter and 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft prove that Boeing can compete in the larger aircraft market. Boeing's first customer was Lufthansa who ordered 20 of Boeing's 747-8 Intercontinentals (Showronski, p1). Boeing's success, using the 'point to point' method of getting passengers to their destinations, is based upon the idea that passengers prefer the shorter travel times that 'point to point' service offers. Boeing offers the airline industry aircraft that are best suited to 'point to point' travel. These aircraft are typically larger than those used in the in the typical 'point to point' market. Boeing's current strategy includes gaining a large portion of the projected 2.6 trillion in airplane investment opportunities over the next twenty years (Showronski, p1). Boeing's leadership believes that by entering the large airplane sales and service market they are positioning themselves to be leaders in the industry by providing an aircraft that will best meet the needs of customers. Boeing's current strategy also includes continued sales and service of five other sizes of aircraft to serve the 'point to point' market. It is hoped that carriers will continue to choose Boeing aircraft as aircraft of choice for their business. Boeing's five sizes of aircraft are designed to meet all aspects of the 'point to point' market with carriers that have 200 seats up to carriers that seat 467 passengers. Currently Boeing is the only one in its industry with an airplane that can carry more than 450 passengers at a time (Point-to-Point, 2006). The 747-8 is used primarily by carriers that offe r long range high density routes (Point-to-Point, 2006). The 747-8 is designed to be a replacement for older 747's that will be phased out of service during the next twenty years (Point-to-Point, 2006). With Boeing's entry into the large carrier market came requests for an airplane that was environmentally friendlier than its previous airplanes. The 747-8 was created with environmentally friendly features. The 747-8 uses less fuel and "produces lower carbon dioxide emissions" (Point-to-Point, p2). Also, the 747-8 makes 30% less noise on take-offs (Point-to-Point). Because Boeing

Asthma and Common Type Essay Example for Free

Asthma and Common Type Essay I’m going to be discussing how one in 15 people has asthma, a chronic condition whose symptoms are attack of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. There’s no cure for asthma, but most people can control the condition. As far as I remember, Asthma has been around my family for years. I have a lot of family members who suffer this, so I can relate to it. I will be focusing on what it is, warning signs, symptoms cause and the treatment that are used. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway in which many cells and cellular lements play a role. The inflammation causes these symptoms of the breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough. Asthma is a condition in the airways of your lungs. it tighten your muscles surrounding your airways and there is swelling plus irritation in in the airways. This is what cause inflammation. What can trigger asthma could be your allergies, infections, tobacco smoke, weather; changes in temperature and even strong odor or fumes that come from your house. It is very important that you treat your asthma, If untreated you will have a asthma attack or may cause long term loss of lung function. That is not good. An attack is a sudden worsening of the symptoms. With an asthma attack, your airways tighten, swell up or fill with mucus. Not every person with asthma has the same symptoms of an asthma attack. You may not have all these symptoms or you may have different symptoms at different times. Your symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being ild during one attacks and severe during another. It is important to remember that there is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled. There many medication that help people with asthma. One main treatment to lessening the effects of asthma is use of inhalers. They are hand-held devices enable people with asthma to deliver medicine directly to their lungs anyplace, anytime, which helps opens up the airways in our lungs. This is the most common type of treatment that is used.

The Fight to Help the Snow Leopard Essay example -- Wildlife

An endangered species is â€Å"any species†¦ that is at risk of extinction because of the sudden rapid decrease in its population or loss of its habitat† (Dublin, par. 1). An animal that falls under this category is the â€Å"Panthera Uncia† (Dublin, par. 1) –more commonly known as the snow leopard. This animal is seen as a threat to many people in Central Asia –the natural habitat of the leopard. However, the conclusion is inaccurate. The snow leopard is a rare creature that is hardly seen by humans. This animal is insulated by thick fur and has tremendous paws that act like snow shoes. Snow leopards have powerful legs that allow them to jump up to at least fifty feet. Along with their unique body style, they have a long tail that helps keep their balance and can shield them from the cool mountain air (National Geographic, par. 1). This innocent animal is being destroyed by humanity. Humans are invading its home. Therefore, it needs help be fore it is too late. The snow leopard is a vital link in its natural habitat of Central Asia; immediate action must be taken by the world to prevent its extinction. The history of the snow leopard begins in1972, when it was first listed as an endangered species. There are several contributing factors to the endangerment of this beautiful mammal. These would include the destruction of their habitat and increased poaching. Although people have tried to resolve this problem, more needs to be done to save the snow leopard. The environment and habitat of the snow leopard is being ruined; consequently, resulting in their endangerment. The territory of the snow leopard is vanishing without anyone noticing. An example of this is â€Å"in Ladakh, where tourism and rapid development have taken thei... ...ters: Will Politics Prevent National Park in the High Pamirs of Tajikistan?† 44.1: EBSCO. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. Dublin, Holly. â€Å"Endangered Species.† Encyclopedia Britannica. Ed. Vol. Merriam-Webster Inc, 2012. Print. Ebrahim, Zofeen. â€Å"Endangered Snow Leopard Clawing its way Back.† The Guardian.N.p. 12 Aug. 2010. Web. 29 Jan. 2015. Feline Conservation Federation.N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015. Knickerbocker, Brad. â€Å"Controversy Erupts Over Endangered Species Act.† The Christian Science Monitor (2007): Print. Matthiessen, Peter. The Snow Leopard.The Harvill press, 1996. Print. Miller, Tyler, and Scott Spoolman.Environmental Science.Brooks/Cole, 2008. Print. National Geographic.National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015. Snow Leopard Conservancy.N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015. Snow Leopard Trust.N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.

