bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement Entering the 21st Century: A Clear or Blocked Road Ahead?
Authors: MILLER MALCOLM C. , LOFTUS JANICE A.
Published: January 2009

While progress has been made in rendering financial statements more relevant by the inclusion of current value information, a piecemeal standard‐by‐standard approach has resulted in a lack of consistency in the specification of the valuation bases. At the international level there is disagreement between standard‐ setters on a unifjing concept, with some advocating value to the entity and others favouring fair value. The IASC has a high‐level steering committee addressing the key issues related to financial performance and it will be interesting to see if it can facilitate the progressive swing to current value by providing a sensible framework within which to report value changes.
Practice versus Prescription in the Disclosure and Recognition of Derivatives
Authors: CHALMERS KERYN G. , GODFREY JAYNE M.
Published: January 2009

The contentious issue of the recognition and measurement of derivative instruments is again high on the Australian standard‐setting agenda, following pronouncements by the International Accounting Standards Committee (USC) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). This study investigates firms' disclosure of derivative accounting policies and measurement practices pursuant to the introduction of AASB 1033. A lack of clarity and completeness in the disclosures suggests that supplementary requirements are necessary. A preference for using hedge accounting is also apparent. Should an Australian standard disallow or impose conditions on hedge accounting, fims will need to alter their current accounting practices and risk management strategies and they will probably reassess their use of derivatives.
Measurement Challenges and Consequences in the Australian Public Sector
Authors: CARLIN TYRONE M.
Published: January 2009

Among the transformations in accounting and measurement practice that have swept through the public sector in the past decade, the widespread adoption of some variant of cuwent or replacement cost accounting for non‐cuwent assets has attracted keen research attention (eg, Walker 1993, Walker et a1 1997). This paper addresses two key issues. First, it explains why cuwent cost accounting style measurement has proliferated in the budget‐ funded public sector while becoming largely1 extinct in the private sector. Second, it argues that the significance of measurement choices in the public sector extends beyond the appearance and composition of public‐sector financial statements, and may have significant implications for contracting and outsourcing choices.
The Accountability and Independence of the Auditors‐General of Australia: A Comparison of their Enabling Legislation
Authors: De Martinis Michael , Clark Colin
Published: January 2009

This paper compares the enabling legislation of the nine auditors‐general of Australia from perspectives of public‐sector accountability and auditor independence. Following on from the Joint Committee of Public Accounts (JCPA) 1989 and 1996 reports, and in particular English and Guthrie (2000), this study finds general similarities in the enabling legislation for all auditors‐general, and striking similarities between the legislation of the commonwealth and Victoria. The policy implications of this study's findings are that for all auditors‐general provisions in their enabling legislation could be further strengthened
The Challenge of Risk Reporting: Regulatory and Corporate Responses
Authors: Carlon Shirley , Loftus Janice A. , Miller Malcolm C.
Published: January 2009

Corporate collapses such as those of Ansett Australia, Centaur Mining, Enron, HIH and One. Tel have rekindled regulators' concerns about the lack of transparency in financial reporting on risks and uncertainties. This paper examines the broad conceptual issues and regulatory responses so far in leading jurisdictions and investigates risk reporting of Australian entities operating in the mining sector. The limited and uneven level of reporting on risk found, in this study, if replicated in other industries and jurisdictions, provides justification for standard‐setters considering more explicit requirements than the existing piecemeal rules of restricted scope.
Valuation of SGARAs IN THE Wine Industry: Time for Sober Reflection
Authors: Booth Brian , Walker R. G.
Published: January 2009

The application of AASB 1037 Self Generating and Regenerating Assets provides little guidance to the commercial performance of winemakers. The valuation of grapevines essentially requires the valuation of a segment of a business (vineyards), from which is deducted the value of associated infrastructure. Grapevines are reported at a fictional “net market value” even though they cannot be bought or sold. The combination of recognising revaluation increments as distributable profits through the valuation of grapevines at “net market value”, and the subsequent “amortisation” of those revaluation increments over the useful lives of the grapevines, creates a reporting maze which is more likely to confuse than inform.
Auditor Selection: What Influences Decisions by Listed Companies?
Authors: Houghton Keith A. , Jubb Christine A.
Published: January 2009

Major business failures, including Enron and World Com in the United States and Harris Scarfe and HIH in Australia, and related alleged audit failures, have put the choice of auditor on the agenda. The choice of the “right” auditor has economic consequences for an auditee and implications for corporate governance. This paper discusses factors important to explaining auditor choice, including institutional factors (pertaining to the auditee and auditor) and newer emerging criteria as well as networking between directors and auditors. The paper discusses the relevant research and the policy implications for good corporate governance of auditor choice in publicly listed companies.
Residual Income: A Review Essay
Authors: Keef Stephen , Roush Melvin
Published: January 2009

