Share:


Identifying key factors for adopting artificial intelligence-enabled auditing techniques by joint utilization of fuzzy-rough set theory and MRDM technique

    Kuang-Hua Hu Affiliation
    ; Fu-Hsiang Chen Affiliation
    ; Ming-Fu Hsu Affiliation
    ; Gwo-Hshiung Tzeng Affiliation

Abstract

In today’s big-data era, enterprises are able to generate complex and non-structured information that could cause considerable challenges for CPA firms in data analysis and to issue improper audited reports within the required period. Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled auditing technology not only facilitates accurate and comprehensive auditing for CPA firms, but is also a major breakthrough in auditing’s new environment. Applications of an AI-enabled auditing technique in external auditing can add to auditing efficiency, increase financial reporting accountability, ensure audit quality, and assist decision-makers in making reliable decisions. Strategies related to the adoption of an AI-enabled auditing technique by CPA firms cover the classical multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) task (i.e., several perspectives/criteria must be considered). To address this critical task, the present study proposes a fusion multiple rule-based decision making (MRDM) model that integrates rule-based technique (i.e., the fuzzy rough set theory (FRST) with ant colony optimization (ACO)) into MCDM techniques that can assist decision makers in selecting the best methods necessary to achieve the aspired goals of audit success. We also consider potential implications for articulating suitable strategies that can improve the adoption of AI-enabled auditing techniques and that target continuous improvement and sustainable development.


First published online 7 September 2020

Keyword : artificial intelligence (AI), audit, certified public accountant (CPA), multiple criteria decision making (MCDM), multiple rule-based decision making (MRDM), fuzzy rough set theory (FRST)

How to Cite
Hu, K.-H., Chen, F.-H., Hsu, M.-F., & Tzeng, G.-H. (2021). Identifying key factors for adopting artificial intelligence-enabled auditing techniques by joint utilization of fuzzy-rough set theory and MRDM technique. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 27(2), 459-492. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2020.13181
Published in Issue
Apr 12, 2021
Abstract Views
5531
PDF Downloads
3281
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

American Institution of Certified Public Accountants. (2015a). Audit Data Standards-Based Standard.

American Institution of Certified Public Accountants. (2015b). Audit Data Standards-General Ledger Standard.

American Institution of Certified Public Accountants. (2015c). Audit Data Standards-Order to Cash Sub-ledger Standard.

American Institution of Certified Public Accountants. (2015d). Audit Data Standards – Procure to Pay Standard.

Appelbaum, D. A., Kogan, A., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2018). Analytical procedures in external auditing: A comprehensive literature survey and framework for external audit analytics. Journal of Accounting Literature, 40, 83–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acclit.2018.01.001

Baldwin, A. A., Brown, C. E., & Trinkle, B. S. (2006). Opportunities for artificial intelligence development in the accounting domain: The case for auditing. Intelligent Systems in Accounting, Finance and Management, 14, 77–86. https://doi.org/10.1002/isaf.277

Bizarro, P. A., & Dorian, M. (2017). Artificial intelligent: the future of auditing. Internal Auditing, (September/October), 21–26.

Bonabeau, E., Dorigo, M., & Theraulez, G. (1999). Swarm intelligence: From natural to artificial systems. Oxford University Press Inc.

Burgess, A. (2017). The executive guide to artificial intelligence-How to identify and implement applications for AI in your organization. Palgrave Macmillan.

