Martin Kelly

Management accounting texts in New Zealand: the need for a paradigm shift

This paper questions the dominance in textbooks of a management accounting grounded largely in neo-classical economics and scientific management. In New Zealand the most popular textbook used in introductory management accounting courses is Horngren and Fosters Cost Accounting - a Managerial Emphasis.The current seventh edition of the text, although extensively used, is not regarded as adequate for the purpose by many New Zealand educators. The text is seen as being rootd firmly in the traditional understandings of the role of management accounting which are subject to increasing challenge. Other popular texts which are influencing the content of management accounting courses also are reviewed. We conclude that, despite much criticism over many years, modern textbooks have failed to evolve; change is overdue.

Purposes and paradigms of management accounting: beyond economic reductionism

Neo-classical economics does not of itself provide an adequate explanation of current management accounting practice and research. Ideas from several other disciplines have been used in an attempt to facilitate a more complete understanding of management accounting. There now exists a multiplicity of ‘ways of seeing’ management accounting which adds richness to the literature. This paper first describes a number of the current theoretical-paradigmatic approaches, and then offers a typology for understanding them. It is suggested that each of these schools has different insights to offer the study of management accounting and that attempts to privilege one school over another should be avoided. Management accounting is seen as fulfilling a multiplicity of purposes which can only be understood by analysing the actions of the management accounting actors involved.

Students’ perceptions of education for sustainable development in the accounting and business curriculum at a business school in New Zealand

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to explore students’ perceptions and understandings of, and attitudes towards, education for sustainable development (ESD) at Delta Business School (DBS) in New Zealand[1]. The aim is to extend the limited literature on students’ perceptions of ESD within an accounting and business curriculum. Design/methodology/approach - – To ascertain the students’ evaluations of their ESD, a survey was administered to 60 accounting and business students at DBS. The survey data were supplemented with interview evidence from 20 of the 60 students to obtain a deeper understanding of the students’ evaluations. Findings - – A majority of the students perceive ESD as a “good thing.” Students were supportive of the sustainable business learning experience offered at DBS. The results suggest that students’ knowledge of sustainable business practices improved significantly from their studies. Practical implications - – The paper should assist education providers to assess how students perceive ESD. This may help bring about changes, to improve the teaching of sustainable development. Universities can be the main providers of ESD, but other educational providers such as the professional accounting bodies will also need to manage the development of ongoing education processes. Most students at DBS believe they are obtaining a good understanding of the concept of sustainability. Originality/value - – There is a shortage of research concerning how students perceive sustainable development education. This paper contributes to the discussion of what to incorporate in sustainable education programmes, to help students properly to understand sustainable development. We believe accounting and business education should develop graduates into broad-minded thinkers with a capacity for independent and critical thought. This will prepare them for future leadership roles.

Reflections concerning a response to post-modernism

Abstract Post-modernism has had a major influence on academic thought. It has served well in exposing the hidden assumptions which many people have unknowingly allowed to influence their behaviour, but it has provided little support to those who are seeking to discover how they might attempt to ‘progress’. Post-modernism may encourage pessimism and lack of hope; these attributes are debilitating to academics and students. In a post-modern environment any quest for quality learning experiences may come to appear pointless. Responses to the post-modern condition need to be identified. In the area of educational research, we argue that ‘narrative’ provides a suitable response

The practice of sustainable business: A New Zealand perspective

The paper outlines the business decision making paradigm that prevailed in the 20th century and how the resultant business decisions revealed deficiencies in that paradigm. However, it recognises that some powerful forces in society wish to retain the 20th century model; there is much available evidence to demonstrate the dangers inherent in such a strategy. Those engaged in business decision making today must recognise the urgent need for a paradigm shift away from the 20th century business decision making model, if our fragile planet is to survive in a form able to sustain human life.

Investment considerations and impressions of integrated reporting: Evidence from Taiwan

Integrated reporting (IR) aims to improve the quality of information available to capital providers. While IR is associated with decreases in investor uncertainty and increases in firm value, it is unclear how IR information directly influences investment decisions. This paper aims to investigate the investment considerations of Taiwanese investors and their initial impressions of the International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC Framework). In doing so, this study examines the relationships between investment considerations and the IIRC Framework’s concepts.,Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 16 investors in Taiwan. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected.,In addition to economic and financial outlook, competitive advantages and ownership structure, Taiwanese investors emphasise management credibility as an important factor that influences investment decisions. Investors are reliant on private information sources and quantitative data. Sustainability disclosures and sustainability performance beyond legal requirements are often not considered. Taiwanese investors lack awareness of the IIRC Framework and are sceptical about the premise that integrated reports can provide information material to investment appraisal. The assertion that integrated reports reduce information asymmetry and influence investment decisions has to be treated with caution.,Self-selection bias and a potential lack of transferability in the findings are issues inherent in the research method and sample used.,IR information needs to be frequently updated rather than disclosed in a periodic report. Furthermore, integrated reports need to demonstrate a direct link between non-financial performance and financial value creation.,Mandating the supply of integrated reports is unlikely to influence investors’ capital allocation decisions unless investor demand is a driver of the regulation.,This study is one of the few to investigate IR from the investor’s perspective. Observations from this preliminary study warrant further investigations into the relevance of IR to investment communities globally.

The Use of the Action-Research Methodology in the Development of Business Education a Case Study

This paper discusses the use of the action-research methodology in the classroom to help improve the academic environment. Action-research appears to have grown in popularity with academics generally, and in educational research particularly, over the past few years. In this paper action-research is defined, and a critique and counter-critique are provided. I explain how I have found it useful as an agent for change in my teaching environment. Difficulties, which attach to the use of the action-research methodology, are discussed.