...Introduction This paper examines the development of positive accounting theory (PAT) and compares it with three standard accounts of science. There is some confusion about what PAT is. If the definition of accounting theory (i.e., accounting theory 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...
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...Management Accounting Li-qun Pang Department of accounting, Jilin Business and Technology College 130062, Changchun, China pangliqun1965@126.com Abstract. In order to solve the apparent lack of standardization problem of management accounting theory, because this problem is not only restricted the management accounting application and promotion in China's enterprises, but also hindered their own theory the depth development and research efficiency. This paper describes the standardization of management accounting principles, this paper discusses the basic theory that the standardization of management accounting, Analysis of building management accounting theoretical framework the various elements and the logical relationship between them, and select the appropriate logical starting point as a starting point to build the foundation of management accounting theoretical framework. Keywords: management accounting, standardization, basic principles, basic theoretical system, theoretical framework. 1 Introduction Management accounting as one of the two branches of modern accounting, after decades of development, both in theory and practice have made some development, its important role of business management has gradually been of concern to the community, and follow-up is considered the accounting industry development. But in general, Management accounting in China there are still many problems, as opposed to the development of more sophisticated financial accounting, management...
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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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...Responsibility and Accounting - A Literature Review Master thesis in Financial Accounting Fall semester 2012 Supervisor: Kristina Jonäll Author: Ulla-Christel Götherström Abstract Master Thesis in Financial Accounting, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg, fall semester 2012 Author: Ulla-Christel Götherström Supervisor: Kristina Jonäll Title: Corporate Social Responsibility and Accounting - A literature review. Background and problem: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an area which has gained much attention the last 10-15 years. To satisfy various stakeholders, corporate social responsibility has increased its importance and often constitutes a substantial part of the firms´ financial reports, in spite of the fact that there are no legal requirements. However, to perform strategic CSR-reporting has become more or less compulsory for firms. The research question is: What research has been performed in the area of corporate social responsibility and accounting? Aim: The aim is to provide a structured overview of the literature in the area of corporate social responsibility and accounting regarding the years 2002-2012. The overview will provide a basis for future research and constitute a framework for focused research question. Delimitation: The focus of this study is on research published in scientific journals from 2002 until 2012. Method: A literature review was performed including peer-reviewed papers published in scientific...
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...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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...Positive Accounting Theory: A Ten Year Perspective Ross L. Watts and Jerold L. Zimmerman University of Rochester ABSTRACT: This paper reviews and critiques the positive accounting literature following publication of Watts and Zimmerman (1978, 1979). The 1978 paper helped generate the positive accounting literature which offers an explanation of accounting practice, suggests the importance of contracting costs, and has led to the discovery of some previously unknown empirical regularities. The 1979 paper produced a methodological debate that has not been very productive. This paper attempts to remove some common misconceptions about methodology that surfaced in the debate. It also suggests ways to improve positive research in accounting choice. The most important of these improvements is tighter links between the theory and the empirical tests. A second suggested improvement is the development of models that recognize the endogeneity among the variables in the regressions. A third improvement is reduction in measurement errors in both the dependent and independent variables in the regressions. I T is more than a decade since our two papers, "Towards a Positive Theory of the Determination of Accounting Standards" and "The Demand for and Supply of Accounting Theories: The Market for Excuses" were published in The Accounting Review. The intervening time allows us to look back on these papers and the ensuing literature with some perspective. The two papers were controversial...
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...University of Wollongong Research Online Faculty of Business - Accounting & Finance Working Papers 2006 Faculty of Business The Critique of Accounting Theory M. Gaffikin University of Wollongong, gaffikin@uow.edu.au Publication Details This working paper was originally published as Gaffikin, M, The Critique of Accounting Theory, Accounting & Finance Working Paper 06/25, School of Accounting & Finance, University of Wollongong, 2006. Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: research-pubs@uow.edu.au 06/25 University of Wollongong School of Accounting & Finance The Critique of Accounting Theory Working Papers Series Michael Gaffikin School of Accounting & Finance University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia Tel +61 (2) 4221 3718 Fax +61 (2) 4221 4297 eMail george@uow.edu.au www.uow.edu.au/commerce/accy/ The Critique of Accounting Theory Michael Gaffikin* School of Accounting and Finance, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 In previous papers (Gaffikin 2005a, 2005b, 2005c, 2006) the discussion has examined accounting as a science, with attempts to employ a scientific methodology; as a purely technical expression of economic theory, heavily dominated by research in finance; and as part of “law”, albeit law (regulation) heavily influenced by dominant economic and political ideology. That discussion revealed that all these perspectives...
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...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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...responsibility and lifelong learning. ACC 601 A22 Accounting Theory Fall 2012 Session II Tuesdays: 6:00 P.M. to 10:15 P.M. Professor: Julie Petherbridge Office Phone/Voice Mail: 678-547-6010 Office: 205 BE Bldg Email: petherbrid_j@mercer.edu Fax: (678) 547-6160 Office Hours: 3 - 6 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays and by appointment COURSE DESCRIPTION This course focuses on financial accounting theory, current pronouncements, problems of income determination, and accounting research and research methodology applied to accounting issues. COURSE OBJECTIVES This course discusses broader implications of financial accounting and examines critically accounting theories. It provides theoretical base for financial accounting and reporting in business relationships characterized by information asymmetries. Besides its theoretical orientation, the course discusses institutional structure and different reporting environments of financial accounting and standard setting. It also features considerable coverage of financial accounting literature. Students completing this class should be able to: • To understand the differences of accounting under ideal conditions vs. uncertainties. • Apply decision usefulness approach to financial reporting. • Understand efficient market theory. • Know the information perspective on decision usefulness. • Know how to apply different measurement perspective to financial accounting information. • Analyze conflicts of contracting...
