DRE 3401 Topics in Auditing Research
DRE 3401 Topics in Auditing Research
The overarching objective of this course is to provide students with insights into the economic foundations and aspects of financial statement auditing and assurance. Auditing and assurance services are economic goods that are demanded, produced, and supplied in the audit market at equilibrium prices. In this course, we will focus on a number of economic topics related to auditing and assurance. These include a discussion of the (economic) nature of auditing, the production and pricing of auditing services, audit market structure and auditor competition, economic incentives of audit partners, and the economics of audit regulation. Students will develop an advanced understanding of auditing research by critically analyzing and interpreting research papers and theories. Students will be exposed to contemporary issues in auditing research such as emerging technologies and data analytics, and the role of auditing in corporate governance and its relation to financial reporting.
- Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of auditing theories and concepts related to the economics of auditing, including the role of auditing, audit quality, auditor competition and regulation.
- Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the current issues and challenges facing the auditing profession, such as emerging technologies, data analytics, and the regulatory environment.
- Students will be able to critically analyze and evaluate the strengths and limitations of archival research methodologies and designs used in auditing research, and demonstrate proficiency in applying them to their own research projects.
- Students will develop advanced critical thinking and analytical skills by evaluating and synthesizing research literature on auditing, and identifying research gaps and opportunities for future research.
- Students will be able to design and execute an original research project in auditing, demonstrating proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Students will develop effective communication skills through the presentation of their research findings in written and oral formats, tailored to academic and professional audiences, and demonstrate the ability to respond to feedback and criticism constructively.
- Students will be able to evaluate the relevance and applicability of auditing research to real-world auditing practice and demonstrate the ability to translate research findings into practical recommendations for audit practice.
- Students will develop the ability to work independently and collaboratively in research projects, demonstrating initiative and leadership in defining research problems, selecting appropriate research methods, and analyzing data.
- Students will acquire the competence to evaluate and critique the effectiveness of auditing practices and policies, and identify areas for improvement, drawing on their advanced knowledge of auditing theory and research.
Examples of topics that will be covered in the course (a detailed list will be provided at the beginning of the course):
- The nature of auditing
- The regulatory environment (auditing, assurance, financial and non-financial information)
- Economics of auditor regulation
- Audit quality – financial information
- Audit quality – non-financial information (ESG)
- Audit production and pricing
- Audit market structure and competition
- Audit partners and audit teams
- Economic consequences of auditing
The course will include a combination of lectures, class discussions, and student presentations. Some sessions may be physical while other may be digital. Other virtual elements may also be used. Students will be expected to read and analyze research papers and be prepared to engage in class discussions. A complete reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Admission to a PhD Programme is a general requirement for participation in PhD courses at BI Norwegian Business School.
External candidates are kindly asked to attach confirmation of admission to a PhD programme when signing up for a course with the doctoral administration. Other candidates may be allowed to sit in on courses by approval of the courseleader. Sitting in on courses does not permit registration for courses, handing in exams or gaining credits for the course. Course certificates or conformation letters will not be issued for sitting in on courses
| Assessments |
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Exam category: Submission Form of assessment: Submission PDF Exam/hand-in semester: First Semester Weight: 100 Grouping: Individual Duration: 1 Semester(s) Comment: The assessment will be based on a research paper that demonstrates an advanced understanding of the key concepts, theories, and archival methods of auditing research. The research paper counts 100 % of the grade. Exam code: DRE 34011 Grading scale: ECTS Resit: Examination when next scheduled course |
| Activity | Duration | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Group work / Assignments | 50 Hour(s) | |
Student's own work with learning resources | 100 Hour(s) | |
Teaching | 30 Hour(s) | Lectures and class discussions |
A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 6 ECTS credits corresponds to a workload of at least 160 hours.