title: Three cases of corporate fraud: An audit perspective

authors: Van Peursem, Karen A.

subjects: accounting

abstract: In this paper we examine three cases in order to evaluate, in some detail and form an audit perspective, what can occur when management fraud and distortions in the financial accounts lead to adverse social, political and economic consequences. The cases analysed here are, for the most part, well known: Adelphia (U.S.), HIH Insurance (Australia) and Bond Corp (Australia). They are also significant in terms of the dollars misappropriated and in terms of the number of people involved or damaged as a result of the frauds. We attempt here to bring a fresh perspective to the stories around these corporate failures by examining the fraudulent activities in light of the auditor’s role, and how the auditor could have enabled a better quality and more timely information to be disclosed about them. Audit implications inform the analysis of each case, and some common themes are found in a cross-case analysis evaluated using Birchfield’s (2004) ‘perfect storm’ conceptual scenario. Recommendations for further research conclude the paper.

text: Three cases of corporate fraud: An audit perspective In this paper we examine three cases in order to evaluate, in some detail and form an audit perspective, what can occur when management fraud and distortions in the financial accounts lead to adverse social, political and economic consequences. The cases analysed here are, for the most part, well known: Adelphia (U.S.), HIH Insurance (Australia) and Bond Corp (Australia). They are also significant in terms of the dollars misappropriated and in terms of the number of people involved or damaged as a result of the frauds. We attempt here to bring a fresh perspective to the stories around these corporate failures by examining the fraudulent activities in light of the auditor’s role, and how the auditor could have enabled a better quality and more timely information to be disclosed about them. Audit implications inform the analysis of each case, and some common themes are found in a cross-case analysis evaluated using Birchfield’s (2004) ‘perfect storm’ conceptual scenario. Recommendations for further research conclude the paper.

year: 2007-06

title: The role of intuition in social work practice: Differing understandings and attitudes

authors: Curtis, Cate

abstract: There has been a long debate about the use of intuition in helping professions, including social work. Often viewed negatively in professional contexts, intuition is nonetheless used as a form of risk assessment. The current research examined methods of identifying child sexual abuse. A mixed methods approach was taken, with 98 participants completing an online questionnaire and 24 taking part in in-depth interviews. The participants demonstrated varied perceptions of intuition and its usefulness. Although some participants were strongly critical of its use, for others, intuition or ‘gut feelings’ were preferred to formal assessment tools. However, what was discussed as intuition, rather than a form of ‘sixth sense’, was often based on tacit knowledge; for example, abused young people’s observable behaviours combined with known risk factors such as certain family characteristics. Therefore, concerns about the use of intuition may be based on incorrect assumptions.

text: The role of intuition in social work practice: Differing understandings and attitudes There has been a long debate about the use of intuition in helping professions, including social work. Often viewed negatively in professional contexts, intuition is nonetheless used as a form of risk assessment. The current research examined methods of identifying child sexual abuse. A mixed methods approach was taken, with 98 participants completing an online questionnaire and 24 taking part in in-depth interviews. The participants demonstrated varied perceptions of intuition and its usefulness. Although some participants were strongly critical of its use, for others, intuition or ‘gut feelings’ were preferred to formal assessment tools. However, what was discussed as intuition, rather than a form of ‘sixth sense’, was often based on tacit knowledge; for example, abused young people’s observable behaviours combined with known risk factors such as certain family characteristics. Therefore, concerns about the use of intuition may be based on incorrect assumptions.

year: 2024-06-12

title: Respecting and recognising Indigenous rights when challenged by commercial activities

authors: Toki, Valmaine

abstract: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was hailed as a triumph among Indigenous peoples, signalling a long-awaited recognition of their fundamental human rights. Despite this, many violations of these basic rights continue, particularly in relation to extractive industries and business activities. In response, a business reference guide seeks to inform industries of their responsibilities. This article examines the tenuous relationship between Indigenous rights, state responsibilities and business expectations.

text: Respecting and recognising Indigenous rights when challenged by commercial activities The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was hailed as a triumph among Indigenous peoples, signalling a long-awaited recognition of their fundamental human rights. Despite this, many violations of these basic rights continue, particularly in relation to extractive industries and business activities. In response, a business reference guide seeks to inform industries of their responsibilities. This article examines the tenuous relationship between Indigenous rights, state responsibilities and business expectations.

year: 2018