Cangemi, M. P., & Taylor, P. (2018). Harnessing artificial intelligence to deliver real-time intelligence and business process improvements. EDPACS, 57(4), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/07366981.2018.1444007

Chen, F. S. (2015). Application of a hybrid dynamic MCDM to explore the key factors for the internal control of procurement circulation. International Journal of Production Research, 53(10), 2951–2969. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2014.961210

Chen, M., Zhang, S., Zhang, W., & Lin, J. (2019). Collaborative vehicle routing problem with rough location using extended ant colony optimization algorithm. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 37(2), 2385–2402. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-182715

Cheng, Y. (2018). Dynamic maintenance of approximations under fuzzy rough sets. International Journal of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 9, 2011–2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13042-017-0683-7

Chen, F. S., & Chi, D. J. (2015). Application of a new DEMATEL to explore key factors of China’s corporate social responsibility: evidence from accounting experts. Quality & Quantity, 49(1), 135–154. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-013-9978-2

Çolak, M., Kaya, İ., Özkan, B., Budak, A., & Karaşan, A. (2020). A multi-criteria evaluation model based on hesitant fuzzy sets for blockchain technology in supply chain management. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 38(1), 935–946. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-179460

Davenport, T. H., & Raphael, J. (2017). Creating a cognitive audit. CFO.Com.

Deloitte. (2015). Disruption ahead: Deloitte’s point of view on IBM Watson. https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/about-deloitte/us-ibm-watson-client.pdf

Dubois, D., & Prade, H. (1980). Fuzzy sets and systems: Theory and applications. Academic Press.

Dubois, D., & Prade, H. (1990). Rough fuzzy sets and fuzzy rough sets. International Journal of General Systems, 17(2–3), 191–209. https://doi.org/10.1080/03081079008935107

Du, S., Li, H., & Sun, B. (2019). Hybrid Kano-fuzzy-DEMATEL model based risk factor evaluation and ranking of cross-border e-commerce SMEs with customer requirement. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 37(6), 8299–8315. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-190830

Ding, X. F., & Liu, H. C. (2018). A 2-dimension uncertain linguistic DEMATEL method for identifying critical success factors in emergency management. Applied Soft Computing, 71, 386–395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2018.07.018

Faria, E. R., Gonçalves, I. J. C. R., de Carvalho, A. C. P. L. F., & Gama, J. (2016). Novelty detection in data streams. Artificial Intelligence Review, 45(2), 235–269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10462-015-9444-8

Faggella, D. (2018). AI in the accounting big four – comparing Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY. Emerj.

Gupta, S., Upadhyaya, V., Singh, A., Varshney, P., & Srivastava, S. (2018). Modeling of fractional order chaotic systems using artificial bee colony optimization and ant colony optimization. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 35(5), 5337–5344. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-169816

Gopal, J., Sangaiah, A. K., Basu, A., & Gao, X. Z. (2018). Integration of fuzzy DEMATEL and FMCDM approach for evaluating knowledge transfer effectiveness with reference to GSD project outcome. International Journal of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 9, 225–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13042-015-0370-5

Hooda, N., Bawa, S., & Rana, P. S. (2018). Fraudulent firm classification: A case study of an external audit. Applied Artificial Intelligence, 32, 48–64. https://doi.org/10.1080/08839514.2018.1451032

Hsu, Y. S., & Lin, S. J. (2016). An emerging hybrid mechanism for information disclosure forecasting. International Journal of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 7, 943–952. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13042-014-0295-4

Hsu, M. F. (2019a). A fusion mechanism for management decision and risk analysis. Cybernetics and Systems, 50(6), 497–515. https://doi.org/10.1080/01969722.2018.1541596

Hsu, M. F. (2019b). Integrated multiple-attribute decision making and kernel-based mechanism for risk analysis and evaluation. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 36(3), 2895–2905. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-171366

Hsu, M. F., Chang, T. M., & Lin, S. J. (2020). News-based soft information as a corporate competitive advantage. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 26(1), 48–70. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2019.11328

Hu, K. H., Wei, J., & Tzeng, G. H. (2017). Risk Factor Assessment improvement for China’s cloud computing auditing using a new hybrid MADM model. International Journal of Information Technology and Decision Making, 16(3), 737–777. https://doi.org/10.1142/S021962201750016X

Hu, K. H., Wei, J., & Tzeng, G. H. (2018). Improving China’s regional financial center modernization development using a new hybrid MADM model. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 24(2), 429–466. https://doi.org/10.3846/20294913.2016.1213195

