UNIVERSITY OF LUZON - the FIRST & ONLY AUTONOMOUS • Review of Related Literature and Studies

university in Region I *Submission of Chapters I and II

Vision of the University: World-class university that (Mid-Term Grading Period)
provides leadership and excellence in education for total, • Research Design
purpose-driven human development • Methods of Research and Statistics
Mission of UL: *Submission of Chapter III
-Premised on the founders’ philosophy “pereciasy valias” *Comprehensive Examination (Part I – Theoretical Phase)
-Focused on the trifocal functions of higher education *Thesis Writing Evaluation
institutions (Semi-Final Grading Period)
* instruction •Data Presentation
* research •Data Analysis
* extension service •Data Interpretation
Directions and Thrusts •Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
•Balanced and technologyenhanced curricular program *Submission of the Complete Manuscript
•Responsive community extension services ( Final )
•RELEVANT RESEARCH *Comprehensive Examination ( Part II Application Phase )
*Thesis Writing Evaluation
SYLLABUS in RES 11/BPS 07 *Oral Presentation (Defense)
( Introduction to Research/Accounting Thesis/Business *Revision and Submission of the Bound Report
Planning & Feasibility Study) CLASS GUIDELINES AND POLICIES in RES 11/BPS 07/HRM
COURSE INFORMATION 44
• Desc. Code: RES11/BPS07/HRM 44 ( Principles and Methods of Research/ Accounting Thesis/
• Credit: 3 units Business Planning & Feasibility Study/ HRM Research)
• Hours: 54 hours CLASS REQUIREMENTS
• Professor: Carmelo John E. Vidal, Ph.D. • Satisfactory attendance in both class discussions and
• E-mail: carmelovidal@yahoo.com group meetings shall be strictly observed.
COURSE DESCRIPTION The institutional policy on attendance shall apply.
This course deals with the concepts, principles, and CLASS REQUIREMENTS (ii)
methods of research and the research skills needed to • Active participation of the student-researcher is a must in
prepare prospective business practitioners/ accountants for all subject - related activities.
research work in the undergraduate levels. The student is expected to religiously and conscientiously
This course consists of two parts: comply with all the stipulated requisites of the course.
•First part deals on the concepts and principles underlying CLASS REQUIREMENTS(iii)
research •Pass the major written examination/s in order to qualify in
•Second part is on the development of research skills the oral presentation.
needed in research writing •Should the student fail the qualifying examination/s, the
COURSE OBJECTIVES student, upon request, may be permitted for remedial
–Acquire essential concepts and principles underlying examination.
research
–Develop competencies and research skills for intellectual
survival in a contemporary fast changing world where
knowledge is continuously expanding CLASS REQUIREMENTS (iv)
–Foster desirable values and work ethics to prepare them •Each student is advised to listen attentively and intently
for constructive and productive participation and leadership during lectures. Taking down notes is advised.
in the community. •Usage of electronic gadgets like mobile phones, MP3’s and
COURSE CONTENT i-pod, is strictly prohibited during in-class sessions so as to
•Part I ensure smooth flow of the discussion and full attention of
Principles and Concepts Underlying Research the student to the subject matter.
* Definition, Purpose & Characteristics CLASS REQUIREMENTS (v)
* Kinds and Classifications of Research • Submission of reports, activity sheets and /or other
* Methods of Research written outputs shall be done in a timely fashion.
* Research Process Late submission may not be accepted or at least be given
•Part II demerits correspondingly.
Writing of Undergraduate Papers CLASS REQUIREMENTS (vi)
TENTATIVE TIME TABLE : •The student-researcher should come to class on time and
( Preliminary Grading Period ) ready for the each day’s requirements.
• Parts of Research Paper and Guidelines •Conform with other policies and guidelines as may be
• The Research Problem setforth relative to the course.
WHAT IS RESEARCH? ( an intro to the subject ) •The State shall give priority to research and development,
Defining Research invention and innovation xxx.
•Building Vocabulary using Affixes •To contribute to science, technology and the social
- Use of Prefix Re sciences, to the advancement of knowledge, to the creation
•Etymological Definition of new knowledge, to cultural development and fulfillment,
- Origin of the word “Search” to the solving of the problems with which society is faced,
•Lexical Definition to sustainable human development, and to spreading ideas
•Scholarly Concepts and Meanings of peace, democracy, and protection of the environment.
