Article contributors: Sophie Musa (Malawi), Seringe Saine (The Gambia), Mayeso Chembezi (Malawi), Lerato Maboya (AFROSAI-E) and Fredrick Bobo (AFROSAI-E)

Strong leadership and adaptability are paramount for successfully adopting new systems and processes in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.

AFROSAI-E successfully conducted an AFROSAI-E SAI Enhancement Audit Tool (A-SEAT) Administrator and Project Management training workshop in Pretoria from 3 to 7 February. The training was designed for technical personnel capable of updating the SAI’s A-SEAT system and those involved in the project team. Twenty-six participants attended the training. The participants were from nine SAIs already using A-SEAT and three SAIs starting their A-SEAT implementation journey.

The primary objectives of the workshop were to equip administrators with the skills to deploy and update the A-SEAT system and to provide key project management knowledge for effective implementation within the A-SEAT project.

The participants were A-SEAT project managers and administrators from their SAIs, providing valuable insights into change management, project management, and the latest A-SEAT system updates. Participants gained essential knowledge and tools to excel in today’s dynamic business environment.

Change Management

The workshop commenced with an in-depth session on change management, emphasising the need for a shift in mindset at all levels of the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs). Key concepts covered included strategies for overcoming resistance, effective communication during transitions, and aligning employees with new SAI goals. Maintaining clear communication channels and early engagement of employees were highlighted as crucial for a smooth change process.

Project Management

The second phase focused on modern project management techniques, teaching participants to create flexible and iterative project roadmaps to ensure continuous progress despite unexpected challenges. The workshop also showcased essential tools and software for streamlining tasks and promoting collaboration, which is vital for effective project management.

A-SEAT System Updates

In the final segment, AFROSAI-E experts provided insights into the latest A-SEAT system updates, guiding participants through the complexities of upgrading and implementing new system functionalities. The A-SEAT helps SAIs manage audit assignments and improve audit performance.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in group exercises, collaborative discussions, and case studies that simulated real-world challenges, encouraging critical and innovative problem-solving. The diverse perspectives shared by A-SEAT administrators from various countries within AFROSAI-E added significant value to the workshop. The workshop equipped participants with actionable skills and boosted their confidence in leading teams through change, managing A-SEAT projects, and navigating technological advancements.

AFROSAI-E hopes to increase the chances of success by SAIs managing A-SEAT and other projects well. It is crucial that the change introduced by the A-SEAT is managed and that communication with stakeholders is done adequately while having a sound risk management process.

Click here to read about the SAI Malawi experiences rolling out A-SEAT on our SAI Spotlight page.

Conclusion

Throughout the implementation of A-SEAT projects, SAIs have primarily depended on AFROSAI-E technical team to update their respective A-SEATs. This has been a significant challenge in implementing minor updates within A-SEAT by SAI IT administrators. This training has empowered the IT administrators to familiarise themselves with A-SEAT update techniques. A-SEAT is used in more than 10 SAIs and has lacked a technical forum to share experiences, challenges, and solutions to issues encountered. This training has helped to establish a technical forum for administrators where issues will be reported and resolutions shared among the SAIs. This will help reduce issue resolution time, establish common issues, and empower SAIs IT Administrators to work on issues without the help of the AFROSAI-E technical team.

Project management has been an issue in the implementation of A-SEAT at some SAIs, where there is no project team, no defined roles for the project team, and poor communication within the team and to the entire staff about the existence of the project team and A-SEAT. Lack of project management skills among project team members led to untimely implementation of pilot audits, failure to monitor the progress of pilot audits and failure to follow the project roadmap. With this training, project managers have acquired skills that will enable them to manage projects effectively and efficiently.