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ISO-IEC-42001-LEAD-AUDITOR · Question #157

Was the audit team leader's decision regarding the handling of the technical expert's findings acceptable? Refer to Scenario 7. Scenario 7: TastyMade. headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is an…

The correct answer is A. Yes, technical experts fill knowledge or qualification gaps and must operate under the auditors'. Per ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 (Clause 9.1.6) and ISO 19011:2018, technical experts may be appointed to support the audit team with specific expertise. However, they are not auditors themselves and must work under the direction and supervision of the audit team. In the scenario, the…

Audit Team Management

Question

Was the audit team leader's decision regarding the handling of the technical expert's findings acceptable? Refer to Scenario 7. Scenario 7: TastyMade. headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is an established company in the food manufacturing industry that applies Al technologies in its operations. It has implemented an artificial intelligence management system AIMS based on ISO/IEC 42001 to further strengthen its Al management and ensure compliance with international standards. As part of its commitment to excellence and continual improvement, TastyMade is undergoing an audit process to achieve certification against ISO/IEC 42001. In preparation for the audit, TastyMade collaborated closely with the audit team leader to develop a detailed audit plan. This plan encompassed objectives, criteria, scope, and logistical arrangements for both on-site and remote audit activities. Recognizing the specialized nature of Al integration, a technical expert was brought in to support the audit team and ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant aspects. Upon discussion with the audit team leader, it was mutually decided that not every audit team member would need a guide throughout the audit process. At times, the TastyMade itself would assume the role of the guide, actively facilitating audit activities. A formal opening meeting was held with TastyMade's management to provide an overview of the audit process and set expectations. During this meeting, key interested parties were briefed on the audit objectives and the methodologies that would be employed during the audit. Following the meeting, the audit team proceeded with their work, collecting information and conducting tests to evaluate the effectiveness of TastyMade's AIMS. Daily evening meetings were held to review progress, discuss encountered issues, and facilitate collaboration among audit team members. The audit team leader adopted an open communication approach, encouraging all auditors to share their findings and challenges. The communication regarding the progress of the audit was informal, allowing for a fluid exchange of information and updates among team members. To verify adherence to some requirements of clause 4.1 Understanding the organization and its context, the audit team arbitrarily selected for analysis a representative sample of Al management practices across different departments and functions within the company. During the audit process, the technical expert uncovered certain technical and operational findings related to the integration and governance of Al systems. Recognizing the significance of these findings, the expert promptly informed the audit team leader. Understanding the need for further clarification and direct communication, the audit team leader authorized the technical expert to address the findings directly with the auditee. However, to ensure proper oversight, the expert was supervised by one of the audit team members. Throughout the audit, it became apparent that TastyMade promoted a culture of autonomy and decentralized decision-making in Al integration processes. Employees were empowered to set goals, allocate responsibilities, and devise methodologies independently, with management providing guidance and support as needed. This approach fostered innovation and agility within the company

Options

  • AYes, technical experts fill knowledge or qualification gaps and must operate under the auditors'
  • BNo, the technical expert should have worked under the direct supervision of the audit team leader
  • CNo, the technical expert should not have been advised to communicate directly with the auditee
  • DYes, but only if approved by TastyMade management in advance

How the community answered

(67 responses)
  • A
    81% (54)
  • B
    1% (1)
  • C
    4% (3)
  • D
    13% (9)

Explanation

Per ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 (Clause 9.1.6) and ISO 19011:2018, technical experts may be appointed to support the audit team with specific expertise. However, they are not auditors themselves and must work under the direction and supervision of the audit team. In the scenario, the audit team leader authorized the expert to communicate directly with the auditee while ensuring proper oversight by assigning an auditor to supervise the interaction. This is acceptable and compliant with ISO requirements.

Topics

#technical experts#audit team leader#expert supervision#expert findings

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