Basic Definition: •The Commission on Higher
“RE” as a prefix means again Education, which was created by the Education Act of 1994
Re + Search = to search again ( RA No. 7722), ordered the advancement of learning and
research by formulating and recommending plans, policies,
Reasons Why We Seek Exhaustively priorities, and programs.
1. For knowledge generation •Research, according to Rosas (2006), is one of the key
2. For discovery purposes mission-vision of any college in a university, in addition to
3. For verifiable truth instruction and teaching. He said that all colleges and
Etymological Definition universities, whether public or private must conduct
• Where the word “search” originate research.
• Old French term ‘cerchier’(To seek, To probe, To •Colleges and universities are essential in the conduct of
prove, To investigate) research as seats of dynamic research activities and centers
• To sum it up, Research is Searching for Truth of creativity, development, and excellence where theory
and practice in various fields of human endeavor and
Lexical Definition: information are readily available for public information
•Noun ( Fatalver, 2003).
• Systematic search for facts •Marañon explained that higher education institutions are
•Scientific investigation usually the source of researches, promoting:
1. the continuous search for new knowledge of a
Research as a Systematic Process: fundamental nature
•As a systematic study or investigation, it is carried out for 2. the development of technically-trained people of various
the purpose of answering questions posed by the levels to main science, agencies, industrial firms, and allied
researcher. organizations.
•An organized study; a methodical investigation into a IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
subject in order to discover facts, to establish or revise a I.Research is a vehicle for mobility and progress.
theory, or to develop a plan of action based on the facts Research assumes the role of shaping the nation’s future.
discovered. Then, too, research has brought about progress and a much
•It can be an attempt to find out the truth in a systematic better life for all.
and scientific manner, or a close, careful, and thorough II. Research is important in decision-making.
study to be presented in a detailed and accurate manner. Decisions are made by school administrator, government
officials, or business managers everyday.
UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH III.Research is critical to lending credibility to our
VALUE OF RESEARCH arguments.
•Practical Significance The results of research gives credibility to our opinions
•Sociological Importance and discussions.
•Legal Imperatives
Practical Significance: THE RESEARCH PROCESS
•Research is learning how to learn Research is a SYSTEMATIC and ORGANIZED way to FIND
•Research will help us in decision making ANSWERS to QUESTIONS.
Lead a life of researcher. Apply the principles of research in •Questions are central to research
day-to-day activities. As a researcher, you must have a clear •Finding answers is the end of all research.
direction, emotionally and spiritually stable. •Research involves organized, planned procedure.
SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: •Research observes a system in arriving at the most
•The ULTIMATE GOAL OF accurate results.
RESEARCH is the preservation and conservation of the Research as a Process:
quality of life of people and the Society. Research as an activity is systematic as there is a definite set
LEGAL BASES: of procedures and steps which shall be followed. It is done
The importance of research is provided in Article XIV, in an organized manner in that there is a structure or
Section 10 of the 1987 Philippine method in going about it. It is focused and limited to a
Constitution. specific scope.
Phases of Research: The Planning Phase of the Research Process
*Conceptualization Step 1. Select the Appropriate Research Design for the
*Planning Study
*Empirical Research Design is the over-all plan that will be
*Communication implemented in gathering the data that will be needed in
the answering the problem.