Over the past decade, residual income has attracted considerable attention in the academic and professional literature. During this time, many leading businesses have adopted proprietary variants of residual income as a measure of their corporate success. This essay analyses the utility of residual income as a performance measure. We focus on two themes: (i) the relationship between the stream of ex‐ante residual incomes and the net present value of a project; and (ii) the association between reported ex‐post residual income and change in shareholder wealth. We conclude that residual income lacks theoretical support as a measure of wealth created. We suggest possible reasons for executives adopting residual income and why it has the potential to result in increased organisational performance.
Calculating the Economic Value of Customers to an Organisation
Authors: Andon Paul , Baxter Jane , Bradley Graham
Published: January 2009

Three case studies from Australasian service organisations explore the economic value of customers to an organisation (EVCO). Customer lifetime valuation, a form of discounted cashflow analysis, was used in two of these organisations. Customer profitability analysis, a form of activity‐based costing, was used in the third. Insights arising from the measurement of EVCO changed the management of customer relationships — new pricing strategies were introduced and loyalty and product cross‐holdings were rewarded, for example. It is interesting that there was little or no involvement by the accounting function in the calculation of EVCO.
Capitalisation of Intangibles — A Review of Current Practice and the Regulatory Framework
Authors: Wyatt Anne , Matolcsy Zoltan , Stokes Donald
Published: January 2009

This paper reports on capitalisation practices of Australian managers for a large sample of firms in the 1993–97 period, and on accounting regulatory issues in relation to intangibles during and after this period. The data show diversity in capitalisation practices in 1993–97, which we suggest is a consequence of abstract conceptual bases for capitalisation decisions under the Australian regulatory framework. The analysis indicates the framework retains traditional emphasis on conservatism and reliable measurement while providing managers with substantial accounting discretion to capitalise intangible assets. We conclude there is an imperative for research investigating capitalisation decisions for intangibles to guide any further regulation.
The Relevance to Firm Valuation of Capitalising Intangible Assets in Total and by Category
Authors: Godfrey Jayne , Koh Ping‐Sheng
Published: January 2009

Debate about the appropriate treatment of intangible assets can benefit from knowledge about the relevance of their financial statement capitalisation to valuation of firms. With rules permitting or requiring intangible asset capitalisation, Australia provides an ideal setting to obtain this evidence. This paper reports findings that indicate that capitalisation of intangibles is value‐relevant for Australia's largest firms. Results indicate that investors place greater value on capitalised goodwill than on other categories of capitalised balance sheet items. Similarly, capitalisation of identifiable intangible assets adds value to large firms. However, research and development capitalisation does not affect the value of firms in our study.
Options in Valuing Equity Compensation Benefits
Authors: Stoddart Ellen K.
Published: January 2009

Arguments over whether to recognise or disclose equity compensation benefits (ECBs) have been so intense that the importance of the choice of measurement date has tended to be overlooked. To provide adequate coverage, an accounting standard needs not only to prescribe when ECBs are to be valued but also clearly identify from the options available how they are to be valued and what is to be included.
Management Perceptions of Fair‐Value Accounting for all Financial Instruments
Authors: Fargher Neil
Published: January 2009

Accounting for all financial instruments at fair value is a controversial issue currently under review by standard‐setters. Banking industry associations have typically opposed the use of fair‐value accounting for financial instruments. This study examines perceptions of managers at financial institutions regarding support for recording all financial instruments at fair value. Managers at financial institutions do not uniformly oppose the use of fair‐value accounting for all instruments. Considerable variation is found, ranging from strong support to strong opposition. Support for fair‐value accounting is negatively associated with concern about excess volatility in reported earnings. There is less concern that the fair value of assets and liabilities cannot be reliably measured.
Attitudinal Barriers to Women's Career Progression in Accounting in Australia
Authors: Morley Clive , Bellamy Sheila , Jackson Margaret , O'Neill Marcia
Published: January 2009

The literature on women's career progression in the professions has suggested a number of categories of factors that may explain the observed gender differences. This study uses data from a survey of Australian accountants to show the extent of differences between male and female accountants in their attitudes towards their careers. There are some differences between the genders in their ideas about requirements for promotion (although these are generally small) and in aspects of job satisfaction. Males aged more than 30 have higher levels of ambition and place more emphasis on career planning than do females over 30.
Auditors' Predisposition to Provide Fair Judgments: Australian Evidence of Auditors' Level of Moral Reasoning
Authors: Windsor Carolyn A.
Published: January 2009

