bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spillover effect of FDI on China's knowledge creation
Authors: Qi Jianhong , Li Hong
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine if the knowledge spillover effect from foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow exists as well as its possible channels in China, and makes some policy suggestions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, the paper sets a panel data model to empirically examine if the knowledge spillover effect of FDI inflow exists in China, using data from 28 manufacturing industries during 2001‐2005.

Findings

The empirical results show that FDI played a positive role in China's knowledge creation and management in the sample period. At the same time, the demonstration effect and labor mobility effect served as the channels to yield beneficial results while the competition effect produced undesirable impact. However, the effect of these three channels on China's knowledge creation was very weak. Instead, the knowledge creation in China was still dependent on the input of R&D by domestic firms.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the data limitation, this paper only adopted data from large and medium enterprises to examine the spillover effect of FDI on the knowledge creation, and thus the conclusions may not be applicable to small enterprises.

Originality/value

Most of the present studies only examined the existence of knowledge spillover effect, without investigating econometrically its channels. Using the latest industry‐level panel data, this paper examines both the existence of knowledge spillover and its main spillover channels empirically.
Knowledge sharing in Chinese construction project teams and its affecting factors
Authors: Ma Zhenzhong , Qi Liyun , Wang Keyi
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore knowledge sharing in a Chinese context and to examine the impact of some key contextual factors that affect knowledge sharing within project teams in the Chinese construction sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Self‐administered questionnaires were used in this study. Data were collected by surveying 222 managerial employees from different project teams in the construction sector in China. Regression analysis was then used to explore the relationship between different factors and the willingness to share knowledge. The potential influence of Chinese traditional cultures on this relationship was also explored.

Findings

This paper shows that within the Chinese context, explicit knowledge promotes knowledge sharing while tacit knowledge creates barriers to knowledge sharing in project teams. Moreover, trust is positively related to knowledge sharing but justice, leadership style, and empowerment do not influence whether employees will share knowledge among themselves in project teams.

Originality/value

While it is well known that knowledge management is critical to success, few studies have examined knowledge management in a Chinese context and little is known how the Chinese generate, codify, and transfer knowledge. This paper tries to bridge this gap by examining what affects knowledge sharing in project teams in China so as to help better understand knowledge management in this important emerging market and whether China can sustain its success in economic growth with effective knowledge management.
The culture relativity in the knowledge flow
Authors: Qing Xin
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper attempts to explore the relativity of unique Chinese culture in the process of knowledge search, knowledge transfer and knowledge integration and put forward policy suggestions for practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is proposed in order to analyze the influence of different dimensions of culture on knowledge flow. Foundational support for this framework is drawn from existing researches. Policy suggestions are presented based on the framework.

Findings

Ten propositions are demonstrated concerning how to facilitate knowledge flow efficiently with the mediation of cultural variations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper concerns culture at national level only. Culture that varies at a lesser level, such as organizational or occupational culture, also has an influence on knowledge management.

Originality/value

Although cultural relevance in knowledge management is recognized, there is a lack of research with specific reference to the Chinese cultural context. This paper contributes in conceptualizing the analyzing framework and providing further insight into the complexity of cultural relevance in knowledge management in China.
Southern attraction, southern attractions: a photographic essay
Authors: Wharton David
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the ways various tourist attractions in the American South are presented to and experienced by tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequence of photographs, made at tourist attractions across the south, is presented. Accompanying each photograph is a paragraph‐length text that draws from and expands upon information available in the visual image. In these texts, various observations about tourism in the south are made.

Findings

The paper comments upon the tourist experience in the south and highlights the central roles of historical tourism, heritage tourism, civil rights tourism, and cultural tourism. Highlights the problematic nature of packaging the region's sometimes troublesome past for tourist consumption.

Research limitations/implications

Because the findings are grounded in photographs made by the author, they are inherently “anecdotal” in character.

Originality/value

This original photographic essay shows and comments upon a wide variety of experiences available to tourists in the American South. It cautions against trying to make the southern past more palatable to tourists by glossing over unpleasant historical facts.
Strangers in an old land
Authors: Zachary Finney R. , Orwig Robert A.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The paper focuses on two main issues. First, 19 Southern Baptists were asked, how they believe living in the Southeastern USA influences their religious faith. Second, the interviewees were asked about their experiences traveling to Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

Through depth interviews, 13 corollaries were derived that help explain the Southern fundamentalist perspective on religion. The paper borrows principles from grounded theory, an inductive method that allows one to observe first and then begin building a general theory.