The Conceptualization Phase of the Research Process Step 2. Determine the Sources of Data
*Conceptualization Phase Step 3. Specify and describe the methods of:
Step 1 Define the Problem a. gathering/collecting the data
Step 2 Review Related Literature/Studies b. analyzing and interpreting the data
Step 3 Formulate Hypothesis Step 4. Piloting the Data
Identify the difficulties and institute modifications
The Conceptualization Phase of the Research Process
Step 1. Define the Problem
Conceptualization Planning Empirical Communication
The crafting of a good research problem shall be premised
on the following considerations: o *Substantive Dimension Phase Phase Phase Phase
( theoretical/practical significance )
*Methodology Dimension (methodological significance)
*Resource Dimension (practicability significance)
Select Research
*Confidentiality Dimension (ethical significance) Define the Problem
Gather/Collect Write the
Design
Data Research Report
Step 2. Review of Related Literature/ Studies
Sources of Literature Review Determine Sources of
*Data Materials Review Related Data
*Non-Data Materials Present, Analyze, Share the
Literature/Studies
Specify & describe and Interpret Findings
Step 3. Formulate Hypothesis
Hypothesis refers to the tentative conclusion or thesis methods of: Data
relative to the research problem. gathering/collecting
Formulate
Types of Hypothesis in Research data
*Null Hypothesis Analyzing &
Hypothesis
*Alternative Hypothesis
interpreting the data
CORRELATION OF THE ACADEMIC STANDING IN
COLLEGE AND THE PERFORMANCE IN THE CPA
LICENSURE EXAM OF UL BSA GRADUATES Piloting the data
Null Hypothesis:
There is no significant relationship between the academic
standing in college and the performance in the CPA The Empirical Phase of the Research Process
Licensure Examination of the UL BSA Graduates. Step 1. Gather/Collect Data
CORRELATION OF THE ACADEMIC STANDING IN Step 2. Present, Analyze, and Interpret Data
COLLEGE AND THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF
BST/HRM GRADUATES OF UL The Empirical Phase of the Research Process
There is no significant relationship between the academic Step 1. Gather/Collect Data
standing in college and the professional competence BST- Data Gathering Tools
HRM Graduates of UL. • Questionnaire
• Interview Guide/Schedule
The Planning Phase of the Research Process • Observation
• Documents
Step 1 Select the Appropriate Research Step 2. Present, Analyze and Interpret Data
Design for the Study Types of Analysis Levels of
Step 2 Determine Sources of Data According to Number Interpretation
Step 3 Specify and describe methods of: of Variables
a. gathering/collecting data One Variable-Univariate Level I (Table Reading)
b. analyzing and interpreting the data Two Variables-Bi-variate Level II (Giving Meaning
Step 4 Piloting the data or Implications
Multiple Variables-Multi Level III (Corroboration/
Variate Cross-referencing)
The Communication Phase of the Research Process
Communication Phase
Step 1. Write the Research Report
Step 2. Share the Findings
The Communication Phase of the Research Process
Step 2. Share the Findings:
This completes the process of research. As one
of the purposes of research for enlightenment, the
results/findings of study shall form part of the reservoir of
knowledge for man’s utilization.
However, after the completion of a cycle, the
process goes back to round, signifying the cyclical nature of
the Research Process.
The Communication Phase of the Research Process
Step 1. Write the Research Reports
Main Parts of a Research Report
Chapter I The Problem and Its Background
Chapter II Review of Related Literature and Studies
Chapter III Research Design
Chapter IV Data Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation
Chapter V Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
The Research Process at a glance…
THE PROCESS OF RESEARCH PAPER WRITING
What is a research paper?
A research paper is an exercise in both critical reading and
writing. It is not merely a patchwork of quilted ideas but an
appropriate integration of personal ideas and professional
evidence.
Research papers go by a number of names, from critical
essay to thesis to dissertation.
A Research Paper:
*Uses documentation
*Analyzes, discusses, and debates ideas
*Acquaints you with a cross-section of materials
(literatures)
*Engages you in critical, not creative, reading and writing
A Research paper is NOT a:
*Piece of expository writing Personal essay
*Reflection paper
*Review of academic literature
*Mere reporting of facts and/or opinions
The Research Writing Process
Research paper writing can be summarized as a matter of
completing the following series of steps:
Step 1: Choose a topic and gather background information
Step 2: Narrow down the topic
Step 3: Develop a Research strategy
Step 4: Evaluate and compile a preliminary bibliography
Step 5: Take down notes
Step 6: Create a preliminary thesis/outline
Step 7: Write the first drafts
Step 8: Revise the paper
Step 9: Submit the paper
The Research Writing Process
Step 1: Choose a Topic
The job of choosing a topic for a research paper is bigger
than it sounds. Be guided by the following though to make
the exercise easier.
–Choose topic that interest you
–Choose topic that you can handle
–Choose topic that you can find enough information about
Step 2: Narrow down the topic
–Define the scope of the topic
–Establish a purpose for your topic
– Assert a tentative thesis statement Is the topic narrow
enough? If the answer is no, go back to step 1; if yes,
proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Develop a Research Strategy
These are four basic research strategies:
–Doing library research
–Doing internet research
–Conducting interviews
–Conducting surveys
Step 4: Evaluate and Compile a Preliminary Bibliography
As you gather the information you need it is important to
keep track of your sources. A second of such sources is
called working bibliography. It lists the print, non-print, and
electronic sources you need in preparing your paper.
