...136 Positive Accounting Theory and Science JCC Journal of CENTRUM Cathedra ™ Positive Accounting Theory and Science by M. Humayun Kabir Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Business Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand Abstract This paper examines the development of positive accounting theory (PAT) and compares it with three standard accounts of science: Popper (1959), Kuhn (1996), and Lakatos (1970). PAT has been one of the most influential accounting research programs during the last four decades. One important reason which Watts & Zimmerman (1986) have used to popularize and legitimize their approach is that their view of accounting theory is the same as that used in science. Thus, it is important to examine how far accounting has been successful in imitating natural science and how the development of PAT compares with the three standard accounts of science. This paper shows that accounting could not emulate the success of natural science. Further, the methodological positions of PAT conform to none of the standard accounts of science. Rather, PAT contains elements of all three. Finally, this paper identifies some methodological gaps in PAT. Keywords: Positive Accounting Theory, Philosophy of Science, Methodological Controversies Acknowledgements I would like to thank two anonymous reviewers of the journal for their helpful comments. Earlier versions of this paper benefited from comments from Lee Parker of the University of South Australia, Keith...
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...Research on Earnings Management in Listed Companies Name: Jing LI Table of Contents 1.Overview of earnings management theories 3 2.Motivations for earnings management in listed companies 7 3. Means to do earnings management 12 4.Conclusion 17 1.Overview of earnings management theories 1.1 Meaning of Earnings Management To research on earnings management, we must understand the meaning of earnings management. In financial accounting theory, different researchers have different understandings of the meaning of the earnings management. First, researchers mainly hold three opinions: First one is that earnings management is due to a keen interest of managers on the choice of accounting policies. Mangers will choose those accounting policies that maximize their own utility or market value of the company. Meanwhile, the accounting policy will not exceed the scope of the accounting standards. The second one is based on the information concept. In this view, earnings management is the concept of a "disclosure management", or to say that the management of the company (including the board of directors, managers, department heads) for certain private interests to control financial statements when disclosing. The third one is from the objectives of standard-setters. Earnings management is that the authorities use professional judgment to prepare financial statements and through the planning transaction to mislead the stakeholders’...
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...seeks to explain and predict accounting and auditing practice) given in Watts and Zimmerman’s 1986 book is taken to mean PAT, studies of accounting choices and auditing practices constitute PAT. At the same time, they also seek to explain the economics-based empirical literature in accounting and they describe, in addition to accounting choice studies, capital market-based accounting research. They point out that Ball and Brown (1968) initially popularized positive research in accounting, suggesting that PAT includes both capital market-based accounting research and research in accounting choices. This paper takes PAT to include both research programs. This usage is consistent with Watts and Zimmerman’s (1986) assertion that when they use the term “positive” to differentiate it from “prescriptive” theory. Positive Accounting Theory and Science by M. Humayun Kabir Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Business Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand Abstract This paper examines the development of positive accounting theory (PAT) and compares it with three standard accounts of science: Popper (1959), Kuhn (1996), and Lakatos (1970). PAT has been one of the most influential accounting research programs during the last four decades. One important reason which Watts & Zimmerman (1986) have used to popularize and legitimize their approach is that their view of accounting theory is the same as that used in science. Thus, it is important to examine how...
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...inventory positions owned. A significant portion of the downward shift in principal transactions revenues is actually explained by unrealized losses of $US 1.6 billion in the first semester of 2008 vs. unrealized gains of $US 200 million in the first semester of 2007. Thus, accounting at fair value for some financial assets amplified Lehman's downward earnings performance. Hence, it can be put forward that FVA, through its magnifying impact on earnings volatility, may have contributed to aggravate investors', regulators' and governments' perceptions with respect to the severity of the crisis, itself characterized by record volatility in the prices of many securities and goods. On a related note, the increased volatility brought forward by FVA is conducive to the use of equity-based compensation, especially stock options, which value is then enhanced (according to the Black-Scholes model, volatility is one of the key inputs in option valuation). Prior research 此前的研究 suggests that there is a strong association between performance volatility and the use of stock options. 選項。 20 20 Through FVA, the outcomes from aggressive risk-taking in investment and financing strategies will directly flow into reported earnings, thus further leveraging the potential gains to be derived from stock options and other incentives. Many financial institutions involved in the current crisis made extensive...
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...Nijmegen Center for Economics (NiCE) Institute for Management Research Radboud University Nijmegen P.O. Box 9108, 6500 HK Nijmegen, The Netherlands http://www.ru.nl/nice/workingpapers 1 Abstract We construct a compound measurement tool to comprehensively assess the quality of financial reporting in terms of the underlying fundamental qualitative characteristics (i.e. relevance and faithful representation) and the enhancing qualitative characteristics (i.e. understandability, comparability, verifiability and timeliness) as defined in ‘An improved Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting’ of the FASB and the IASB (2008). The operationalization of these qualitative characteristics results in a 21-item index. Using 231 annual reports from companies listed at US, UK, and Dutch stock markets in 2005 and 2007, we test our compound measurement tool on internal validity, inter-rater reliability (Krippendorff’s alpha) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha). Our findings suggest that the measurement tool used in this study is a valid and reliable approach to assess the quality of financial reports. The measurement tool contributes to improving the quality assessment of financial reporting information, fulfilling a request from both the FASB and the IASB (2008) to make the qualitative characteristics operationally measurable. Direct correspondence to Geert Braam, Department of Economics, Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9108, 6500 HK...