Findings

Southern Baptists do not believe that living in the South changes their beliefs. However, they do believe that the South is a supportive environment for the Christian fundamentalist. The Baptists experienced Israel in highly idiosyncratic ways. Some said that the experience dramatically changed their lives; others felt that the trip had only a minimal impact.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first to ask Southern fundamentalists how they believe the South influences their beliefs. It helps shine a light on the nature of Southern religion and how Southern fundamentalism fits in the larger Christian world.
Social identity in the American South: Mardi Gras societies in coastal Mississippi and Alabama
Authors: Sneath Julie Z. , Megehee Carol M. , Spake Deborah F.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the subculture of Southern Mardi Gras society in coastal Mississippi and Alabama.

Design/methodology/approach

Participant observation was used to explore the subculture as well as depth interviews with 42 informants who participated in Mardi Gras societies and/or balls.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that social identity theory is supported in Southern Mardi Gras society and that elements of racial divide, social stratification, and fixity of residence continue to support this subculture.

Originality/value

While most who are aware of Mardi Gras traditions associate it solely with New Orleans, this paper presents the rich subculture of Mardi Gras societies that extends along the upper Gulf Coast region of the USA. Tied to tourism in this region, these practices are explored for the nuances of this subculture and the Mardi Gras event myth.
Toward an approach to create self‐organizing and reflexive information systems project practitioners
Authors: Sewchurran Kosheek
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to present an alternative approach to educate information systems project practitioners. An alternative to the prescriptive, model based, instrumental approaches is sought. The alternative approach presented in this paper focuses largely on imparting a discourse to equip students with an understanding of how communication occurs, how competences are acquired, and how to understand the influences of power and agency on themselves and others in a typical information systems project context.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach is followed. First, Heidegger's ideas are used to demonstrate the flaws inherent in assumptions that claim we interact in project management contexts in rational, and instrumental ways. Second, the paper argues that Cockburn's concepts, which are traditionally used as a theoretical lens to understand agile software development practices, are a good approximate to Heidegger's concepts to impart reflexive learning skills. Finally, the concept of a discourse is used to package the instrumental tools, reflexive learning skills and related concepts to understand communication, and the acquisition of competence.

Findings

There are many parallels that can be drawn between the dilemmas, which face the project management community, and the ideological debates about agile versus monolithic approaches, for which the software development community is infamous. Additionally, Heidegger's motivation for defining the fundamental ontology of dasein is similar to the motivation given by the research community to understand actual project experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This approach has only been tried at one institution thus far; hence, there are only two semesters of teaching experiences at one institution on which to reflect.

Practical implications

The paper advances the dilemma related to project practitioner education to a point where action can be taken. Educators can use the ideas presented in this paper to revive undergraduate project management education programs both in information systems and other disciplines.

Originality/value

The original value is two‐fold. First, there is a presentation of an alternative approach to educate information systems project practitioners that holds the promise of making the experience more true to life; thereby, rendering the experience more fulfilling for the practitioner. Second, the paper uses Heidegger's fundamental ontology to show the consequence of imparting the ideals of instrumentality rationality in a true to life manner. This discussion highlights some of the effects contemporary educational approaches have on retarding competence and competency development.
Top management involvement in project management
Authors: Zwikael Ofer
Published: June 2008

Purpose

As top management support is considered one of the critical success factors in project management, effective executive involvement can significantly improve project success. However, the literature does not provide organizations with a clear list of effective top management support practices to achieve this type of support. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the top management support processes, which highly contribute to project success.

Design/methodology/approach

As it is expected that results vary among different project scenarios, data were collected from 700 project managers and their supervisors in seven industries and three countries – Japan, Israel, and New Zealand.

Findings

Results reassure that top management support is significantly correlated with project success. Results also show that different top management support processes should be implemented in any industry and culture.

Originality/value

The paper introduces and discusses a detailed list of critical top management support processes for each industry and country, and concludes with introducing best practices to support these processes.
Cultivating situated learning within project management practice
Authors: Sense Andrew J. , Badham Richard J.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to briefly summarise a successfully completed doctoral thesis which longitudinally and intimately explored the social dynamics of learning activity within a project team.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was pursued through participative action research applied to a case study project team.

Findings

The key findings of this study included the identification and analysis of five sociological elements which moderate the situated learning behaviour of participants while they are on‐the‐job. Combined, these elements form a model of project situated learning behaviour.