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...of the research paper should outline the different offices and bureaus of financial reporting and why they are significant. The second part of the research paper will present some positive and negative examples of financial reporting results and offer analysis about them. These examples can incorporate both current events and historical events. Contract Theory * After explaining contract theory and how agencies arrange incentives, the research can focus on how this theory is a blend of workplace practice and economics. This paper will heavily rely on the fields of law and economics, and should explore situations such as moral hazards, adverse selection and signaling. Conclusions of this paper will focus on the larger implications for the field of accounting. Sponsored Links Read more: Suggested Topics for Research Papers on Accounting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_7975932_suggested-topics-research-papers-accounting.html#ixzz24oQfrtTV Productivity Measurement * Even though productivity has become a common household word, the concepts behind it are very complex. A research paper on this topic would explore the many kinds of productivity measurement in a variety of industries. The effects and implications of this productivity in the field of accounting and business management is the main focus of the research. Both the technical and managerial concepts of this topic should be explored and then related back to accounting. Cash Flow Accounting * While...
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...Review 2 3.0 Theoretical Framework 4 3.1 Stakeholder Theory 4 3.2 Positive Accounting Theory 5 3.2 Efficient Market 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...
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...com/1176-6093.htm Research in management accounting innovations An overview of its recent development Nur Haiza Muhammad Zawawi Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia and School of Accounting, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, and Management accounting innovations 505 Zahirul Hoque School of Accounting, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia Abstract Purpose – The purpose of paper is to present a review of the literature on management accounting innovations (MAIs). Specifically, it explores recent developments in research on MAIs and offers suggestions for future research. The review differs from existing reviews by its specific focus on MAIs and the recent time period covered. In this paper, MAIs refer to the adoption of “newer” or modern forms of management accounting systems such as activity-based costing (ABC), activity-based management, time-driven ABC, target costing, and balanced scorecards. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a review of findings from journal articles published in 22 notable accounting journals. Findings – The review finds that research on MAIs has intensified during the period 2000-2008, with the main focus on exploring the extent to which a host of organizational and environmental factors influence the implementation and use of MAIs in organizations. In addition, research on MAIs indicates the dominant use of sociological theories and increasing use of empirical/field...
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...Research Journal of Finance and Accounting ISSN 2222-1697 (Paper) ISSN 2222-2847 (Online) Vol.5, No.4, 2014 www.iiste.org Development of Accounting Theory Based on Islamic Teachings: A Glance over Principle of Al-Adl and Al-Ihsan Shaukat Amer1* Sofri Bin Yahya2 1- COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Kamra Road, Attock, Pakistan. 2- Dean, Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia *E-mail of the corresponding author: shaukat_amer@comsats.edu.pk Abstract The beauty of accounting based on Islamic principles is that it not only deals with the valuation but also deals with an inbuilt accountability mechanism. Generally the accounting should be able to perform roles like keeping safe custody of interests, certifying true and fair view of business, enabling accountability and providing reliable information for successful decision making to all the stakeholders. In this context there are three main issues with respect to present system of setting accounting standards. These are undue pressures of certain groups in setting these standards, no role of owners in setting these standards, and flexibility/discretion in applying these standards which may lead to subjectivity. These may results in incorrect valuation of business transactions, increasing management discretion which in return will increase corporate governance issues including incorrect financial reporting, earning management and limiting decision making ability of the stakeholders. In order to...
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...Critical Analysis of a Research Paper Towards an integrated contingency framework for MAS sophistication Case studies on the scope of accounting instruments in Dutch power and gas companies By Sandra Tillema Title The title suggests that the article will give guidance towards a contingency framework for MAS sophistication. The Contingency framework states that there is no one right way to manage an organisation, so the part “towards integrated [...] framework” with the word “contingency” seems like a paradox. We feel that we might not have chosen this article if we were looking at the title only because it seemingly contradicts itself. The group agreed that the title is quite long. We have analysed it by defining the main words of which we used the Macmillan Dictionary (2002) (See appendix B). After understanding the words and theory explanation, the title became quite easy to understand. Abstract and Introduction We feel that the abstract provides concise and simple information. It is a good explanation and expansion of the title. We have chosen this article because it can be easily understood. The abstract states that many companies are being convinced to implement newly developed management accounting systems and also comments on its inappropriateness. The author states the reason for this is due to the contingency theory perspective. She also highlights that this article is based on the cases of two power and gas companies. The introduction...
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...emergence of new research directions around the organizational and social aspects of accounting. During this time the accountancy profession was rapidly growing and moving into many new areas, there was a new standard-setting process, greater use of accounting controls in both private and public-sector enterprises, new forms of social accounting, intervention by government in the inflation accounting debate and calls on accounting to change in diverse directions. All of these rapid changes were forcing accounting academics to analysis the changing world of accounting more closely. (p454 30 years of historical accounting research) One of the changes in accounting analysis was a move towards accounting history. Hopwood (1976)called for historical studies in terms that would later be labelled as “traditional”, despite the label it would receive in the future, it still represented an awareness that historical studies would soon be an important source of understanding of the roles of accounting in organizations and society (reference 30 years of historical accounting research). Historical research was slow to emerge, as was highlighted in the Accounting, Organizations and Society journal where between 1976 and 1985 only 13 historical papers were published. Historical research came to the fore during the period from 1986 and 1990 where 22 historical papers were published in the journal Accounting, Organizations and Society, this period was also the time where there was the development...
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