Auditors have a responsibility to provide fair and independent opinions about managemenfs preparation of company financial statements. This study examines auditors' predisposition to provide just and fair judgments, using Kohlberg's theory of developmental moral reasoning, one of the most widely accepted theories in justice psychology. The results indicate that a majority of auditors have the predisposition to act fairly, particularly when faced with an ethical crisis. A smaller number are likely to act in their own self‐interest and do the right thing only to avoid punishment. These auditors have the ability to “do deals” and, when faced with an ethical crisis, may tend to focus on their own needs at the expense of others.
Insolvency and Tests of Insolvency: An Analysis of the “Balance Sheet” and”Cashflow” Tests
Authors: Margret Julie E.
Published: January 2009

National and international case law refers to two basic tests of insolvency: the “balance sheet” test and the “cashflow” test. While the former method is argued to be the bona fide test for insolvency, accounting principles fail to provide serviceable data for that function. Hence, the cashflow test is superior to the balance‐sheet test principally because it quantifies the market worth of assets. The premise is that a financial test of insolvency requires current money equivalents for assets to be compared against all business debt incurred by the entity.
Audit Committee Effectiveness and Financial Reporting Quality: Implications for Auditor Independence
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Ganesh , Wright Arnie , Cohen Jeffrey
Published: January 2009

Auditors participating in a survey identified oversight of financial reporting and the external audit process, and ensuring quality internal controls, as the most important functions of effective audit committees. Financial literacy or expertise, independence, and a strong commitment to perform the job effectively were noted as important attributes. The results also suggest that although audit committees have enough power to confront management on contentious issues, they are not very effective in helping to resolve financial reporting disputes. Management was identified as a key influence in affecting the nature, extent, and quality of communication between the auditor and the audit committee. Most auditors believe that it is not important for each member of the audit committee to be an expert, but it is important that they are financially literate.
Organisational Factors and Dimensions of Satisfaction:A Comparative Study of Accountants in Australia and the US
Authors: Stedham Yvonne , Yamamura Jeanne H. , Taylor Dennis , Nelson Morton
Published: January 2009

This paper compares perceptions of organisational characteristics and their relationship to job satisfaction dimensions of US and Australian accountants. Data were collected from accountants in an international accounting firm on perceptions of job satisfaction dimensions, autonomy, feedback on performance and access to job‐related information. Given the cultural similarities of the two countries and the use of a single firm, differences were not expected. Results indicated that accountants in the two countries had similar perceptions of the organisational variables and similar levels of satisfaction. However, there were extensive differences in how the organisational variables related to the satisfaction dimensions.
Public‐Sector Accounting:A Common Reporting Framework? A Rejoinder
Authors: Barton Allan D.
Published: January 2009

This article responds to some criticisms in Newberry's recent article in Australian Accounting Review concerning whether there is, or should be, a common reporting framework for public‐sector and private‐sector accounting. The Public Sector Accounting Standards Board supported this approach. Here, it is argued that business accounting is not appropriate for those parts of the public sector concerned with the provision of public goods to citizens. Following this article is a further rejoinder by Carnegie and Wolnizer, and a response by Newberry to both commentaries.
Jurisdictional Differences in Contracting Out GBE Audits: The Impact on Audit Pricing
Authors: Houghton K. A. , Dolley C. , Jubb C. A. , Chong K. M.
Published: January 2009

This paper examines audit costs for government business enterprises in various Australian jurisdictions, focusing on whether contracting private‐sector suppliers induces competitive pricing and hence lower‐priced audits. One jurisdiction (New South Wales) is shown to have low levels of contracting‐out. It is argued that this lowers price competition and therefore, we predict, audit costs in NSW will be higher than elsewhere in Australia. An empirical comparison shows that, controlling for other factors, NSW is statistically significantly more expensive than other Australian jurisdictions. Alternative explanations relating to variation in audit quality, jurisdiction differences and relative cost are also discussed.
Pathway to 2005 IASB Standards
Authors: Alfredson Keith
Published: January 2009

The proposed adoption of international accounting standards is a challenge worth meeting if the result is a set of internationally acceptable high‐quality accounting standards that leads to improved transparent financial reporting. If the effort is unsuccessful, we will have lost a unique opportunity for accounting standard‐setters to make a quantum improvement in the quality of financial reporting.
The FRC AND Accounting Standard‐Setting: Should I Still Call Australia Home?
Authors: Howieson Bryan , Langfield‐Smith Ian
Published: January 2009

This paper analyses the decision of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to replace Australian accounting standards with international accounting standards on 1 January, 2005. Two main topics are considered: the appropriateness of the FRC's directive, and the case against the proposed adoption date. We argue that the FRC has not conducted sufficient consultation with affected parties and that the hasty implementation will impose costs that could have been avoided with the exercise of more caution.
A Survey of Time Budget Pressure and Reduced Audit Quality Among Australian Auditors
Authors: Coram Paul , Ng Juliana , Woodliff David
Published: January 2009