Practical implications

The findings generated focus attention on the complex social and practical issues involved in learning within projects and provide a framework that aids practitioners' systematic reflection and action on their learning activities.

Originality/value

This study provides deep and original insights into the learning phenomenon within the practice of project management. There has already been numerous journal publications generated from it, and in late 2007, the author of this thesis published a book largely based on this doctoral work entitled Cultivating Learning within Projects, by Andrew Sense, Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN: 0230006914 ISBN‐13: 9780230006911. This book can be sourced directly from Palgrave Macmillan at: www.palgrave.com/products/title.aspx?PID = 276502
Cross‐cultural leadership
Authors: Grisham Thomas , Walker Derek H.T.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize a successfully defended doctoral dissertation and to place this research in context to emerging areas of international project management (PM), leadership, and cultural intelligence, and to encourage others to embark on further research related to this important topic.

Design/methodology/approach

Results reported in this paper were based upon action learning, and were subsequently tested by utilizing a Delphi panel of international subject matter experts.

Findings

The primary finding was that there are five dimensions of cross‐cultural leadership intelligence (XLQ) that enable leaders to function effectively in any culture: societal, business, or group.

Research limitations/implications

Research efforts point to the skills that project and business leaders must have to effectively lead cross‐cultural teams, virtual or co‐located. It suggests the areas of research that need to be undertaken to put metrics on each dimension, and so to provide a means of training and testing potential leaders.

Originality/value

From academic perspective, the synthesis of anthropology, sociology, psychology, business, management, and leadership enhances the body of knowledge of PM. For practical applications, the dimensions identified can be employed and utilized to begin training of international leaders. The thesis may be downloaded from URL http://adt.lib.rmit.edu.au/adt/public/adt‐VIT20061116.125205/
The impact of sustainability on the investment environment
Authors: de Francesco Anthony J. , Levy Deborah
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the key drivers affecting property investment decisions within a context of sustainability and how these drivers are likely to change the investment product landscape and the management of existing property investment portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

Examples from the Australian property market are discussed in order to demonstrate how sustainability principles may form part of the wider agenda of corporate property investment strategy and social responsibility.

Findings

A full understanding of the impact of sustainability on the property investment landscape can only be found by adopting an holistic approach, including the behavioural effects of economic, social, ecological, policy and regulative environments.

Originality/value

This paper provides important new insights as to the effect that sustainability may have on future investment decisions and the future investment product landscape.
USEFULNESS OF DISCLOSURE ITEMS IN FINANCIAL REPORTS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN JORDAN AND KUWAIT
Authors: Solas Cigdem , Ibrahim Mohamed E
Published: June 2008

This paper examines the perceived usefulness and reliability of a set of twenty‐three financial disclosure items, as well as five sources of information, for investment decisions using a sample of eighty‐nine institutional and individual Investors in two Middle Eastern countries, Jordan and Kuwait. Data were collected through questionnaires and were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric statistics to test for differences between the two users groups within each country and between the two countries. The results indicate that there is a somewhat significant difference in the perceived importance of the special financial reports, as a source of information, between Institutional and individual investors in both countries (p ≤ .092). The results also indicate that there is a significant difference in the perceived usefulness of seven items out of twenty three financial items between investors in Jordan and Kuwait (p ≤ .065). However, the difference in the perceived reliability of the items was significant for somewhat different nine items (p ≤ .063).
Relations between organizational culture, identity and image
Authors: Jo Hatch Mary , Schultz Majken
Published: June 2008

Addresses the relationship between organizational culture, identity and image. Argues that contemporary organizations need to define their corporate identity as a bridge between the external position of the organization in its marketplace and other relevant environments, and internal meanings formed within the organizational culture. Offers an analytical framework using the concepts of organizational culture, identity and image and suggests implications, including the need for symbolic management in and of the organization and the need to combine knowledge from the disciplines of marketing and organization studies.
Visual identity: trappings or substance?
Authors: Baker Michael J. , Balmer John M.T.
Published: June 2008

Describes the initiation and development of a corporate identity/visual identity programme, using a major UK university as a case study. Concludes that assessing a visual identity can be useful in identifying organizational weaknesses. However, whereas a weak visual identity may be a symptom of corporate malaise, a new visual identity, although powerful, should be used as part of an integrated approach when repositioning an organization.
Understanding corporate identity: the French school of thought
Authors: Moingeon Bertrand , Ramanantsoa Bernard
Published: June 2008