Compile and evaluate these various sources.
Do you have enough resources? If no, go back to Step 1; if
yes, proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Take down notes
Note-taking is an integral activity in research paper writing.
A word of caution:
Paraphrase and acknowledge source of data/info. Avoid
Plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of using another person’s
ideas or words and passing these off as your own.
Based, on notes, do you need to narrow down the topic
some more? If yes; go back to Step 2; if no, proceed to the
next step
Step 6: Create a preliminary thesis statement
Thesis statement is a one-or-two-sentence summary of the
entire text, whether in argumentative position or in
analytical exploration of issues. It is the gist or
condensation.
A thesis statement…
-is always expressed as a complete sentence
-takes position (or makes a stand) in a topic
-uses specific language
-Makes an assertion based on clearly-stated support
Is the thesis statement clear and focused? If no, craft a
more focused thesis statement or go back to step 5; if yes
proceed to the next step!

Step 7 & 8: Write the first draft and revise
Writing the draft requires deliberate effort and enough time
to allow for going back to earlier parts of your work,
gathering more data to fill in gaps, even giving yourself
short breaks should you need them to overcome the
proverbial writer’s flock. Remember that research writing is
a cyclical process event at this stage.
Does the paper need revision? If yes, revise draft until much
time that the paper is fit in form and content, then proceed
to the next and last step.
Step 9: Submit the Paper
After having complied with the requirements of research
and completing the research writing process…
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Mechanics of Research Writing
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH
*General Characteristics
1. The research problem must have an element of
newness/novelty, that is not overstudied or saturated, such
that is a repetition or duplication of procedures.
2. The research study must be completed within a
reasonable period of time, within the competence level of
the researcher, has value to the researcher and impact to
the community (raises the quality of life).
3. The research study addresses priority development
issues and concerns (locally responsive and globally
competitive).
4. The research study will benefit many and varied users
and beneficiaries, particularly planners, policy-makers,
administrators, researches, etc, in government
organizations and non-government organizations.
5. The research team has capability (administrative,
technical, logistics) to implement the research project.
6. Except in Chapter I, each chapter heading must have a
concise introductory paragraph.
7. The following consists of introductory sentence:
- assumptions
- significance of the study
- definition of terms
- findings
- conclusions
- recommendations
8. Research report be presented in a formal tone, projecting
a dignified, impersonal tone and objectively written.
9. The research report must be presented in logical,
coherent, systematic manner and with consistent ideas.
*Specific Characteristics
Title
1. It is clear, descriptive, and correctly worded.
2. It is reasonably short but comprehensible.
3. It must be printed in an inverted pyramid format.
4. it must not employ wording of an unscientific, rhetorical,
emotional, or bias character, or catchy title.
5. Phrases like a Critical Study, An Evaluation, An
Assessment, A Study before the problem area is
inappropriate, but they may be attached after the problem
area before a colon.
THE ACADEMIC STANDING IN COLLEGE AND THE CPA
LICENSURE PERFORMANCE OF THE UL BSA GRADUATES: A
CORRELATION
Rationale
1. Described the problem situation from the global or
national level down to the local or institutional level that is
from macro to micro description (deductive presentation).
2. Support the problem situation with theoretical and
research literature, as well as legal evidences and
documents (constitution, statutes, executive orders, memo-
circulars) as much as possible.
3. The researcher must indicate what is wrong with the
present situation and explain his/her desire to discover
ways of improving/strengthening/enriching the problem
situation.
4. The researcher should justify his/her study and show why
the study is needed.
Statement of the Problem
1. The general (major) problem, which is patterned from
the Research Title, consist of the what, who, where, when
(seldom) and why (seldom) of the study.
2. The general problem is capable of being broken
down/sub-divided into researchable units.
3. The sub-problems (minor/specific) must be researchable
units logically arranged from factual to analytical order.
4. Each sub-problem must be grammatically worded in the
language of research.
Statement of the Problem
5. Each sub-problem must be statistically analyzed; findings,
conclusions and recommendations could be drawn from it.
6. One sub-problems should not overlap or duplicate the
others; otherwise, they are fused or merged as one.
7. Sub-problems should not be answered by YES or NO. In
some institutions, however, the YES-NO type question is
allowed when it pertains to to the determination of
significant differences/significant relationship.
