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1 – 10 of 139The current study uses an advanced machine learning method and aims to investigate whether auditors perceive financial statements that are principles-based as less risky. More…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study uses an advanced machine learning method and aims to investigate whether auditors perceive financial statements that are principles-based as less risky. More specifically, this study aims to explore the association between principles-based accounting standards and audit pricing and between principles-based accounting standards and the likelihood of receiving a going concern opinion.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses an advanced machine-learning method to understand the role of principles-based accounting standards in predicting audit fees and going concern opinion. The study also uses multiple regression models defining audit fees and the probability of receiving going concern opinion. The analyses are complemented by additional tests such as economic significance, firm fixed effects, propensity score matching, entropy balancing, change analysis, yearly regression results and controlling for managerial risk-taking incentives and governance variables.
Findings
The paper provides empirical evidence that auditors charge less audit fees to clients whose financial statements are more principles-based. The finding suggests that auditors perceive financial statements that are principles-based less risky. The study also provides evidence that the probability of receiving a going-concern opinion reduces as firms rely more on principles-based standards. The finding further suggests that auditors discount the financial numbers supplied by the managers using rules-based standards. The study also reveals that the degree of reliance by a US firm on principles-based accounting standards has a negative impact on accounting conservatism, the risk of financial statement misstatement, accruals and the difficulty in predicting future earnings. This suggests potential mechanisms through which principles-based accounting standards influence auditors’ risk assessments.
Research limitations/implications
The authors recognize the limitation of this study regarding the sample period. Prior studies compare rules vs principles-based standards by focusing on the differences between US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS) or pre- and post-IFRS adoption, which raises questions about differences in cross-country settings and institutional environment and other confounding factors such as transition costs. This study addresses these issues by comparing rules vs principles-based standards within the US GAAP setting. However, this limits the sample period to the year 2006 because the measure of the relative extent to which a US firm is reliant upon principles-based standards is available until 2006.
Practical implications
The study has major public policy suggestions as it responds to the call by Jay Clayton and Mary Jo White, the former Chairs of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to pursue high-quality, globally accepted accounting standards to ensure that investors continue to receive clear and reliable financial information globally. The study also recognizes the notable public policy implications, particularly in light of the current Chair of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) Andreas Barckow’s recent public statement, which emphasizes the importance of principles-based standards and their ability to address sustainability concerns, including emerging risks such as climate change.
Originality/value
The study has major public policy suggestions because it demonstrates the value of principles-based standards. The study responds to the call by Jay Clayton and Mary Jo White, the former Chairs of the US SEC, to pursue high-quality, globally accepted accounting standards to ensure that investors continue to receive clear and reliable financial information as business transactions and investor needs continue to evolve globally. The study also recognizes the notable public policy implications, particularly in light of the current Chair of the IASB Andreas Barckow’s recent public statement, which emphasizes the importance of principles-based standards and their ability to address sustainability concerns, including emerging risks like climate change. The study fills the gap in the literature that auditors perceive principles-based financial statements as less risky and further expands the literature by providing empirical evidence that the likelihood of receiving a going concern opinion is increasing in the degree of rules-based standards.
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The number of people being identified as non-binary and genderqueer (NBGQ) is rapidly increasing, but the literature offers scant guidance for organisations aiming to offer these…
Abstract
Purpose
The number of people being identified as non-binary and genderqueer (NBGQ) is rapidly increasing, but the literature offers scant guidance for organisations aiming to offer these workers an inclusive environment in which they feel that they belong. This study explores how the positive experiences of NBGQ individuals contribute to their sense of belonging in the workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants, exploring their positive experiences of belonging at work and the data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).
Findings
Three higher-order themes were created: allowing authenticity; social support and creating inclusive culture. Findings from this study suggest that NBGQ authenticity, perceived colleague social support and the proactive creation of inclusive organisational cultures interact to develop a sense of belonging for NBGQ individuals in the workplace.
Originality/value
Empirical studies on the experiences of non-binary people at work are almost non-existent. Existing research predominantly explores the negative experiences of NBGQ individuals as a subset of a transgender demographic. This article focuses specifically on the experiences of NBGQ workers and thus contributes to filling this gap in the literature.
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Shaun Liverpool, Ken Fletcher, Tahira Kaur Chopra, David Jay, Faye Walters and Linda K. Kaye
The number of university students seeking mental health support is rapidly increasing. To provide additional psychological support to students accessing well-being services, this…
Abstract
Purpose
The number of university students seeking mental health support is rapidly increasing. To provide additional psychological support to students accessing well-being services, this study aimed to pilot a mental health Web application (app) called Orpheus®.
Design/methodology/approach
Guided by student consultations, a multi-methods approach was adopted, including an examination of in-app data, chart reviews of routinely collected student information and interviews with mental health practitioners. Usage data were analysed descriptively. Changes in mental health outcomes were examined using means, standard deviations and reliable change indices for anxiety and depression scores. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data from staff interviews and student feedback.