Since the 1970s, French researchers have elaborated a theoretical framework built around the concept of organizational identity. This theoretical framework integrates concepts from several research disciplines, including sociology, psychology, psychoanalysis, and history. Although this approach focuses primarily on improving the understanding of the internal functioning of organizations, the approach also helps marketing professionals who are responsible for managing organizational image and organizational communications. The diagnosis of an organization's identity permits marketing executives to interpret the symbolic products produced by the organization, even though these symbolic products may not have been designed in a rational or deliberate manner. Reviews the principal concepts and methods elaborated over the last 20 years by researchers working in this perspective, emphasizing the importance of these ideas for marketing specialists. Describes recent developments in identity theory based on the sociological theory developed by Pierre Bourdieu. Presents an original diagnostic methodology ‐ socioanalysis.
INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF BUDGETARY PROCESSES: A CASE STUDY IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY
Authors: Alam Manzurul , Lawrence Stewart
Published: June 2008

The way budgets are used may reflect the requirements of particular institutional and organisational contexts, rather than a ubiquitous need to plan and control technical operations. This paper examines the budgetary processes in a particular institutional and organisational setting‐ that of a public sector commercial organisation in a developing country. The findings suggest that in the special circumstances of the organisation studied, the budgetary process is a way of demonstrating conformity with the needs and requirements of external authorities, rather than a means of assisting internal management. These findings are consistent with and added to the understanding of theory which stresses the symbolic and institutionalised uses of accounting in organisations
ON THE USE OF CATASTROPHE THEORY IN LEARNING CURVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Chan Hung , Jensen Herbert
Published: June 2008

Recent rapid economic developments in East Asia are evidenced by the establishment of many new factories and enterprises in the region. New production facilities almost always go through a period of “learning” in their production activities. Therefore, the study of learning curve effects in production cost projections is especially important for enterprises in this region that have experienced tremendous business and operational growth. This paper proposes a new way to model the learning curve effects that has not previously been discussed in cost accounting literature.
RECENT ACCOUNTING REFORM IN CHINA
Authors: Chen Haoping , Tran Alfred V.
Published: June 2008

China has undergone significant economic reform since 1978. The transformation from a centrally planned economy to a socialist market economy created the need for corresponding reform of the accounting regulatory framework. The accounting reform has culminated in the promulgation of the Enterprise Accounting Standard by the PRC Ministry of Finance effective from July 1, 1993. This review article analyzes the reasons for the recent accounting reform in China and its direction towards harmonization with international accounting standards and practices. The old and the new accounting regulatory frameworks are compared and contrasted. Some problems and prospects also are discussed.
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL WETLANDS IN THE PHILIPPINES: AN EXPLORATION OF ACCOUNTING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Burritt Roger L , Salamanca Albert
Published: June 2008

This article explores the possibility of reducing mangrove degradation in the Philippines, and enhancing attempts to obtain wetland sustainability, through the introduction of an environmental accounting system based on the opportunity cost of mangrove development. Problems relating to this form of ecological accounting are recognised; however, it is argued that it is better to attempt such an accounting, erring on the side of caution with respect to the environment, than to ignore the issue of mangrove degradation through a fear that any monetary accounting will subvert the conservation process. Following a discussion of the costs of conversion caused by development, the article considers the case for introduction of an assurance bond for developers as part of a Rubensteinian accountability mechanism. It is concluded that although an environmental accounting scheme has much to offer there are other hurdles to overcome before improved accountability for mangrove development can be facilitated in practice.
THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENT ON DISCLOSURE PRACTICES: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: Ahmed Kamran
Published: June 2008

Prior studies on accounting and its environment that included culture as an explanatory variable have limitations because of their failure to operationalize it properly. The purpose of this study is to apply two of Hofstede's cultural value dimensions as alternative measures to represent national culture and to examine the impact of these two variables along with economic and equity market factors on accounting disclosure practices in different countries. A sample of thirty‐nine countries was chosen based on the availability of information on the explanatory variables. To empirically test the hypothesis, three regression models, with disclosure practices as the dependent variable and five economic and cultural factors as the explanatory variables, were developed. The Price Waterhouse survey (1979) and Gray, Campbell and Shaw's survey (1984) were used to construct three indexes to operationalize disclosure practices. The five explanatory variables are: (1) type of economy, (2) size of the equity market, (3) equity market activity, (4) uncertainty avoidance, and (5) individualism. The results showed that out of the five explanatory variables, only two, namely, uncertainty avoidance and size of the equity market, are significantly associated with disclosure practices. The results are consistent with prior theoretical and empirical studies.
PREDICTION OF CORPORATE FAILURE: THE EFFECT OF FEEDBACK ON HUMAN JUDGMENTS
Authors: Chew Ng A. , Houghton Keith A.
Published: June 2008