This paper reports the results of a survey of Australian auditors' perceptions of their time‐budget pressure, as well as whether they had exhibited “reduced audit quality” (RAQ) behaviours. Further questions examined why RAQ practices were used and what areas of the audit were likely to be subject to these practices. There appears to be a high level of time‐budget pressure on auditors, and many auditors have at some time performed RAQ practices, potentially having implications for the quality of the audit function. These results point to the importance of placing an appropriate value on the audit function to ensure that time budgets are adequate.
Measuring the Marketing Knowledge of Accounting Professionals
Authors: Misic Milica Simic , Harrison Graeme , Walters David
Published: January 2009

The accounting profession advocates that its member professionals and practitioners have not only specialist accounting knowledge but also management and marketing skills. This paper reports a study of the level of marketing knowledge of three samples of Australian accountants of various seniority and experience. The results show that marketing knowledge of accountants increases with seniority. However, there is also evidence that accountants lack, in particular, conceptual marketing knowledge.
Risk‐Adjusted Discount Rates and Projects of Unequal Lives
Authors: Brown Christine , Burrows Geoff
Published: January 2009

When evaluating mutually exclusive projects of unequal lives and with differing risk, standard approaches such as the constant chain of replacement, lowest common multiple and equivalent annual value techniques are usually applied. In using these techniques to rank projects, a critical issue is the manner in which uncertainty in the cashflows is resolved through time. We explore the applicability of net present value techniques to the problem of valuing assets with unequal lives, emphasising the use of equivalent annual value and lowest common multiple methods, and the correct choice of discount rate. Our results have direct application to practical capital budgeting problems such as choosing the optimum lifespan for a single asset, choosing between assets with different lifespans, and deciding whether to “run an asset for another year”.
Development of PPPs IN Victoria
Authors: Maguire Glenn , Malinovitch Arseni
Published: January 2009

Governments around Australia and internationally have come to recognise that both public and private sectors have roles to play in building modern public infrastructure. Governments are increasingly turning to mechanisms known as public‐private partnerships (PPPs) or the private finance initiative (PFI).1 The nature of PPPs and the reasons governments use them have evolved over the past 20 years and are continuing to do so. This article describes the evolution of PPPs in Victoria since the late 1980s, the accounting treatment of PPPs and future developments.
Melbourne's Public Transport Franchising: Lessons for PPPs
Authors: Stanley John , Hensher David A.
Published: January 2009

This article reviews the recent experience of franchising Melbourne's metropolitan public transport services. The practicalities of designing and operating an effective public transport system require consideration of both strategic goals and tactical, or system‐wide, integrity. Operational decisions, which include decisions about whether competitive franchising is the best means to achieve the strategic goals, should come last. In Melbourne, the operational desire for competitive franchises apparently over‐rode consideration of the stated goals. Today, the franchised services have effectively failed and all services have been refranchised. An important lesson from the experience is that longer‐term systemic thinking is essential for determination of the most appropriate operational transport arrangements.
Risk, PPPs AND THE Public Sector Comparator
Authors: Quiggin John
Published: January 2009

This paper argues that the “first generation” approaches to private investment in public infrastructure in the United Kingdom and Australia were inappropriate and socially costly. In most cases, the PPP approach involves an inappropriate allocation of risk between the public and private sectors, an excessive cost of capital, and an inappropriate bundling of risk through the use of a single private partner (or consortium) rather than separate contracting for separate project stages. Conditions under which a PPP approach is likely to be appropriate are considered. The main conclusion is that the PFI/PPP approach should be adopted only in special cases.
Sarbanes‐Oxley and the Future of Accounting
Authors: Mcclelland Phillip , Stanton Patricia
Published: January 2009

Following the Enron debacle, massive public pressure led the United States government to enact the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002. While this act was intended to protect investors and improve the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures, it also contained provisions which could have a major impact on the public accounting profession in the United States. It is possible that these effects could extend to Australia, where the public accounting profession is also subject to scrutiny following revelations of corporate misconduct. This paper explores the provisions of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act relating to the accounting profession, the reaction of the profession and possible ramifications for public accounting in Australia.
Condition‐Based Depreciation — The Engineering Perspective
Authors: Howe Stephen
Published: January 2009