Scope and Delimitation
•In a delimitation, state the variables or concepts which are
excluded (what are not studied due to certain weaknesses);
in a limitation, indicate the variables that are to be
contained/studied.
•The first paragraph should be a discussion of the scope
(coverage) of the study, such as the variables/concepts to
be studied, locale, and period of study and the persons
involved.
Scope and Delimitation
•The second paragraph should consist the delimitation (not
covered by the study) and justification for the non-inclusion
of some variables and concepts.
•A locale of the study or research setting (when needed)
can be placed in a separate heading and accompanied by a
map. In the map, the exact location of the study must be
identified by identical colors or some other marks.
Significance of the Study
•Only those who (individuals, agencies, institutions who are
concerned or affected) should be given a place in this
section.
•Their placement must be arranged in such way that
primary beneficiaries/end-users must be ahead than
secondary beneficiaries, tertiary beneficiaries in that
descending order.
Significance of the Study
•There must be a short paragraph explaining why the study
is important (its practical value) and what possible effects
the results of the study will have on present conditions. A
citation or listing of the individuals, groups, agencies who
may be concerned or affected must appear in this
paragraph.
•In the succeeding paragraph, specify the
beneficiaries/end-users accordingly an state how the study
benefit each of them.
Definition of Terms
•This section must have an introductory sentence or
paragraph.
•The terms to be defined are technical terms which are
used throughout or more often in the study and such they
are difficult to be understood by ordinary readers; or that
the terms devote several meanings. Never define a term
that is already universally accepted.
Definition of Terms
•When a term is lexically (dictionary
definition/authoritative definition) defined, the source must
be cited. Operational definition (as used in the study) follow
the lexical definition.
•Terms are arranged according to their degree of
importance or utilization in the study.
NATURE OF ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH TOPIC OUTLINE
•Meaning of Accountancy Research
•Accountancy Research as a System
•Landscape of Contemporary Accountancy Research
•Motivations for Accountancy Research
OBJECTIVES
•Explain the meaning of accountancy research and its
properties as a system
•Differentiate the functional and sectoral classifications of
accountancy research
•Illustrate the different perspective in research and how
they become applicable to accountancy research
•Appraise the current state and attributes of accountancy
research, both in the international and local settings
•Assess the motivational factors in the conduct of research
in the profession
•Identify the initiatives undertaken by the different
professional organizations and academic institutions
•Evaluate the contributions of the various initiatives
undertaken for the advancement of research
MEANING OF ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH
Accountancy is defined by the Oxford English
Dictionary as “the profession or business of an accountant.”
It refers to the discipline or the branch of study dealing with
the duties of an accountant. Said duties include,
accounting, auditing and tax services. Recently, the work of
accountants has expanded to include the whole gamut of
assurance services and certain finance-related areas of
management consultancy.
Accountancy research therefore covers accounting,
auditing and assurance, taxation, and management services
performed by the professional accountant.
Oler, et al. (2009) indicated in the paper
“Characterizing Accounting Research” that accounting
research intersects with a number of neighboring
disciplines primarily in finance, economics, psychology, and
management. They also categorized accounting papers into
six: (1) financial accounting, (2) managerial accounting (3)
auditing (4) tax (5) governance and (6).other topics
Following the definition of research by Leedy and
Ormrod (2010) and Saunders, et al. (2010) , accountancy
research is the systematic process of collecting and
analyzing information in order to increase one’s
understanding of the functions of a professional accountant
and contribute to the solution of problems besetting the
practice of the profession.
ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH CLASSIFICATION
•functional-areas include accounting, auditing and
assurance, tax, and other functional areas
•Sectoral-based on the sectors of professional accountancy
practice which are: education or academe, commerce and
industry, public
practice and government
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING RESEARCH
-concerned primarily with studying the collection, recording
and reporting of financial information about a business
entity or other forms or organizations. It looks into the
effect of economic events on the process of summarizing,
analyzing, verifying and reporting standardized financial
information, and on the effects of reported information on
economic events.
• It examines the essential characteristics of accounting,
specifically the identification and measurement of financial
information
about economic entities and the communication of the
information to interested parties.
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING RESEARCH
Systematic inquiry on the provision and use of
accounting information to managers within organization. It
delves into how managers are provided with the basis to
make informed business decisions and how they are better
equipped in their management and control functions.