Previous researchers (eg. Libby, 1976 and Salamon et al., 1976) have proposed three alternative strategies for improving decisions: (1) changing the information set; (2) replacing the decision maker with a model; and (3) training the user (e.g. with the use of feedback information). The present research focusses on the role of feedback in the prediction of corporate failure. The effect of various types of feedback on human judgments is examined in the present study in two ways. The first section of the paper extends Kessler and Ashton's (1981) study which looked at the impact of several alternative types of feedback. Using 173 advanced undergraduate students as subjects, we find that, contrary to general expectations, both task properties and lens model feedback are not effective for decisions taken within a financial accounting context. Several possible explanations are given for this result. The second section of the paper examines the effect of outcome feedback within a financial accounting context. The participants in this study were 40 advanced undergraduate students. We found that outcome feedback is an effective means for promoting learning even where the task is not highly predictable.
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF ALTERNATIVE FIXED‐COST ALLOCATIONS IN A PRINCIPAL‐AGENT SETTING
Authors: Cheung Joseph K. , Kim Jeong‐Bon , Wong Danny
Published: June 2008

The paper analyses the differential effect of alternative fixed‐cost allocations on managerial effort and risk sharing. In doing so, two alternative schemes are considered: (1) the lump‐sum allocation; and (2) the proportional allocation. Analyses are conducted in the context of a principal‐agent relationship where the principal retains the prerogative of fixed input decisions but delegates all other productive actions to the agent. The paper limits its focus to a simple class of linear sharing rules that guarantee the agent a fractional share of payoff and a fixed salary. The following summarises the major results of the paper. First, the lump‐sum allocation is neutral in that it has no impact on the agents' choice of effort and the allocation of risk between the principal and the agent. Second, the proportional allocation is distortionary in that it induces the agent to exert less effort given a sharing rule and causes a shift in risk from the principal to the agent.
CITIZENS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS TAX EVASION IN HONG KONG
Authors: Simmons Richard S , Cheng TY
Published: June 2008

This research is an exploratory study into Hong Kong citizens' attitudes towards tax evasion, undertaken to provide an indication of the extent of tax evasion in the territory. The research aims to establish whether citizens view tax evasion as an acceptable activity and to compare its acceptance with other misdemeanours such as petty theft. It also aims to establish whether a relationship exists between citizens' attitudes towards tax evasion and a) their demographic characteristics and b) their attitudes towards the tax system and tax environment. A survey was undertaken in Hong Kong, involving a representative sample of 654 citizens. The survey found that while tax evasion on all or a large part of income is considered unacceptable, small scale tax evasion (on less than 10% of income) is deemed an acceptable activity. Small scale evasion is considered more acceptable than all other misdemeanours included in the survey, including stealing a newspaper! Other findings were that citizens' belief that tax evasion is common amongst people they know is positively related to their acceptance of tax evasion, and that tax evasion is viewed as a more acceptable activity by lower than higher income groups, and by manual workers than managers, executives and professionals.
The Deteminants of Audit Fees in HongKong: An Empirical Study
Authors: HO Sandra W.M. , NG Patrick P.H.
Published: June 2008

This paper studies the audit fee structure in Hong Kong. By analysing data concerning a number of variables representing auditee size, auditee risk, complexity of audit, auditor identity, and the timing of audit, we develop a model of the determinants of audit fees which is applicable to the unique environment in Hong Kong. Using a more recent time period of 1992 and 1993, this study strongly confirms that most of the previous research findings are also applicable to the Hong Kong audit service market. We provide additional evidence relating to variables such as the Big Six (previously Big Eight) effects, auditee risk and auditee complexity which have been found to have inconclusive associations with the level of audit fees in previous research. Specifically, auditee size appears to have been the main determinant of audit fees, and the size measure is two‐dimensional, both asset and turnover respectively add explanatory power to that provided by each other. Complexity of audit adds significantly to the cost of audit. There is also evidence of Big Six effects and low‐balling. In addition, some evidence is found for the effects of auditee risk on audit fees. Finally, a longer audit delay, which reflects the possibility of inefficient audit time spent, entails higher audit fees. Future research should consider the importance of other issues such as non‐audit services and the extent of market concentration.
Role of Practical Experience: Perception Among Hong Kong Accounting Faculty
Authors: Shum Connie , Tam Wing‐Hung , Lui Gladie
Published: June 2008

