# Analysis Techniques for Auditors Course (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/analysis-techniques-for-auditors-course-self-paced>

## Overview

Auditors need to analyze data using a variety of tools and techniques to assess performance, risks, activity, compliance, cause, and effect. This course presents analytical techniques that auditors and analysts can use to identify and graphically assess and demonstrate conditions, performance, and components to assess causes and identify solutions for effective findings and recommendations. The objective is to present the quantitative and qualitative techniques, discuss their uses, illustrate their applications, and provide practice in applying them.

This course contains practical case exercises that can be completed using Microsoft Excel. If available, please bring a laptop containing Excel software to class with you. If you do not have access to a laptop or you do not have a basic knowledge of Excel, the exercises can be completed using a hand calculator.

## What you'll learn

- Describe each analytical technique and its specific use.
- Explain the steps in applying each technique.
- Apply each technique to one or more case exercises, following the steps for preparing the analysis and interpreting the results.
- Select when to use specific analysis techniques.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Introduction to the Course

- Review the purpose of analytical techniques in audit engagements
- Identify criteria for selecting appropriate analysis tools
- Understand the audit context where visual analysis can improve findings

#### Module 2: Run Chart Analysis

- Create and interpret run charts for time-series data
- Identify patterns, shifts, and trends in performance over time
- Distinguish between common and special cause variation

#### Module 3: Control Chart Analysis

- Apply statistical control chart techniques to audit data
- Evaluate process stability and detect out-of-control conditions
- Use upper and lower control limits in risk assessment

#### Module 4: Radar Chart

- Visualize multidimensional performance or criteria
- Compare multiple data sets on a common scale
- Apply radar charts in benchmarking and internal control reviews

#### Module 5: Histogram

- Display frequency distributions to examine variation and central tendency
- Evaluate data skewness and detect unusual patterns
- Use histograms for compliance and quality control analysis

#### Module 6: Cause and Effect Diagram

- Construct fishbone diagrams to identify root causes of audit issues
- Organize contributing factors by category
- Use diagrams to guide further audit testing and inquiry

#### Module 7: Pareto Analysis

- Apply the 80/20 rule to audit findings and exceptions
- Identify key issues or causes driving most observed problems
- Prioritize audit responses based on frequency and impact

#### Module 8: Scatter Diagram

- Explore correlations between two data variables
- Detect possible cause-effect relationships for deeper analysis
- Support audit conclusions with visual evidence

#### Module 9: Sequence Flow Chart

- Map audit processes or operations visually
- Identify process inefficiencies, delays, or risk points
- Use for understanding procedures before designing tests

#### Module 10: Force Field Analysis

- Assess driving and restraining forces affecting a proposed change
- Use in organizational audits and change readiness evaluations
- Facilitate audit recommendations with stakeholder context

#### Module 11: Cost and Benefit Analysis

- Compare program or project costs to measured benefits
- Support economic conclusions in performance audits
- Apply return on investment (ROI) and break-even analysis

#### Module 12: Selecting Analysis Techniques

- Match audit objectives to the most appropriate analysis method
- Review strengths and limitations of each visual technique
- Integrate multiple tools to improve audit insight and communication

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1049