Neil Marriott

Diffusion of an Accounting Innovation: Fixed Asset Accounting in the NHS in Wales

As part of ‘New Public Management’ in the UK, changes have been made to the accounting regime. These changes typically involve the adoption of private sector accounting and budgeting approaches using accruals accounting. The process by which new ideas are spread is known as diffusion; this paper deals with the aspect of diffusion relating to the imposition of a new idea, accruals accounting, and how it is absorbed by the organisation, in this case the NHS in Wales. In particular, the paper questions whether the lack of secondary diffusion is limiting the influence of the new accounting approach. To analyse the level of diffusion we have focused on one aspect, namely, information on capital assets. The paper uses a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods including in-depth interviews with senior managers at two NHS Trusts and a questionnaire survey with responses from senior finance staff in all NHS Trusts in Wales. We conclude that the diffusion of accruals accounting for fixed assets has been restricted to the primary level at the top layer of management and has not penetrated below that level. There is evidence of continuing managerial indifference to the accruals accounting consequences of owning fixed assets.

Experiential Learning – A Case Study of the Use of Computerised Stock Market Trading Simulation in Finance Education

Abstract Finance is a popular programme of study in UK higher education despite it being a challenging subject that requires students to understand and apply complex and abstract mathematical models and academic theories. Educational simulation is an active learning method found to be useful in enhancing students’ learning experience, but there has been limited pedagogic research attention on its use in finance education within the UK. This paper, utilising an on-line survey, provides a snapshot of the current usage of finance-related simulations across the 97 UK universities offering finance programmes. The paper also reports the findings of a case study that offers insights into the effectiveness of introducing computerised simulation into a postgraduate finance course from both a student and tutor perspective. It highlights an enhancing learning experience for students through concrete experience and reflective observation, increasing their understanding of difficult and complex finance concepts.

The banks’ uses of smaller companies’ financial information in the emerging economy of Vietnam: a user's oriented model

Purpose – The aim of this study is to provide insights into the factors affecting the banks’ use of financial information in financial statements of small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) which has implications for the governance of these important organizations. Specifically, this study assesses the views of bank lending officers on their demand for and use of financial information relating to SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses the data collected from a quantitative study in the form of a postal questionnaire survey. The model is constructed based on the data collected and the use of structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings – The research finds that the main factor affecting the use of financial information is the directors’ perceptions of the role of accounting. Bank lending officers tend to use a great variety of sources of information to make lending decisions and do not rely on financial information provided by SMEs. Direct contacts with the SMEs were extensively used and were perceived as having a significant effect on the utility of information. Research limitations/implications – The limitation of the study lies in the relatively small sample of respondents and the response rate. Practical implications – The model is important as it can aid the banks’ understanding of the business activities of the smaller company sector. This leads to improved relationships between the banks and smaller companies and more positive lending decisions. Originality/value –The model is of interest to the banks and other parties. The model may also be of interest to accounting regulators and standard setters to clarify the issue of how financial information of smaller companies is used. The model implies the revision of the current reporting frameworks to improve the transparency of the corporate governance in SMEs in the context of the less developed reporting environment of transitional economies.

The teaching–research gestalt: the development of a discipline-based scale

This paper reports the development and empirical testing of a model of the factors that influence the teaching–research nexus. No prior work has attempted to create a measurement model of the nexus. The conceptual model is derived from 19 propositions grouped into four sets of factors relating to: rewards, researchers, curriculum, and students. The propositions are operationalised by 61 scale-items and empirically recomposed by a factor analysis on data obtained from 247 UK accounting academics. We demonstrate that, in the discipline of accounting, there are six factors that describe the positive effects of relations between academic research and teaching. We also identify five factors that militate against productive relations between the two. This double-edged sword we term the teaching–research gestalt: although faculty research can be beneficial to teaching and vice versa, there can also be negative effects. The relationship between academic research and teaching therefore requires judicious management.

Social and environmental accounting in Malaysia: Practitioners’ views

Purpose – During the past decade in Malaysia, there has been a rise in the number of companies engaging in a rudimentary form of social and environmental reporting, and this has coincided with high-profile media coverage of environmental disasters in the country. The purpose of this article is to explore the perceptions of accounting practitioners in Malaysia to social and environmental accounting (SEA). Methodology/approach – The study utilises a mixed-method approach and involves 245 survey questionnaire respondents, 7 in-depth interviews and the qualitative data from 123 of the survey respondents. Findings – The level of knowledge and awareness of accounting practitioners in Malaysia of SEA is low. They are sceptical about quantification and valuation issues, but are able to see that reform, which would have to be driven by legislation, and could improve business performance regarding social justice and environmental quality. Research limitations/implications – This study enables the development of SEA and reporting framework as a vehicle for further discussions on business communication and the participants’ perceptions relating to social and environmental accountability in Malaysia. It postulates the strong likelihood that SEA will take root in Malaysia given the strong undercurrents of accounting and business malpractices and the clarion call by many for the reinstatement of the ethical dimension of the profession. Originality/value of the article – While most research on SEA and reporting in the context of Malaysia focuses on the disclosure aspects, this article explores the perceptions of accounting practitioners and establishes their insights on the issue of social and environmental accountability and reporting.

The Impact of Accounting Education Research

Abstract This paper presents an exploratory study into the nature and patterns of usage of accounting education research. The study adopts the most accessible metric, Google Advanced Scholar citations, to analyse the impact of research published in the six principal English-language accounting education journals. The analysis reveals a global readership for these journals but evidence of relatively low citation levels. However, papers tended to be cited more than expected in cross-disciplinary education journals, discipline-specific education journals, and non-education journals. Guidance is offered to authors seeking to maximise the impact of their research, and issues of concern are identified for editors and publishers. This is the first paper to look beyond content at the usefulness of research in accounting education as indicated by citations. In doing so, it contributes to the current debate on the quality of this research, and of research in accounting and finance in general.