During the last decades sustainability reporting has got a higher priority for companies to consider. Stakeholder's requirements have increased on companies due to sustainability. Standards and laws are developed to secure the information that companies report is enough, transparent and correct. However, there are question marks if the information that companies report is useful for the stakeholders. For this reason, the purpose is to create an understanding of whether the statutory sustainability report meets the IASB’s qualitative characteristics for financial reporting. The essay´s empirics are created on the basis of a qualitative content analysis that provides a picture of the study’s question; at which extension the statutory sustainability report meets the IASB’s qualitative characteristics for financial reporting? Our conclusion is that the statutory sustainability report only meets the IASB´s qualitative characteristics to some extent. / De senaste decennierna har hållbarhetsrapportering blivit en viktigare aspekt för företag att ta hänsyn till. Intressenters krav ökar på företags medvetenhet kring hållbarhet. Standarder och lagar utvecklas för att säkerställa att den information som företag redovisar är tillräcklig, transparant och tillförlitlig. Dock finns det frågetecken gällande om informationen som företagen redovisar är användbar för intressenterna. Av denna anledning är syftet att skapa förståelse för om den lagstadgade hållbarhetsredovisningen uppfyller IASB:s kvalitativa egenskaper för finansiell redovisning.Uppsatsens empiri är skapad utifrån en kvalitativ innehållsanalys som ger en bild av studiens frågeställning; I vilken utsträckning uppfyller den lagstadgade hållbarhetsredovisningen IASB:s kvalitativa egenskaper för finansiell redovisning? Vår slutsats är att den lagstadgade hållbarhetsredovisningen endast uppfyller IASB:s kvalitativa egenskaper till viss del.

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have reaffirmed their commitment to accomplishing the convergence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (US GAAP), following their March 2010 progress report. Among the standards subject to this convergence project, is IAS 23 - Borrowing Costs. Taken at face value, the convergence of IAS 23 (IFRS) and SFAS 34 (US GAAP), and looking at convergence in general, the idea is productive and beneficial. It will lead to more comparative information as it eliminates the differences. The downside, however, could very easily be that convergence might just be taking place for the sake of convergence, and that the end result might not necessarily lead to more comparative and cost effective information. When specifically considering the convergence of the two borrowing costs standards (SFAS 34 and IAS 23), it is clear that differences remain even after their convergence, and therefore it does not promote comparability. The revision of IAS 23 might actually have been more costly and less beneficial, rather than the other way around. The first article in this dissertation claims that the mandatory capitalisation of borrowing costs is more costly than not, and that the IASB did not adequately consider the cost implications in their decision to change IAS 23, as well as that the benefits obtained from the capitalisation of borrowing costs are not that noticeable in practice. Participants in this study also seemed to agree that the application of IAS 23 is fairly difficult. Delving deeper into the technical aspects of IAS 23, a number of questions also arise relating to its application. This appears to be substantiated by the findings in the second article where instances were identified where the opinions of the participants relating to, for instance, what would be regarded as a 'substantial period of time', were divided. Differences relating to the above above viii may lead to one person capitalising borrowing costs, while another in the same situation would not. On the upside, a few instances were identified where participants were not as divided in their views. Therefore, although there appear to be some uncertainties within IAS 23, there are fewer than one would have expected. In summary, the revised IAS 23, in other words, the mandatory capitalisation of borrowing costs on qualifying assets, was viewed by participants as being more costly and difficult to apply than not and they felt that some technical uncertainties do exist within IAS 23. Recommendations have been made in this dissertation based on the useful information obtained. / Thesis (M.Com. (Accountancy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have reaffirmed their commitment to accomplishing the convergence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (US GAAP), following their March 2010 progress report. Among the standards subject to this convergence project, is IAS 23 - Borrowing Costs. Taken at face value, the convergence of IAS 23 (IFRS) and SFAS 34 (US GAAP), and looking at convergence in general, the idea is productive and beneficial. It will lead to more comparative information as it eliminates the differences. The downside, however, could very easily be that convergence might just be taking place for the sake of convergence, and that the end result might not necessarily lead to more comparative and cost effective information. When specifically considering the convergence of the two borrowing costs standards (SFAS 34 and IAS 23), it is clear that differences remain even after their convergence, and therefore it does not promote comparability. The revision of IAS 23 might actually have been more costly and less beneficial, rather than the other way around. The first article in this dissertation claims that the mandatory capitalisation of borrowing costs is more costly than not, and that the IASB did not adequately consider the cost implications in their decision to change IAS 23, as well as that the benefits obtained from the capitalisation of borrowing costs are not that noticeable in practice. Participants in this study also seemed to agree that the application of IAS 23 is fairly difficult. Delving deeper into the technical aspects of IAS 23, a number of questions also arise relating to its application. This appears to be substantiated by the findings in the second article where instances were identified where the opinions of the participants relating to, for instance, what would be regarded as a 'substantial period of time', were divided. Differences relating to the above above viii may lead to one person capitalising borrowing costs, while another in the same situation would not. On the