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...of the Value Relevance Literature For Financial Accounting Standard Setting: Another View Mary E. Barth Graduate School of Business Stanford University William H. Beaver Graduate School of Business Stanford University Wayne R. Landsman Kenan-Flagler Business School University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill January 2001 We thank Dan Collins, Brian Rountree, participants at the 2000 Journal of Accounting & Economics conference, and the editors, S. P. Kothari, Tom Lys, and Jerry Zimmerman, for helpful comments and suggestions. We appreciate funding from the Financial Research Initiative, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, and Center for Finance and Accounting Research at UNC-Chapel Hill, Stanford GSB Faculty Trust, and the Bank of America Research Fellowship. Corresponding author: William H. Beaver, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, 518 Memorial Way, Stanford, CA 94305-5015, (650) 723-4409, fbeaver@leland.stanford.edu The Relevance of the Value Relevance Literature For Financial Accounting Standard Setting: Another View Abstract This paper explains that value relevance research assesses how well accounting amounts reflect information used by equity investors, and provides insights into questions of interest to standard setters. A primary focus of financial statements is equity investment. Other uses of financial statement information, such as contracting, do not diminish the importance of value relevance research. Value relevance...
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...Hypothesis 7 4.0 Discussion and findings 8 5.0 Conclusion 10 Reference 12 Relationship between Fair Value Measurements with Investor Confidence during Global Financial Crisis Abstract As investor, the needs of information which can reflect accurate financial information matching with current market condition is essential. Using fair value methods and measurement for asset valuation is one of the best accounting methods which can reflect current market condition accurately. But FVA cannot be separated from the critique especially when global financial crisis hit the world. Critique said FVA decrease investor confidence to invest in market which made more illiquid market during the time. In this paper, our aim is to find the relationship between fair value accounting, method, and measurement with investor confidence. We have been searched the data from previous journal that has been worked before to prove our assumption which are Fair value has decrease investor confidence and investor rely on information which is provided only by fair value measurement. 1.0 Introduction and Motivation There have been many studies on the role of FVA to global financial crisis (GFC) which may result in different opinion and open debate in the future. Most of the past research papers consist of the focus of this paper which is to find in depth more on how the fair value (FV) measurement may or may not affect recent GFC and how it affecting investor confidence. These past studies will help...
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...THE RISE OF ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES The impact of accounting reports on decision making may be the most challenging accounting issue of the 1970s. by Stephen A. Zeff Since the 1960s, the American accounting profession has been aware of the increasing influence of "outside forces" in the standardsetting process. Two parallel developments have marked this trend. First, individuals and groups that had rarely shown any interest in the setting of accounting standards began to intervene actively and powerfully in the process. Second, these parties began to invoke arguments other than those which have traditionally been employed in accounting discussions. The term "economic consequences" has been used to describe these novel kinds of arguments. By "economic consequences" is meant the impact of accounting reports on the decisionmaking behavior of business, government, unions, investors and creditors. It is argued that the resulting behavior of these individuals and groups could be detrimental to the interests of other affected parties. And, the argument goes, accounting standard setters must take into consideration these allegedly detrimental consequences when deciding on accounting questions.* The recent debates involving foreign currency translation and the accounting for unsuccessful exploration activity in the petroleum industry have relied heavily on economic consequences arguCopyright © 1978 by Stephen A. Zeff. *Ed. note: For the opinion of an accounting standard setter, see Oscar...
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...information are identified. Last, accrual accounting is discussed including the strengths and limitation of accruals, and the implications of accruals for financial statement analysis. OUTLINE | | |Financial Reporting Environment | |Statutory Financial Reports | |Financial Statements | |Earnings Announcements | |Other Statutory Reports...
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...| BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING | ACCT 525-22936 Current Issues in Accounting | Professor Kabani | Robert Larison | 10/20/2013 | In this paper I look at the benefits and challenges that are likely to follow the migration into the use of Fair Value Accounting. Perhaps, there is no issue today that carries with it as much controversy as does “FVA”. | BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING INTRODUCTION I do not think any topic in accounting has gathered as much interest as has the subject of “Fair Value Accounting” “FVA”. Heightened by the financial crisis of recent years “FVA” has received enormous attention by both academia and the business community alike. Rarely do “conspiracy theorists” make their way into the humdrum subject matter of accounting, but when it comes to the issue of “FVA” accounting, almost anything and everything has been postulated. The most widely held belief is that the move to “FVA” is to blame for the financial crisis of 2007. (Sorkin, 2008.) I have evaluated “FVA” and the transition from “historical value accounting “HVA”. In particular, I have researched the evolution within the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) as it pertains to “FVA”. I have also reviewed the move toward the establishment of one set of standards for worldwide accounting as evidenced by the “convergence” project. With that in mind, we only need to look to the International Accounting Standards Board and its IFRS to get a...
