Increasing the Efficiency of IT Audit Methodology by Using the Organizations Tolerance to IT Systems Availability

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of identifying key risks during IT audit of an organization, regardless of the organization activity, and presenting the impact of the risks identified on the audit methodology. Our main focus is reducing the risk identification during phase during an audit mission. Due to the fast changing economy, the need for efficiency in resources allocation is greater than ever. Optimal use of predefined risk matrix proves to be the main element contributing to an increase in efficiency.Audit, Risk Assessment, Audit Areas, Residual Aggregated Risk

IMPROVING PERCEPTUAL DIMENSION OF KNOWLEDGE QUALITY BY AUDIT TECHNIQUES

This paper present the problems linked to the knowledge quality concept, taking into account the logical, the structural and the perceptual dimensions of knowledge quality. The logical dimension is based on data and software applications quality and can be improved by technical and computerized environment control audit. The structural dimension is discussed in connection with modularity, data base object model and redundancy check. To improve the perceptual dimension of knowledge quality we analyze the possibility of using the performance audit techniques. Thus way it can be offered to the managers the perception that data and knowledge have been well evaluated, in according with clear hypothesis, operational risks and with no missing analytical data. Two indicators, GPS - Quantitative Precision of the Supplier and TSD Total Stock Duration, are presented as examples of how the perceptual dimension can be improved by the performance audit.Knowledge Quality, Quality Dimensions, Perceptual Dimension, IT Audit

ERP System Audit a Control Support For Knowledge Management

The ERP system supports most of the business system that maintains in a single database the data needed for a variety of business functions such as Manufacturing, SCM, Financials, Projects, Human Resources and CRM; the audit of this systems is necessary in order to give reasonable assurance to the company on its core system. Obtained evidence evaluation can ensure whether the organization's IT&C system safeguard assets, maintains data integrity, and is operating effectively and efficiently to achieve the organization's goals or objectives. The audit process respecting the methodology based on: gathering information and plan; obtaining an understanding of internal controls; performing test of controls and substantive tests, develop a control support on quality of flow of information and knowledge from formal perspective, for Knowledge Management in large enterprises.ERP systems, IT audit, information quality, knowledge management

The Information Security Management System, Development and Audit

Information security management system (ISMS) is that part of the overall management system, based on a business risk approach, that it is developed in order to establish, implement, operate, monitor, review, maintain and improve information securitysecurity, information management system, audit

THE IT AUDIT - A MAJOR REQUIREMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT QUALITY AND SUCCESS IN THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS CONTEXT

A requirement for the improvement of the quality management for the Romanian companies that are integrated in the European environment is represented by the development of an informational partnership between the actors involved in the company network. This partnership must be characterized by credibility, conformity, performance and security. The IT&C system represent the hardware and software support of this partnership, and the IT audit is the process that certify it's conformity. In the audit process, the main accent is on the security audit due to the importance of the vulnerabilities, threats and IT risk analysis. The list of measures that are proposed at the end of the audit to company management should be incorporated in the company security policy, that is the starting point for the ISMS - Information Security Management System, part of the company general management system. The implementation of the Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan is one of the most important measures in order to increase the confidence level of the business partners and to provide safe environment for business continuance.Management, IT&C Systems, IT Audit, ISMS, Security Policy, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery Plan

Increasing the Efficiency of IT Audit Methodology by Using the Organizations Tolerance to IT Systems Availability

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of identifying key risks during IT audit of an organization, regardless of the organization activity, and presenting the impact of the risks identified on the audit methodology. Our main focus is reducing the risk identification during phase during an audit mission. Due to the fast changing economy, the need for efficiency in resources allocation is greater than ever. Optimal use of predefined risk matrix proves to be the main element contributing to an increase in efficiency

ERP System Audit a Control Support For Knowledge Management

The ERP system supports most of the business system that maintains in a single database the data needed for a variety of business functions such as Manufacturing, SCM, Financials, Projects, Human Resources and CRM; the audit of this systems is necessary in order to give reasonable assurance to the company on its core system. Obtained evidence evaluation can ensure whether the organization's IT&C system safeguard assets, maintains data integrity, and is operating effectively and efficiently to achieve the organization's goals or objectives. The audit process respecting the methodology based on: gathering information and plan; obtaining an understanding of internal controls; performing test of controls and substantive tests, develop a control support on quality of flow of information and knowledge from formal perspective, for Knowledge Management in large enterprises

Management of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis from the urologist’s perspective