Condition‐based depreciation (CBD) is a method of accounting for the combined maintenance and renewal effort required to ensure infrastructure asset networks retain their service potential. CBD methods entail the calculation of an annuity based on detailed asset management plans, which forecast works programs over the foreseeable lifecycle of the network and link them to service need projections. CBD has not gained wide acceptance by the accounting profession, because of concerns about the method̂s underlying assumptions and potential problems with its application. These concerns are analysed from the perspective of the engineering profession (which is frequently the custodian of such assets), and the feasibility of the method demonstrated in a number of case studies.
Corporate Governance Scoring Systems: What Do They Tell Us?
Authors: Linden Pernilla , Matolcsy Zoltan
Published: January 2009

The failure of companies such as Enron in the United States, and One. Tel and HIH in Australia, and the collapse of Arthur Andersen have created a worldwide debate on the importance of good corporate governance practices. A number of accounting and consulting firms and rating agencies have responded to the debate by developing corporate governance scoring systems (CGSS). In this paper we seek evidence of whether CGSS convey any information about the financial characteristics and performance of companies. We find no evidence of any significant relationship between the corporate governance score and financial performance. However, we find a direct relationship between a firm's size and its corporate governance score.
Directors' Duties and Corporate Governance: Have We Gone Too Far?
Authors: Coulton Jeff , Taylor Stephen
Published: January 2009

We review recent policy initiatives in Australia, such as corporate governance reporting requirements and innovations in defining directors' roles and responsibilities, and argue that such initiatives are often premised on overly simplistic models of the role played by directors. The role and effectiveness of directors vary according to the economic activity of the firm; hence, uniform guidelines for board composition, for example, are unlikely to be economically desirable. Likewise, statutory definitions of directors' duties are unlikely to be effective unless they allow for directors' roles to vary according to circumstance. Conversely, broad legal definitions will be problematic because of uncertainties in judicial interpretation.
The Balanced Scorecard in New Zealand Health Sector Performance Management: Dissemination to Diffusion
Authors: NORTHCOTT DERYL , FRANCE NECIA
Published: January 2009

Many countries are turning to the balanced scorecard to measure and manage performance in the public health sector. Questions remain, however, about the usefulness of this tool for promoting accountability and strategic management in this domain. This paper draws on diffusion of innovations theory and international comparisons to explore the effectiveness of a BSC in New Zealand hospitals. The findings suggest that the NZ hospitals BSC has some way to go in moving from its current status as a mandated reporting requirement to become an effective mechanism for supporting health sector accountability and management.
Enterprise Resource Planning Systems — Implications for Managers and Management
Authors: SEETHAMRAJU RAVI
Published: January 2009

Enterprise resource planning systems have been adopted by many businesses, large and small, to take advantage of their typical features: information integration, business process perspective, transaction processing efficiency and instantaneous availability of information for decision support. The systems are expected to affect almost every aspect of business including structures, procedures, supervision, decision‐making, performance and workloads, and the roles of functional and professional groups such as engineers, accountants, production and warehousing personnel and managers. This paper analyses the implications of enterprise resource planning systems for organisations in general and for managers and professionals in particular.
IES 4 — Ethics Education Revisited
Authors: DELLAPORTAS STEVEN , LEUNG PHILOMENA , COOPER BARRY J. , JACKLING BEVERLEY
Published: January 2009

In 2003, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) issued a set of International Education Standards (IES). IES 4 Professional Values, Ethics and Attitudes aims to equip candidates for membership of an IFAC member body with the appropriate professional values, ethics and attitudes to function as professional accountants. This paper explores the implications of IES 4 and analyses some of the challenges arising from an international professional accounting body prescribing ethics education. It concludes with an overview of considerations to be addressed to ensure that the implementation of IES 4 is successful.
The Financial Milieu of the IASB and AASB
Authors: BROWN ALISTAIR M.
Published: January 2009

This paper considers the implications of the convergence of the accounting standards of the International Accounting Standards Board with those of the Australian Accounting Standard Board. Australia seems well placed to comply with the international accounting standards in 2005, but not quite in the way the boards would have us imagine. While actively seeking funds from large multinational corporations and elite accounting firms, the AASB is dominated by stakeholder groups with what are described as “corefinancial” and “partial‐financial” interests. This financial milieu may offer cosy deals for the key stakeholders, but does little in the way of civic responsibilities and accounting service for the wider public.
An Investigation of TBL Report Assurance Statements: Australian Evidence
Authors: DEEGAN CRAIG , COOPER BARRY J. , SHELLY MARITA
Published: January 2009

This study investigates current practice relating to the provision of triple bottom line (TBL) report assurance statements. In undertaking the analysis, a database was constructed of companies that have released TBL reports accompanied by third‐party assurance statements. The results of the research show that in Australia there is great variability in the contents of TBL assurance statements. Arguably, the great variation in practice raises questions about the usefulness, or “value‐add”, of TBL report assurance statements.
Performance Measurement in the Public Sector: A Clarification and Agenda for Research
Authors: LYE JOANNE M.
Published: January 2009

