Which of the following best describes the role of the management representative in an audit?

The role of the management representative in an audit is primarily to provide support and resources for the audit process. This involves ensuring that the auditors have the necessary access to information, people, and any materials that may be needed to conduct the audit effectively. The management representative acts as a liaison between the auditors and the organization, facilitating communication and assisting in the smooth execution of the audit.

This support role is essential because it helps to create an environment conducive to the audit, encouraging openness and cooperation. It allows auditors to gather accurate and complete information, which is critical for assessing the effectiveness of the quality management system and identifying areas for improvement.

In contrast, overseeing all audit activities implies taking on a more directive role, which is not typically part of the management representative's functions. Conducting the audit themselves would put the management representative in a conflict of interest, as they might be auditing their own processes. Deciding the outcome of the audit is also not within the management representative's responsibilities; the audit findings and conclusions should remain impartial and be determined by the auditors based on evidence collected during the audit.