Introduction: Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a rare disease characterized by a fibrotic reaction that affects retroperitoneal organs, especially the urinary tract. In this review we analyze the current imaging techniques, morphological characteristics, clinical aspects and therapeutic aspects of idiopathic retroperitoneal disease. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted in December 2013 to find original articles, bibliographic reviews and series reports published in the past 15 years on idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, its management and outcomes by combining terms like retroperitoneal fibrosis, periaortitis, treatment and autoimmune. A total of 89 articles were included in this review that referred strictly to IRF. We analyzed the imaging tools used for diagnostic and the decision making protocol used by physicians in the management of IRF. Results: A computerized tomography (CT) scan represents the most commonly used imaging technique for diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unable to differentiate more accurately between benign and malignant retroperitoneal fibrosis (RF) than a CT scan. Biopsy remains the most reliable diagnostic tool for IRF. However, the histological characteristics of IRF are not yet well-defined and the protocol for biopsy is not standardized in terms of template, number of biopsies and the immunohistochemical panel needed for positive diagnosis. The most common treatment reported is corticosteroid therapy alone or in combination with other immunosuppressants, whereas surgical treatment is reserved for severe cases. Indwelling ureteric stents represent the most common procedure for renal drainage, but their efficacy is questionable. Open ureterolysis remains the gold standard for surgical treatment, but its purpose is only to resolve the ureteric obstruction, not to treat the retroperitoneal fibrosis. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches have been reported to be feasible, but no prospective, comparative trials have been performed due to the rarity of the disease. Surgical technique is not standardized and the outcome of the treatment only evaluates the recovery of the renal function. Conclusions: The imaging procedures available today are unable to accurately differentiate between idiopathic and malignant RF. A biopsy is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis, but there is no consensus regarding the template, timing and number of biopsies needed to exclude malignancy. Open ureterolysis represents the main surgical treatment for cases with severe IRF, and laparoscopic or robotic approach may be an option in selected cases. The recovery of the renal function is a surrogate for evaluating the success of the treatment. More clinical studies are needed in order standardize the protocol for diagnostic, treatment and follow up after medical or surgical management

Molecular Mechanisms Related with Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer—Is It Just a Matter of Numbers?

During the last decade, the body of knowledge regarding the oligometastatic state has increased exponentially. Several molecular frameworks have been established, aiding our understanding of metastatic spread caused by genetically unstable cells that adapt to a tissue environment which is distant from the primary tumor. In the current narrative review, we provide an overview of the current treatment landscape of oligometastatic cancer, focusing on the current biomarkers used in the identification of true oligometastatic disease and highlighting the impact of molecular imaging on stage shift in different scenarios. Finally, we address current and future directions regarding the use of genetic and epigenetic targeting treatments in oligometastatic prostate cancer

Challenges in Diagnosis of Uretero–Arterial Fistulas after Complex Pelvic Oncological Procedures—Single Center Experience and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Uretero–arterial fistula (UAF) represents a rare condition that manifests as massive or intermittent hematuria and requires collaboration between a urologist, vascular surgeon and interventional radiologist. In this article, we present our experience with UAF diagnosis, treatment pathways and the results of a nonsystematic review of the literature published in the last decade regarding modern diagnostic procedures. Material and method: We analyzed the clinical data of nine consecutive patients from our institution diagnosed with UAF in the interval of 2012–2022 who underwent open or endovascular surgical treatment. We reviewed patient characteristics, diagnoses and treatment pathways. The literature search resulted in 14 case series, published from 2012 to 2022, describing a total of 670 cases of UAF. Results: The mean age of patients in our cohort was 65.3 years (IQR: 51–79). UAFs were more common in women (77.7%). All patients presented a history of surgical intervention and ir-radiation for pelvic malignancy with permanent ureteric stenting. Overall, 88.8% of patients had urinary diversion, either via ileal conduit or cutaneous ureterostomy. The most common clinical manifestation of UAF was gross hematuria with or without clots accompanied by flank pain due to stent obstruction, while three patients presented with hypovolemic shock. Angiography represents the best option for diagnosis, followed by angioCT, with a sensitivity of 59.83% and 47.01%, respectively. There is no definitive imaging modality associated with high accuracy in detecting UAF and negative findings do not exclude the disease. In emergency cases with massive bleeding, surgical exploration remains the most appropriate management option for both diagnosis and treatment. Endovascular stent graft placement is preferred over open surgery in stable hemodynamic patients. Conclusions: Uretero–arterial fistulas represent a life-threatening complication and must be treated with great awareness. Angiography represents the best modality for diagnosis, followed by computed tomography. However, there is no definitive imaging modality and, in some cases, open approach remains the only option for diagnosis and treatment