This study examines accounting academics' perceptions of practical experience. Although such experience is perceived as important for student learning and school image, it is not a relevant factor in hiring, tenure and promotion decisions in their schools. As a result, even though faculty would like to gain/refresh their practical experience, they do not find much opportunity provided by their schools. In addition, faculty members, especially those who have not obtained tenure status, find it more important to have publications in order to succeed. Consequently, they find no incentive to gain such experience.
Budgetary Control and Performance Evaluation Systems in Corporations in Bahrain
Authors: Lal Joshi Pem , Abdulla Jasim
Published: June 2008

This study examines some aspects of budgetary control and performance valuation systems by utilising data based on a questionnaire survey of 42 medium and large size companies located in the State of Bahrain. The study finds that the onventional form of budget controllability principle is practised to a great extent; managers end to create slack to meet future uncertainty; the focus is on short‐term performance evaluation; a mixed type of performance evaluation style is followed; budget variances are used to evaluate managers' ability, and for cost control purposes. Bonus is affected by budget performance along with new assignments, but not salary.
Determinants Of Highlights Statement Presentation In Singapore
Authors: Azam Aziz Mohamed , Christopher Theo , Islam Atique
Published: June 2008

This study examines the determinants of voluntary highlights statement presentation in Singapore from 1992 to 1994. Agency and Political Costs theories are used to formulate hypotheses to explain management motivation for the presentation of highlights statement in their annual report. It is hypothesised that the presentation of highlights statements is positively related to firm size, performance, leverage and industry membership in the Industrial and Commercial, and Finance Sectors. Four explanatory variables are used to test the hypotheses, with 3 proxies for firm size and 2 measures of firm's performance. The results of univariate and multivariate tests substantiate the hypotheses for firm size, performance and industry. However, in the multivariate regression for the pooled sample, the voluntary presentation of highlights statements was found to be negatively related to leverage of the firm.
Impact Of Earnings Announcements On Changes In Investors' Beliefs: Evidence From The People's Republic Of China
Authors: Chung Dennis Y.
Published: June 2008

This study examines whether corporate earnings announcements affect investors' beliefs about future earnings using a sample of companies in the People's Republic of China. Revisions in financial analysts' consensus forecasts are used as a proxy for the change in the aggregate belief of investors in the market. Changes in the analysts' forecasts dispersion are used to measure the degree of convergence or divergence of the market's belief after the earnings announcements. Results show that both forecast revisions and changes in forecast dispersion are significantly and positively associated with the unexpected element in the earnings announcements. The results indicate that accounting earnings of Chinese companies contain information useful to the market and that the information is reflected in the analysts' subsequent forecasts of the companies' future earnings. The findings are also consistent with results from recent analytical studies, such as Kim and Verrecchia (1994), Barry and Jennings (1992) and Morse, Stephan and Stice (1991), that information disclosure may increase (rather than reduce) the disagreement among investors.
A Multicampus Study of First Year Accounting: An Australian Study
Authors: Jackling Beverley , Wigg Roy
Published: June 2008

This study examines the performance of first year accounting students in a recently amalgamated tertiary institution which conducts a common accounting course across three campuses. Despite the uniformity in curriculum content there are distinct campus differences including tertiary entry cut off scores, teaching styles and contact hours. A multiple regression model has been employed to examine the impact on performance of student background (including tertiary entrance score, prior accounting knowledge, sex and motivation), perceptions of teaching and campus, in a first unit of accounting. The quantitative model is supplemented by qualitative data analysis of student perceptions of the course and the teaching. The findings of this study are that background variables including prior accounting knowledge, tertiary entrance score and motivation to study accounting are significant in explaining performance. Of the variables tested on student perceptions of teaching only one, memory, was significant in explaining performance of students. Differences were identified in student performance across campuses after controlling for student background and in the perceptions of teaching. Campus differences were attributed to the differences in contact hours on the three campuses. These findings have implications for accounting educators teaching first year accounting both in a single campus setting and those endeavouring to develop a common curriculum across campuses in the recently formed Unified National System.
International Comparisons of Social Disclosure: A Research Note
Authors: Gray Rob , Javad Mohammad
Published: June 2008