upside, a few instances were identified where participants were not as divided in their views. Therefore, although there appear to be some uncertainties within IAS 23, there are fewer than one would have expected. In summary, the revised IAS 23, in other words, the mandatory capitalisation of borrowing costs on qualifying assets, was viewed by participants as being more costly and difficult to apply than not and they felt that some technical uncertainties do exist within IAS 23. Recommendations have been made in this dissertation based on the useful information obtained. / Thesis (M.Com. (Accountancy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The study aims to establish an integrated generic investigation process that could be utilised by Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa. Secondly, it aims to determine which investigation processes are currently being utilised in South African forensics practices. An overview is given of the international utilised processes and a basic framework was developed, presented and tested by means of questionnaires to members of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa. The development of an investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa could be utilised by the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners to provide a governance structure for the Institute that would enhance the quality of forensic investigations and contribute to the successful investigation and prosecution of commercial crime in South Africa. To achieve the study objective, an empirical study was conducted among current members of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa through the circulation of questionnaires via their website. These results were interpreted, taking cognisance of international practices identified in the literature review. A formalised investigation process was developed and suggested to the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners. Statisticians were involved during the process of designing the questionnaires, and analysing and interpreting the results. The research dealt with a generic investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners. It also dealt with its implementation and investigative performance in South African practices. In this study, an overview of the investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa was discussed. The research also analysed the following: * The time period in which organisations implemented the Commercial Forensic Practitioners Process; * The effect of the Commercial Forensic Practitioners Process on investigative performance; and * The integration of the Commercial Forensic Practitioner's process into the budgeting process. The findings of the study revealed the following: * Each of the phases of the Commercial Forensic Practitioners Process is as important as the others in matters that will be presented before court. * An investigation should only be performed if it can be performed properly and in a manner that provides clarity and value to the engagement and its objectives. For this purpose, a Commercial Forensic Practitioner should only accept an assignment if free of conflicts and any independence issues. It is imperative for Commercial Forensic Practitioners to adequately assess not only their relationship to the client and the particular engagement, but also their relationship to any opposing party. This assessment should be done in the context of all other work of the practice, not only that work that is performed by the particular Commercial Forensic Practitioner and direct colleagues. * The Commercial Forensic Practitioner must design, implement and use a robust client and engagement acceptance process that is documented, standardised and, where relevant, agreed with the client. * The role of a Commercial Forensic Practitioner in an investigation process is, therefore, to gather evidence, interrogate and examine the financial evidence, develop computer applications that help in analysing and presenting the evidence, putting forward all the findings in the form of reports, exhibits and documents, and finally taking part in civil actions or litigation as an expert witness, and testifying to the court and presenting all the evidence obtained through documentation or visual aids. It is therefore of the essence that a Commercial Forensic Practitioner be well versed in financial issues and legal concepts and proceedings. * The study found that the majority of respondents (69.3%) were male, while only 30.7% were female. The majority of Commercial Forensic Practitioners fall within two age categories, namely, 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 years. These age categories fall into the productive stage of a working career in the human life-cycle. It is furthermore inferred that the level of experience is of importance, as the majority of participants were well experienced, mostly with at least ten years‟ experience. * A total of 22.7% of respondents indicated that they do not use a formalised investigation process. The majority of respondents (77.3%) thus make use of a formalised investigation process. * The study found that formalised investigation processes are not implemented for the following reasons: -- Managerial and governance processes within practices were sufficient to address the risks posed (41.2%); -- Commercial Forensic Practitioners do not have a formalised investigation process at their disposal (35.3%); -- Commercial Forensic Practitioners are not aware of a formalised investigation process being utilised in industry that could be used (23.5%); and -- The implementation of a formalised investigation process proved too difficult (23.5%). * The most important reasons for implementing a formalised investigation process included reputational risks and quality control of investigative work. It was notable that the study revealed that the industry does not require practitioners to follow any procedures. * It is noteworthy that practitioners did not regard monitoring and management review of compliance with the provisions of their formalised investigation process as an important requirement. The study revealed that the majority of Commercial Forensic Practitioners would measure compliance as an occasional requirement (33.3%); only 23.3% placed compliance as an agenda item for each monthly management meeting and 16.7% as a quarterly agenda item. * The majority (56.3%) of practitioners recognised that integration of a formalised process with the budgeting process could enhance productivity and financial benefits. * The