Purpose: The paper aims to study the methodology and functional of Internal Audit (IA) during the transition to remote working methods necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis period. Design/methodology/approach: Data are collected over a sample of 352 internal audit departments in retail SMEs distributed in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The six variables are measured using a reflective model. An exploratory factor analysis is applied to gauge the measurement model’s validity and reliability. Findings: The research findings revealed that internal auditing within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the Qatari retail sector is not sufficiently advanced. The focus of internal auditing primarily revolves around compliance audits rather than performance audits, thereby limiting their degree of agility and strategy which negatively affects the IA methodology. Conversely, for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) retail companies the research hypotheses were validated showing an IA functions evolution, an IA reassurance and IA agility that are conducted throughout a remote working and a strategic design that affect positively IA working methodology. Originality: The originality impregnates by the fact that reviews of traditional audit working methods were updated and shaped according to the deficiencies that couldn’t be identified during a pre COVID-19 period. A traditional audit plan may not work in this situation. The originality of the study consists of estimating IA methodological review through an agile approach that provides internal reassurance and risk attenuation.

This study explores the determinants of auditor performance, focusing on the moderating role of organizational commitment within the Tangerang City Inspectorate. Employing stratified random sampling, a sample of 250 auditors was chosen to ensure diversity across experience, departmental affiliation, and roles. Quantitative analysis used SPSS to examine the relationships between auditor performance, organizational commitment, and other relevant variables. Findings indicated that organizational commitment significantly moderates the effects of various social pressures on auditor performance. This underscores the necessity for auditing organizations to foster organizational commitment to enhance auditor efficacy and uphold ethical standards. These results hold substantial implications for governance and audit quality assurance, suggesting that reinforced organizational commitment could lead to more robust auditor performance and ethical conduct within similar urban governance settings. This study contributes valuable insights into the influence of organizational dynamics on auditor behaviour and performance outcomes.

This study aims to investigate the alignment of emerging skills and competencies with Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs in the accounting and auditing professions. The research focuses on enhancing the intellectual capital within these sectors, as dictated by the demands of the modern knowledge economy. Employing the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) framework of emerging skills for professional services, a comprehensive content analysis is conducted. This involves reviewing 1009 learning outcomes across 248 CPD courses offered by the global professional accounting body. The analysis reveals that while the existing courses cover all WEF-identified skills, there is an unaddressed requirement for a specialized focus on specific competencies. The study also notes gaps in clearly articulated learning outcomes, highlighting the need for more explicit statements to facilitate effective skills development and knowledge transfer. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on intellectual capital management strategies, providing actionable recommendations for professional organizations. It fills a critical gap in understanding how CPD offerings can be optimized to better prepare accounting and auditing professionals for the evolving knowledge economy.

In the context of globalization and integration of world markets, import operations occupy an important place in the activities of enterprises, forming a significant part of their economic processes. Effective management of these operations requires accurate and timely accounting and high-quality auditing, which becomes especially relevant in modern conditions. The study of methodological features of accounting and auditing of import operations is a relevant and timely area that helps improve the quality of financial reporting and management decisions. The purpose of the study is to analyze the problems and prospects of methodological features of accounting and audit of import operations, as well as to develop recommendations for their improvement. The study examined the main methodological approaches, existing problems and challenges, and proposed solutions aimed at increasing the efficiency and reliability of accounting and auditing in a global economy. The improvement of methodological approaches to the accounting and auditing of import operations will improve the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, reduce the risks of non-compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as improve management decision-making and the overall financial stability of companies. The development and implementation of effective accounting and auditing methods that comply with international standards and best practices will minimize financial risks and increase the competitiveness of enterprises in the global market. A study of the problems and prospects of methodological features of accounting and auditing of import operations has revealed a number of key issues that require attention and solutions. The main challenges are the complexity and diversity of regulatory requirements, currency fluctuations, the diversity of imported goods and services, difficulties in assessing and recognizing imported goods, and the lack of qualified specialists.

This study investigates the multifaceted challenges and barriers to implementing public auditor recommendations in Ghana’s public sector over an eighteen months period, aiming to enhance governance and accountability. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study involved semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including officials from the Ghana Audit Service, government ministries, and civil society organizations. The findings reveal a complex interplay of organizational, political, and attitudinal factors that impede effective implementation. Key challenges identified include the lack of clear implementation plans, insufficient resources, weak political commitment, and a pervasive culture of mistrust towards audit recommendations. The research underscores the necessity for a comprehensive and holistic approach to address these barriers, advocating for strengthened political leadership, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and improved stakeholder coordination. Additionally, fostering a sense of ownership and buy-in among implementation stakeholders is crucial for successful reform. The study contributes valuable insights into the systemic issues affecting public sector governance in Ghana and offers practical recommendations for overcoming the identified challenges, ultimately aiming to empower citizens and enhance governmental accountability. By addressing these barriers, the research highlights the potential for transformative change in the governance landscape of Ghana’s public sector.

Tourism experiences are inherently multisensory, engaging visitors’ senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. This study addresses the gap in literature by investigating the impact of visual and auditory landscapes on tourist emotions and behaviors within coastal tourism settings, using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model. Data collected from tourists in Sanya, China, were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that both visualscape and soundscape significantly influence tourist emotions (pleasure and arousal) and subsequent loyalty. Pleasure and arousal mediate the relationships between environmental stimuli and tourist loyalty, emphasizing their roles as emotional bridges between the environment and behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of integrating local cultural and community elements into tourism to enhance socio-economic benefits and ensure sustainable development. By fostering a deep connection between tourists and the local environment, these sensory experiences support the preservation of cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism practices, aligning with the goals of economic development and public policy. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of multisensory tourism by integrating the SOR model in coastal tourism and emphasizes the roles of visual and auditory stimuli. Practically, it provides insights for tourism managers to improve tourist experiences and loyalty through careful management of sensory elements. This has implications for infrastructure development, particularly in enhancing the quality of soft infrastructure such as cultural and social systems, which are crucial for sustainable tourism and community well-being. Future research could include additional sensory dimensions and diverse destinations for a comprehensive understanding of sensory influences on tourist behaviors and emotions. This research aligns with the broader goals of the policy and development by addressing critical aspects of infrastructure and socio-economic development within the tourism sector.