Findings
A total of 26 students registered an account with 39 completed app visits. On 37 of the 39 (94.9%) occasions, students reported reductions in the intensity of unwanted negative emotions. Statistically significant reductions in the average pooled anxiety and depression scores were observed. Of the 15 students who completed pre- and post-routine outcome measures, between 20% and 60% showed reliable and meaningful symptom improvements. Students reported that the app was helpful and easy to set up and use, with no adverse events. Practitioners highlighted barriers and facilitators related to the technology features, situational contexts and individual differences.
Originality/value
Integrating Orpheus in real-world settings resulted in promising implementation processes, potential for future uptake and positive outcomes. However, ongoing research, staff training and app testing are needed to further improve the implementation processes for digital mental health interventions.
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Michelle Jayman and Jay Ayliffe
Global social restrictions driven by COVID-19 exposed the vast potential of digital technologies for remote mental health and wellbeing provision. To combat the youth mental…
Abstract
Global social restrictions driven by COVID-19 exposed the vast potential of digital technologies for remote mental health and wellbeing provision. To combat the youth mental health crisis, practitioners, researchers, and policy makers must seek innovative solutions. The digital adaptation of evidence-based, in-person programmes offers one such promising approach. Co-authored by a young person, this chapter discusses democratising the research agenda and presents an exploratory study with co-production at its heart. The aim of the project was to inform the development of digitalised resources based on the robustly evidenced Super Skills for Life psychosocial intervention for adolescents. ‘Key ingredients’ for effective online content are presented by the young person developer, alongside their personal reflections on co-production research. This case study illustrates how collaboration with intervention recipients can augment programme development and expand access to evidence-based support. Not only extending reach but offering a choice of support pathways to a digital generation.
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Sukanya Wadhwa and Seshadev Sahoo
This study aims to examine the impact of disclosure on the unsolved initial public offering (IPO) puzzle. For this purpose, the authors analyzed the impact of the primary uses of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of disclosure on the unsolved initial public offering (IPO) puzzle. For this purpose, the authors analyzed the impact of the primary uses of the proceeds disclosed in a firm's IPO prospectus on underpricing, prelisting performance, postlisting underperformance and operating performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses Indian public firms that went public between March 31, 2010, and March 31, 2020. A multivariate regression technique was used to study the impact of the primary uses of proceeds on underpricing, prelisting performance and postlisting underperformance, whereas a quantile regression technique was used to study their impact on operating performance.
Findings
The authors found that the primary use of proceeds disclosure helps predict underpricing and returns to the investor only until day 60 postlisting; beyond that, they provide no further insights into the firm's performance. Firms with lower and average operating performance should not state the general corporate purposes and payment on borrowings, respectively, as their primary use of proceeds, as it leads to a decline in their operating performance.
Research limitations/implications
Results might suffer from the potential endogeneity problem due to selection bias. This research focuses on India only, which makes generalization of results for other economies difficult. Future research may extend the post-IPO period and include more developing economies. Furthermore, future studies can draw comparisons between developed and developing nations' disclosures of using proceeds.
Practical implications
This study will help the firms going public in India better disclose the use of proceeds based on their characteristics. Stating future acquisitions, payments on borrowings and working capital reduces the uncertainty, and therefore, these are feasible avenues for investing proceeds raised through IPO.
Originality/value
The authors used ten categories for the primary use of proceeds disclosure, whereas previous studies have used only five to six categories. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study was the first to use underpricing, postlisting performance and operating performance in a single study. These measures gave a more holistic view of the use of proceeds disclosure.
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Shane Barrett, Frank Crowley, Justin Doran and Mari O'Connor
This paper examines the relationship between open innovation (measured by exploratory and exploitative linkages) and firm-level innovative activity in the offshore renewable…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the relationship between open innovation (measured by exploratory and exploitative linkages) and firm-level innovative activity in the offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector.
Design/methodology/approach
A unique, purpose-built survey that targeted firms operating in the ORE sector and its supply chain was used. The data provides novel insights into the research activities and networking capabilities of an industry in its infant stages of development. Regression models are used to estimate the relationship between firm-level external linkages and innovative activity.
Findings
Exploratory linkages are positively related to more innovative activity. This relationship is subject to diminishing returns, distinguishing the ORE sector from other sectors. Collaborating with suppliers and accessing scientific journals are conducive to research and development (R&D) activity and process innovation, whilst collaborating with customers is associated with the decision to introduce new products and processes.
Originality/value
This study provides evidence of a positive, but curvilinear, relationship between external knowledge linkages and innovative activity, adding novel insights into the relationship between open innovation (OI) strategies, research and innovation outcomes for firms predominantly in the introductory stages of the technological life cycle with limited commercialisation experience. The nuanced finding that specific linkages matter for certain research and innovation (R&I) outcomes adds deeper complexity to March’s (1991) framework, where tailoring certain exploratory or exploitative linkages to specific innovation activities is important.
