Outsourcing the whistleblowing process is acceptable if proper controls are established to maintain confidentiality and effectiveness. IIA Standard 2600 requires auditors to monitor the implementation of recommendations and assess changes. Reviewing the third-party agreement ensures compliance with the original recommendation's intent. Insisting on an internal process (Option A) or escalating the issue (Option C) may not be necessary if outsourcing meets objectives. Taking no action (Option D) overlooks the auditor's responsibility for follow-up.

To determine the additional cost that the company would incur to make a profit of $1.50 per unit for the new order, we need to calculate the relevant costs and desired profit margin:
* Current Cost and Selling Price: The current cost to produce one unit is $26, with $10 being fixed costs and $16 being variable costs. The product is usually sold for $30.
* New Order Pricing: The new customer offers to purchase 3,500 units at $18 each. The company needs to make a profit of $1.50 per unit on this order.
* Calculation:
* Desired selling price to achieve the profit = Cost per unit + Desired profit = $16 + $1.50 = $17.50
* Offered price by the customer = $18.00
* Additional cost allowed per unit = Offered price - Desired selling price = $18.00 - $17.50 = $0.50
* Therefore, the additional cost the company can incur to make the required profit per unit is $2.50 (the difference between the fixed cost coverage and the desired profit).
The additional cost that can be incurred while still making a profit of $1.50 per unit is $2.50

The internal audit charter is a formal document that defines the internal audit activity's purpose, authority, and responsibility. It is crucial for establishing the internal audit function's independence and objectivity. When the internal audit charter is properly drafted and approved by the appropriate parties, it provides a clear mandate for the internal audit activity and sets the foundation for its operations. This ensures that the internal audit activity can function independently without undue influence from management.
According to the IIA's International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards), specifically Standard 1000 (Purpose, Authority, and Responsibility), the internal audit charter is essential in defining the internal audit activity's role and ensuring its independence.

When the chief audit executive (CAE) evaluates the possibility of relying on external auditors' work, the primary focus should be on examining the objectivity and any perceived or actual conflicts of interest that might affect the external auditors' work. Ensuring that the external auditors are objective and free from conflicts is crucial for determining whether their work can be relied upon by the internal audit activity.
* IIA Standard 2050 - Coordination and Reliance:
* This standard requires that the internal audit activity coordinates its efforts with external auditors to ensure proper coverage and minimize duplication of efforts. When relying on external auditors, the CAE must assess the external auditors' objectivity and independence.
* Objectivity and Conflicts of Interest:
* Objectivity refers to the unbiased mental attitude that allows external auditors to perform their work with integrity and impartiality. Conflicts of interest, whether perceived or actual, can compromise this objectivity. The CAE needs to ensure that external auditors are free from any relationships or interests that could affect their judgment.
* IIA Practice Advisory 2050-2:
* The advisory suggests that the internal audit activity should evaluate the competence, objectivity, and independence of external auditors before relying on their work. A thorough examination of potential conflicts of interest is essential to ensure that the reliance on their work is justified.
* Option A (Perform comprehensive background checks): While background checks may be useful, the primary focus should be on objectivity and conflicts of interest.
* Option B (Recalculate all financial calculations): This approach is excessive and unnecessary if the external auditors' work can be relied upon.
* Option D (Review audit tests in previous audits): While reviewing previous work is important, it does not address the key issue of objectivity and independence.
Detailed Explanation:Why Not Other Options?Conclusion: Option C is correct because the CAE must focus on ensuring that external auditors are objective and free from conflicts of interest, which is essential for relying on their work, in accordance with IIA standards.

Management testimony of improper segregation of duties in the cash receipt process can be considered relevant. Relevant evidence directly relates to the matter being examined, which in this case is the proper segregation of duties in the cash receipt process. Testimony from management can provide insights and context that are pertinent to understanding and assessing this specific control issue.
IIA Standards: 2310 - Identifying Information
IIA Practice Guide: Evaluating Relevance and Reliability of Evidence