Huang, J. Y., Shen, K. Y., Shieh, J. C. P., & Tzeng, G. H. (2019). Strengthen financial holding companies’ business sustainability by using a hybrid corporate governance evaluation model. Sustainability, 11(3), 582. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11030582

Hu, S. K., & Tzeng, G. H. (2019). A hybrid multiple-attribute decision-making model with modified promethee for identifying optimal performance-improvement strategies for sustainable development of a better life. Social Indicators Research, 144, 1021–1053. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-018-2033-x

International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. (2012). Invitation to Comment: Improving the Auditor’s Report. International Federation of Accountants.

International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. (2015). International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 701 (NEW), Communicating Key Audit Matters in the Independent Auditor’s Report.

Issa, H., Sun, T., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2016). Research ideas for artificial intelligence in auditing: The formalization of audit and workforce supplementation. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, 13(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.2308/jeta-10511

Issa, H., & Kogan, A. (2014). A predictive ordered logistic regression model as a tool for quality review of control risk assessments. Journal of Information Systems, 28(2), 209–229. https://doi.org/10.2308/isys-50808

Jans, M., Alles, M., & Vasarhelyi, M. (2014). A field study on the use of process mining of event logs as an analytical procedure in auditing. Accounting Review, 89(5), 1751–1773. https://doi.org/10.2308/accr-50807

Jensen, R., & Shen, Q. (2005). Fuzzy-rough data reduction with ant colony optimization. Fuzzy Sets and Systems, 149(1), 5–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fss.2004.07.014

Jensen, R., & Shen, Q. (2009). New approaches to fuzzy-rough feature selection. IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems, 17(4), 824–838. https://doi.org/10.1109/TFUZZ.2008.924209

Jensen, R., Tuson, A., & Shen, Q. (2014). Finding rough and fuzzy-rough set reducts with SAT. Information Sciences, 255, 100–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2013.07.033

Jing, M., Jie, Y., Shou-yi, L., & Lu, W. (2018). Application of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process in the risk assessment of dangerous small-sized reservoirs. International Journal of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 9, 113–123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13042-015-0363-4

Kang, M., Kim, J. W., Lee, H. Y., & Lee, M. G. (2015). Financial statement comparability and audit efficiency: Evidence from South Korea. Applied Economic, 47(4), 358–373. https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2014.972543

Keenoy, C. L. (1958). The impact of automation on the field of accounting. Accounting Review, 33(2), 230–236.

Ke, L., Feng, Z., & Ren, Z. (2008). An efficient ant colony optimization approach to attribute reduction in rough set theory. Pattern Recognition Letters, 29(9), 1351–1357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patrec.2008.02.006

Kokina, J., & Davenport, T. H. (2017). The emergence of artificial intelligence: how automation is changing auditing. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, 14(1), 115–122. https://doi.org/10.2308/jeta-51730

KPMG. (2011). Disclosure overload and complexity: hidden in plain sight. Financial Executives Research Foundation, Inc.

KPMG. (2016). Game changer: The impact of cognitive technology on business and financial reporting.

Lam, M. (2004). Neural network techniques for financial performance prediction: integrating fundamental and technical analysis. Decision Support Systems, 37(4), 567–581. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-9236(03)00088-5

Lin, P. J, Shiue, Y. C., Tzeng, G. H., & Huang, S. L. (2019). Developing a sustainable long-term ageing health care system using the DANP-mV model: Empirical case of Taiwan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(8), 1349. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16081349

Lin, S. J. (2017). Integrated artificial intelligence-based resizing strategy and multiple criteria decision making technique to form a management decision in an imbalanced environment. International Journal of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 8, 1981–1992. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13042-016-0574-3

Lin, S. J., & Hsu, M. F. (2018). Decision making by extracting soft information from CSR news report. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 24(4), 1344–1361. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2018.3121