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Ruizhi Yuan, Martin J. Liu, Lixian Qian and Yuhuilin Chen
This study explores a novel conception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) hybridity and investigates its effect on returns following CSR announcements and the moderating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores a novel conception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) hybridity and investigates its effect on returns following CSR announcements and the moderating role of aspirational CSR talk.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on an event study of 136 Chinese companies’ CSR announcements, this study empirically insights into an overall tension between the short-term firm performance (FP) loss and medium-term FP success of CSR hybridity.
Findings
First, CSR hybridity has a negative impact on short-term FP. Second, although there is positive effect on medium-term FP, this influence is not permanent. Third, aspirational CSR talk has a moderating role on the positive relationship between CSR hybridity and FP. These results point to the unique features of hybridity that require time to diffuse the impacts.
Originality/value
First, by adopting new concept of CSR hybridity, this study contributes to the literature by considering better solutions to integrate strategic CSR. Second, by investigating the complexity of the CSR hybridity–FP dialogue, the results provide insights into the questions of why and when organizations could be incentivized to adopt hybrid CSR approaches. Third, this study contributes to the CSR–FP and stakeholder literature by demonstrating that aspirational talk is key in CSR’s medium-term success. The implication of this is a growing pressure on companies’ CSR communications with investors through managerial talk that depicts organizational ambitions for CSR engagement.
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Umar Farooq, Tao Liu, Ahmed Jan, Umer Farooq and Samina Majeed
In this study, we investigate the effects of an extended ternary hybrid Tiwari and Das nanofluid model on ethylene glycol flow, with a focus on heat transfer. Using the Cross…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, we investigate the effects of an extended ternary hybrid Tiwari and Das nanofluid model on ethylene glycol flow, with a focus on heat transfer. Using the Cross non-Newtonian fluid model, we explore the heat transfer characteristics of this unique fluid in various applications such as pharmaceutical solvents, vaccine preservatives, and medical imaging techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
Our investigation reveals that the flow of this ternary hybrid nanofluid follows a laminar Cross model flow pattern, influenced by heat radiation and occurring around a stretched cylinder in a porous medium. We apply a non-similarity transformation to the nonlinear partial differential equations, converting them into non-dimensional PDEs. These equations are subsequently solved as ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using MATLAB’s bvp4c tools. In addition, the magnetic number in this study spans from 0 to 5, volume fraction of nanoparticles varies from 5% to 10%, and Prandtl number for EG as 204. This approach allows us to examine the impact of temperature on heat transfer and distribution within the fluid.
Findings
Graphical depictions illustrate the effects of parameters such as the Weissenberg number, porous parameter, Schmidt number, thermal conductivity parameter, Soret number, magnetic parameter, Eckert number, Lewis number, and Peclet number on velocity, temperature, concentration, and microorganism profiles. Our results highlight the significant influence of thermal radiation and ohmic heating on heat transmission, particularly in relation to magnetic and Darcy parameters. A higher Lewis number corresponds to faster heat diffusion compared to mass diffusion, while increases in the Soret number are associated with higher concentration profiles. Additionally, rapid temperature dissipation inhibits microbial development, reducing the microbial profile.
Originality/value
The numerical analysis of skin friction coefficients and Nusselt numbers in tabular form further validates our approach. Overall, our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of our numerical technique in providing a comprehensive understanding of flow and heat transfer processes in ternary hybrid nanofluids, offering valuable insights for various practical applications.
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C. Zoe Schumm and Linda S. Niehm
Traditional purchasing best practices primarily follow a commercial logic and may not necessarily be applicable for social enterprises (SEs) supplier selection. This study…
Abstract
Purpose
Traditional purchasing best practices primarily follow a commercial logic and may not necessarily be applicable for social enterprises (SEs) supplier selection. This study examines how SEs focused on poverty alleviation select suppliers amidst competing institutional logics to achieve both social impact and economic performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A grounded theory methodology is applied to guide semi-structured interviews with 18 fair trade verified SEs. Constant comparison methods aided in determining the point of data saturation was reached.
Findings
The results of this study indicate that SEs select marginalized suppliers based on implicit criteria that is initially based on social-welfare logic and then through a blend of commercial and social-welfare logic based on company structure.
Originality/value
This study is the first to reveal that SEs addressing social issues do not follow the traditional criteria for supplier selection but have their own unique selection criteria when selecting suppliers.
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Mathew Baker and Michael Lee Joseph
Examine how social studies preservice teachers conceptualize and enact critical historical inquiry.
Abstract
Purpose
Examine how social studies preservice teachers conceptualize and enact critical historical inquiry.
Design/methodology/approach
Critical qualitative case study.
Findings
Differing conceptual understandings and had trouble infusing their practice with the critical theory learned in the university.
Originality/value
Examine how a core practice is bolstering the practice-theory connection in teacher education.
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