...FORMULATION OF ACCOUNTING THEORY: PURPOSE AND APPROACHES A TERM PAPER (2) ON ADVANCED ACCOUNTING THEORY (ACC 821) PRESENTED BY EKERIA, Victor IKYUME, Chiahemba James OGBOLE, Philip Osemudiamen SUBMITTED TO PROFESSOR A.E. OKOYE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMEN SUDIES IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY, OKADA MARCH, 2015 Abstract As tasks of accounting became more difficult and focus shifted to users’ needs, a theory became necessary. Existence of a need for information for decision making (decision usefulness) in face of information asymmetry led to development of means, tools and techniques for satisfying decision making needs (formulation of accounting theories) This paper briefly discusses the purpose/importance for accounting theory and various approaches to the formulation of an accounting theory under two headings, namely: (1) traditional approaches, and (2) new approaches. The paper finally highlights the critiques of the accounting theory approaches Table of Content 1.0.0. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………… 1 2.0.0. Meaning of Accounting Theory………………………………………………………… 2 2.1.0. Needs and Purpose for Accounting Theory…………………………………………….. 3 3.0.0. Early Attempts at Accounting Theory……………………………………………………...3 4.0.0. Approaches to the for Formulation of Accounting Theory……………………………….5 4.1.0. 4.1.0. The Traditional Approaches………………………………………………………..5 4.1.1. Non – Theoretical, Practical, or Pragmatic (Informal) Approaches……...
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...Positive accounting theory (PAT) is a general term for any theory that provides descriptive information regarding the behavior of accountants. The title has been used by Watts and Zimmerman and this is largely an expansion of previous studies carried out firstly by Fama and later by Ball & Brown in the 1960’s. In looking at the apparent acceptance by politicians, firms and wide publication in academic journals PAT could easily be mistaken as being a success. A deeper analysis of the premises of PAT, its questionable scientific status, and the groups upon whom this theory has appealed to would suggest that it is flawed on many levels and is little more than an argument for deregulation and market capitalism. This opposes its claim to be a useful theory used regularly by those concerned with the effects of accounting policy on the status of the firm. The Premises of Positive Accounting Theory Positive Accounting Theory finds its roots with the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH). The EMH was developed by Fama in the 1960’s and is based on economic principles and assumes a perfect market where there is information symmetry and no transaction costs. The semi strong form of EMH argues that capital markets will reflect all information that is publicly available and it is this form that Watts and Zimmerman claim to be predominant. The EMH was used in a study performed by Ball and Brown during the same period. The Ball and Brown study rejected the argument put forward by normative theorists...
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...download-it.org/learning-resources.php?promoCode=&partnerID=&content=story&storyID=19988 CHAPTER 5 Normative theories of accounting 1: The case of accounting for changing prices Learning Objectives http://www.download-it.org/learning-resources.php?promoCode=&partnerID=&content=story&storyID=19988 Upon completing this chapter readers should: ◆ be aware of some particular limitations of historical cost accounting in terms of its ability to cope with various issues associated with changing prices; ◆ be aware of a number of alternative methods of accounting that have been developed to address problems associated with changing prices; ◆ be able to identify some of the strengths and weaknesses of the various alternative accounting methods; ◆ understand that the calculation of income under a particular method of accounting will depend on the perspective of capital maintenance that has been adopted. Opening issues Various asset valuation approaches are often adopted in the financial statements of large corporations. Fixed assets acquired (or perhaps revalued) in different years will simply be added together to give a total euro value, even though the various costs or valuations might provide little reflection of the current values of the respective assets. Issues to consider: (a) What are some of the criticisms that can be made in relation to the practice of accounting, wherein we add together, without adjustment, assets that have been acquired or valued in different years, when...
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...This paper will outline the differences in accounting treatment of and criteria for determining whether leases should be accounted for as either a capital lease or an operating lease. I will be limiting my discussion to the accounting treatment of leases by the lessee. This paper will discuss the current accounting treatment for the two types of leases according to Canadian GAAP and will tie in elements of the conceptual framework to the treatment of leases from CICA handbook section 1000, followed by a discussion on accounting theories related to lease treatment, and finally current issues outlined in academic research concerning lease treatment by the lessee. Capital and Operating Leases There are two major classifications of leases. Capital leases and operational leases. A Capital lease is defined in the CICA handbook as “a lease that, from the point of view of the lessee, transfers substantially all the benefits and risks incident to ownership of property to the lessee” (CICA, 2010, Section 3065, ¶3). In order for a lease to be classified as a capital lease, the life of the lease must exceed 75% of the life of the leased item, there must be a transfer of ownership at the end of the lease or a bargain purchase option, and the present value of the lease payments must exceed 90% of the fair market value of the asset (Grossman, A., & Grossman, S., 2010). An operational lease is described by the CICA handbook as “a lease in which the lessor does not transfer substantially...
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...Development Of A Conceptual Framework Accounting Essay ‘Developing a conceptual framework is an impossible possibility ‘it is hard to say that this statement is wrong or not. First, there is no accurate or definitive view of what constitutes a conceptual framework, but there is no doubt that conceptual framework helping a development of academic theory, meanwhile, it is also provide a great deal of prescription. Developing a conceptual framework is feasible and promising. In this issue, I explain what is the conceptual framework? Who needs them? And list the importance of conceptual framework to financial report prove my view. NEED FOR A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Why do we need to develop a conceptual framework? Of course, it is be useful, the body of concepts should to make rules and relate to financial report; a soundly developed conceptual framework enables the IASB to issue more useful and consistent pronouncements over time. It means a coherent standard should result. So, if framework have no a soundly development, the guidance by it will influent standard-setting based on individual concepts. In other words, standard-setting cannot base on personal conceptual frameworks; it will lead to wrong conclusions about identical or similar issues than it did previously. As a result, past decisions is not treat as future ones, standards cannot be consistent with one another. Furthermore, the conceptual framework should be paying attention to users’ understanding about financial reporting...
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...THEORY OF ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS 1. Which of the following statements is/are true? I. Accounting is a service activity intended to fulfill a useful function in society II. Accounting involves the art of recording, classifying and summarizing transaction and events, and interpreting the results thereof. III. Accounting is an art but not a science IV. Accounting provides quantitative financial information intended to be useful in making economic decisions a. I, II, III, IV c. I, II, IV b. I, II, III d. II, III, IV 2. The branch of accounting concerned with the presentation of financial information primarily for use of third person outside of business enterprise. a. Financial Accounting c. Government Accounting b. Management Accounting d. All of the above 3. Accounting is an art because a. of the existence of a body knowledge governing accounting practice b. of accounting theory c. the necessity of applying creative skill and ability d. None of the above 4. Financial accounting is the branch of accounting that focuses on a. special purpose reports of financial position and results of operations b. financial statements c. the various need of statement users d. general purpose reports of financial position and results of operations 5. General-purpose information is a. not intended to satisfy the specialized needs of individual users. b. intended to satisfy the specialized needs of individual users c. not intended to satisfy the common...
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...From Sheet of Accounting Theory Difficulties in Segment Reporting * Base of Segmentation: in case of complex business, it’s difficult to select a base for organization as well as difficult to compare. * Allocation of Common Costs: Common costs are likely to be allocated, bringing segment information into question * Pricing Inter-segment Transaction: No specific method for inter-segment pricing, different method use for cost, cost plus market price and negotiable price. * Costs of Segment Disclosure: Increased competition may result segmental disclosures where profitable segment may attract competitors, & loss making segment arise the take over situation. Foreign companies are not required to provide segmental reports. * Management Conservatism: Management determination of segments implies that what is useful to management is useful to investors. FASB’s 5 possible objective for interim reporting: 1. To estimate annual earnings 2. To make projections 3. To identify turning points 4. To evaluate Management Performance 5. To supplement the annual Report. Problems in Interim Reporting * Accounting Problems: * Inventory Problems: There are three types of problems; * Determination of Inventory quantities * Valuation of inventories * Adjustment of valuation * Matching principle: Business operations are not similar throughout the year. Resources are acquired & output may be sold & there are many...
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...Global Perspectives on Accounting Education Volume 6, 2009, 25-45 READING AND UNDERSTANDING ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN ACCOUNTING: A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS Teresa P. Gordon College of Business and Economics University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho USA Jason C. Porter College of Business and Economics University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho USA ABSTRACT The ability to read and understand academic research can be an important tool for practitioners in an increasingly complex accounting and business environment. This guide was developed to introduce students to the world of academic research. It is not intended for PhD students or others who wish to perform academic research. Instead, the guide should make published academic research more accessible and less intimidating so that future practitioners will be able to read empirical research and profitably apply the relevant findings. The guide begins by examining the importance of academic research for practitioners in accounting and next reviews the basics of the research process. With that background in place, we then give some guidelines and helpful hints for reading and evaluating academic papers. This guide has been used for several years to introduce master’s degree students to academic literature in an accounting theory class. After reading this guide and seeing a demonstration presentation by the professor, students have been able to successfully read and discuss research findings. Key words: Understanding empirical research, supplemental...
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...Accounting theory and conceptual frameworks After studying this chapter you should be able to: & explain what accounting theory is & describe the main attempts at constructing an accounting theory & appraise current developments in the area & describe and discuss the contents of the IASB Framework & appraise the quality and usefulness of the IASB Framework in the context of its self-declared purposes & describe and discuss the parts of IAS 1 relating to accounting concepts and policies & appraise the overall effect of the Framework and comparable parts of IAS 1. Introduction This chapter is about to deal with something that many people believe does not exist – a single generally accepted accounting theory. There is no generally accepted accounting theory at this time even though many attempts have been made to formulate one. According to Eldon S. Hendriksen in Accounting Theory (1977), Theory as it applies to accounting is the coherent set of hypothetical, conceptual and pragmatic principles forming the general frame of reference for a field of inquiry. Thus accounting theory may be defined as logical reasoning in the form of a set of broad principles that 1 Provide a general frame of reference by which accounting practices can be evaluated and 2 Guide the development of new practices and procedures. Accounting theory may also be used to explain existing practices to obtain a better understanding of them. But the most important goal of accounting theory should be to provide...
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...8 Accounting theory and conceptual frameworks After studying this chapter you should be able to: & explain what accounting theory is & describe the main attempts at constructing an accounting theory & appraise current developments in the area & describe and discuss the contents of the IASB Framework & appraise the quality and usefulness of the IASB Framework in the context of its self-declared purposes & describe and discuss the parts of IAS 1 relating to accounting concepts and policies & appraise the overall effect of the Framework and comparable parts of IAS 1. Introduction This chapter is about to deal with something that many people believe does not exist – a single generally accepted accounting theory. There is no generally accepted accounting theory at this time even though many attempts have been made to formulate one. According to Eldon S. Hendriksen in Accounting Theory (1977), Theory as it applies to accounting is the coherent set of hypothetical, conceptual and pragmatic principles forming the general frame of reference for a field of inquiry. Thus accounting theory may be defined as logical reasoning in the form of a set of broad principles that 1 Provide a general frame of reference by which accounting practices can be evaluated and 2 Guide the development of new practices and procedures. Accounting theory may also be used to explain existing practices to obtain a better understanding of them. But the most important goal of accounting theory should be to provide...
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...8 Accounting theory and conceptual frameworks After studying this chapter you should be able to: & explain what accounting theory is & describe the main attempts at constructing an accounting theory & appraise current developments in the area & describe and discuss the contents of the IASB Framework & appraise the quality and usefulness of the IASB Framework in the context of its self-declared purposes & describe and discuss the parts of IAS 1 relating to accounting concepts and policies & appraise the overall effect of the Framework and comparable parts of IAS 1. Introduction This chapter is about to deal with something that many people believe does not exist – a single generally accepted accounting theory. There is no generally accepted accounting theory at this time even though many attempts have been made to formulate one. According to Eldon S. Hendriksen in Accounting Theory (1977), Theory as it applies to accounting is the coherent set of hypothetical, conceptual and pragmatic principles forming the general frame of reference for a field of inquiry. Thus accounting theory may be defined as logical reasoning in the form of a set of broad principles that 1 Provide a general frame of reference by which accounting practices can be evaluated and 2 Guide the development of new practices and procedures. Accounting theory may also be used to explain existing practices to obtain a better understanding of them. But the most important goal of accounting theory should be to provide a...
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...It is implied by the positive accounting theory that managers base decisions based on personal or organizational objectives such as higher compensation or increased implementation of corporate governance procedures (Mattessich 2007). The two standard setting bodies try to implement policies in order to ensure better reliability and transparency of financial statements relevant to specific managers applying these standards. The two bodies set standards to improve accounting practice in their respective regions so they act on improving areas of corporate governance. Decision usefulness deals with the process of decision making based on accounting theories, concepts and principles. This theory involves the development of procedures that can be applied to make decisions in a useful manner (Cyert and DeGroot 1987). The standards proposed by both standard setting bodies entail a thorough process and involve significant research to make standards more useful to accountants, investors, shareholders and other users of financial statements in the decision making process. The moral hazards in accounting are concerned with risks between two parties when one party is not willing to work honestly or in a trustworthy manner (Wessels 2006). If any of the standard setting bodies does not want to apply same techniques and strategies in issuing standards then the other board is subject to moral hazards or risks. Measurement approaches deal with measurement of several items based on hypothetical...
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...Using a conceptual framework in setting accounting standards Ian Dennis Business School Oxford Brookes University Abstract The paper examines the nature and role of a conceptual framework for financial reporting. Although much has been written about such frameworks and their purported role and the FASB and IASB are currently revising and converging their frameworks there are still questions about the kind of thing it is and how it is used in setting accounting standards. Using insights from the philosophical literature this paper considers the nature of the statements that appear in the chapters of the conceptual framework on objectives and qualitative characteristics. It then considers how these statements are used by standard setters in reasoning towards accounting standards. The kind of reasoning involved and the type of statements that are used in such reasoning is examined. The idea that some of the statements in the conceptual framework express desires that are to be fulfilled by financial reporting regulated by accounting standards is explored. These should be conceived as expressing general desires that are used in practical or instrumental reasoning towards accounting standards rather than as universal desires that enable the deduction of such standards. The need for the exercise of judgement in such reasoning is explored. The nature of the other statements in the conceptual framework is ambiguous. They are sometimes taken to be empirical statements about...
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...Using a conceptual framework in setting accounting standards Ian Dennis Business School Oxford Brookes University Abstract The paper examines the nature and role of a conceptual framework for financial reporting. Although much has been written about such frameworks and their purported role and the FASB and IASB are currently revising and converging their frameworks there are still questions about the kind of thing it is and how it is used in setting accounting standards. Using insights from the philosophical literature this paper considers the nature of the statements that appear in the chapters of the conceptual framework on objectives and qualitative characteristics. It then considers how these statements are used by standard setters in reasoning towards accounting standards. The kind of reasoning involved and the type of statements that are used in such reasoning is examined. The idea that some of the statements in the conceptual framework express desires that are to be fulfilled by financial reporting regulated by accounting standards is explored. These should be conceived as expressing general desires that are used in practical or instrumental reasoning towards accounting standards rather than as universal desires that enable the deduction of such standards. The need for the exercise of judgement in such reasoning is explored. The nature of the other statements in the conceptual framework is ambiguous. They are sometimes taken to be empirical statements about...
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...combination is an accounting theory bringing together separate entities or businesses as if it is one operating entity. The theory behind business combination is that the acquiring entity has control of one or more businesses, whilst those entities still retained their normal operation and report its financial information as a reporting unit. The objective of the accounting standard is to specify the financial reporting by an entity when it undertakes a business combination. The proposed accounting standards addresses the accounting principles and method that is relevant for reporting acquisition of business entities. When an entity acquired another entity as a business combination it should account for the business acquired at its fair value at the acquisition date. Financial accounting standard board propose in their statement of accounting standard that financial reporting of all business enterprises shall recognize this standard except “formation of a joint venture, transactions or events between entities under common control, combinations between non-for-profit organizations, or acquisitions of a for profit business by a non-for-profit organization” (FASB). Accounting standards are written policy documents issued by expert accounting body or by government or other regulatory body covering the aspects of recognition, treatment, measurement, presentation and disclosure of accounting transactions and events in the financial. The objective of accounting standards is centered...
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