Partnership with Parents Essay

Parents are experts on their own child and are their child’s first and main educators. To meet the needs of children in our care effectively, childcare centers have to build strong relationships with parents and make sure that the sharing of information is a two-way, on going process. Aim for practitioners should be to achieve an open, supportive relationship with parents, who will be made to feel welcome, involved and fully informed about what happens in the childcare center. The preschool experience is often a young child’s first significant experience away from home. The first separation from home frequently places stress on the family until the transition is made. I have vivid memories of the first day I dropped off my son at preschool. I must have had a thousand questions and a million concerns: Would he behave? Would he cry? Would the teachers be able to keep up with him? The questions and concerns went on and on until I and my son finally felt comfortable with the preschool staff and environment. Positive parent-teacher partnerships assist young children with the transition from home and promote healthy growth and development. Even though actively reaching out to parents requires time, patience, and energy, teachers benefit by understanding children’s home environments. If the partnership between parents, staff and child is going well, each need to be able to trust and respect the other. The self-esteem and well-being of the people in the partnership are important when they are working together. Very important is a good start. Childcare staff should to help parents and children to feel welcome when they first arrive at the setting for e. g. parents and visitors are given a friendly welcome by staff; an attractive display in the entrance area showing some of the recent activities that children have been involved in; information showing the names of staff, with their photographs. Important is positive image and messages about diversity- for e. g. different languages, ethnicities and genders. The key to success in the partnership is good communication. Practitioners can sharing information with parent for one-way or two – way communication. One-way communication occurs when teachers seek to inform parents about events, activities, or children progress through a variety of sources, such as an introductory letter at the beginning of the preschool year, newsletters, report cards, communication books, childcare center Web sites, and so on. Two-way communication involves interactive dialogue between preschool’s teachers and parents. Conversations may occur during telephone calls, home visits, parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and various preschool-based community activities. Teachers should actively incorporate both strategies to maximize sharing information with parents. Parents and teachers share in the responsibility of a child’s education. The two should work cooperatively to foster a positive educational experience for a child. Often times, however conflicts do arise. Conflicts between teachers and parents can arise in a number of ways. A parents sometimes have a hard time dealing with the fact that someone else is â€Å"parenting† their child. Another common parental gripe is that the teacher is not giving the child enough attention or otherwise treating her inappropriately. Additional problem may be language barrier. An increasing number of parents do not speak English as a first language so they are unable to understand communications from the preschool. This can be a real issue and preschool teacher should assess whether hi or she is in a position to address this. When it comes to things like parents meeting teacher can invite some of parents family or friends who know English and can translate Even those parents who are fluent in English can have trouble understanding some communications from the preschool. Preschool teachers may be always think carefully when communicating with parents and ensure that they don’t use the jargon they might use with they colleagues. The key to a good relationship between teachers and parents is open communication. Parents should always talk directly with the teacher about the problem. Good communication prevents conflict from arising and makes resolutions a lot easier.

Mountains: Volcano and Mid-ocean Ridges

Volcanic mountains are mountains that form when molten rock erupts onto the earth's surface. They can either form on land or in the ocean. The Cascade Range in Washington, Oregon and northern California is composed of volcanic mountains. Some of the largest volcanic mountains are found along divergent boundaries, which form the mid-ocean ridges. The mid-ocean ridges have huge volcanic mountain chains that run through the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The mountains in the mid-ocean ridges can actually grow tall enough to create islands such as Iceland or the Azores. Other volcanic mountains can form over hot spots, which are pockets of magma beneath the crust that erupt onto earth's surface. The Hawaiian Islands are actually the tops of really high volcanic islands that have formed over a hot spot on the sea floor. The main Hawiian island is actually a volcano that is about 9 km above the ocean floor, with a base that is about 160 km wide. Almost 4 km of this island is above sea level. Folded mountains Folded mountains make up some of the highest mountains in the world. Folded mountains commonly form along boundaries, where 2 continents are colliding. They tend to look like an accordion. Some really complex folds can be found in parts of the Alps, Himalayas, Appalachians, and Russia's Ural Mountains. These long mountain chains also show extensive signs of folding. block mountains lock mountains are formed when parts of the earth's crust has been broken off into large block mountains are formed when two simultaneous blocks of land rise above or fall down leaving its middle part behind, when magma pushes up and forces top layers of rock (elastic) up with it. An example is the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Domed mountains, although have broken (plasic) and move up as a ‘chunk'. A fault block mountain is a mountain or range formed as a horst when it was elevated between parallel normal faults. A horst is the ra ised fault block bounded by normal faults.

Uses of Dispose

Uses of Dispose Uses of Dispose Uses of Dispose By Maeve Maddox Ed Buckner writes: In my work, people often use the word dispose when referring to solid waste. Â  My issue is that many people want to append the preposition of to the word dispose as in, the company disposed of the hazardous waste. This does not seem correct to me, yet I have had wordsmiths in the office correct my writing to include disposed of. One would not say transported of the waste or stored of the waste, yet people insist upon saying disposed of the waste. Am I wrong here or is it a case of an error becoming the standard through constant incorrect use? The verb dispose can be used either transitively or intransitively. When used transitively, it does not take a preposition. Used intransitively, it often does. As an transitive verb (a verb that governs an object), dispose can mean to place, to put away: The company disposed the waste in drums placed in several buildings. The child disposed the toy soldiers about the carpet and under the table. As an intransitive verb dispose can take a preposition. to dispose with: put into a settled state I want to dispose with this lawsuit once and for all. to dispose of: get rid of We hired Acme Garbage to dispose of our solid waste Dispose can also be used intransitively without a preposition as in the proverb Man proposes; God disposes. When the meaning is to get rid of, dispose needs the of. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 Types of Narrative ConflictProbable vs. PossibleWords Often Misspelled Because of Double Letters

International Standards on Auditing 315 Essays

International Standards on Auditing 315 Essays International Standards on Auditing 315 Essay International Standards on Auditing 315 Essay INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ON AUDITING 315 IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (Effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2009) CONTENTS Paragraph Introduction Scope of this ISA . 1 Effective Date 2 Objective . Definitions .. 4 Requirements Risk Assessment Procedures and Related Activities .. 5-10 The Required Understanding of the Entity and Its Environment, Including the Entity’s Internal Control .. 11-24 Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement 25-31 Documentation .. 