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...The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia GAAP-based financial reporting: measurement of business performance charteredaccountants.com.au Professor Stephen Taylor, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the Institute) is the professional body representing Chartered Accountants in Australia. Our reach extends to more than 53,000 of today and tomorrow’s business leaders, representing some 43,000 Chartered Accountants and 10,000 of Australia’s best accounting graduates who are currently enrolled in our world-class post-graduate program. Our members work in diverse roles across commerce and industry, academia, government, and public practice throughout Australia and in 107 countries around the world. We aim to lead the profession by delivering visionary thought leadership projects, setting the benchmark for the highest ethical, professional and educational standards and enhancing and promoting the Chartered Accountant brand. We also represent the interests of members to government, industry, academia and the general public by actively engaging our membership and local and international bodies on public policy, government legislation and regulatory issues. The Institute can leverage advantages for its members as a founding member of the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA), an international accounting coalition formed by the world’s premier accounting...
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...é The Effects of Mandatory IFRS Adoption in the EU: A Review of Empirical Research October 2014 Information for Better Markets An initiative from the ICAEW Financial Reporting Faculty The Effects of Mandatory IFRS Adoption in the EU: A Review of Empirical Research forms part of the Information for Better Markets thought leadership programme of ICAEW’s Financial Reporting Faculty. ICAEW operates under a Royal Charter, working in the public interest. As a world leading professional accountancy body, ICAEW provides leadership and practical support to over 142,000 members in more than 160 countries, working with governments, regulators and industry to ensure the highest standards are maintained. The ICAEW Financial Reporting Faculty provides its members with practical assistance and support with IFRS, UK GAAP and other aspects of business reporting. It also comments on business reporting issues on behalf of ICAEW to standard setters and regulators. Its Information for Better Markets thought leadership programme subjects key questions in business reporting to careful and impartial analysis so as to help achieve practical solutions to complex problems. The programme focuses on three key themes: disclosure, measurement and regulation. We welcome comments and enquiries on this report and on the other aspects of the Information for Better Markets programme. To contact us, please email bettermarkets@icaew.com. © ICAEW 2014 All rights reserved. If you want...
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...lists available at ScienceDirect Journal of Accounting and Economics journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jae Understanding earnings quality: A review of the proxies, their determinants and their consequences$ Patricia Dechow a, Weili Ge b, Catherine Schrand c,n a b c University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States a r t i c l e i n f o abstract Available online 4 November 2010 Researchers have used various measures as indications of ‘‘earnings quality’’ including persistence, accruals, smoothness, timeliness, loss avoidance, investor responsiveness, and external indicators such as restatements and SEC enforcement releases. For each measure, we discuss causes of variation in the measure as well as consequences. We reach no single conclusion on what earnings quality is because ‘‘quality’’ is contingent on the decision context. We also point out that the ‘‘quality’’ of earnings is a function of the firm’s fundamental performance. The contribution of a firm’s fundamental performance to its earnings quality is suggested as one area for future work. & 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. JEL classification: G31 M40 M41 Keywords: Earnings quality Earnings management Review Survey 1. Introduction Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 1 (SFAC No. 1) states that ‘‘Financial reporting should...
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...Journal of Accounting and Economics 31 (2001) 255–307 Empirical research on accounting choice$ Thomas D. Fieldsa, Thomas Z. Lysb,*, Linda Vincentb b Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02163, USA Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA Received 21 January 2000; received in revised form 31 January 2001 a Abstract We review research from the 1990s that examines the determinants and consequences of accounting choice, structuring our analysis around the three types of market imperfections that influence managers’ choices: agency costs, information asymmetries, and externalities affecting non-contracting parties. We conclude that research in the 1990s made limited progress in expanding our understanding of accounting choice because of limitations in research design and a focus on replication rather than extension of current knowledge. We discuss opportunities for future research, recommending the exploration of the economic implications of accounting choice by addressing the three different reasons why accounting matters. r 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. JEL classification: M41 accounting Keywords: Capital markets; Accounting choice; Voluntary disclosure; Accounting judgments and estimates; Earnings manipulation $ We are grateful for comments received from Ronald Dye, participants of the 2000 Journal of Accounting and Economics conference, the editors Ross Watts and Douglas...
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...arbiters but are like business executives or consumers - and are thus rationally self interested. Private interest theories favour producer groups as the most likely to become organised interest groups. Theorists believe that regulation does not arise as a result of a government‘s response to public demands – it is sought by the producer private interest group - and is designed and operated primarily for its benefit. QUESTION TWO –ACCOUNTING THEORY 12 * Normative theories Normative theories are prescriptive - they prescribe the “best” way to account. Normative theorists advance their own models to improve accounting practice. It focuses on true income (profit) for decision making. The major issue are the impact of changing price environment and the impact on income, assets, liabilities and equity. Normative theories are...
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