Statistical and non-statistical sampling: If it is the intention to analyse the results of a test based on statistical methods it will be necessary to ensure that sample items are selected at random so that each sampling unit has a known chance of being selected.
With non-statistical sampling items can be selected on the basis of professional judgement rather than using random selection. However, since the purpose of sampling is to use the sample selected to draw conclusions about the population as a whole it is important that the assurance provider exercise professional judgement to ensure as far as possible that the assurance provider selects a sample that is representative of the population as a whole and that bias is avoided.
There were 40 participating countries on the reconciliation process in 2015. We selected 6 (six) extractive companies and tested all items (100% testing) related to those Companies.
According to our internal procedures we have selected seven companies using the “RAND” formula (a random number generating formula) in “Microsoft Excel”:
