...Accounting regulation The Learning Objectives for this lecture: Regulatory framework Role of a conceptual framework Current state of play of conceptual framework for international standards Different approaches to accounting regulation •Free-market approach EMH Agency theory •Regulatory approach market mechanisms will not be able to achieve a socially optimal equilibrium price for accounting information Theory of efficient markets • The forces of supply and demand influence market behaviour and help keep markets efficient This applies to the market for accounting information and should determine what accounting data should be supplied and what accounting practices should be used to prepare it • Theory of efficient markets Cont • • • • • • The market for accounting data is not efficient The „free-rider‟ problem distorts the market Users cannot agree on what they want Accountants cannot agree on procedures Firms must produce comparable data The government must therefore intervene Theories Of Regulation • • • Accounting information is a „public good‟ Therefore some argue it is likely to be underproduced without regulation Others suggest supply would exist without regulation • There are competing theories regarding the need for and intention of regulation Defining Regulation “[R]egulation is the policing, according to a rule, of a subject‟s choice of activity, by an entity not directly party to or involved in the activity.” • Elements of...
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...usefulness of accounting theory is evident at various levels within the accounting profession and society in general including, standard setters, accounting professionals and users of accounting information. This essay will address two key areas, firstly, a personal reflection on this course and why studying theory is essential for practicing accountants. The second part is a critical evaluation of the conceptual framework and why it is an essential part of accounting literature. Areas evaluated include the purpose and benefits of a conceptual framework, a brief history of it in Australia, principle based versus rules based standards and some criticisms of it are discussed. Personal reflection I must admit, when scrolling through the list of courses I have left to complete my degree Accounting Theory did not jump out as one I was eager to enrol in. This is in no small part due to my lack of appreciation of how knowledge of the development of theory can give context and power to understanding changes. Whereas before I was more about practice and ‘getting it done’, it has become apparent that theory generally is an intrinsic element in advancing our understanding of our environment, culminating in improvements in practice. It is not a means of simply explaining or predicting behaviour, nor is it there only to serve as a framework for further inquiry (although these are important benefits of theory). Theory has a much more significant and elegant role to play in accounting than simply...
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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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...Developing Conceptual Framework Is An Impossible Possibility Accounting Essay Accounting is playing an important role in nowadays society. It provides financial information to the user to make business decision. However, accountants have to follow accounting standards when they are providing the information. We may question what the principle of those standards is. Financial accounting theory was created as the principle in making standards, and conceptual framework for accounting built up. This essay is going to talk about whether developing a conceptual framework is an impossible possibility. In order to talk about this, I am going through some history of accounting, the definition and compare the conceptual framework under different standards. Accounting was created for thousands years ago. It dates back more than 7,000 years which is the time of ancient Babylon, Assyris and Sumeria. (Friedlob, G. Thomas & Plewa, Franklin James, 1996) At that time, people did accounting for their personal need. With the change of the times, accounting no longer work for personal need. People need common standards for stakeholders to use when making decisions. Countries built up Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to set up rules for accountants to do accounting. When the business is becoming bigger, people find out that it is hard to understand other countries' accounting report. People need international standards, so some international standards come out, Such as International...
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...At present, financial accounting standards are established and propagated on the basis of two key conceptual structures, namely, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Boards (IASB) (Cong 2013). This essay will discuss and justify that accounting theory played a role in setting of accounting practices but it played no significant role in setting of accounting standards. Rather, several accounting standards were set by the conceptual frameworks formulated by the accounting standards-setting groups. Several examples will be presented for supporting the arguments. There is need to analyze and justify the evolution of accounting theory to conceptual structures because accounting standards play a vital...
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...Accounting and its role in society Accounting is concerned with collecting, analysing and communicating economic information (Atrill & McLaney, 2004, p1). However in order to develop a broader understanding of accounting and the central role it plays in society, we need to consider it from a social perspective. Individuals in society coexist by establishing relationships with each other. Another way of viewing society is by segmenting it into different groups or arenas, for example the social, economic, organizational and political arenas (Kyriacou, 2007, Lecture 1, p4). In order to function effectively, these different arenas need to communicate and it is accounting information that facilitates this communication. According to Kyriacou (2007, Lecture 1, p5) accounting information serves many important purposes, for example assisting users in making informed decisions, in relation to the effective allocation of scarce resources. Therefore accounting information can be seen to be a potent influence in society, which affects everybody. This is illustrated by the National Coal Board case (Cooper et al, 1985, p10) were the measurement of accounting profit was used to justify the closure of coal pits, causing an impact on electricity prices, jobs and taxes. Accounting has a long history and as demonstrated by Hines (1988, p251-261) it is seen as being socially constructed i.e. it is practised by people for people and therefore it is more of an art rather than a science. Unlike...
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...Introduction Accounting theory is aiming to provide a coherent set of conceptual principles which form the general frame of reference for the explanation and development of facts of the accounting practices. There is no universally accepted single theory of accounting since there are so many different perspectives on the role of accounting theory. Also, a researcher’s own experience and value can effect which theory they support. This paper is mainly focus on the positive accounting theory and normative accounting theory. Positive accounting theory is introduced by accountants, which seeks to explain and make good predictions of real world phenomena then translate them to accounting practice, rather than prescribing such practice. For example, which particular accounting policies are likely to be adopted by a firm; or how a firm will react to the recently introduced accounting standards. This theory is based on the proposition that individuals (e.g. managers, shareholders and regulators) are rational and that they are motivated to maximize their own benefits, so they organize themselves efficiently. However, the limitation is people tend to lose the notions of morality and ethics. Positive accounting theory is also help to explain the relationships between individuals and the role accounting play in such relationships, like agency relationship. The agency relationship describes the relationship between the principals (e.g. shareholders) and agents (e.g. managers). Rely on the...
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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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...ACCOUNTING THEORY (FAR 600) Teaching and Learning Arrangements (SEMESTER: SEPT 2013 – JAN. 2014) COURSE CODE : FAR 600 PROGRAM : BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING (HONS) CREDIT HOURS : 3 CONTACT HOURS : 3 STATUS : CORE TEACHING LECTURER : Prof Dr Rohana Othman OFFICE & PHONE NO. : Room 419 (Off. Tel: 03-55444987) E-MAIL : rohana799@gmail.com SYNOPSIS This course is designed to further enhance the students’ understanding of the concepts and issues in accounting theory and practices. The course involves the study of the practical and theoretical issues involved in the development, implementation and changes in conceptual framework and regulatory framework. COURSE OUTCOME At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. Discuss the various theories and paradigms in accounting. 2. Demonstrate an understanding on the concept of Islamic Accounting, the need for it and its differences to conventional accounting. 3. Evaluate the evolution of the conceptual framework and standard setting process, nationally and internationally. 4. Evaluate the relationship between accounting theories and framework to the practice in the real world. 5. Analyze the recognition, measurement and other current issues in financial reporting. COURSE OUTLINE |Week |Topic |Contact Hours |Learning...
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...ACCOUNTING THEORY AND PRACTICE (FAR 600) Teaching and Learning Arrangements (SEMESTER: JAN 2007 – APRIL 2007) COURSE CODE : FAR 600 PROGRAM : BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING (HONS) CREDIT HOURS : 4 CONTACT HOURS : 4 STATUS : CORE SYNOPSIS This financial accounting course exposes students to accounting theory, corporate accounting policies and financial reporting practices. The importance of history is introduced through a brief discussion on accounting history from both experiences of both western and Muslim Civilization. In understanding the theoretical framework of accounting, the various perspectives on financial accounting theory are examined with particular emphasis on their rationale and implications on accounting practice. General concepts of theory formulation are discussed and types of accounting perspectives and research are also introduced in this course. Corporate Accounting Policies are explained by the development of the Conceptual Framework and the Importance of a Regulatory Environment. The Standard Setting process in Malaysia is discussed. An analytical approach of the accounting standards is adopted by examining the recognition, measurement, disclosure and presentation of accounting information is discussed. Significant emphasis is placed on Asset Measurement, Nature of Liabilities, Types of Equity, Recognition of Revenue and Income Finally contemporary accounting practices and...
