International Journal of Nonlinear Analysis and Applications

A systematic study on the model for determining and identifying major audit issues: Using a content analysis approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Accounting, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Banking and Financial, Sciences University of Wasit, College of Administration and Economics, Iraq

Abstract

In today's complex financial world, identifying and disclosing major audit issues is crucial for transparency, accountability, public trust, and economic stability. This exploratory, mixed-methods study presents a comprehensive model examining key factors affecting this process. Due to the lack of a coherent framework, it identifies themes via content analysis of prior research and interviews with 14 experts (audit academics/professionals and Auditing Standards Development Committee members, purposively sampled via snowball approach). Results revealed 4 overarching themes: Regulatory/Professional Frameworks, Institutional/Environmental Structures, Client Characteristics, and Auditor Frameworks, along with 8 organizing themes (including ethical requirements, regulatory roles, institutional impacts, economic environment, client traits, and auditor characteristics) and 55 basic themes. Delphi analysis confirmed the reliability of these dimensions across two rounds. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) then identified Supervisory Structures as the most influential theme within the major audit issues pattern. This research advances auditing literature, particularly for developing countries, offering technical innovations and practical insights for policymakers and audit institutions to better understand auditor characteristics and drivers of major audit issues.

Keywords

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International Journal of Nonlinear Analysis and Applications
Volume 17, Issue 5
May 2026
Pages 79-97
  • Receive Date: 19 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 27 June 2025