HES4811 Integrated Environmental Management Systems and Auditing
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 06 OCTOBER 2023
Activity 3.1
3.1.1. Provide the definition of an ‘audit’ as provided in the ISO 14001:2014 standard and
critically evaluate this definition against two other definitions you sourced from the internet
for ‘Environmental Audit’. Include the references to the three definitions in your answer.
Environmental auditing is an important management tool for evaluating the effects of certain
activities on the environment against standards (SOAS University of London, 2020).
According to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourisms (DEAT) (2004)
environmental auditing is a procedure whereby a company’s environmental performance is
compared to its environmental policies and objectives.
Environmental audit is a tool used to quantify an organisation’s environmental performance
and position (Environmental Auditors, 2020).
3.1.2. Use the ISO 14001:2015 standard and one (1) web source to explain the terms
“Competence” and “Competent ISO auditor”.
ISO14001 (2015:4) explains competence as “the ability to apply knowledge and skills to
achieve intended results.” Similarly, Håland & Tjora (2010:993) explain competence as the
amalgamation of skills and knowledge of an individual that enable the work performance to be
exceptional and accomplish the planned results.
A competent ISO auditor is an accredited auditor that possesses the relevant educational
qualification, work experience, knowledge and skills required to accomplish the goals of the
audits (Fonseca & Domingues 2017:150). The competent ISO auditor should have different
types of skills such as people skills, decision-making ability, communication, and leadership
skills.
, Activity 3.2
3.2.1. Provide the definition of ‘Remote Assessment’ and critically compare this to the ISO
14001:2015 definition of ‘audit’.
Remote assessment is defined as an assessment done from a different location as the assessor.
In a remote assessment, it is not necessary for the assessor to be physically present at the
location where the assessment is taking place.
According to the ISO 14001:2015 standard, an audit is a systematic, independent, and
documented process used to obtain evidence and evaluate the evidence objectively to determine
the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled. The definitions both involve a systematic
process for evaluating compliance, the difference between the two is that an audit is performed
in the same location while remote assessment is done remotely.
3.2.2. Critically argue what type of ‘Environmental Audit’ is a ‘Remote Assessment’ if one
considers the types of Environmental Audits as provided in the guideline of DEAT (2004)
‘Environmental Auditing, Integrated Environmental Management, Information Series 14,
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Pretoria’.
There are several types of environmental audits which include due diligence audits,
performance audits, management systems audits, and compliance audits. The compliance audit
or the management systems audits can be argued to be a remote assessment because they can
be performed from a distance without having to be at the location.
3.2.3. Explain in your own words, when remote assessments may be considered [10 Marks]
and in what situations they may be less favourable [3 Marks].
Remote assessments may be considered in situations where in-person assessments are not
possible or practical, such as during a pandemic or when students are geographically dispersed.
Remote assessments can also provide greater flexibility for students, allowing them to complete
assessments at their own pace and on their own schedule. Additionally, remote assessments can
be more cost-effective and efficient, as they eliminate the need for physical test centres and can
be administered and graded electronically.
However, remote assessments may be less favourable in certain situations, such as when
academic integrity is a concern. It can be more difficult to prevent cheating during remote
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 06 OCTOBER 2023
Activity 3.1
3.1.1. Provide the definition of an ‘audit’ as provided in the ISO 14001:2014 standard and
critically evaluate this definition against two other definitions you sourced from the internet
for ‘Environmental Audit’. Include the references to the three definitions in your answer.
Environmental auditing is an important management tool for evaluating the effects of certain
activities on the environment against standards (SOAS University of London, 2020).
According to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourisms (DEAT) (2004)
environmental auditing is a procedure whereby a company’s environmental performance is
compared to its environmental policies and objectives.
Environmental audit is a tool used to quantify an organisation’s environmental performance
and position (Environmental Auditors, 2020).
3.1.2. Use the ISO 14001:2015 standard and one (1) web source to explain the terms
“Competence” and “Competent ISO auditor”.
ISO14001 (2015:4) explains competence as “the ability to apply knowledge and skills to
achieve intended results.” Similarly, Håland & Tjora (2010:993) explain competence as the
amalgamation of skills and knowledge of an individual that enable the work performance to be
exceptional and accomplish the planned results.
A competent ISO auditor is an accredited auditor that possesses the relevant educational
qualification, work experience, knowledge and skills required to accomplish the goals of the
audits (Fonseca & Domingues 2017:150). The competent ISO auditor should have different
types of skills such as people skills, decision-making ability, communication, and leadership
skills.
, Activity 3.2
3.2.1. Provide the definition of ‘Remote Assessment’ and critically compare this to the ISO
14001:2015 definition of ‘audit’.
Remote assessment is defined as an assessment done from a different location as the assessor.
In a remote assessment, it is not necessary for the assessor to be physically present at the
location where the assessment is taking place.
According to the ISO 14001:2015 standard, an audit is a systematic, independent, and
documented process used to obtain evidence and evaluate the evidence objectively to determine
the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled. The definitions both involve a systematic
process for evaluating compliance, the difference between the two is that an audit is performed
in the same location while remote assessment is done remotely.
3.2.2. Critically argue what type of ‘Environmental Audit’ is a ‘Remote Assessment’ if one
considers the types of Environmental Audits as provided in the guideline of DEAT (2004)
‘Environmental Auditing, Integrated Environmental Management, Information Series 14,
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Pretoria’.
There are several types of environmental audits which include due diligence audits,
performance audits, management systems audits, and compliance audits. The compliance audit
or the management systems audits can be argued to be a remote assessment because they can
be performed from a distance without having to be at the location.
3.2.3. Explain in your own words, when remote assessments may be considered [10 Marks]
and in what situations they may be less favourable [3 Marks].
Remote assessments may be considered in situations where in-person assessments are not
possible or practical, such as during a pandemic or when students are geographically dispersed.
Remote assessments can also provide greater flexibility for students, allowing them to complete
assessments at their own pace and on their own schedule. Additionally, remote assessments can
be more cost-effective and efficient, as they eliminate the need for physical test centres and can
be administered and graded electronically.
However, remote assessments may be less favourable in certain situations, such as when
academic integrity is a concern. It can be more difficult to prevent cheating during remote