This short paper is focused around two important published papers in the international accounting and finance literature. These two papers (Cowen et al., 1987; and Maheshwari, 1992) are concerned with examinations of levels of social disclosure by leading companies. Despite relying on data which is several years apart and drawn from very different reporting environments the results are remarkably similar. Examining such remarkable similarity between papers is principally motivated by the continuing debate about the extent ‐ and desirability ‐ of international comparability in corporate reporting practices. The present papers offer unusual insights into this issue. A secondary motivation arises from speculation about the need for authors to support and explain remarkable results in a climate of increased publication activity in which journal editors and referees are less able to police and monitor unusual results.
Public Sector Accounting and Financial Management in Developing Countries: A Critical Assessment of the Literature
Authors: Shiraz Abdul‐Rahaman Abu , Gallhofer Sonja , Haslam Jim , Lawrence Stewart
Published: June 2008

The resurgence of interest in public sector accounting has been evident in the significant growth of the literature concerning both developed and developing countries. Literature reviews in the area, however, have only focused on the former thus leaving a gap which has been overlooked for some time. This paper begins to respond to this lack in the literature by critically assessing research on public sector accounting and financial management in developing countries. The paper elaborates the various views expressed by writers in the field and also identifies omissions in terms of themes, methodologies, and methods. In particular, we argue that most of the mainly non‐empirical studies in the literature have been influenced to a very large extent by development economics thinking (including theories the relevance of which have been significantly questioned in that discipline). We conclude by offering some suggestions for future research in the area.
The Current State of Accounting Education and Research in China: A Survey of Involved Overseas Chinese Accounting Professors
Authors: Chow Chee W. , Chung Shifei , Wu Anne
Published: June 2008

This study aims to further the development of an informed understanding of current Chinese accounting education and research as an aid to focusing the efforts of accounting scholars from both within China and abroad. Survey responses were obtained from 21 overseas Chinese accounting professors with recent involvement in China. These involved (and presumably interested) academics shared their assessment that the strengths of Chinese accounting education are the quality and motivation of its students, and the practical and local/domestic orientation of its curriculum. They considered the practice and local/domestic orientation of current Chinese accounting research to be its particular strength. The respondents also identified numerous areas in need of improvement. Foremost among these are the training and qualifications of the faculty, the procedural (as opposed to conceptual) nature of the curriculum and research, and the lack of infrastructure and support. These findings can be useful in prompting a re‐examination of programmes and processes by Chinese accounting educators. They also can be used by accounting academics from outside of China as a starting point for exploring how they may best contribute to the development of Chinese accounting education and research, and in the development and separation of duties in joint projects with their Chinese colleagues.
Cultural Effects of Budgetary Participation: Indonesian Evidence
Authors: Iriyadi  , Gurd Bruce
Published: June 2008

Research into the impact of the interaction between budgetary participation and budget emphasis on managerial performance and job related attitudes has failed to provide consistent results. Researchers are in general agreement that aspects of national culture, affecting the behaviour and attitudes of individuals within organisations, have to be taken into account. Motivated by the encouraging findings of Harrison's (1992) study in Singapore, this study is a partial replication of Harrison (1992, 1993) in the context of Indonesia. It explores further whether a high budget emphasis is an effective superior evaluative style in nations categorised as high power‐distance (PD) and low individualism. Specifically it examines the effect of participation on the budget emphasis in a superior's evaluative style and dependent variables: job satisfaction and managerial performance. In addition to the structured instruments used in prior research, open ended questions captured attitudes to management control issues. The results indicate that in Indonesia a low budget emphasis improves managerial performance, while high participation increases Indonesian managers' job satisfaction. This result does not wholly support previous research findings and leads to discussion of Indonesian national characteristics which potentially contribute to the impact of a superior's evaluative style in Indonesia. This research suggests that the same performance evaluative style is unequally effective across the nations common to Hofstede's cultural dimensions.
Professional Aspriations and Preferences of South Pacific Accounting Students: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Gniewosz Gerhard
Published: June 2008

