...The Importance of Accounting Theory to the Field Of Accounting The objective of theory is to explain and predict. One of the basic goals of the theory of a particular discipline is to have a well-defined body of knowledge that has been systematically accumulated, organized, and verified well enough to provide a frame of reference for future actions. The Webster’s definition of theory is the systematically organized knowledge, applicable in a relatively wide variety of circumstances, a system of assumptions, accepted principles and rules of procedure to analyze, predict, or otherwise explain the nature of behavior of a specified set of phenomena. Theories may be described as normative or positive. Normative theories explain what should. Positive theories explain what is. The goal of accounting theory is to provide a set of principles and relationships that explains observed practices and predicts unobserved practices. Meaning, accounting theory should be able to both explain why business organizations elect certain accounting methods over other alternatives and predict the attributes of firms that elect various accounting methods. Accounting theory should also be verifiable research. As stated in the Financial Accounting Theory and Analysis, the development of general theory of accounting is important because of the role accounting plays in our economic society, which is characterized by a self-regulated market that operates through the forces of supply and demand. The...
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...test-interpretation skills improve after they were given feedback? There are also occasions when a study is undertaken simply to report or describe an event, e.g., pass rates for women versus men on high-stakes examinations such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1. Nevertheless, it is usually possible to construct at least a brief theoretical rationale for the study. The rationale in the USMLE example may be, for instance, about gender equity and bias and why these are important issues. Frameworks are usually more elaborate and detailed when the topics that are being studied have long scholarly histories (e.g., cognition, psychometrics) where active researchers traditionally embed their empirical work in well-established theories. Issues In Educational Research, Vol 14, 2004 [ Contents Vol 14 ] [...
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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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...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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...2- Measurement Theory Definition Measurement is being defined by many researchers. According to Campbell it is the assignment of numerals to represent properties of material systems other than numbers. A similar definition was given by Stevens who states measurement as the assignment of numerals to objects or events according to rules. Whatever the definitions given by all the researchers, they all bring about to the same meaning and understanding. Based on my understanding, measurement is the process of observing, recording and calculating the observations that are collected as part of a research effort which is usually represented by units. These units possess values and are often numerical. Importance Everyone uses measurement without even noticing it sometimes. In studying measurement theory, I realised that measurement involve in many of our daily activities without us even noticing it sometimes. Some examples include measuring our heights and weights, measuring the nearest and shortest distance to get to class, measuring the time taken to complete an assignment and many more. Therefore, it can be said that measurement theory is definitely important and useful for everyone. Understanding the importance of measurement theory is crucial to address issues in business, accounting, social and economics. Importance of measurement in Accounting Why is measurement theory important? Well, it is important for three simple reasons. It is important to make decisions, assess performance...
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...Definition of 'Accounting Information System - AIS'The collection, storage and processing of financial and accounting data that is used by decision makers. An accounting information system is generally a computer-based method for tracking accounting activity in conjunction with information technology resources. The resulting statistical reports can be used internally by management or externally by other interested parties including investors, creditors and tax authorities. | Answer:There are various importance of accounting information to a business entity. Getting to know what an accounting information is and the importance (need) of it is a great step to improving one's capital base, both from the finance aspect to the resources (raw materials) an organisation uses in carrying out its objectives. An accounting information is simply the data which an organisation/business entity is able to make known to its users. It should be taken note that these users of accounting are of various sections - to which a business entity is one of. A business entity will require an accounting information so as to enable it manage and control its finances and resources. It also needs it for it to be able to improve on its level of profit earning, should it realises it is declining in its profitability level. It also needs to for it know the differences between its marginal liability and its marginal assets. There are so many importance of a business information to a business enterprise, but the...
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...the contribution of Actor-Network Theory to our understanding of management accounting and control in organisations that have adopted ERPS technologies.” Over the past decade, management accounting has seen an extraordinary rise in technology driven innovations, whereby Hyvonen (2008) explains how this has contributed to the emergence of virtual organisations. The power of ICT plays a pivotal role in many organisations, through providing a basis for managing efficient operations and formulating corporate strategy. Moreover, Bhimani et al (2008) explains how ICT provides the opportunity to alleviate the problems associated with information flows in organisations with fragmented information systems. In practice, Hyvonen (2008) notes that the centralised control of large organisations requires ICT systems that make the periphery visible to the centre. The enterprise wide resource planning system (ERP System) is an example of an ICT system which coordinates all the resources, activities and corporate information of an organisation into one central database that collects data and feeds it into multiple applications that support all business activities of an organisation. Furthermore, it has been suggested that such systems facilitate unprecedented levels of organisational integration (Dechow and Mouritsen, 2005) and thus ERP systems have provided a new platform for organisations to thrive and develop a competitive advantage. Actor-Network Theory is a constructivist and distinctive...