2 Application and Other Explanatory Material Risk Assessment Procedures and Related Activities . A1-A16 The Required Understanding of the Entity and Its Environment, Including the Entity’s Internal Control .. A17-A104 Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement A105-A130 Documentation .. A131-A134 Appendix 1: Internal Control Components Appendix 2: Conditions and Events That May Indicate Risks of Material Misstatement IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 272 International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 315, â€Å"Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement through Understanding the Entity and Its Environment† should be read in conjunction with ISA 200, â€Å"Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in Accordance with International Standards on Auditing. † IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 273 ISA 315 AUDITING Introduction Scope of this ISA 1. This International Standard on Auditing (ISA) deals with the auditor’s responsibility to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, through understanding the entity and its environment, including the entity’s internal control. Effective Date 2. This ISA is effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2009. Objective 3. The objective of the auditor is to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, at the financial statement and assertion levels, through understanding the entity and its environment, including the entity’s internal control, thereby providing a basis for designing and implementing responses to the assessed risks of material misstatement. Definitions 4. For purposes of the ISAs, the following terms have the meanings attributed below: a) Assertions – Representations by management, explicit or otherwise, that are embodied in the financial statements, as used by the auditor to consider the different types of potential misstatements that may occur. (b) Business risk – A risk resulting from significant conditions, events, circumstances, actions or inactions that could adversely affect an entity’s ability to achieve its objectives and execute its strategies, or from the setting of inappropriate objectives and strategies. c) Internal control – The process designed, implemented and maintained by those charged with governance, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance about the achievement of an entity’s objectives with regard to reliability of financial reporting, effectiveness and efficiency of operations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The term â€Å"controls† refers to any aspects of one or more of the components of internal control. d) Risk assessment procedures – The audit procedures performed to obtain an understanding of the entity and its environment, including the entity’s internal control, to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, at the financial statement and assertion levels. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 274 (e) Significant risk – An identified and assess ed risk of material misstatement that, in the auditor’s judgment, requires special audit consideration. Requirements Risk Assessment Procedures and Related Activities . The auditor shall perform risk assessment procedures to provide a basis for the identification and assessment of risks of material misstatement at the financial statement and assertion levels. Risk assessment procedures by themselves, however, do not provide sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the audit opinion. (Ref: Para. A1-A5) 6. The risk assessment procedures shall include the following: (a) Inquiries of management, and of others within the entity who in the auditor’s judgment may have information that is likely to assist in identifying risks of material misstatement due to fraud or error. Ref: Para. A6) (b) Analytical procedures. (Ref: Para. A7-A10) (c) Observation and inspection. (Ref: Para. A11) 7. The auditor shall consider whether information obtained from the auditorâ€℠¢s client acceptance or continuance process is relevant to identifying risks of material misstatement. 8. If the engagement partner has performed other engagements for the entity, the engagement partner shall consider whether information obtained is relevant to identifying risks of material misstatement. 9. Where the auditor intends to use information obtained from the auditor’s previous experience with the entity and from audit procedures performed in previous audits, the auditor shall determine whether changes have occurred since the previous audit that may affect its relevance to the current audit. (Ref: Para. A12-A13) 10. The engagement partner and other key engagement team members shall discuss the susceptibility of the entity’s financial statements to material misstatement, and the application of the applicable financial reporting framework to the entity’s facts and circumstances. The engagement partner shall determine which matters are to be communicated to engagement team members not involved in the discussion. (Ref: Para. A14-A16) IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 275 ISA 315 AUDITING The Required Understanding of the Entity and Its Environment, Including the Entity’s Internal Control The Entity and Its Environment 11. The auditor shall obtain an understanding of the following: (a) Relevant ndustry, regulatory, and other external factors including the applicable financial reporting framework. (Ref: Para. A17-A22) (b) The nature of the entity, including: (i) its operations; (ii) its ownership and governance structures; (iii) the types of investments that the entity is making and plans to make, including investments in special-purpose entities; and (iv) the way that the entity is structured and how it is financed to enable the auditor to understand the classes of transactio ns, account balances, and disclosures to be expected in the financial statements. Ref: Para. A23-A27) (c) The entity’s selection and application of accounting policies, including the reasons for changes thereto. The auditor shall evaluate whether the entity’s accounting policies are appropriate for its business and consistent with the applicable financial reporting framework and accounting policies used in the relevant industry. (Ref: Para. A28) (d) The entity’s objectives and strategies, and those related business risks that may result in risks of material misstatement. (Ref: Para. A29-A35) (e) The measurement and review of the entity’s financial performance. (Ref: Para. A36-A41) The Entity’s Internal Control 12. The auditor shall obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit. Although most controls relevant to the audit are likely to relate to financial reporting, not all controls that relate to financial reporting are relevant to the audit. It is a matter of the auditor’s professional judgment whether a control, individually or in combination with others, is relevant to the audit. (Ref: Para. A42-A65) Nature and Extent of the Understanding of Relevant Controls 13. When obtaining an understanding of controls that are relevant to the audit, the auditor shall evaluate the design of those controls and determine whether they have been implemented, by performing procedures in addition to inquiry of the entity’s personnel. (Ref: Para. A66-A68) IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 276 Components of Internal Control Control environment 14. The auditor shall obtain an understanding of the control environment. As part of obtaining this understanding, the auditor shall evaluate whether: (a) Management, with the oversight of those charged with governance, has created and maintained a culture of honesty and ethical behavior; and (b) The strengths in the control environment elements collectively provide an appropriate foundation for the other components of internal control, and whether those other components are not undermined by deficiencies in the control environment. (Ref: Para. A69-A78) The entity’s risk assessment process 15. The auditor shall obtain an understanding of whether the entity has a process for: (a) Identifying business risks relevant to financial reporting objectives; (b) Estimating the significance of the risks; (c) Assessing the likelihood of their occurrence; and (d) Deciding about actions to address those risks. (Ref: Para. A79) 16. If the entity has established such a process (referred to hereafter as the â€Å"entity’s risk assessment process†), the auditor shall obtain an understanding of it, and the results thereof. If the auditor identifies risks of material misstatement that management failed to identify, the auditor shall evaluate whether there was an underlying risk of a kind that the auditor expects would have been identified by the entity’s risk assessment process. If there is such a risk, the auditor shall obtain an understanding of why that process failed to identify it, and evaluate whether the process is appropriate to its circumstances or determine if there is a significant deficiency in internal control with regard to the entity’s risk assessment process. 17. If the entity has not established such a process or has an ad hoc process, the auditor shall discuss with management whether business risks relevant to financial reporting objectives have been identified and how they have been addressed. The auditor shall evaluate whether the absence of a documented risk assessment process is appropriate in the circumstances, or determine whether it represents a significant deficiency in internal control. (Ref: Para. A80) IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 277 ISA 315 AUDITING The information system, including the related business processes, relevant to financial reporting, and communication 18. The auditor shall obtain an understanding of the information system, including the related business processes, relevant to financial reporting, including the following areas: (a) The classes of transactions in the entity’s operations that are significant to the financial statements; (b) The procedures, within both information technology (IT) and manual systems, by which those transactions are initiated, recorded, processed, corrected as necessary, transferred to the general ledger and reported in the financial statements; c) The related accounting records, supporting information and specific accounts in the financial statements that are used to initiate, record, process and report transactions; this includes the correction of incorrect information and how information is transferred to the general ledger. The records may be in either manual or electronic form ; (d) How the information system captures events and conditions, other than transactions, that are significant to the financial statements; (e) The financial reporting process used to prepare the entity’s financial statements, including significant accounting estimates and disclosures; and f) Controls surrounding journal entries, including non-standard journal entries used