majority of respondents (88.1%) were of the view that there was an improvement in financial performance and/or productivity after the implementation of the formalised investigation process. * 62% of respondents were of the view that there was a significant improvement in financial performance and productivity since the implementation of the formalised investigation process. This finding is significant, as it proves that a formalised process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa can have a positive effect on a practise‟s financial performance. The suggested sub-processes, as described, are accepted by the respondents, namely: * Client acceptance, service considerations, risk management procedures, independence and engagement agreements; * Planning and strategic objectives of an engagement, including documented investigative plan incorporating the relevant disciplines (accounting, law, IT, investigative and risk management skills); * Gathering information and evidence, documenting evidence in an evidence file or system and safeguarding evidence as important; * Interviewing, using best practice interviewing skills, by planning the interview to achieve strategic objectives, recording the interview and using technology; * Analysis and verification of evidence; * Quality management, with all reported findings included in referenced working papers supported by documented physical evidence; and * Reporting on findings in a detailed forensic report, clearly and concisely reflecting on the sequence of events, supported by financial information and documents, in a format that could be used in disciplinary enquiries and/or proceedings in civil and criminal courts. These findings fulfil the objective of the study, which was to establish an integrated generic investigation process that could be utilised by Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa and secondly to determine which investigation processes are currently being utilised in South African forensics practices. It was clarified whether the implementation of a formalised process can lead to an improvement in financial performance and what the result of the integration of a formalised process into a practise‟s budgeting process is. It was established that there is indeed a relationship between the integration of the formalised process into the budgeting process and the improved financial performance of a practise. The findings of this study have significant implications for the management of South African Commercial Forensic Practitioner practices. Based on the study findings, the following general and specific recommendations can be made: * The investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners should be fully integrated with the budgeting process of the practise, as this will ensure improved investigative performance by the business; and * Education and research on the investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners should be conducted by the management of a practice before implementing such a process. / MCom (Forensic Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The study aims to establish an integrated generic investigation process that could be utilised by Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa. Secondly, it aims to determine which investigation processes are currently being utilised in South African forensics practices. An overview is given of the international utilised processes and a basic framework was developed, presented and tested by means of questionnaires to members of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa. The development of an investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa could be utilised by the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners to provide a governance structure for the Institute that would enhance the quality of forensic investigations and contribute to the successful investigation and prosecution of commercial crime in South Africa. To achieve the study objective, an empirical study was conducted among current members of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa through the circulation of questionnaires via their website. These results were interpreted, taking cognisance of international practices identified in the literature review. A formalised investigation process was developed and suggested to the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners. Statisticians were involved during the process of designing the questionnaires, and analysing and interpreting the results. The research dealt with a generic investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners. It also dealt with its implementation and investigative performance in South African practices. In this study, an overview of the investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa was discussed. The research also analysed the following: * The time period in which organisations implemented the Commercial Forensic Practitioners Process; * The effect of the Commercial Forensic Practitioners Process on investigative performance; and * The integration of the Commercial Forensic Practitioner's process into the budgeting process. The findings of the study revealed the following: * Each of the phases of the Commercial Forensic Practitioners Process is as important as the others in matters that will be presented before court. * An investigation should only be performed if it can be performed properly and in a manner that provides clarity and value to the engagement and its objectives. For this purpose, a Commercial Forensic Practitioner should only accept an assignment if free of conflicts and any independence issues. It is imperative for Commercial Forensic Practitioners to adequately assess not only their relationship to the client and the particular engagement, but also their relationship to any opposing party. This assessment should be done in the context of all other work of the practice, not only that work that is performed by the particular Commercial Forensic Practitioner and direct colleagues. * The Commercial Forensic Practitioner must design, implement and use a robust client and engagement acceptance process that is documented, standardised and, where relevant, agreed with the client. * The role of a Commercial Forensic Practitioner in an investigation process is, therefore, to gather evidence, interrogate and examine the financial evidence, develop computer applications that help in analysing and presenting the evidence, putting forward all the findings in the form of reports, exhibits and documents, and finally