The aim of this thesis was to critically evaluate whether biodata could be used as a valid tool in the pre-selection process of trainee chartered accountants. Biographical details of recently qualified accountants who trained within the whole spectrum of ICAS training offices, were collected from a self-completion questionnaire. The data collected was used to develop statistical models predicting two relevant pre-selection criteria for the accounting profession, namely the ability to pass the professional examinations at the first attempt and the probability of remaining with the training provider for at least 18 months post qualification. The validity of the developed models for use within the Scottish accountancy profession was then evaluated. Phase I of the thesis developed two models which considered examination performance, one based on honours graduates (n--183) and the other based on ordinary graduates (n=366) who qualified in the years 1988-1992. An empirical approach was adopted. Whilst statistically significant explanatory powers were identified for each model, a disappointing shrinkage was experienced when the models were applied to trainees who qualified in the years 1993-94. Two possible explanations were offered, the instability of the reference group and the empirical nature of the model derivation. Phase 11 of the thesis therefore adopted a more rational approach through the formulation of a conceptual framework. General background areas were hypothesised to be relevant in the determination of the criteria, and within these general areas specific factors were highlighted and entered into the logistic regression models using data from trainees who qualified in the years 1993-4. Statistically significant models were developed for both fully-accredited honours (n---149) and ordinary graduates (n--225) and these models continued to retain their validity when applied to trainees who qualified in 1995. The model developed for non-relevant honours students (n--61) was not significant highlighting the need for further work in this area. Likewise, from the data collected, an effective tenure model was not developed. This thesis has provided an additional validity study for the technique of biodata. by identifying that rationally derived biodata models can be used to differentiate between fully-accredited trainees who pass their WAS examinations at the first attempt and those who experience failure. This work therefore provides training principals who employ fully-accredited graduates to undertake WAS training with a useful preselection tool. It also provides evidence that rationally derived models appear to retain their validity and experience less shrinkage than models which were developed using a more empirical approach. Finally, the work demonstrates that it is possible to develop biodata models which are transportable across the full spectrum of ICAS authorised training offices and that biodata can therefore be transportable from one organisation to another.

Köln, Univ., Diss., 1996.

In an effort to harmonize worldwide accounting standards, the two primary parties, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), are taking a topic-by-topic approach in an attempt to develop accounting standards that are acceptable to both bodies. Upon completion of this project, the similar accounting standards will be used worldwide. However, the harmonization of accounting standards is made more difficult by the different approaches taken toward accounting standards setting. The FASB uses a rulesbased approach to standard setting while the IASB uses a principles-based approach. The current project under discussion by the two boards is one of the more difficult areas to harmonize - accounting for leases.

