G. Stevenson Smith

Alternative instructional strategies for creative and critical thinking in the accounting curriculum

Abstract In the midst of numerous accounting reform reports declaring that the memorization of accounting facts will no longer suffice, global economies have increased the pressure on universities to develop higher-order thinking skill curricula. This paper suggests that a consultative model of teaching can meet these challenges. From this framework, learning environments can be reshaped to support both the creative and critical thinking skills demanded by workplaces of the 21st century. In contrast to the passive reception of knowledge of teacher-centered classrooms, this style of teaching promotes active, student-centered learning. Importantly, a myriad of critical and creative thinking techniques, activities, and examples are detailed for developing accounting curricula in accordance with these views. Peripheral issues related to assessing higher-order thinking as well as cooperative grouping also are considered.

Recognizing and Preparing Loss Estimates from Cyber-Attacks

Abstract Today, no business or organization that is connected to the Internet can assume it is safe from a cyber-attack or a criminal act against its network by employees or others. When such attacks occur, businesses need to assess the amount of the loss from the crime. Without basic knowledge of loss valuation techniques, it is difficult to collect the necessary information needed to complete a loss valuation or determine how to prevent post-attack activities from increasing the losses.

Management models for international cybercrime

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify how the management structure of cybercriminals has changed and will continue to be revised in the future as their criminal business models are modified. In the early days of hacktivism, a distinction was made between a “hacker” and a “cracker”. The hacker was considered someone who was interested in the vulnerabilities in a computer system, but they were not out to exploit these vulnerabilities for illicit gains. Today, this is no longer true, as loosely coordinated gangs of computer hackers exploit vulnerabilities of financial institutions and the public to steal and transfer money across borders without difficulty. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews legal cases dealing with the computer theft of assets from financial institutions and individuals. The focus is on external exploits of hackers not on employee’s theft of assets. It explores the management structure used by cybercriminals who have been caught and prosecuted by legal authorities ...

New Zealand: the dynamics behind a reinvented government

Within the last ten years, the New Zealand government has reformed its management and accounting systems to such a degree that it has attracted the attention of government officials from around the world. The new business-like methods adopted include realignments in managerial authority, accrual budgeting and accounting, asset revaluations, capital charging, and budgeting for outcomes. This paper provides a look at the dynamics behind these revisions with specific emphasis on changes in budgeting processes. Additionally, an explanation is provided as to why it would be very difficult to adopt these methods in the U. S.

MAURICE STANS' VIEWS ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION

Maurice Stans (1908–1998) is remembered for his role in the Watergate scandal of the 1970s, but he was also an early contributor to the literature on the accounting professions obligations to the general public. His writings and speeches in this area have a place in the history of social responsibility accounting. The paper discusses his writings as well as his comments collected in an audio-taped interview about his role in the accounting profession as president of the American Institute of Accountants, senior partner in Alexander Grant (now Grant Thornton), and one of the first well-known practitioners to discuss broadly the importance of the accounting professions social responsibilities. Today when accounting scandals have created questions about the credibility and integrity of financial reporting, it is reflective to see how concerns about financial reporting were once articulated.

Recovering erased digital evidence from CD-RW discs in a child exploitation investigation

The paper describes an innovative method used to recover digital images and videos from an evidentiary CD-RW disc that had been erased. The digital evidence had been erased by the subject of the investigation in an attempt destroy incriminating evidence of the crime. Without the recovery of the digital evidence, there would have been no conviction in the child exploitation case as there was no physical or testimonial evidence.

Capital charging and asset revaluations: New choices in governmental financial reporting?

Abstract Within the last ten years, the New Zealand government has reformed itself from a system using antiquated management and accounting methods into a system that has attracted attention from government officials around the world. The new age methods adopted within the New Zealand government are based on a more business-like method of operations, and they include managerial empowerment, accrual accounting, asset revaluations, capital charging, and output budgeting. The changes in governmental financial reporting were made to support the new management methods. This paper provides a detailed review of how capital charging and asset revaluations are used within the New Zealand public sector. Additionally, it provides an explanation of why it would be very difficult to adopt these successful methods in governments founded on a U.S. constitutional model.

Privileged communications, independence, and client advocacy: A perspective on professionalism

Abstract In the early part of the twentieth century, restrictive state statutes sponsored by the accounting profession to set standards for the practice of accountancy were enacted. This early legislation was passed at a time when complete secrecy about financial matters was considered to be of primary importance. Concern for secrecy was reflected in the privileged communication provisions of these early statutes and in the writing about privilege by the practitioners of the period. This article traces the development of concern for financial secrecy and client advocacy, as represented by privileged communications, and follows the changes that have occured in privilege as the importance of independence and third-party responsibility has surpassed the need for secrecy and advocacy.