taking part in civil actions or litigation as an expert witness, and testifying to the court and presenting all the evidence obtained through documentation or visual aids. It is therefore of the essence that a Commercial Forensic Practitioner be well versed in financial issues and legal concepts and proceedings. * The study found that the majority of respondents (69.3%) were male, while only 30.7% were female. The majority of Commercial Forensic Practitioners fall within two age categories, namely, 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 years. These age categories fall into the productive stage of a working career in the human life-cycle. It is furthermore inferred that the level of experience is of importance, as the majority of participants were well experienced, mostly with at least ten years‟ experience. * A total of 22.7% of respondents indicated that they do not use a formalised investigation process. The majority of respondents (77.3%) thus make use of a formalised investigation process. * The study found that formalised investigation processes are not implemented for the following reasons: -- Managerial and governance processes within practices were sufficient to address the risks posed (41.2%); -- Commercial Forensic Practitioners do not have a formalised investigation process at their disposal (35.3%); -- Commercial Forensic Practitioners are not aware of a formalised investigation process being utilised in industry that could be used (23.5%); and -- The implementation of a formalised investigation process proved too difficult (23.5%). * The most important reasons for implementing a formalised investigation process included reputational risks and quality control of investigative work. It was notable that the study revealed that the industry does not require practitioners to follow any procedures. * It is noteworthy that practitioners did not regard monitoring and management review of compliance with the provisions of their formalised investigation process as an important requirement. The study revealed that the majority of Commercial Forensic Practitioners would measure compliance as an occasional requirement (33.3%); only 23.3% placed compliance as an agenda item for each monthly management meeting and 16.7% as a quarterly agenda item. * The majority (56.3%) of practitioners recognised that integration of a formalised process with the budgeting process could enhance productivity and financial benefits. * The majority of respondents (88.1%) were of the view that there was an improvement in financial performance and/or productivity after the implementation of the formalised investigation process. * 62% of respondents were of the view that there was a significant improvement in financial performance and productivity since the implementation of the formalised investigation process. This finding is significant, as it proves that a formalised process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa can have a positive effect on a practise‟s financial performance. The suggested sub-processes, as described, are accepted by the respondents, namely: * Client acceptance, service considerations, risk management procedures, independence and engagement agreements; * Planning and strategic objectives of an engagement, including documented investigative plan incorporating the relevant disciplines (accounting, law, IT, investigative and risk management skills); * Gathering information and evidence, documenting evidence in an evidence file or system and safeguarding evidence as important; * Interviewing, using best practice interviewing skills, by planning the interview to achieve strategic objectives, recording the interview and using technology; * Analysis and verification of evidence; * Quality management, with all reported findings included in referenced working papers supported by documented physical evidence; and * Reporting on findings in a detailed forensic report, clearly and concisely reflecting on the sequence of events, supported by financial information and documents, in a format that could be used in disciplinary enquiries and/or proceedings in civil and criminal courts. These findings fulfil the objective of the study, which was to establish an integrated generic investigation process that could be utilised by Commercial Forensic Practitioners in South Africa and secondly to determine which investigation processes are currently being utilised in South African forensics practices. It was clarified whether the implementation of a formalised process can lead to an improvement in financial performance and what the result of the integration of a formalised process into a practise‟s budgeting process is. It was established that there is indeed a relationship between the integration of the formalised process into the budgeting process and the improved financial performance of a practise. The findings of this study have significant implications for the management of South African Commercial Forensic Practitioner practices. Based on the study findings, the following general and specific recommendations can be made: * The investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners should be fully integrated with the budgeting process of the practise, as this will ensure improved investigative performance by the business; and * Education and research on the investigation process for Commercial Forensic Practitioners should be conducted by the management of a practice before implementing such a process. / MCom (Forensic Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

本論文探討2007年中國大陸實施以IFRS為基礎的中國會計準則後，是否因為會計準則要求更多資訊的公開，影響新上市公司股票發行折價的幅度。由於中國大陸資本市場有獨特的機制環境，本研究更進一步探討，中國大陸新上市公司在中國會計準則實施後，新上市公司股票發行折價的幅度，是否會因為各省份機制環境背景有不同的影響。實證結果發現，實施中國會計準則後，新股折價的幅度的確顯著降低，新股上市的蜜月期也會因為準則實施後，資訊不對稱的情形降低，有明顯的縮減。亦發現若中國大陸地方機制環境較進步且發達，該地區市場化的程度愈高，新股折價的幅度會也會因資訊更加公開而降低。 / In 2007, China passed the IFRS-based Chinese Accounting Standards (therefore IFRS-based CAS) to converge with IFRS. This paper examines the effect of implementation of IFRS-based CAS on IPO uncerpricing. In addition, there are different institutional features of transition economy from other countries. This paper also examines the effect of the interaction between implementation of IFRS-based CAS and institutional features of transition economy on IPO uncerpricing. The empirical results show that post-2005 IPOs in China are significantly less underpriced, and IPO honeymoon periods have similar outcomes. Furthermore, the results also show that the magnitude of underpricing will be decreased in those provinces with higher degrees of marketization.

