The Management Audit is a formal process by which IMS Quantum performs an assessment of an organization’s management systems. The concepts regarding the Integrated Management System form the basis of the audit, and at the center of this system is the Integrated Planning Model. The objective of any management audit is to find the keys that unlock creativity and productivity within the organization. IQ believes these keys always involve information, understanding, and communication. Since the development and use of Integrated Decision Models and Integrated Planning Models are concerned with these three factors, IQ uses these kinds of models as tools for evaluating the way an organization carries out the traditional functions of management: planning, leading, organizing, and controlling.

The first phase of any audit is the preparation of a preliminary Integrated Planning Model. This model describes what work the organization does to create some form of output. It may be derived from models already in use or created “from scratch.” With this understanding, the audit can proceed to see how the organization executes this work.

Current organizational structures are established, and employee position descriptions are reviewed. Structures are evaluated in light of the need of the organization to develop and use the specific talents of its current employees balanced against the need for efficiency in span of control and levels of management.

Current measures of performance are associated with all employee duties. These measures are compared to those implied by the Integrated Planning Model and recommendations are made regarding clarifications, improvements, and additions. Here, the goal is a system in which responsibilities are clearly defined and there are no confusing overlaps or gaps.

The current system of performance appraisal and correction is described and evaluated to assure that directives are carried out in an efficient and effective manor. Training needs are identified and training systems are evaluated in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

Planning systems in current use by the organization are evaluated. The degree to which these systems are comprehensive and integrated is determined. Recommendations are made regarding ways in which current planning systems could be made more effective by the use of an Integrated Planning Model.

Management information systems are evaluated in light of the Integrated Planning Model. The effectiveness and efficiency of information flows, the structure of databases and the effectiveness of reporting systems are assessed. The emphasis here is information starvation versus overload. The goal is to determine the minimum amount of information needed to understand the business setting for planning and control.