Thesis (MComm) -- Stellenbosch University, 2001 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: For many years the view of South African courts and academics have been that the literal meaning of words is the cornerstone in regard to the interpretation of legislative provisions. This view has changed drastically over the years and academics and the courts have later accepted that the intention of the legislature is the determining factor in the interpretation of a legislative provision. In recent years the courts have also moved towards a more purposive approach in interpreting legislative provisions. Despite these developments the belief remained with some academics and especially tax practitioners that in the interpretation of fiscal legislation, the literal meaning of words remains the deciding factor in the interpretation of such legislation. In this study, the courts' approach in the interpretation of fiscal legislation, with specific reference to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 is investigated in order to determine whether a different approach is followed in the interpretation of fiscal legislation in contrast with the interpretation of other legislation. This study first examines the principles applicable in the interpretation of legislation in general and the developments that have taken place over the years. This is necessary in order to set a standard against which the interpretation of fiscal legislation may be measured. The study then examines the courts' approach to the interpretation of fiscal legislation and draws a comparison between the interpretation of fiscal legislation and the interpretation of legislation in general. In this regard the specific theories of interpretation as well as the presumptions of interpretation is considered in detail. From this examination the conclusion is drawn that there are no grounds for distinguishing between the interpretation of fiscal legislation and other legislation in general except for the fact that the concept of equity was never accepted and applied in the context of fiscal legislation whereas it has been in regard to other legislation. The specific reasons for this exception are also discussed in detail. The impact of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa on the interpretation of legislation in general and fiscal legislation in particular is then considered. From this examination the inference is drawn that the Constitution has no impact on the interpretation of fiscal legislation in so far as the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Constitution are not infringed by a taxing provision. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Suid-Afrikaanse howe en akademici het vir baie jare die mening gehuldig dat die letterlike betekenis van woorde die hoeksteen van wetsuitleg is. Hierdie siening het oor die jare aansienlik verander en die howe en akademici het later aanvaar dat die bedoeling van die wetgewer die bepalende faktor in die uitleg van enwetsteks is. In afgelope paar jaar het die howe egter 'n meer doeldienende benadering betreffende wetsuitleg begin volg. Ten spyte van hierdie verwikkelinge het die persepsie by sommige akademici en in die besonder belastingpraktisyns bly voortbestaan dat die letterlike betekenis van woorde in die wet steeds die deurslaggewende faktor by die uitleg van belastingwetgewing is. In hierdie studie sal die howe se benadering ten opsigte van die uitleg van belastingwetgewing, met spesifieke verwysing na die Inkomstebelastingwet 58 van 1962 ondersoek word ten einde vas te stel of en ander benadering gevolg word by die uitleg van belastingwetgewing teenoor die benadering wat gevolg word by die uitleg van wetgewing in die algemeen. Die studie ondersoek eers die beginsels van toepassing by die uitleg van wetgewing in die algemeen en die ontwikkeling van hierdie beginsels deur die jare. Hierdie ondersoek is noodsaaklik ten einde en maatstaf te vestig waarteen die uitleg van belastingwetgewing getoets kan word. Die studie ondersoek daarna die howe se benadering ten opsigte van die uitleg van belastingwetgewing en vergelyk die uitleg van belastingwetgewing met die uitleg van wetgewing in die algemeen. In hierdie verband word die onderskeie teoriee van wetsuitleg asook die vermoedens van wetsuitleg in besonderhede ondersoek. Uit hierdie ondersoek word daar tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat daar geen grande is om te onderskei tussen die uitleg van belastingwetgewing en wetgewing in die algemeen nie behalwe vir die feit dat die konsep van billikheid nooit in die konteks van belastingwetgewing aanvaar en toegepas is nie. Die spesifieke redes vir hierdie uitsondering word ook in besonderhede bespreek. Die impak van die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika op wetsuitleg in die algemeen en belastingwetgewing in die besonder word dan oorweeg. Uit hierdie ondersoek word daar tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat die Grondwet geen impak op die uitleg van belastingwetgewing het nie vir sover die bepalings van Hoofstuk 2 van die Grondwet nie geskend word deur die bepalings van belastingwetgewing nie.