Syftet med studien är att utreda hur OECDs riktlinjer för internprissättning implementerats i svensk respektive amerikansk lagstiftning, för att fastställa i vilken utsträckning redovisningstradition påverkar implementeringen av skattemässiga regler. För att uppfylla syftet har vi utfört en komparativ studie, som baseras på en kvalitativ innehållsanalys, där vi klassificerar regelverken utifrån i vilken utsträckning de är princip- eller regelbaserade. Undersökningen är relevant då internationell internprissättning av många anses vara den mest prioriterade internationella skattefrågan i dagsläget. Det blir därför relevant att undersöka om redovisningstradition påverkar hur internationella regler för internprissättning implementeras i nationell skattereglering. Enligt vår vetskap har inget liknande klassificeringsförsök gjorts tidigare vilket ytterligare förstärker relevansen av utförd undersökning och analys. Vårt bidrag till forskningen är att försöka beskriva hur verkligheten ser ut avseende om nationell redovisningstradition påverkar implementering av internationella skattemässiga regelverk. Vi vill även bidra till att göra diskussionen kring klassificering av regel- och principbaserade standarder mer nyanserad.För att kunna avgöra om regelverken är princip- eller regelbaserade har vi identifierat olika begrepp och definitioner som indikerar om ett regelverk är regelbaserat eller principbaserat. För att identifiera dessa indikatorer har vi studerat både ekonomisk och juridisk litteratur. Utifrån den information som indikatorerna resulterar i presenterar vi argument för varje undersökt regelverk i de olika länderna, gällande i vilken utsträckning de är princip- eller regelbaserade. Således kan sedan slutsatser dras kring i vilken utsträckning nationella redovisningstraditioner påverkar implementering av internationella skatteregler.I studien diskuteras att hur regler kring internationell internprissättning implementeras i nationell lagstiftning inte bara påverkas av normgivande supranationella organisationer som OECD. Påverkan på det sätt som regler kring internprissättning implementeras kan således ske mellan OECD och medlemsländerna men även mellan medlemsländerna. I studien diskuteras även det faktum att det föreligger en debatt kring om klassificeringen av standarder som regel- eller principbaserade är giltig. Vår studie förstärker bilden av att indelningen är aktuell och har förankring i verkligheten.Vår slutsats är att nationell redovisningstradition, avseende om redovisningen bygger på regler eller principer, påverkar implementering av internationella skatteregler. Det blir tydligt då vår studie visar att OECDs riktlinjer för internprissättning är ett principbaserat regelverk. Vidare har vi fastställt att redovisningen i Sverige bygger på principbaserade regelverk. Påverkan från nationell redovisningstradition kan fastställas då OECDs riktlinjer för internprissättning har implementerats rakt av i Sverige. I USA, där redovisningen bygger på regelbaserade regelverk, har däremot OECDs riktlinjer för internprissättning inte implementerats på något område i nationell lagstiftning. I USA utfärdas istället separata regler kring internprissättning. Vår studie visar att dessa är utformade på ett regelbaserat vis. Sammantaget visar detta att nationell redovisningstradition i hög utsträckning påverkar implementeringen av internationella skatteregler. / The purpose of this dissertation is to examine how OECDs Transfer Pricing Guidelines have been implemented in national regulation in Sweden and in the USA. This to determine to which extent national accounting tradition affects the implementation of international tax regulations. To fulfil the purpose we have undertaken a comparative study, which is based upon a qualitative content analysis, where we classify the regulations based on to which extent they are principle-based or rule-based. The study is relevant since international transfer pricing is considered to be one of the most important tax issues in present time. It is due to this fact relevant to examine if accounting tradition affects the way in which international transfer pricing regulations are implemented in national tax regulations. Due to our knowledge there has not been an attempt to accomplish a classification in this manner previously. This enhances the relevance to the study undertaken. Our contribution to the research field is to try to describe the actuality regarding if national accounting tradition affects implementation of international tax regulations. We also want to make the discussion regarding the classification of principle-based and rule-based standards more nuanced.To be able to determine if the regulations are principle-based or rule-based we have identified