to record non-recurring, unusual transactions or adjustments. (Ref: Para. A81-A85) 19. The auditor shall obtain an understanding of how the entity communicates financial reporting roles and responsibilities and significant matters relating to financial reporting, including: (Ref: Para. A86-A87) (a) Communications between management and those charged with governance; and (b) External communications, such as those with regulatory authorities. Control activities relevant to the audit 0. The auditor shall obtain an understanding of control activities relevant to the audit, being those the auditor judges it nece ssary to understand in order to assess the risks of material misstatement at the assertion level and design further audit procedures responsive to assessed risks. An audit does not require an understanding of all the control activities related to each significant class of transactions, account balance, and disclosure in the financial statements or to every assertion relevant to them. (Ref: Para. A88-A94) IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 278 21. In understanding the entity’s control activities, the auditor shall obtain an understanding of how the entity has responded to risks arising from IT. (Ref: Para. A95-A97) Monitoring of controls 22. The auditor shall obtain an understanding of the major activities that the entity uses to monitor internal control over financial reporting, including those related to those control activities relevant to the audit, and how the entity initiates remedial actions to deficiencies in its controls. Ref: Para. A98-A100) 23. If the entity has an internal audit function,1 the auditor shall obtain an understanding of the following in order to determine whether the internal audit function is likely to be relevant to the audit: (a) The nature of the internal audit function’s responsibilities and how the internal audit function fits in the entity’s orga nizational structure; and (b) The activities performed, or to be performed, by the internal audit function. (Ref: Para. A101-A103) 24. The auditor shall obtain an understanding of the sources of the information used in the entity’s monitoring activities, and the basis upon which management considers the information to be sufficiently reliable for the purpose. (Ref: Para. A104) Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement 25. The auditor shall identify and assess the risks of material misstatement at: (a) the financial statement level; and (Ref: Para. A105-A108) (b) the assertion level for classes of transactions, account balances, and disclosures (Ref: Para. A109-A113) o provide a basis for designing and performing further audit procedures. 26. For this purpose, the auditor shall: (a) Identify risks throughout the process of obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment, including relevant controls that relate to the risks, and by considering the classes of transactions, account balances, and disclosures in the financial statements; (Ref: Para. A114-A115) 1 The term â€Å"inter nal audit function† is defined in ISA 610, â€Å"Using the Work of Internal Auditors,† paragraph 7(a), as: â€Å"An appraisal activity established or provided as a service to the entity. Its functions include, amongst other things, examining, evaluating and monitoring the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control. † IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 279 ISA 315 AUDITING (b) Assess the identified risks, and evaluate whether they relate more pervasively to the financial statements as a whole and potentially affect many assertions; (c) Relate the identified risks to what can go wrong at the assertion level, taking account of relevant controls that the auditor intends to test; and (Ref: Para. A116-A118) (d) Consider the likelihood of misstatement, including the possibility of multiple misstatements, and whether the potential misstatement is of a magnitude that could result in a material misstatement. Risks That Require Special Audit Consideration 27. As part of the risk assessment as described in paragraph 25, the auditor shall determine whether any of the risks identified are, in the auditor’s judgment, a significant risk. In exercising this judgment, the auditor shall exclude the effects of identified controls related to the risk. 28. In exercising judgment as to which risks are significant risks, the auditor shall consider at least the following: (a) Whether the risk is a risk of fraud; (b) Whether the risk is related to recent significant economic, accounting or other developments and, therefore, requires specific attention; (c) The complexity of transactions; (d) Whether the risk involves significant transactions with related parties; (e) The degree of subjectivity in the measurement of financial information related to the risk, especially those measurements involving a wide range of measurement uncertainty; and f) Whether the risk involves significant transactions that are outside the normal course of business for the entity, or that otherwise appear to be unusual. (Ref: Para. A119-A123) 29. If the auditor has determined that a significant risk exists, the auditor shall obtain an understanding of the entity’s controls, including control activities, relevant to that risk. (Ref: Para. A124-A126) Risks for Which Substantive Procedures Alone Do Not Provide Sufficient Appropriate Audit Evidence 30. In respect of some risks, the auditor may judge that it is not possible or practicable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence only from substantive procedures. Such risks may relate to the inaccurate or incomplete recording of routine and significant classes of transactions or account balances, the characteristics of which often permit highly automated processing with IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 280 little or no manual intervention. In such cases, the entity’s controls over such risks are relevant to the audit and the auditor shall obtain an understanding of them. (Ref: Para. A127-A129) Revision of Risk Assessment 31. The auditor’s assessment of the risks of material misstatement at the assertion level may change during the course of the audit as additional audit evidence is obtained. In circumstances where the auditor obtains audit evidence from performing further audit procedures, or if new information is obtained, either of which is inconsistent with the audit evidence on which the auditor originally based the assessment, the auditor shall revise the assessment and modify the further planned audit procedures accordingly. (Ref: Para. A130) Documentation 32. The auditor shall include in the audit documentation:2 (a) The discussion among the engagement team where required by paragraph 10, and the significant decisions reached; b) Key elements of the understanding obtained regarding each of the aspects of the entity and its environment specified in paragraph 11 and of each of the internal control components specified in paragraphs 14- 24; the sources of information from which the understanding was obtained; and the risk assessment procedures performed; (c) The identified and assessed risks of material misstatement at the financial statement level and at the asserti on level as required by paragraph 25; and (d) The risks identified, and related controls about which the auditor has obtained an understanding, as a result of the requirements in paragraphs 27-30. Ref: Para. A131-A134) *** Application and Other Explanatory Material Risk Assessment Procedures and Related Activities (Ref: Para. 5) A1. Obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment, including the entity’s internal control (referred to hereafter as an â€Å"understanding of the entity†), is a continuous, dynamic process of gathering, updating and analyzing information throughout the audit. The understanding establishes a frame of 2 ISA 230, â€Å"Audit Documentation,† paragraphs 8-11, and paragraph A6. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 281 ISA 315 AUDITING reference within which the auditor plans the audit and exercises professional judgment throughout the audit, for example, when: Assessing risks of material misstatement of the financial statements; Determining materiality in accordance with ISA 320;3 Considering the appropriateness of the selection and application of accounting policies, and the adequacy of financial statement disclosures; Identifying areas where special audit consideration may be necessary, for example, related party transactions, the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern assumption, or considering the business purpose of transactions; Developing expectations for use when performing analytical procedures; Responding to the assessed risks of material misstatement, including designing and performing further audit procedures to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence; and Evaluating the sufficiency and appropriateness of audit evidence obtained, such as the appropriateness of assumptions and of management’s oral and written representations. A2. Information obtained by performing risk assessment procedures and related activities may be used by the auditor as audit evidence to support assessments of the risks of material misstatement. In addition, the auditor may obtain audit evidence about classes of transactions, account balances, or disclosures and related assertions and about the operating effectiveness of controls, even though such procedures were not specifically planned as substantive procedures or as tests of controls. The auditor also may choose to perform substantive procedures or tests of controls concurrently with risk assessment procedures because it is efficient to do so. A3. The auditor uses professional judgment to determine the extent of the understanding required. The auditor’s primary consideration is whether the understanding that has been obtained is sufficient to meet the objective stated in this ISA. The depth of the overall understanding that is required by the auditor is less than that possessed by management in managing the entity. A4. The risks to be assessed include both those due to error and those due to fraud, and both are covered by this ISA. However, the significance of fraud is such that further requirements and guidance are included in ISA 240 in relation to 3 ISA 320, â€Å"Materiality in Planning and Performing an Audit. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 282 risk assessment procedures and related activities to obtain information that is used to identify the risks of material misstatement due to fraud. 4 A5. Although the auditor is required to perform all the risk assessment procedures described in paragraph 6 in the course of obta ining the required understanding of the entity (see paragraphs 11-24), the auditor is not required to perform all of them for each aspect of that understanding. Other procedures may be performed where the information to be obtained therefrom may be helpful in identifying risks of material misstatement. Examples of such procedures include: Reviewing information obtained from external sources such as trade and economic journals; reports by analysts, banks, or rating agencies; or regulatory or financial publications. Making inquiries of the entity’s external legal counsel or of valuation experts that the entity has used. Inquiries of Management and Others within the Entity (Ref: Para. (a)) A6. Much of the information obtained by the auditor’s inquiries is obtained from management and those responsible for financial reporting. However, the auditor may also obtain information, or a different perspective in identifying risks of material misstatement, through inquiries of others within the entity and other employees with different levels of authority. For example: Inquiries directed towards those charged with governance may help th e auditor understand the environment in which the financial statements are prepared. Inquiries directed toward internal audit personnel may provide information about internal audit procedures performed during the year relating to the design and effectiveness of the entity’s internal control and whether management has satisfactorily responded to findings from those procedures. Inquiries of employees involved in initiating, processing or recording complex or unusual transactions may help the auditor to evaluate the appropriateness of the selection and application of certain accounting policies. Inquiries directed toward in-house legal counsel may provide information about such matters as litigation, compliance with laws and regulations, knowledge of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity, warranties, post-sales obligations, arrangements (such as joint ventures) with business partners and the meaning of contract terms. 4 ISA 240, â€Å"The Auditor’s Responsibilit ies Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements,† paragraphs 12-24. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 83 ISA 315 AUDITING Inquiries directed towards marketing or sales personnel may provide information about changes in the entity’s marketing strategies, sales trends, or contractual arrangements with its customers. Analytical Procedures (Ref: Para. 6(b)) A7. Analytical procedures performed as risk assessment procedures may identify aspects of the entity of which the auditor was unaware and may assist in assessing the risks of material misstatement in order to provide a basis for designing and implementing responses to the assessed risks. Analytical procedures performed as risk assessment procedures may include both financial and non-financial information, for example, the relationship between sales and square footage of selling space or volume of goods sold. A8. Analytical procedures may help identify the existence of unusual transactions or events, and amounts, ratios, and trends that might indicate matters that have audit implications. Unusual or unexpected relationships that are identified may assist the auditor in identifying risks of material misstatement, especially risks of material misstatement due to fraud. A9. However, when such analytical procedures use data aggregated at a high level (which may be the situation with analytical procedures performed as risk assessment procedures), the results of those analytical procedures only provide a broad initial indication about whether a material misstatement may exist. Accordingly, in such cases, consideration of other information that has been gathered when identifying the risks of material misstatement together with the results of such analytical procedures may assist the auditor in understanding and evaluating the results of the analytical procedures. Considerations Specific to Smaller Entities A10. Some smaller entities may not have interim or monthly financial information that can be used for purposes of analytical procedures. In these circumstances, although the auditor may be able to perform limited analytical procedures for purposes of planning the audit or obtain some information through inquiry, the auditor may need to plan to perform analytical procedures to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement when an early draft of the entity’s financial statements is available. Observation and Inspection (Ref: Para. 6(c)) A11. Observation and inspection may support inquiries of management and others, and may also provide information about the entity and its environment. Examples of such audit procedures include observation or inspection of the following: The entity’s operations. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 284 Documents (such as business plans and strategies), records, and internal control manuals. Reports prepared by management (such as quarterly management reports and interim financial statements) and those charged with governance (such as minutes of board of directors’ meetings). The entity’s premises and plant facilities. Information Obtained in Prior Periods (Ref: Para. 9) A12. The auditor’s previous experience with the entity and audit procedures performed in previous audits may provide the auditor with information about such matters as: Past misstatements and whether they were corrected on a timely basis. The nature of the entity and its environment, and the entity’s internal control (including deficiencies in internal control). Significant changes that the entity or its operations may have undergone since the prior financial period, which may assist the auditor in gaining a sufficient understanding of the entity to identify and assess risks of material misstatement. A13. The auditor is required to determine whether information obtained in prior periods remains relevant, if the auditor intends to use that information for the purposes of the current audit. This is because changes in the control environment, for example, may affect the relevance of information obtained in the prior year. To determine whether changes have occurred that may affect the relevance of such information, the auditor may make inquiries and perform other appropriate audit procedures, such as walk-throughs of relevant systems. Discussion among the Engagement Team (Ref: Para. 10) A14. The discussion among the engagement team about the susceptibility of the entity’s financial statements to material misstatement: Provides an opportunity for more experienced engagement team members, including the engagement partner, to share their insights based on their knowledge of the entity. Allows the engagement team members to exchange information about the business risks to which the entity is subject and about how and where the financial statements might be susceptible to material misstatement due to fraud or error. Assists the engagement team members to gain a better understanding of the potential for material misstatement of the financial statements in the specific areas assigned to them, and to understand how the results of the IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 85 ISA 315 AUDITING audit procedures that they perform may affect other aspects of the audit including the decisions about the nature, timing, and extent of further audit procedures. Provides a basis upon which engagement team members communicate and share new information obtained throughout the audit that may affect the assessment of risks of material misstatement or the audit procedures performed to address these risks. ISA 240 provides further requirements and guidance in relation to the discussion among the engagement team about the risks of fraud. 5 A15. It is not always necessary or practical for the discussion to include all members in a single discussion (as, for example, in a multi-location audit), nor is it necessary for all of the members of the engagement team to be informed of all of the decisions reached in the discussion. The engagement partner may discuss matters with key members of the engagement team including, if considered appropriate, specialists and those responsible for the audits of components, while delegating discussion with others, taking account of the extent of communication considered necessary throughout the engagement team. A communications plan, agreed by the engagement partner, may be useful. Considerations Specific to Smaller Entities A16. Many small audits are carried out entirely by the engagement partner (who may be a sole practitioner). In such situations, it is the engagement partner who, having personally conducted the planning of the audit, would be responsible for considering the susceptibility of the entity’s financial statements to material misstatement due to fraud or error. The Required Understanding of the Entity and Its Environment, Including the Entity’s Internal Control The Entity and Its Environment Industry, Regulatory and Other External Factors (Ref: Para. 11(a)) Industry Factors A17. Relevant industry factors include industry conditions such as the competitive environment, supplier and customer relationships, and technological developments. Examples of matters the auditor may consider include: The market and competition, including demand, capacity, and price competition. Cyclical or seasonal activity. 