Thesis (MAcc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of derivative instruments, including single-stock futures, experienced unprecedented growth over the last twenty years. South Africa, like the rest of the world, is still experiencing extraordinary growth in the trading of these instruments. The taxation of these transactions, therefore, are of increasing practical importance. Despite this unprecedented growth, the South African tax policy makers have neglected the tax treatment of these instruments to a large extent. Due to the lack of specific legislative provisions regulating the tax aspects of these instruments, the general principles of the South African income tax law have to be applied. This gives rise to conflicting opinions regarding the tax treatment of these instruments, primarily as a result of the fact that these principles were developed long before the widespread use of derivative instruments. The lack of relevant case law in this regard is also problematic. This results in great uncertainty surrounding the tax treatment of profits from single stock futures. This research paper applies the general principles of the South African income tax law in order to determine when these profits accrue to the taxpayer and to determine the nature thereof. The introduction of capital gains tax has added yet a further dimension to the taxation of these instruments and is also considered. This research paper also considers the income tax treatment of similar instruments in Australia in order to identify useful principles that may be applied within a South African context. In light of the increasing volume and value of derivative transactions, it is imperative that clarity regarding the taxation of these transactions be obtained as soon as possible. Any reform and revised tax rules need to provide certainty to the taxpayer while remaining flexible enough to ensure that future changes in the ever-changing financial instruments environment are accommodated. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van afgeleide instrumente, waaronder enkel-aandeeltermynkontrakte, het die afgelope twintig jaar ongekende groei beleef. Suid-Afrika, net soos die res van die wêreld, beleef steeds buitengewone groei in die verhandeling van hierdie instrumente. Die belasbaarheid van hierdie transaksies is gevolglik van toenemende praktiese belang. Ten spyte van hierdie ongekende groei, het die belastingbeleidmakers in Suid-Afrika tot ’n groot mate die belastinghantering van hierdie instrumente verwaarloos. Vanweë die gebrek aan spesifieke wetlike bepalings wat die belastingaspekte van laasgenoemde reguleer, moet die algemene beginsels van die Suid-Afrikaanse inkomstebelastingreg op hierdie instrumente toegepas word. Dié beginsels is egter reeds lank voor die wydverspreide gebruik van afgeleide instrumente ontwikkel en lei tot teenstrydige menings rondom die belastinghantering van hierdie instrumente. Die gebrek aan toepaslike regspraak in hierdie verband is ook problematies. Daar heers gevolglik groot onsekerheid oor die inkomstebelastinghantering van winste verdien uit enkel-aandeeltermynkontrakte. Hierdie navorsingswerkstuk pas die algemene beginsels van die Suid-Afrikaanse inkomstebelastingreg toe ten einde die tydstip waarop dié winste aan die belastingpligtige toeval en die aard daarvan te bepaal. Die inwerkingtreding van kapitaalwinsbelasting het nog 'n verdere aspek aan die belasbaarheid van hierdie instrumente toegevoeg en word ook oorweeg. Die navorsingswerkstuk oorweeg ook die inkomstebelastinghantering van soortgelyke instrumente in Australië ten einde nuttige beginsels te identifiseer wat binne Suid-Afrikaanse konteks toegepas kan word. Indien ag geslaan word op die toename in die aantal en waarde van transaksies in afgeleide instrumente, is dit noodsaaklik dat duidelikheid rakende die belasbaarheid daarvan so spoedig doenlik verkry word. Enige hervorming en hersiende belastingreëls moet sekerheid aan die belastingpligtige verskaf, maar moet terselfdetyd buigsaam genoeg wees om ruimte te skep vir toekomstige veranderinge binne die snelgroeiende finansiële instrumente-omgewing.

The shortage of doctoral-qualified faculty in accounting has been discussed and researched for many years. However, no one solution has been presented, and the problem appears to be getting worse. In the following discussion, the lack of qualified faculty will be documented, the reasons for the few numbers of doctoral students in accounting will be given, and some of the solutions will be presented. All schools in the United States of America that offer doctoral degrees in accounting have been listed on a web site accessible at http://www.etsu.edu/cbat/acctdoc.html. The data on the web site will be discussed, with the intention of the web site that of making information more readily available to potential accounting doctoral students, thereby addressing one of the solutions.

Business schools are under scrutiny today as accreditation agencies, professional organizations, and employers hold them accountable for the ethical training of future professionals. This literature review explores how the understanding of Kohlberg’s moral development theory can help accounting educators in their commitment to develop the ethical competencies of students. Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral cognition are explained as well as James Rest’s contributions to the field of moral psychology. This paper synthesizes research findings specifically related to the moral development of accounting students and proposes possible explanations for these results. While the potential to morally develop students of higher education has been established through prior research, today’s accounting educators are challenged to implement research and pedagogical strategies that will enable them to actualize this potential.

Article Excerpt: For many years, operating leases have been an easy, legal and GAAP approved way of keeping debt off the balance sheet…..

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