In responding to a request from senior management for the internal audit activity to review and amend policies when auditing the purchasing department, the chief audit executive would most likely give primary consideration to maintaining internal audit independence. This request potentially places the internal audit activity into a management role, which could impair its independence and the ability to perform unbiased audits in the future. According to IIA standards, internal auditors should avoid taking on operational responsibilities to preserve their independence.
IIA Standards on independence and objectivity.

The statement that best describes the difference between risk appetite and risk tolerance is that risk appetite refers to an organization's general level of acceptance of risk, while risk tolerance is a more specific and subordinate concept. Risk appetite is the broad-based amount of risk an organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its mission, while risk tolerance defines the acceptable level of variation that management is willing to allow for any particular risk as it pursues its objectives.
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) - International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing

The most effective way for an organization to ensure proper governance over its internal controls is by adopting the COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) internal control framework. The COSO framework is widely recognized and provides a comprehensive structure for designing, implementing, and conducting internal control and assessing its effectiveness. It helps organizations to achieve their objectives in operations, reporting, and compliance by addressing components such as control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring activities. References: The IIA's International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards), specifically Standard 2100 - Nature of Work, and COSO's Internal Control - Integrated Framework.

According to The IIA's Core Principles for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, one of the key principles is that internal auditors should be objective and free from undue influence (independence). The correct option that aligns with these principles is B, where final reports from consulting engagements provide a summary of findings and ensure that the auditor's advice is distinctly separated from management's decisions. This separation supports the principle of objectivity and avoids conflicts of interest, which is fundamental in upholding the integrity and independence of the internal audit function.
The IIA's Core Principles for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing

Due professional care required of internal auditors includes considering the cost of assurance in relation to potential benefits. This reflects the need to balance resource expenditure against the significance and risk of the audit area, ensuring that audit efforts are both efficient and effective. This principle is a fundamental aspect of professional judgment and prudent decision-making in internal auditing.
IIA Standard on Due Professional Care.