A “live interactive” case: performing a mission achievement audit

Describes a “live interactive” case in which internal auditing graduate students provided audit services to a university’s Department of Accountancy. The department were preparing for an American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation visit. Students participating in the project took the role of an evaluation team and performed a mock AACSB review. They were required to determine whether and how the Accountancy Department faculty perceived they were achieving the department’s stated mission and educational objectives which will also be assessed by the AACSB review team. The project simulates an internal audit in which students determine whether an organization’s personnel accomplished their established goals. The project allows students to utilize standard internal audit procedures from a textbook in a real world audit engagement. Students also have the opportunity to practice a variety of professional skills, especially effective interviewing, which is an important skill for auditors to develop and practice. The case can be expanded by focusing on a different group of university constituents, such as students or alumni, or by addressing the college’s or university’s goals and mission statements. It is also adaptable to any organizations that have stated mission and goals statements.