It examines the role of financial information in
determining the changes an organization implements and
the decisions it makes. This type of research could look at
the impact of organizational change on accounting practices
or the interaction between management accounting
techniques and functional strategies, such as total quality
management and lean inventory production.
AUDITING RESEARCH
It examines the systematic process performed by
auditors to objectively gather and evaluate evidence related
to certain assertions about economic actions and events. It
investigates the manner by which auditors establish the
degree of correspondence between the client’s assertions
and the established criteria
It looks into the means by which auditors
communicate the audit results to users of the reports.
Overall, it looks at the quality of audit services and the
value-adding functions of audit. This type of research can
be expanded to include assurance and attestation services.
TAX RESEARCH
It has a broad scope and can be at the macro or
micro level. At the macro level, the research can be an
objective, sound an clear analysis of assessing taxation
proposals; evaluating fiscal policy issues based on the
principles of equity, efficiency, and adequacy; and other
revenue raising powers of the government.
At the micro or organizational level, the research
can be about the income tax expense reported for financial
accounting corporate tax avoidance; taxrelated decisions on
investment, capital, structure, and organizational form and
taxes and asset pricing. The tax code is a complicated
menagerie of rules and regulations that researchers must
navigate periodically.
OTHER FUNCTIONAL AREAS
The other functional areas of accountancy relate to
specific functions such as fraud prevention and
investigation, corporate governance, internal auditing, risk
management, sustainability reporting and thelike.
The functional classification of accountancy research is not
mutually exclusive. Researches that are dominant in one
function are intertwined with other functions.
SECTORAL CLASSIFICATION
The sectoral classification of accountancy research
into education or academe, commerce and industry, public
practice, and government serves either as the subject of
research or the context wherein research findings and
recommendations will be useful.
Improving governance practices and compliance to
financial reporting standards are research agenda for most
entities in the commerce and industry. Quality assurance
and ethical compliance are also current concerns of
individuals in public accountancy. The government sector is
bent in
improving accountability and control systems.
BASIC ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH
Basic accountancy researches are geared toward
generation of professional associations, and academic
societies or academies. They are usually conducted by
educators and scholars with the results presented in
technical or professional journals
APPLIED ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH
Applied accountancy researches are intended to
solve problems, clarify issues or gray areas, and provide
inputs to policy development and decision-making. These
are primarily conducted by public accountancy firms as
dictated by the needs encountered in the delivery of
professional services. Applied accountancy researches
can also be initiated by authoritative bodies and
international funding institutions primarily to provide inputs
to regulation and legislation. Usually, these are macro in
scope and have far-reaching effects in terms of persons and
institutions affected by the research outputs.
ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH AS A SYSTEM
Accountancy research, as a disciplinary activity, is also a
system. This point of view is parallel with the systems
thinking that originated in the general systems theory in the
natural sciences. A system is defined as a set of interacting
elements or assemblage of interdependent objects that
form a unified or organized whole and function to achieve
predetermined goals.
The significant properties of a system, which accountancy
research also has, include:
–Hierarchy
–Environment
–Boundary
–Relevance
HIERARCHY
The hierarchy of a system refers to the
arrangement of its parts as determined by the order of their
importance to a particular purpose or goal. The concept of
hierarchy allows for the leveling of the components in a
system. In other words, while accountancy research is the
focal system, it has both suprasystems and subsystems.
The suprasystem is the next higher level where the
focal system operates while the subsystem consists of the
component parts which the focal system can directly
influence. Accountancy research (focal system) is basically
within the umbrella of social science research
(suprasystem).
To a large extent, the trends and directions in
social sciences influence the success of systematic change
effort or track in accountancy research. The subsystem
consists of the functional areas of accountancy research:
financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, tax •Normative
and other functional areas. Seeks to develop and implement specific accounting
practices that the proponents argue to be superior to
ENVIRONMENT existing practices
The environment of a system refers to entities •Positive focuses on the impact of accounting specially on
(individuals, groups, and organizations) and other systems capital makers
(events, situations, artifacts) surrounding the focal system
which regularly or occasionally interact with the focal Normative vs. Positive
system by way of exchange of activities or other types of Normative Positive
linkages. •‘unscientific’ • Purely Scientific
Generally, the environment is also regarded •It is more of art • Empirical
as the publics of the systems. The environment of
accountancy research consists of the enabling, functional,
normative, and diffuse environments. Normative vs. Positive
In accountancy research, this environment consists
Normative Positive
of the regulatory bodies and standard-setting organizations.