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...plan (refer the Appendix 2), there are two leadership theories will be identified, situational leadership and transformational leadership; which can help Jiamin improve the lack skills of working as a employee and to obtain the personal and career goals. In 1969, Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard published the first edition situational leadership, named “life Cycle Theory of Leadership; and during the mid-1970s, it was renamed “situational leadership theory” (Graeff 1997). According to the task behavior and the relationship behavior that between leaders and followers, Hersey and Blanchard defined four styles in the situational leadership theory (Hersey & Blanchard, 1977). The first one is Telling; means the leaders has a high directive to underling, but offer a low support. The second one is Selling, which instead of the leader is high directive and high supportive. If leaders are low directive and high supportive, it is named “Participating”. “Delegating” means leaders are low directive and low supportive, thus employees can use their inventive powers. Meanwhile, in term of the ability and willing of employees, they also put forward the corresponding Maturity levels include four stages to the four leadership styles (Avery & Ryan, 2002). For instance, if employee who belong “able to do, and willing to do the task”, it will refer the “Delegating” leadership style. Applying the situational leadership to the facts, this theory will help Jiamin to fix the weakness that refers to...
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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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...FIRST SEMESTER Course : 1: Principles of Management Introduction: - Concept of Management, Scope, Functions and Principles of Management, Evolution of Management thought. 2. Planning: - The Process of Planning, Objectives, Policy and Procedures, Forecasting and Decision Making. 3. Organizing: - Meaning, Importance and Principles, Span of Management, Centralization and Decentralization, Patterns of Organization, Line and Staff Relationships. 4. Staffing: - Nature & Scope of Staffing, Manpower Planning, Selection & Training, Performance Appraisal. 5. Controlling: - Concept or Managerial Control, Control aids, Score Responsibilities of Managers. Books Recommended: by Paul Hersey & Ken Blanchard 1. Management & Organizations Behaviour 2. Essentials of Management by Koontz & O Donald 3. Principal and Practice of Management by L.M. Prasad 4. Human Behavior at Work by Kaith Devis 5. Organizational Behavior by Robbins 1. Course : 2: Business Organization Introduction: - Nature & Scope of Business System, Objectives of Business and Social Responsibilities of Business 2. Organizing a Business: - Forms of Ownership Organization Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Private & Public Ltd. Companies, Choice of suitable form of Business Organization. Public Sector: - Central Government, Public Corporation, Local Government, Organization 3. neither Public nor Private Sector, Clubs & Society, Cooperative Societies, Worker s Cooperatives, Building Societies. 4. Elements of Insurance: - Meaning and...
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...Factors Affecting Students’ Choice of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy as Major Charlotte Jhiza A. Beleno Adamson University Abstract The need for accounting graduates continually grows in this decade. The US Bureau of Statistics projected that there will be a 15.7% increase in the number of accounting jobs between 2010 and 2020. This increase in demand gives the importance to study and understand the factors that motivate and encourage students to take up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy as their college course, so that quality graduates will meet the demand in the field of accounting profession. This paper also helps high school teachers, parents and guidance counselors on how they can influence students to take up BS Accountancy in their tertiary level. On the other hand, it also informs the students on the advantages of being accountancy major and an accountant in the future. Factors Affecting Students’ Choice of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy as Major A Review of Related Literature and Studies Accounting as defined by Webster is the system of recording and summarizing business and financial transactions and analyzing, verifying and reporting the results. On the other hand, Accountancy is the profession or practice of accounting. Bachelor of Science in Accountancy prepares students for careers in accounting firms, financial institutions, public sectors, and financial departments of companies. It is an in demand course since there is an upward trend and opportunities...
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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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...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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...Report of the paper “Economic and Normativa Pressures as Drivers for the Adoption of International Accounting Standards in Finland since 1976” This article try to give us a view of the situation of the international accounting standards into the Finnish economy and how these standards have change the Finnish accounting practice, taking of consider data of the latest 20 years. Also we have to take into consider the fact that the finnish accounting regulation model the govertment have a highly control and the changes of the regulation have to pass a parliamentary process, which depending of the extent of the changes the process will be in one way or in another. About the external influences, the Finnish accounting system were mainly influenced by Nordic and German ideas. And as special issues of the Finnish model we have the fact that the government gives special taxation to those companies which potence their investment form their profits instead give them to the shareholders. Another special fact could by financiation by debt of the finnish companies which gives to the banks a very heavy role into the economy, sometimes having better information about the company than the shareholders. The erosion of this model started in the 1970s because of the internationalization of the finnish economy wich was accelerated by the collapse of the soviet union in the 1980s and the integration of Finland into the EU. Two reforms were written because of the previous factors and...
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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...
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