Arnt Wöhrmann

Market Reaction to Goodwill Impairments

This paper examines the information content of goodwill write-downs under International Accounting Standard (IAS) 36 (Impairment of Assets) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142. We investigate whether the informational value depends on the reliability of the news. Using a sample of 564 goodwill write-down announcements issued from 2005 to 2009, we find a negative capital market reaction to announcements of unexpected goodwill write-offs. Our results indicate that investors react more negatively when a countrys level of legal protection is low and allows more management discretion. We further report that market reaction is associated with managers explaining the write-down decision and depends on the verifiability of these explanations. Investors react more negatively when an unverifiable internal explanation is given and less negatively when a verifiable external explanation is provided. We do not find significant differences between write-down announcements under SFAS 142 and IAS 36.

Tournament Winner Proportion and its Effect on Effort: An Investigation of the Underlying Psychological Mechanisms

This study investigates the effects of the psychological mechanisms activated by different proportions of tournament winners on effort. Using a real-effort experiment that allows the evolution of social comparison, which is central to our theory, we show that firms can increase employee effort (and performance) by increasing the proportion of winners. Based on a causal model, we generate evidence for our theory that this effect is driven by relative performance concerns and bonus concerns, both of which depend on the proportion of tournament winners. In addition, we find that, over time, the change in effort is more negative the lower the proportion of winners. This effect is driven by the different behaviors of winners and losers in a previous tournament.

Konsequenzen der Datenbankwahl für die empirische Forschung mit Archivdaten

ZusammenfassungDie große Bedeutung der empirischen Forschung mit Archivdaten erfordert eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit den Quellen dieser daten. Während bislang vor allem die Qualität von US-GAAP-daten in den üblicherweise in der Forschung genutzten datenbanken geprüft wurde, fehlt es an einer entsprechenden Untersuchung für IFRS-Daten. Dieser Beitrag veranschaulicht am Beispiel von acht Größen aus Abschluss und Lagebericht, dass zum einen die Datendefinitionen der Datenbankanbieter selbst Spielräume belassen und zum anderen, dass die Definitionen nicht immer stringent umgesetzt werden. Darauf aufbauend wird exemplarisch gezeigt, dass die Annahme oder Ablehnung einer Hypothese in der empirischen Forschung unter Umständen von der verwendeten Datenbank abhängig sein kann.AbstractThe growing importance of empirical research using archival data demands a critical examination of the input data. To date, the quality of accounting databases used for research has primarily been validated for US-GAAP data, whereas research on IFRS data is absent. This study uses eight variables from the financial statement as well as the manage- ment commentary to show that data definitions are not necessarily unambiguous and that conversions are not always performed in a consistent manner. Further, it is shown that in some cases finding support for a hypothesis in archival research may depend on the database used.

Deutsche Bahn AG: a former monopoly off track?

Synopsis Deutsche Bahn AG (Deutsche Bahn hereafter) was the former German railroad monopolist until deregulation in 1996. It was a well-known company that operated in worldwide markets for transport and logistics at the time of the case (late 2013). The case “Deutsche Bahn AG: a former monopoly off track?” focuses on the opportunities and challenges faced by Deutsche Bahn with regard to its position in the German individual transportation market. On the one hand, Deutsche Bahn is facing external problems. Increasing competition in short- and long-distance traffic threatens its strong business position. The competition emerged from a growing long-distance bus market and the increase in private railway companies. During the last few years before 2013, Deutsche Bahn has lost several public tenders for individual passenger travel in Germany. On the other hand, Deutsche Bahn has internal problems that endanger its image as a service company. A lack of service quality and the technical condition of its trains has led to rising numbers of customer complaints. In addition, staffing and punctuality problems have exacerbated the situation. One of the main technical issues the company faces is that ordered trains have not been delivered on time. Given the focus on Deutsche Bahn’s domestic challenges, its international business activities are tackled only briefly. While regulatory and political events have an impact on Deutsche Bahn, these are not the main subjects of the case. Research methodology This case has been written from public sources. Consequently, no company release is provided. None of the information has been disguised in any way. Relevant courses and levels The case is intended for use in a 90-minute strategic management class attended by students at the end of their undergraduate studies or in postgraduate study. Although the case relates to issues in strategic management, the special regulatory environment and some of the issues covered could make the case a useful complement in other classes as well, such as classes in supply chain management (procurement) or the management of public companies. Therefore, students should have basic knowledge in developing strategies, management, marketing, human resource management, and finance. Theoretical bases Strategic Analysis and Strategic Management, Railroad Logistics, Deregulation of a former Monopoly, Stakeholder Theory.