Their corresponding processes of legislation, regulation, • How should inventories • Why do firms continue to
standard-setting, and policymaking provide both rationale be valued? use historical cost
depreciation
and opportunities for the accountancy research to thrive.
The functional environment refers to entities and • What should be reported • Why are public
in the annual financial accountancy firms
systems that perform complementary functions and statements? organized as
services, supply the inputs, and use the outputs of the focal partnerships?
system. These include educational institutions, public
-
accountancy firms, business entities, and government
agencies. Educational institutions are supposed to do a
trilogy of functions: instruction, research, and extension.
Normative Positive
BOUNDARIES • How should leases be • Why do most firms
The boundaries make the system distinct from treated on the financial continue to allocate
position? overhead charges to
other systems and from its environment. The boundaries of performance centers
a system are defined in terms of its scope of functions and • Should replacement or • Why do firms change
extent of coverage of activities. The functional areas of liquidation values be used accounting techniques?
in financial reporting
accountancy research are clearly defined to include
financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and
assurance, taxation, and management consulting.
On the other hand, the activities cover the four
Normative Positive
sectors of the profession: education or academe, commerce
• Should interim financial
and industry, public practice, and government. These two statements be audited? • Why is fund accounting
criteria provide boundaries with respect to the conduct of different from corporate
accountancy research. accounting?
• How should minority
• What impact has the
interests in subsidiaries
CPA certification
RELEVANCE be treated in consolidated
procedure had on the
Relevance is the ability of the system to produce statements?
practice on accounting
outputs that are needed as inputs by other systems. and on the research in
Accountancy research will lose relevance if it fails to listen accounting?
and respond to feedback from its environment.
Accountancy research, should be of value to individuals,
groups, organization and the society at large.
To achieve relevance, the person or entities Normative Positive
engaged in accountancy research should be sensitive and
alert to environmental signals and should treat these signals • How should changing • Why do firms change
price levels be accounted auditors?
as important inputs to improve quality of service delivery.
for?
Feedbacks from the environment of a system should also be
• How should changes in • How have court
used to make the necessary internal adjustments in foreign exchange rates regulation and rulings
accountancy research and to build up specific outputs that be accounted for by firms influenced accounting
are useful and necessary. with foreign interests? practice?

Landscape of Contemporary Accountancy Research

 • Audit review
Trends in Accountancy Research • Audit sampling
• Contemporary accountancy research is strongly • Auditor behavior
interdisciplinary in orientation. • Auditor’s judgment
–Researches on capital markets with an accountancy • Corporate governance
orientation often emerge at the interface of finance, • Earnings quality
economics, and statistics. • Information processing
–Studies on cost behaviors and organizational performance • Internal auditing
with accountancy orientation are conducted in tandem with • International regulation
insights and approaches from social psychology and • Liability fraud and litigation
organization studies. • Profession and regulation
• Tax audit
Functional characterization of AR
•Accounting is part of a wider whole; it is an integral
component of an information market on business
enterprise and economy in which it operates.
•To understand accounting, one needs to understand the
wider whole and its implications for information
requirements.
In management accounting, the new direction is
towards practice-oriented research.
• Selto and Widener (2002) disclosed that motivation
among researchers toward this trend include the desire to:
1.Gain increased understanding of why organizations use
certain techniques and practices
2.Gain increased understanding of how and which
techniques are used in practice impact organizational
performance
3.Inform practitioners
4.Increase the applicability of accounting textbooks,
coursework, and programs
5.Satisfy personal taste
6.Increase consulting opportunities

MAJOR TOPICS AS INDICATIVE OF THE NEW

DIRECTION IN MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING RESEARCH
•Accounting software
•Budgeting
•Business process improvement
•Cash management
•Compensation plans
•Cost accounting
•Cost management
•Effects of financial reporting on internal systems
•Effect of information technology on internal systems
•Improving profits
•Internal control
•Management accounting practices
•Outsourcing
•Performance measurement
•Research methods
•Shareholder value
TYPOLOGY OF RESEARCH THEMES
• Audit engagement
• Audit education
• Audit markets
• Audit procedures
• Audit report and goingconcern opinion