We provide independent audit, health and risk assessments to assist in deriving lessons learned and recommendations for major projects. We provide audits of financial statements/performance and financial control/administration, as well as assurance control/assessments and better practice guides. We have conducted audits and assessments across a number of Australian Department of Defence activities, such as the National Audit Office and Defence Inspector General’s Management Audit Branch (MAB). A key element of this process is an assessment of project management techniques, including risk management.

Our Approach/Solution – We support audits of varying scope based on the task manager’s requirements. For example, a compliance audit may be restricted to establishing the propriety of acquisition practices and compliance with statutory regulations, standards and specifications. A performance audit may examine behavioral issues such as the efficiency and effectiveness of management practices. We tailor skills, resources and tools to match the outcomes sought from the audit activity.

Some of the more common elements we review as part of independent audit, health and risk assessments of a project are outlined in the paragraphs that follow. Examples of our specific audit, health and risk assessment services are shown in Figure 1.

Business Case Reviews – We conduct reviews of current stated business cases in the context of expected outcomes, Higher Committee submissions and Government decisions. These reviews include assessments of business case robustness as the basis for current and future resource and time investments in the project. We also independently review project capability delivery for consistency with the intent of the originally approved project proposals.

Functional Specifications Reviews – We assess the extent to which functional specifications will satisfy wants and needs of users. We produce reports on the traceability of specifications to the original project approvals and subsequent changes in scope.

Health and Risk Assessments – We review and assess the existing risk management approach for the project, including technical, schedule, and cost risks. This includes assessing the ability of the project arrangements to deliver desired outcomes and systemic issues such as: the organizational efficiency and capacity of the project office (i.e., resources and skills) to manage the project, relationships with stakeholders (including contractors), management strategies, and understanding of requirements.

Support Arrangement Assessments – We assess the viability and sustainability of ongoing support arrangements for capability once delivered, including viability and sustainability of the technology, adequacy of contingency measures, and the degree of customer satisfaction.

Results and Benefits – Our independent activity assessments detail the issues and risks affecting our customers’ programs and provide guidance for corrective actions. This process can be used at any stage of the acquisition life cycle or can be used as an independent corporate governance function.

FABS | IT | LOGWORLD | MOBIS | PES | Lab Testing

© 2007 Jacobs. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use.