Despite the growing significance of performance measurement systems, theoretical evidence suggests that unique and complex characteristics in the public sector prevent performance measures being used for internal managerial purposes. A paucity of empirical studies suggests a need to shift the research agenda to interpretive methods to understand how the measures are used in a public‐sector entity. A field study approach employing grounded theory is advocated to connect what is happening in practice with scholarly work.
Content Analysis in Accounting Research: the Practical Challenges
Authors: STEENKAMP NATASJA , NORTHCOTT DERYL
Published: January 2009

Drawing on a pilot study of voluntary intellectual capital reporting in New Zealand companies' annual reports, this paper illustrates and discusses the practical challenges of using content analysis as a research method and considers how they might be managed. Reflections are offered on the choice of appropriate recording units, counting repetitive messages, making subjective judgments as to the meaning and categorisation of texts, and the need to explain how texts are handled and how inferences and meanings are identified when using content analysis for accounting research.
Accounting for Income Taxes: Early Adoption Issues
Authors: McNICHOLAS PATTY , WYATT KIM
Published: January 2009

This study investigates whether the revised AASB 1020 Income Taxes was adopted early by Top 100 publicly listed companies in Australia between 2000 and 2004. We found that only three of the companies adopted the revised standard before its implementation date of 1 January 2005. Interviews with senior company representatives indicated that the three companies had quite different reasons for early adoption. Non‐early‐adopting companies had considered that the revised standard would not make a material difference to their reporting results. Tax consolidations and the impending international financial reporting standards were regarded as more important issues.
What We Might Learn About Fraud and Corporate Governance from NAB's Annus Horribilis
Authors: MARTINOV‐BENNIE NONNA
Published: January 2009

This article responds to the recent paper by Carolyn Cordery, “NAB's ‘Annus Horribilis’: Fraud and Corporate Governance” (Australian Accounting Review 17, 2: 62–70). Cordery's paper, while a useful addition to other explorations of the NAB case, merely touches on the many complex aspects of the corporate governance debate without exploring in depth the unique features of the NAB fraud. This article acknowledges the important role of corporate governance structures as argued by Cordery. However, these conditions alone are not sufficient, and organisations need to manage dysfunction of cognitive biases in order to create a culture in which trust, respect, candour and open‐constructive dissent are the norm.
A Comment on Establishing the Fair Value of Consideration Given in an Acquisition
Authors: TROWELL JOHN
Published: January 2009

The distinction between offer date and acquisition date is important when determining the fair value of shares offered as consideration in an acquisition or takeover. Standards on business combinations have required this to be determined at acquisition date, certainly since 2001, even though earlier opinions such as APB Opinion 16 had allowed the use of offer date. Despite this, Lonergan (2004) continued to favour the use of offer date, using the Wesfarmers takeover of Howard Smith in 2001 as support, and claiming that acquisitions are essentially locked‐in from the offer date. But this is generally not the case. This paper shows that acquisition date is correct when conditions change during a takeover.
Intellectual Capital Reporting Practices of the Top Australian Firms
Authors: SUJAN AHMAD , ABEYSEKERA INDRA
Published: January 2009

Using content analysis of annual reports of the top 20 firms (by market capitalisation) listed on the Australian stock exchange in 2004, this paper describes the state of intellectual capital reporting practices in Australia. The paper also compares the results with a previous Australian study by Guthrie and Petty (2000) and reconfirms that reporting of intellectual capital is yet to be done within a consistent framework. Although most of the reporting was done through qualitative, rather than quantitative, statements, an encouraging shift towards quantitative reporting is evident.
Do Board Characteristics Influence Impression Management through Graph Selectivity Around CEO Changes?
Authors: MATHER PAUL , RAMSAY ALAN
Published: January 2009

Research has shown evidence of impression management through the selective use of graphs in financial reports of Australian firms changing chief executive officer. This paper examines whether boards with characteristics associated with strong corporate governance constrain impression management in the financial reports of Australian firms that change CEOs. Our tests of graph selectivity find that boards with a higher proportion of independent directors appear to be more effective in curbing any potentially opportunistic impression management by new CEOs in the period of their appointment.
Survival Analysis of 97 Cats with Nasal Lymphoma: A Multi‐Institutional Retrospective Study (1986–2006)
Authors: Haney S.M. , Beaver L. , Turrel J. , Clifford C.A. , Klein M.K. , Crawford S. , Poulson J.M. , Azuma C.
Published: January 2009

Background:Feline nasal lymphoma (NLSA) is a condition for which no standard of care exists.