Lin, S. J., Chang, T. M., & Hsu, M. F. (2019). An emerging online business decision making architecture in a dynamic economic environment. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 37(2), 1893–1903. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-179251

Liou, J. J. H., & Tzeng, G. H. (2012). Comments on “Multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods in economics: an overview”. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 18(4), 672–695. https://doi.org/10.3846/20294913.2012.753489

Lo, H. W, Liou, J. J. H, & Tzeng, G. H. (2019). Comments on “Sustainable recycling partner selection using fuzzy DEMATEL-AEW-FVIKOR: A case study in small-and-medium enterprises”. Journal of Cleaner Production, 228, 1011–1012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.376

M2 Presswire. (2016). PwC Wins ‘‘Audit Innovation of the Year’’ at the accountant & international accounting bulletin awards. https://www.m2.com/m2/web/story.php/20166219039

Meskovic, E., Garrison, M., Ghezal, S., & Chen, Y. (2018). Artificial intelligence: Trends in business and implications for the accounting profession. Internal Auditing, (May/June), 5–11.

Opricovic, S., & Tzeng, G. H. (2004). Compromise solution by MCDM methods: A comparative analysis of VIKOR and TOPSIS. European Journal of Operational Research, 156, 445–455. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(03)00020-1

Parthaláin, N. M., & Jensen, R. (2010). Measures for unsupervised fuzzy-rough feature selection. International Journal of Hybrid Intelligent Systems, 7, 249–259. https://doi.org/10.3233/HIS-2010-0118

Parthaláin, N. M., & Jensen, R. (2013). Unsupervised fuzzy-rough set-based dimensionality reduction. Information Sciences, 229, 106–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2012.12.001

Pawlak, Z. (1982). Rough sets. International Journal of Computer and Information Sciences, 11(5), 341– 356. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01001956

Peng, K. H., & Tzeng, G. H. (2013). A hybrid dynamic MADM model for problems-improvement in economics and business. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 19(4), 638–660. https://doi.org/10.3846/20294913.2013.837114

Peng, K. H., & Tzeng, G. H. (2019). Exploring heritage tourism performance improvement for making sustainable development strategies using the hybrid-modified MADM model. Current Issues in Tourism, 22(8), 921–947. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2017.1306030

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. (2014). Transcript of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s April 2, 2014 Public Meeting on the Auditor’s Reporting Model [unofficial]. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, 381, Washington, D.C.

PwC. (2014). Sizing the prize – What’s the real value of AI for your business and how can you capitalise?

Qu, G. B., Zhao, T. Y., Zhu, B. W., Tzeng, G. H., & Huang, S. L. (2019). Use of a modified DANP-mV model to improve quality of life in rural residents: The empirical case of xingshisi village, China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(1), 153. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16010153

Quick, R., & Henrizi, P. (2018). Review of managerial science experimental evidence on external auditor reliance on the internal audit. Review of Managerial Science, 13, 1143–1176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-018-0285-0

Radzikowska, A. M., & Kerre, E. E. (2002). A comparative study of fuzzy rough sets. Fuzzy Sets and Systems, 126(2), 137–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-0114(01)00032-X

Rehman, A., & Saba, T. (2014). Evaluation of artificial intelligent techniques to secure information in enterprises. Artificial Intelligence Review, 42, 1029–1044. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10462-012-9372-9

Roscoe, P., & Howorth, C. (2009). Identification through technical analysis: A study of charting and UK non-professional investors. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 34(2), 206–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aos.2008.05.003

Saaty, T. L. (1996). Decision making with dependence and feedback: Analytic network process. RWS Publications.

