The Information Audit: Principles and Guidelines

Auditing is a recognised management technique providing managers with an overview of the present situation regarding specific resource(s) and services within an organisation. Many different types of audits currently exist in the commercial world, including audits of information resources. Currently, as far as the researchers could determine, there exists no single accepted methodology for performing an information audit. In view of this, the researchers investigate whether it is possible (and desirable) to develop a standardised information auditing methodology. Investigating the nature and characteristics of the information audit as well as how a number of other audit types do this, e.g. the financial audit, the communication audit. The researchers conclude that none of these are the same as the information audit, although similarities exist. Various information audit methodologies are discussed, evaluated and classified. The researchers conclude that even though the principles of the financial audit cannot be used to develop a standardised methodology for information auditing, information professionals can look towards the accounting profession for support in developing a standardised, universally accepted method for accurately determining the value of information entities. Guidelines for a standardised information audit methodology are identified.