Hypothesis:There is no difference in survival times of cats with NLSA treated with single or multimodality therapy.

Animals:Records from 97 cats diagnosed with NLSA were examined.

Methods:The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the survival times of cats with NLSA treated with radiation therapy (RT) alone, chemotherapy alone, or RT + chemotherapy and identify potential prognostic variables that affected survival. Cats were grouped according to therapy: RT + chemotherapy (n = 60), RT alone (n = 19), or chemotherapy alone (n = 18).

Results:Survival was calculated with 2 methods. The 1st survival analysis (method A) included all cats, but counted only deaths caused by progressive NLSA. The median survival time (MST), regardless of therapy modality, was 536 days. The 2nd survival analysis (method B) also included all cats and counted all deaths, regardless of cause, as events. The overall MST calculated for all deaths was 172 days. A negative independent prognostic variable identified was anemia (P< .001), and positive independent prognostic variables were a complete response to therapy (P< .001) and total radiation dose >32 Gy (P= .03).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:There were no significant differences in survival times among the 3 treatment groups but these results suggest that the addition of higher doses of RT to a cat's treatment protocol may control local disease and therefore influence survival.
The Place of Latin in the Total Foreign Language Curriculum
Authors: Levy Harry L.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT: Thanks to William Riley Parker and his “The Case for Latin,” the positive values of Latin study for the American student have been expressed eloquently for the present generation. But a revision of the curriculum is needed. Latin at the secondary school level should be principally a three‐year sequence in grades 10–12, following initial study of a modern foreign language with audio‐lingual emphasis. Adequate introductory Latin materials seem now available, but the typical preoccupation with Caesar (second year) and Cicero (third year) should give way to anthologies (second year) and Vergil (third year). With this beginning, Latin instruction at the college level can offer a rich variety of cultural material which will be meaningful to modern youth. Latinists should set their house in order, and modern foreign language teachers and others should give enlightened support.
A Linguistic Definition of Literature
Authors: Edgerlon Mills F.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT: Whatever has been called literature is cast in language; the medium itself imposes limitations on the ways in which literature may justifiably be treated by virtue of the intrinsic properties of language. Any given human language is essentially arbitrary and social, not “natural,” and cannot, therefore, be treated as a medium of communication apart from its historical and social matrix. A work of literature has an objective “meaning” which it is theoretically but usually not practically possible to exhibit exhaustively; this meaning must be carefully distinguished from whatever new thought the experience of reading the work may generate in the reader. These premises have important consequences for the teaching of both a language and its literature.
Foreign Language Proficiency Levels Attained by Language Majors Near Graduation from College
Authors: Carroll John B.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT: MLA Foreign Language Proficiency Tests for Teachers and Advanced Students were administered in 1965 to 2,782 seniors majoring in French, German, Italian, Russian, or Spanish at 203 institutions. The resulting data provided new evidence on a number of issues significant in the selection and training of future language teachers, though conclusions must be drawn with caution. Audio‐lingual skills were generally low. Even brief time spent abroad had a potent effect on a student's language skills. Students of French or Spanish who started the language in elementary school tended to have an advantage over other majors. Those from homes where the foreign language was spoken attained greater competence. Foreign language aptitude is a factor significantly associated with the level of skill attained, but many low‐aptitude students are able to compensate by diligent study and practice or because of special opportunities such as study abroad. Males and females were equal in language‐learning ability. Students at larger institutions outperformed those at smaller ones, and students at private institutions did better than those at public ones. (Four figures and eleven tables are included.)
Foreign Language Enrollments in Public Secondary Schools, 1965
Authors: Willbern Glen
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT: This eighth consecutive MLA annual study of foreign language enrollments in the public secondary schools reveals that in the fall of 1965 the total FL enrollment, grades 7–12, was over 4.5 million (27.4% of the total public secondary school population) compared with 2.8 million (23.4%) in fall 1960. This represents an increase of 62% compared with an increase in the overall secondary school population of 38%. The proportion of secondary schools, grades 7–12, offering a FL was 80.4%. At the level of grades 9–12, the ratio of enrollments to the total relevant school population was Spanish (12%), French (10.8%), Latin (5.1%), German (2.8%), and all other foreign languages (0.4%), for a total of 31.5%. In grades 9–12, modern FL have increased from 13.7% of the total school population in 1948 to 26.4% in 1965; in the same period Latin declined from 7.8% to 5.1%. Charts and tables show the distribution of 1965 enrollments by regions and by languages. Tables detail the comparative 1960–65 enrollments, by states, in Spanish, French, German, Russian, Italian, and Latin.
Foreign Language Registrations and Student Contact Hours in Institutions of Higher Education, Summer 1969
Authors: Kant Julia Gibson
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT: The research reported herein was performed pursuant to Contract No. OEC‐0–8–071155–3708 with the Office of Education, United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Performance Objectives in the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Authors: Steiner Florence
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT: This article poses four basic questions and seeks answers to them: (1) What is a performance objective? a purpose? a performance criterion? (2) Why should we teach by means of a performance curriculum? (3) How can we set up performance objectives and performance criteria for teaching language? (4) How can the performance curriculum be implemented in the classroom? The performance objective is a statement of student achievement written in terms of what the student can do. Reasons for teaching a performance curriculum are societal concerns, relevance, quality teaching, economy, and emphasis on learning to learn. Ways of constructing performance objectives and criteria for the teaching of language emerge. One way of implementing performance objectives is to proceed in a lockstep fashion; and resource centers, library listening posts, and language laboratories are important adjuncts, but the teacher can implement this curriculum in the traditional classroom.
Certifying Teachers of Modern Foreign Languages for American Public Schools—1969
Authors: Sheppard Douglas C.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT: In this survey of State certification practices and requirements for modern foreign languages, an attempt has been made not only to report the standard credit and hour requirements for various certificates and endorsements, but also to call attention to, and suggest the significance of, developments such as the “approved program” option, proficiency testing, FLES, reciprocity, licensing for differentiated staffing, and State‐municipality relationships. The Modern Language Association of America last sponsored a study of this nature just ten years ago.
A Foreign Language Interim Program—“Auf deutsch, bitte!”
Authors: Semke Harriet D.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  An increasing number of colleges are adopting a calendar which includes a short (three‐ to four‐week) semester or Interim. During this time students study only one subject and thus are able to focus their complete attention on one area of interest. Teachers do not have to vie with other instructors for a student's time and are able to try innovative approaches to learning. The language teacher can give students an “immersion” experience which is nearly as good as visiting the foreign country. This “language‐house‐type” program is possible even with a small group of students, no special facilities, and only one instructor. If the instructor is not a native, the help of a native speaker as a resource person is desirable. Such a person usually can be found—either among the student population on the campus or among the local residents of the community. Students who participated in the interim program described in this article evaluated it as highly successful.
ERIC Clearinghouse on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Authors: Staff Eric
Published: January 2009

