audit program for design phase of the program development life cycle

Question description

You are the manager of internal audit for do-it-all,ltd, a large, diversified decentralized manufacturing company. Over the past two years the information  systems function in –do-it-all, Ltd, has undergone some dramatic, in particular, in light of the new strategic plan formulated by top management, it has shifted from a centralized operation to widely dispersed, decentralized operations. After top management had given approval to divisional and departmental manager to pursue their own information systems initiatives (providing project appeared to be cost-effectives), decentralized information systems groups and- user groups began to proliferate. Indeed, the activities of the centralized information system group were decimated.

  Over a long period of time you had formulated a set of high-quality audit programs to help you evaluate the information system function. It has become clear to you, however, that these programs badly need updating in light of the decentralization of the information system function that has occurred. You are currently engaged in the process of systematically updating these programs.

  Required. Outline an audit program that will allow you to evaluate the design phase of the program development life cycle. Your audit program should start by stating the audit objectives you are seeking to achieve in undertaking an evaluation of the design phase. Next you should list the manager controls you would typically test undertaking an evaluation of the design phase, finally, you should describe the evidence- collection techniques  you use to test whether the controls are in place and operating reliably. Note that your audit program should take into account the decentrialized nature of do-itt-all,Ltd, information systems function and, in particular, the prominent role played by end users in in development, maintenance, and operation of information system. Provide sufficient guidance so that one of your junior staff, with adequate supervision, could follow your audit program