What type of audit is performed for the internal purposes of a company?

The correct answer, internal audit, refers specifically to an evaluation that is conducted within the organization itself to assess its processes, controls, and compliance with quality management system standards such as ISO 9001. Internal audits are essential for identifying non-conformities, ensuring adherence to established procedures, and fostering continuous improvement within the company.

By conducting an internal audit, organizations can gain insights into their operational efficiency and the effectiveness of their QMS implementation. This type of audit allows management to take corrective actions proactively, providing assurance that the QMS is functioning as intended and is aligned with the organization's strategic goals.

In contrast, a third-party audit involves an external body evaluating the organization against recognized standards, which is not performed internally for the company's own purposes. Similarly, a second-party audit usually involves evaluations conducted by customers or stakeholders to ensure compliance with their requirements, while an external audit focuses on gathering external validation of compliance with standards like ISO 9001, but does not involve internal processes. Therefore, the focus and intent of an internal audit make it the appropriate choice for the context of this question.