Given the importance of information systems in the world today and the severity of the potential economic and social consequences associated with information lacking in integrity and information systems that are unreliable, it is imperative that the II & ISA field be developed from both a research and teaching perspective by providing publication outlets and other opportunities for academics seeking to produce scholarly work in support of II & ISA such as research articles, textbooks and course materials to support university level instruction in these areas. Also, it is important to create opportunities for exposing business, accounting and financial management students and potential faculty to the field and help them become aware of the problems and opportunities in this area, including beneficial career opportunities for those possessing relevant competencies.
The Sponsors and the School of Accounting and Finance at the University of Waterloo seek to contribute to enhancing II & ISA through the execution of activities described in these terms of reference.
The items listed below are important and form the substance and heart of the Centre. All items will be reported on a quarterly basis to the Board of Directors of the Centre, as well as promoted visibly to all those potentially interested in II & ISA. Each objective will have a goal established along with measurable and reportable objectives by the Director of the Centre, and approved by the Board, at the beginning of each year. These goals, and progress with actual results, will be monitored and reported on quarterly, at least 2 weeks prior to each ensuing Board meeting.
The Centre, using its current web site, will continuously promote all current, future and past activities of the Centre. As open standard materials are collected and/or developed, they will be made available on the site as well. The Centre will take steps to have the web site linked with other organizations around the globe that have II & ISA as a common goal, including the Centre’s sponsors.
The Centre and its Director, with support from the Board of Directors, will work to secure additional funding from any and all reasonable sources.
The need for support will be promoted on the Centre’s website.
The Centre will organize or participate in research and other activities such as periodic meetings or think-tanks as warranted. Such meetings may involve professional services firms, industry, government and leading academics in the field. The format and purpose will be one of open free flowing forum, with discussion centered on important developments in the field.
One of the primary activities of the Centre will be to sponsor a bi-annual symposium, next offered in the fall of 2009. The focus of the symposium will be to present a combination of academic and practitioner views on current issues related to II & ISA. CobiT, CICA IT Control Guidelines, SysTrust and other key frameworks, will be highlighted and promoted within the event. The gathering will be uniquely focused on bringing together leading practitioners and academics to present, debate and discuss current II & ISA issues. The presentations will address research and education topics. The Centre will attempt to have selected research papers from the symposium published in academic journals, such as the International Journal of Accounting Information Systems. All other presentations will be summarized in the CICA’s and/or the ISACA’s publications as well as being posted to the Centre’s website.
The Centre will sponsor projects devoted to developing or documenting best practices in various areas relevant to II & ISA. The primary way this data will be collected is through support of research in the area, hosting think-tank sessions and the bi-annual Symposium. Such work should be of use to both practitioners and academics. CobiT, IT Control Guidelines and other leading frameworks will be highlighted and will be presented whenever the opportunity presents itself.
The Centre will undertake and sponsor research and education initiatives related to II & ISA with other organizations, professional groups or firms.
With a need for academics to deliver the best qualified and best prepared individuals into practice, cases dealing with II & ISA can fill an important education need. The Centre, through its website, will promote the need for development and availability of such materials. The website will provide access to such cases as they become available.
The Centre will encourage the exchange of material and teaching methods among educators in the II & ISA field. The Centre will attempt to make as much material as possible available for the general public through the use of the Centre’s website.
Textbooks and any related works produced under Centre sponsorship such as “Computer Control and Audit Guide” will continue to be supported by and credited to the UWCISA. All future editions will continue to highlight CobiT, CICA IT Control Guidelines and other leading frameworks.
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