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...Contemporary issues in Accounting Unit Code: ACCOO106 Assignment -1 Subject: Normative accounting theory To: Mr Khalid Mahmood Name: Muhammad Mehedi Alam ID: 21562675 Word count: 1145(reference excluded) Date of Submission-07/12/09 Normative accounting theories CPPA- current/constant purchasing power accounting CCA- current cost accounting CoCoA- continuous contemporary accounting Current purchasing power accounting a form of accounting that measures profit after allowing for the maintenance of the purchasing power of the shareholders' capital. ‘There are various prescriptive theories of accounting that were advanced by various people on the basis that historical cost accounting has too many shortcomings, particularly in times of rising prices’ (Page 83 Chapter 4). | Theory and Purpose of |CPPA |Maintain purchasing power |Adjustments to income | |accounting | | | | |Measure of non-monetary |HC (historical cost) |historical cost accounts adjusted for |Holding gain/loss on net monetary | |assets’ value | |changes in the purchasing power of the |assets/liabilities only recognised in | | | |dollar (not recognise in PNL) |PNL ...
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...COURSE CODE : BKAF3083 COURSE : ACCOUNTING THEORY AND PRACTICE PRE-REQUISITE : BKAF3073 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING IV |Lecturer |Group |Room |Ext. |e-mail | |DR. DHIAA SHAMKI |C & F |3.07 |3740 |dhiaashamki@uum.edu.my | 1.0 SYNOPSIS This course is an advanced level course focusing on financial accounting theory; and as such, it differs from other accounting courses learnt previously. It is designed to further enhance students’ understanding of the concepts and issues in accounting theory and practices. This course involves the study of the practical and theoretical issues involved in the development, implementation and changes in accounting theories and regulatory framework. As this course will be seminal-like, this course will provide students with some generic skills required in the accounting profession such as team working, interaction, leadership, follower-ship, critical and creative thinking skills, decision making skills, analytical skills, communication skills as well as professional demeanor. 2.0 OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, students are expected: 2.1 to understand the principles, concepts and issues in accounting theory, financial accounting theory and reporting practices, 2...
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...FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK Conceptual framework: coherent set of hypothetical, conceptual and pragmatic principles forming the general framework of reference for field of inquiry. (Hendriksen, 1970). Conceptual framework: * Consider as normative theories because it provide prescription. * Can be descriptive, prescriptive or mixture of both: * Descriptive: Attempt to develop a set of interrelated concept which server as codify and explain financial reporting practices * Rationale for Conceptual framework Rationale for Conceptual framework Prescriptive: Develop a conceptual basis for what accounting practice should be. Element of financial reporting Element of financial reporting What we mean by FR? What we mean by FR? What should be the scope? What should be the scope? Qualitative characteristic Qualitative characteristic Objective of financial reporting Objective of financial reporting Need to address issues such as: * Without agreement, these issues will develop ad hoc manner * Building block of Conceptual framework Building block of Conceptual framework Absence of conceptual framework led to criticism. * The framework must be developing in a particular order. * Some issues need to be resolved before move to subsequent building block. * Must be develop in developing framework * Framework develops by IASC and later adopted by its successor IASB. History development of Conceptual Framework History development...
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...Insight on WorldCom Scandal Table of Contents ABSTRACT 2 The importance of accounting conceptual framework 3 Historical Background 5 The Scandal – what happened 6 PENALTIES 7 How the scandal relates to accounting theory 8 RELATION TO POSITIVE ACCOUNTING THEORY 9 Conservatism Principle 9 Lack of Reliability 10 Lack of Relevance 11 Financial Misstatement 11 Conclusion 12 Bibliography 14 Insight on WorldCom Scandal ABSTRACT The scope of this paper deals with the WorldCom accounting scandal of the early 2000’s as it relates to elements of accounting theory. The discussion will cover the key reasons that contributed to the collapse of WorldCom. Specifically, this paper will look at: Executive compensation, Earnings Management, and Information Asymmetry. The authors will present arguments that clearly show how each of these three sub-topics played a pivotal role in the scandal. The reader will also see how these reasons are often inter-related, and often overlap each other, the enormity of which caused the company to fall like a stack of dominoes. In particular, information asymmetry was allowed to flourish as the WorldCom executives lavished themselves with huge compensation, all the while keeping the board of directors and investors out of the loop. A poor corporate government structure existed as the board was filled with inept and ineffective individuals who were powerless to stop the pilfering of profits. The end result of these actions...
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