This study, based on a questionnaire survey, identifies the various factors which influence accounting students at the University of the South Pacific, being the only university in this region, to choose their discipline of study, their area of employment/specialisation after graduation, and acceptance of their first employment position. A knowledge of students' aspirations and preferences provides an insight into the quality of the profession in the future and has immediate benefits for the attraction and retention of graduates. A comparison is made with Saubert's (1991) study of students in the USA. In general the results show that accounting students in the South Pacific are motivated by similar factors to those indicated in other studies. Pecuniary interests are not the only important factors in choosing accounting as a discipline of study but are coupled with an expectation of challenging and satisfying work. For the purpose of accepting a job offer, the most important factors are prospects for advancement and professional training, together with job security. Public accounting in an international firm is the most preferred area of employment, while teaching at university and high school are the least preferred areas.
Financial Statement Disclosures for Hong Kong H‐Shares: Purposes, Subject and Number
Authors: Miller Gary
Published: June 2008

International financial markets are rapidly becoming a single global market. For these markets, most large institutional users are not satisfied with the existing levels of disclosures by multinational firms. One purpose of this research study was to investigate existing footnote disclosure practices for H‐Shares in Hong Kong. Another purpose was to determine if the existing financial statement disclosures for H‐Share companies are comparable to the other companies traded on the HKSE. This study classified, summarised and analysed financial statement disclosures for H‐Share Hong Kong companies. In a recent US study, Barth and Murphy (1994) developed a framework to analyse the required footnotes for companies in the United States. This study uses a similar approach to examine the situation in Hong Kong. However, there are some significant differences. The Barth and Murphy study is extended to include the review of actual disclosures in Hong Kong financial statements. In this way, this project attempts to determine if existing disclosures for Hong Kong H‐Share companies can be classified according to the purposes identified in the US study and by a review of Hong Kong standards. Descriptive statistics are provided for all disclosures. The results indicate that similar purposes have been met for both H‐Shares and other Hong Kong companies traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Corporate Social Disclosure Characteristics and the Role of Ethical Investment Trusts
Authors: Cummings Lorne S. , Burritt Roger L.
Published: June 2008

To attract funding from ethical investment trusts, it is expected that investee companies will need to undertake corporate social disclosure (CSD) in annual reports. This paper first explores the notion that companies included within the portfolio of ethical investment trusts (ETIs), are likely to provide a greater quantity of CSD than companies in which ethical trusts have not invested (NETIs). Second, the paper examines the characteristics of companies that undertake CSD, and their relationship to the ETI/NETI classification. Results from the examination of a sample of 300 Australian annual reports for 147 companies over a five‐year period (1990–1994), indicate that CSD is related to size, industry visibility, and company presence in both foreign countries and foreign stock exchanges. The significance of this paper, in addition to building upon empirical research into CSD, is that, in a range of circumstances, companies with an ethical investor as a shareholder, provide greater transparency about their social and environmental activities, than companies without an ethical investor. As a result, case can be made for the direct regulation and monitoring of ETI companies to be reduced, relative to NETIs, given that ethical investment may fulfil a market based regulatory function.
Development of Accounting Standards and Adoption of IASs: Perceptions of Accountants from a Developing Country
Authors: Joshi PL , Al‐Basteki Hassan
Published: June 2008

Arguments prevail in Bahrain over whether to establish a body for setting local accounting standards or to continue to encourage the application of international accounting standards (IASs). This debate is driven by the opinions and attitudes of various concerned groups, including auditors, corporate accountants, and public accountants. This study examines the perceptions of accountants regarding whether or not local accounting standards should be set in Bahrain and, if so, which would be the most appropriate agency to achieve this aim. In addition, the study examines whether organizations in Bahrain should continue to comply with IASs. It provides empirical findings on these issues based on a questionnaire of 52 accountants. The study concludes that organizations in Bahrain should continue to comply with IASs, but that the application of these standards needs to be regulated. Differences in the socio‐political environment do not make IASs of less significance to users in Bahrain. Further, it is found that the need for compliance with IASs will better enhance users' understanding of accounting concepts and financial statements. The study recommends the establishment of a body of professional accountants who will act as the interpreters of IASs in Bahrain's environment.
Extending our Objectives: What Students Learn from Instruction and Practice
Authors: Wynder Monte B. , Luckett Peter F.
Published: June 2008

In response to growing dissatisfaction from employers, accounting educators have been called upon to broaden the knowledge and skills of their graduates. This leads us to consider how these objectives can best be achieved. This paper considers the relative benefits of various forms of instruction commonly employed by accounting educators. Facts and definitions, understanding rules, a worked example, and a worked example with integrated understanding rules are all considered in a single study which allows direct comparisons to be made as to their ability to meet specific learning objectives. The relative importance of practice and outcome feedback are also considered. The performance variables of interest are declarative and procedural knowledge, judgement performance, and knowledge transfer.