5 ISA 240, paragraph 15. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 286 Product technology relating to the entity’s products. Energy supply and cost. A18. The industry in which the entity operates may give rise to specific risks of material misstatement arising from the nature of the business or the degree of regulation. For example, long-term contracts may involve significant estimates of revenues and expenses that give rise to risks of material misstatement. In such cases, it is important that the engagement team include members with sufficient relevant knowledge and experience. 6 Regulatory Factors A19. Relevant regulatory factors include the regulatory environment. The regulatory environment encompasses, among other matters, the applicable financial reporting framework and the legal and political environment. Examples of matters the auditor may consider include: Accounting principles and industry specific practices. Regulatory framework for a regulated industry. Legislation and regulation that significantly affect the entity’s operations, including direct supervisory activities. Taxation (corporate and other). Government policies currently affecting the conduct of the entity’s business, such as monetary, including foreign exchange controls, fiscal, financial incentives (for example, government aid programs), and tariffs or trade restrictions policies. Environmental requirements affecting the industry and the entity’s business. A20. ISA 250 includes some specific requirements related to the legal and regulatory framework applicable t o the entity and the industry or sector in which the entity operates. 7 Considerations specific to public sector entities A21. For the audits of public sector entities, law, regulation or other authority may affect the entity’s operations. Such elements are essential to consider when obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment. 6 ISA 220, â€Å"Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements,† paragraph 14. 7 ISA 250, â€Å"Consideration of Laws and Regulations in an Audit of Financial Statements,† paragraph 12. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 287 ISA 315 AUDITING Other External Factors A22. Examples of other external factors affecting the entity that the auditor may consider include the general economic conditions, interest rates and availability of financing, and inflation or currency revaluation. Nature of the Entity (Ref: Para. 11(b)) A23. An understanding of the nature of an entity enables the auditor to understand such matters as: Whether the entity has a complex structure, for example with subsidiaries or other components in multiple locations. Complex structures often introduce issues that may give rise to risks of material misstatement. Such issues may include whether goodwill, joint ventures, investments, or specials of matters that the auditor may consider when obtaining an understanding of the nature of the entity include: Business operations such as: Nature of revenue sources, products or services, and markets, including involvement in electronic commerce such as Internet sales and marketing activities. 0 Conduct of operations (for example, stages and methods of production, or activities exposed to environmental risks). 0 Alliances, joint ventures, and outsourcing activities. 0 Geographic dispersion and industry segmentation. 0 Location of production facilities, warehouses, and offices, and location and quantities of inventories. 0 Key customers and important suppliers of goods and services, employment arrangements (including the existence of union ontracts, pension and other post employment benefits, stock option or incentive bonus arrangements, and government regulation related to employment matters). 8 ISA 5 50, â€Å"Related Parties. † IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 288 0 Research and development activities and expenditures. 0 Transactions with related parties. Investments and investment activities such as: 0 Planned or recently executed acquisitions or divestitures. 0 Investments and dispositions of securities and loans. Capital investment activities. 0 Investments in non-consolidated entities, including partnerships, joint ventures and special-purpose entities. Financing and financing activities such as: 0 Major subsidiaries and associated entities, including consolidated and non-consolidated structures. 0 Debt structure and related terms, including off-balance-sheet financing arrangements and leasing arrangements. 0 Beneficial owners (local, foreign, business reputation and experience) and related parties. 0 Use of derivative financial instruments. Financial reporting such as: Accoun ting principles and industry specific practices, including industry-specific significant categories (for example, loans and investments for banks, or research and development for pharmaceuticals). 0 Revenue recognition practices. 0 Accounting for fair values. 0 Foreign currency assets, liabilities and transactions. 0 Accounting for unusual or complex transactions including those in controversial or emerging areas (for example, accounting for stock-based compensation). A25. Significant changes in the entity from prior periods may give rise to, or change, risks of material misstatement. Nature of Special-Purpose Entities A26. A special-purpose entity (sometimes referred to as a special-purpose vehicle) is an entity that is generally established for a narrow and well-defined purpose, such as to effect a lease or a securitization of financial assets, or to carry out research and development activities. It may take the form of a corporation, trust, partnership or unincorporated entity. The entity on behalf of which the specialIDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 289 ISA 315 AUDITING urpose entity has been created may often transfer assets to the latter (for example, as part of a derecognition transaction involving financial assets), obtain the right to use the latter’s assets, or perform services for the latter, while other parties may provide the funding to the latter. As ISA 550 indicates, in some circumstances, a special-purpose entity may be a related party of the entity. 9 A27. Fin ancial reporting frameworks often specify detailed conditions that are deemed to amount to control, or circumstances under which the specialpurpose entity should be considered for consolidation. The interpretation of the requirements of such frameworks often demands a detailed knowledge of the relevant agreements involving the special-purpose entity. The Entity’s Selection and Application of Accounting Policies (Ref: Para. 11(c)) A28. An understanding of the entity’s selection and application of accounting policies may encompass such matters as: The methods the entity uses to account for significant and unusual transactions. The effect of significant accounting policies in controversial or emerging areas for which there is a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus. Changes in the entity’s accounting policies. Financial reporting standards and laws and regulations that are new to the entity and when and how the entity will adopt such requirements. Objectives and Strategies and Related Business Risks (Ref. Para. 11(d)) A29. The entity conducts its business in the context of industry, regulatory and other internal and external factors. To respond to these factors, the entity’s management or those charged with governance define objectives, which are the overall plans for the entity. Strategies are the approaches by which management intends to achieve its objectives. The entity’s objectives and strategies may change over time. A30. Business risk is broader than the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, though it includes the latter. Business risk may arise from change or complexity. A failure to recognize the need for change may also give rise to business risk. Business risk may arise, for example, from: The development of new products or services that may fail; A market which, even if successfully developed, is inadequate to support a product or service; or 9 ISA 550, paragraph A7. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 290 Flaws in a product or service that may result in liabilities and reputational risk. A31. An understanding of the business risks facing the entity increases the likelihood of identifying risks of material misstatement, since most business risks will eventually have financial consequences and, therefore, an effect on the financial statements. However, the auditor does not have a responsibility to identify or assess all business risks because not all business risks give rise to risks of material misstatement. A32. Examples of matters that the auditor may consider when obtaining an understanding of the entity’s objectives, strategies and related business risks that may result in a risk of material misstatement of the financial statements include: Industry developments (a potential related business risk might be, for example, that the entity does not have the personnel or expertise to deal with the changes in the industry). New products and services (a potential related business risk might be, for example, that there is increased product liability). Expansion of the business (a potential related business risk might be, for example, that the demand has not been accurately estimated). New accounting requirements (a potential related business risk might be, for example, incomplete or improper implementation, or increased costs). Regulatory requirements (a potential related business risk might be, for example, that there is increased legal exposure). Current and prospective financin g requirements (a potential related business risk might be, for example, the loss of financing due to the entity’s inability to meet requirements). Use of IT (a potential related business risk might be, for example, that systems and processes are incompatible). The effects of implementing a strategy, particularly any effects that will lead to new accounting requirements (a potential related business risk might be, for example, incomplete or improper implementation). A33. A business risk may have an immediate consequence for the risk of material misstatement for classes of transactions, account balances, and disclosures at the assertion level or the financial statement level. For example, the business risk arising from a contracting customer base may increase the risk of material misstatement associated with the valuation of receivables. However, the same risk, particularly in combination with a contracting economy, may also have a longer-term consequence, which the auditor considers when assessing the IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 291 ISA 315 AUDITING appropriateness of the going concern assumption. Whether a business risk may result in a risk of material misstatement is, therefore, considered in light of the entity’s circumstances. Examples of conditions and events that may indicate risks of material misstatement are indicated in Appendix 2. A34. Usually, management identifies business risks and develops approaches to address them. Such a risk assessment process is part of internal control and is discussed in paragraph 15 and paragraphs A79-A80. Considerations Specific to Public Sector Entities A35. For the audits of public sector entities, â€Å"management objectives† may be influenced by concerns regarding public accountability and may include objectives which have their source in law, regulation or other authority. Measurement and Review of the Entity’s Financial Performance (Ref: Para. 11(e)) A36. Management and others will measure and review those things they regard as important. Performance measures, whether external or internal, create pressures on the entity. These pressures, in turn, may motivate management to take action to improve the business performance or to misstate the financial statements. Accordingly, an understanding of the entity’s performance measures assists the auditor in considering whether pressures to achieve performance targets may result in management actions that increase the risks of material misstatement, including those due to fraud. See ISA 240 for requirements and guidance in relation to the risks of fraud. A37. The measurement and review of financial performance is not the same as the monitoring of controls (discussed as a component of internal control in paragraphs A98s of internally-generated information used by management for measuring and reviewing financial performance, and which the auditor may consider, include: Key performance indicators (financial and non-financial) and key ratios, trends and operating statistics. Period-on-period financial performance analyses. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 292 Budgets, forecasts, variance analyses, segment i nformation and divisional, departmental or other level performance reports. Employee performance measures and incentive compensation policies. Comparisons of an entity’s performance with that of competitors. A39. External parties may also measure and review the entity’s financial performance. For example, external information such as analysts’ reports and credit rating agency reports may represent useful information for the auditor. Such reports can often be obtained from the entity being audited. A40. Internal measures may highlight unexpected results or trends requiring management to determine their cause and take corrective action (including, in some cases, the detection and correction of misstatements on a timely basis). Performance measures may also indicate to the auditor that risks of misstatement of related financial statement information do exist. For example, performance measures may indicate that the entity has unusually rapid growth or profitability when compared to that of other entities in the same industry. Such information, particularly if combined with other factors such as performance-based bonus or incentive remuneration, may indicate the potential risk of management bias in the preparation of the financial statements. Considerations Specific to Smaller Entities A41. Smaller entities often do not have processes to measure and review financial performance. Inquiry of management may reveal that it relies on certain key indicators for evaluating financial performance and taking appropriate action. If such inquiry indicates an absence of performance measurement or review, there may be an increased risk of misstatements not being detected and corrected. The Entity’s Internal Control (Ref: Para. 12) A42. An understanding of internal control assists the auditor in identifying types of potential misstatements and factors that affect the risks of material misstatement, and in designing the nature, timing, and extent of further audit procedures. A43. The following application material on internal control is presented in four sections, as follows: General Nature and Characteristics of Internal Control. Controls Relevant to the Audit. Nature and Extent of the Understanding of Relevant Controls. Components of Internal Control. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 293 ISA 315 AUDITING General Nature and Characteristics of Internal Control Purpose of Internal Control A44. Internal control is designed, implemented and maintained to address identified business risks that threaten the achievement of any of the entity’s objectives that concern: The reliability of the entity’s financial reporting; The effectiveness and efficiency of its operations; and Its compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The way in which internal control is designed, implemented and maintained varies with an entity’s size and complexity. Considerations specific to smaller entities A45. Smaller entities may use less structured means and simpler processes and procedures to achieve their objectives. Limitations of Internal Control A46. Internal control, no matter how effective, can provide an entity with only reasonable assurance about achieving the entity’s financial reporting objectives. The likelihood of their achievement is affected by the inherent limitations of internal control. These include the realities that human judgment in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns in internal control can occur because of human error. For example, there may be an error in the design of, or in the change to, a control. Equally, the operation of a control may not be effective, such as where information produced for the purposes of internal control (for example, an exception report) is not effectively used because the individual responsible for reviewing the information does not understand its purpose or fails to take appropriate action. A47. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the collusion of two or more people or inappropriate management override of internal control. For example, management may enter into side agreements with customers that alter he terms and conditions of the entity’s standard sales contracts, which may result in improper revenue recognition. Also, edit checks in a software program that are designed to identify and report transactions that exceed specified credit limits may be overridden or disabled. A48. Further, in designing and implementing controls, management may make judgments on the nature and extent of the controls it chooses to implement, and the nature and extent of the risks it chooses to assume. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 294 Considerations specific to smaller entities A49. Smaller entities often have fewer employees which may limit the extent to which segregation of duties is practicable. However, in a small owner-managed entity, the owner-manager may be able to exercise more effective oversight than in a larger entity. This oversight may compensate for the generally more limited opportunities for segregation of duties. A50. On the other hand, the owner-manager may be more able to override controls because the system of internal control is less structured. This is taken into account by the auditor when identifying the risks of material misstatement due to fraud. Division of Internal Control into Components A51. The division of internal control into the following five components, for purposes of the ISAs, provides a useful framework for auditors to consider how different aspects of an entity’s internal control may affect the audit: (a) The control environment; (b) The entity’s risk assessment process; (c) The information system, including the related business processes, relevant to financial reporting, and communication; (d) Control activities; and e) Monitoring of controls. The division does not necessarily reflect how an entity designs, implements and maintains internal control, or how it may classify any particular component. Auditors may use different terminology or frameworks to describe the various aspects of internal control, and their effect on the audit than those used in this ISA, provided all the components desc ribed in this ISA are addressed. A52. Application material relating to the five components of internal control as they relate to a financial statement audit is set out in paragraphs A69-A104 below. Appendix 1 provides further explanation of these components of internal control. Characteristics of Manual and Automated Elements of Internal Control Relevant to the Auditor’s Risk Assessment A53. An entity’s system of internal control contains manual elements and often contains automated elements. The characteristics of manual or automated elements are relevant to the auditor’s risk assessment and further audit procedures based thereon. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 295 ISA 315 AUDITING A54. The use of manual or automated elements in internal control also affects the manner in which transactions are initiated, recorded, processed, and reported: Controls in a manual system may include such procedures as approvals and reviews of transactions, and reconciliations and follow-up of reconciling items. Alternatively, an entity may use automated procedures to initiate, record, process, and report transactions, in which case records in electronic format replace paper documents. Controls in IT systems consist of a combination of automated controls (for example, controls embedded in computer programs) and manual controls. Further, manual controls may be independent of IT, may use information produced by IT, or may be limited to monitoring the effective functioning of IT and of automated controls, and to handling exceptions. When IT is used to initiate, record, process or report transactions, or other financial data for inclusion in financial statements, the systems and programs may include controls related to the corresponding assertions for material accounts or may be critical to the effective functioning of manual controls that depend on IT. An entity’s mix of manual and automated elements in internal control varies with the nature and complexity of the entity’s use of IT. A55. Generally, IT benefits an entity’s internal control by enabling an entity to: Consistently apply predefined business rules and perform complex calculations in processing large volumes of transactions or data; Enhance the timeliness, availability, and accuracy of information; Facilitate the additional analysis of information; Enhance the ability to monitor the performance of the entity’s activities and its policies and procedures; Reduce the risk that controls will be circumvented; and Enhance the ability to achieve effective segregation of duties by implementing security controls in applications, databases, and operating systems. A56. IT also poses specific risks to an entity’s internal control, including, for example: Reliance on systems or programs that are inaccurately processing data, processing inaccur ate data, or both. Unauthorized access to data that may result in destruction of data or improper changes to data, including the recording of unauthorized or non-existent transactions, or inaccurate recording of transactions. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 296 Particular risks may arise where multiple users access a common database. The possibility of IT personnel gaining access privileges beyond those necessary to perform their assigned duties thereby breaking down segregation of duties. Unauthorized changes to data in master files. Unauthorized changes to systems or programs. Failure to make necessary changes to systems or programs. Inappropriate manual intervention. Potential loss of data or inability to access data as required. A57. Manual elements in internal control may be more suitable where judgment and discretion are required such as for the following circumstances: Large, unusual or non-recurring transactions. Circumstances where errors are difficult to define, anticipate or predict. In changing circumstances that require a control response outside the scope of an existing automated control. In monitoring the effectiveness of automated controls. A58. Manual elements in internal control may be less reliable than automated elements because they can be more easily bypassed, ignored, or overridden and they are also more prone to simple errors and mistakes. Consistency of application of a manual control element cannot therefore be assumed. Manual control elements may be less suitable for the following circumstances: High volume or recurring transactions, or in situations where errors that can be anticipated or predicted can be prevented, or detected and corrected, by control parameters that are automated. Control activities where the specific ways to perform the control can be adequately designed and automated. A59. The extent and nature of the risks to internal control vary depending on the nature and characteristics of the entity’s information system. The entity responds to the risks arising from the use of IT or from use of manual elements in internal control by establishing effective controls in light of the characteristics of the entity’s information system. Controls Relevant to the Audit A60. There is a direct relationship between an entity’s objectives and the controls it implements to provide reasonable assurance about their achievement. The IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT 297 ISA 315 AUDITING ntity’s objectives, and therefore controls, relate to financial reporting, operations and compliance; however, not all of these objectives and controls are relevant to the auditor’s risk assessment. A61. Factors relevant to the auditor’s judgment about whether a control, individually or in combination with others, is relevant to the audit may include such matters as the following: Materiality. The significance of the r elated risk. The size of the entity. The nature of the entity’s business, including its organization and ownership characteristics. The diversity and complexity of the entity’s operations. Applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The circumstances and the applicable component of internal control. The nature and complexity of the systems that are part of the entity’s internal control, including the use of service organizations. Whether, and how, a specific control, individually or in combination with others, prevents, or detects and corrects, material misstatement. A62. Controls over the completeness and accuracy of information produced by the entity may be relevant to the audit if the auditor intends to make use of the information in designing and performing further procedures. Controls relating to operations and compliance objectives may also be relevant to an audit if they relate to data the auditor evaluates or uses in applying audit procedures. A63. Internal control over safeguarding of assets against unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition may include controls relating to both financial reporting and operations objectives. The auditor’s consideration of such controls is generally limited to those relevant to the reliability of financial reporting. A64. An entity generally has controls relating to objectives that are not relevant to an audit and therefore need not be considered. For example, an entity may rely on a sophisticated system of automated controls to provide efficient and effective operations (such as an airline’s system of automated controls to maintain flight schedules), but these controls ordinarily would not be relevant to the audit. Further, although internal control applies to the entire entity or to any of its operating units or business processes, an understanding of internal control relating to each of the entity’s operating units and business processes may not be relevant to the audit. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT ISA 315 298 Considerations Specific to Public Sector Entities A65. Public sector auditors often have additional responsibilities with respect to internal control, for example to report on compliance with an established code of practice. Public sector auditors can also have responsibilities to report on compliance with law, regulation or other authority. As a result, their review of internal control may be broader and more detailed. Nature and Extent of the Understanding of Relevant Controls (Ref: Para. 3) A66. Evaluating the design of a control involves considering whether the control, individually or in combination with other controls, is capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material misstatements. Implementation of a control means that the control exists and that the entity is using it. There is little point in assessing the implementation of a control that is not effective, and so the design of a control is considered first. An improperly designed control may represent a significant deficiency in internal control. A67. Risk assessment procedures to obtain audit evidence about the design and implementation of relevant controls may include: Inquiring of entity personnel. Observing the application of specific controls. Inspecting documents and reports. Tracing transactions through the information system relevant to financial reporting. Inquiry alone, however, is not sufficient for such purposes. A68. Obtaining an understanding of an entity’s controls is not sufficient to test their operating effectiveness, unless there is some automation that provides for the consistent operation of the controls. For example, obtaining audit evidence about the implementation of a manual control at a point in time does not provide audit evidence about the operating effectiveness of the control at other times during the period under audit. However, because of the inherent consistency of IT processing (see paragraph A55), performing audit procedures to determine whether an automated control has been implemented may serve as a test of that control’s operating effectiveness, depending on the auditor’s assessment and testing of controls such as those over program changes. Tests of the operating effectiveness of controls are further descr