Salarpour, H., Ghodrati A. G., & Meysam, M. (2019). A hierarchical group decision approach based on DEMATEL and dynamic hesitant fuzzy sets to evaluate sustainability criteria for strategic management of housing market problem. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 37(1), 821–833. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-181482

Shen, K. Y., & Tzeng, G. H. (2018). Advances in multiple criteria decision making for sustainability: Modeling and applications. Sustainability, 10(5), 1600. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10051600

Shen, K. Y., Sakai, H., & Tzeng, G. H. (2019). Comparing two novel hybrid MRDM approaches to consumer credit scoring under uncertainty and fuzzy judgments. International Journal of Fuzzy Systems, 21(1), 194–212. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-018-0525-0

Shen, K. Y., Zavadskas, E. K., & Tzeng, G. H. (2018). Updated discussions on ‘Hybrid multiple criteria decision-making methods: a review of applications for sustainability issues’. Economic ResearchEkonomska Istraživanja, 31(1), 1437–1452. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2018.1483836

Skowron, A., & Rauszer, C. (1992). The discernibility matrices and functions in information systems. In R. Slowinski (Ed.), Intelligent decision support: Handbook of applications and advances of rough sets theory (pp. 331–362). Kluwer Academic Publishers. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-7975-9_21

Siemiński, A., & Kopel, M. (2019). Solving dynamic TSP by parallel and adaptive ant colony communities. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 37(6), 7607–7618. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-179366

Sinclair, N (2015, October 27). How KPMG is using Formula 1 to transform audit. CA Today.

Sirois, L. P., Bédard, J., & Bera, P. (2018). The informational value of key audit matters in the auditor’s report: evidence from an Eye-tracking study. Accounting Horizons, 32(2), 141–162. https://doi.org/10.2308/acch-52047

Si, S. L., You, X. Y., Liu, H. C., & Huang, J. (2017). Identifying key performance indicators for holistic hospital management with a modified DEMATEL approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(8), 934. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14080934

Sneller, L., Bode, R., & Klerkx, A. (2016). Do IT matters matter? IT-related key audit matters in Dutch annual reports. International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, 14(2), 139–151. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41310-016-0017-0

Sutton, S. G., Holt, M., & Arnold, V. (2016). The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated – Artificial intelligence research in accounting. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 22, 60–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accinf.2016.07.005

Thangavel, K., Karnan, M., & Pethalakshmi, A. (2005). Performance analysis of rough reduct algorithms in mammogram. International Journal on Global Vision and Image Processing, 5(8), 13–21.

Thibodeau, J. C. (2003). The development and transferability of task knowledge. Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory, 22(1), 47–67. https://doi.org/10.2308/aud.2003.22.1.47

Tzeng, G. H., & Shen, K. Y. (2017). New concepts and trends of hybrid multiple criteria decision making. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Chapman & Hall Book. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315166650

Uthayakumar, J., Metawa, N., Shankar, K., & Lakshmanaprabu, S. K. (2018). Financial crisis prediction model using ant colony optimization. International Journal of Information Management, 50, 538–556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2018.12.001

Wang, X. Y., Choi, T. M., Liu, H. K., & Yue, X. H. (2018). A novel hybrid ant colony optimization algorithm for emergency transportation problems during post-disaster scenarios. IEEE Transactions on Systems Man Cybernetics-Systems, 48(4), 545–556. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSMC.2016.2606440

Wang, W., Guyet, T., Quiniou, R., Cordier, M. O., Masseglia, F., & Zhang, X. (2014). Autonomic intrusion detection: Adaptively detecting anomalies over unlabeled audit data streams in computer networks. Knowledge-Based Systems, 70, 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knosys.2014.06.018

Wang, J. Q., Cao, Y. X., & Zhang, H. Y. (2017). Multi-criteria decision-making method based on distance measure and Choquet integral for linguistic z-numbers. Cognitive Computation, 9(6), 827– 842. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12559-017-9493-1

Whitehouse, T. (2015, December 1). The technology transforming your annual audit. Compliance Week.

Zhou, J., Wang, Q., Tsai, S. B., Xue, Y. Z., & Dong, W. W. (2016). How to evaluate the job satisfaction of development personnel. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics: Systems, 47(11), 2809–2816. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSMC.2016.2519860