How is an audit likely to be structured?

An audit is primarily structured around a series of questions that align with specific contract requirements and established standards. This approach ensures that the audit process is systematic and focused on evaluating compliance with predetermined criteria, which is essential for assessing ethical and responsible sourcing practices. By using structured questions, auditors can gather consistent information that directly relates to compliance issues, performance metrics, and adherence to both legal and ethical standards.

This methodical structure allows for a comprehensive evaluation of a supplier's operations, enabling auditors to identify areas of non-compliance or where improvements can be made. It also facilitates the consistent application of audit criteria across different suppliers, contributing to fair assessments and benchmarking.

In comparison, methods like random sampling of supplier transactions focus on specific instances rather than a broader evaluation of compliance and performance. Other options, such as reviewing public relations strategies or analyzing a supplier's social media presence, do not directly relate to the structured evaluation of contracts and standards necessary for a thorough audit process. While these approaches may provide some context about a supplier's reputation or public image, they fall short of delivering the detailed compliance assessment that a structured audit encompasses.