All contents of this section may be freely quoted or reproduced without special permission. This section was prepared pursuant to a contract with the Office of Education, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Contractors undertaking such projects under Government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their judgment in professional and technical matters. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Office of Education position or policy.
The Audio‐Motor Unit: A Listening Comprehension Strategy That Works
Authors: Kalivoda Theodore B. , Morain Genelle , Elkins Robert J.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  The audio‐motor unit, a ten‐minute lesson involving the interplay of visual, auditory, and motor skills, shows promise as an effective device for the teaching of listening comprehension. Each lesson, composed of a series of oral commands, elicits physical responses which demonstrate student comprehension of meaning. One hundred eighty students and their teachers who used this multisensory strategy acknowledged its positive impact upon development of aural skill. They also saw inherent in the motor activity a number of psychological factors which stimulate learning, and a vivid expression of cultural elements.
The Mentalist Theory of Language Learning
Authors: Ewing Wallace K.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  The behaviorist theory of language and language learning fails to account for the innovative and creative nature of language use, phenomena that the mentalists claim they can account for. Language, the mentalists say, is internal, rule‐governed, and abstract. The human organism has an innate predisposition toward language acquisition, being in a sense “programmed” for language. This predisposition accounts for the rapidity and uniformity with which the child learns his native language. The organism's innate ability to process language input gradually deteriorates and seems to be totally inoperative by the time that physical maturity is reached. In terms of second language acquisition, the mentalist theory invites revaluation of present classroom procedures and materials. Specifically, greater emphasis needs to be put on the student's “competence” as opposed to his “performance.”
Personalizing Foreign Language Instruction
Authors: Wolfe David E. , Howe Leland W.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  Foreign language enrollments are declining. This decline may be due, in part, to the lack of relevance of foreign languages to students' current concerns and problems. As a result, teachers may have to change their thinking about the role of foreign languages in the curriculum. In a humane curriculum, foreign languages have the important role of helping students examine their lives, their values, and their ways of thinking. This kind of curriculum may necessitate giving up “covering the book.” Teachers will have to learn new teaching strategies and techniques to help students examine their beliefs, values, interests, and concerns. To accomplish this goal, techniques from humanistic education and values clarification can be used in the target language to help students answer such questions as Who am I? and What do I want to become? These techniques, however, are not gimmicks to be used to “kill time.” They must be used purposefully if the goals of humanistic education are to be reached in the language classroom.