concepts and definitions that indicates if regulations are rule-based or principle-based. To identify these indicators we have studied both economic and legal literature. Based on the information that the indicators provide we present arguments regarding to which extent the examined regulations, in the different countries, are principle-based or rule-based. Thus, conclusions regarding to which extent national accounting traditions affects implementation of international tax regulations can be made.In the study we discuss that the way in which regulations regarding transfer pricing is implemented in national legislation is not only affected by normative supranational organisations like the OECD. The impact on the way that regulations regarding transfer pricing are implemented can thus take place between OECD and member countries and also between member countries. In the study we also discuss the fact that there is a debate regarding if the classification of standards as rule-based or principle-based is valid. Our study enhances the impression that the classification is valid and relevant.Our conclusion is that national accounting tradition, regarding if accounting is based on rules or principles, affects the implementations of international tax regulations. This becomes clear since our study shows that OECDs Transfer Pricing Guidelines are principle-based. Furthermore we have determined that accounting in Sweden is based upon principle-based regulations. Since OECDs Transfer Pricing Guidelines have been implemented in Sweden IVwithout adjustments we can determine an impact from national accounting tradition. In the USA, which is a country where accounting is based upon rule-based regulations, the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines are not implemented in national regulations. In the U.S. separate regulations regarding transfer pricing are issued. Our study shows that these regulations are formed in a rule-based manner. All together this shows that national accounting tradition largely affect the implementation of international tax regulations.This paper is hereinafter written in Swedish.

The growing globalization within the business world and of capital market are contributing to a need of further harmonize accounting practices. This is because the differences in the accounting rules created differences in the financial outcomes. In 2005, all members within EU decided to move from a rule-based framework to a principle-based framework. A transition to the international regulations, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), created better conditions for companies and stakeholders. With the aim to minimize the discrepancies in accounting practices, the European standard setting body, IASB aligned with the American standard setting body, FASB in a harmonization project to create a common and harmonized framework. The project started in 2002, and IASB and FASB corporation towards a common goal of an improved comparability of the financial statements by a uniform set of accounting standards. The purpose of this dissertation is to analyze the similarities and differences between IASB:s and FASB:s accounting for intangible assets and their attitude to the developments in the international harmonization process. We have conducted a study to what extent the different standards are harmonized in relation to each other. To fulfill this purpose the study has been performed from an abductive approach with a comparative design where we have classified different quots from each framework. The character of the analysis is qualitative and we chose to study four areas within each framework fair value, useful life, depreciation and impairments. Based on the information from the economic literature and scientific articles we used the dimensional theory to demonstrate how harmonized the standards are in relation to each other. The results show that there has been a harmonization between the IASB:s and FASB:s rules, however, disparity remain in terms of cultural and institutional differences. The analysis shows that IFRS:s are more rule-based than principle-based compared to US GAAP in terms of intangible assets. We think that a standard should include both rules and principles. / Det sker en ständig globalisering inom företagsvärlden, inte minst inom kapitalmarknadsområdet. I denna process har skillnader mellan regler kring olika redovisningssystem inte följt med i samma takt. Skillnader mellan olika redovisningssystem har påvisats skapa skillnader i finansiella utfall. Denna företeelse har i sin tur framkallat ett behov av att skapa ett harmoniserat redovisningssystem. År 2005 beslutade sig därför samtliga medlemsländer inom EU att en övergång från ett regelbaserat regelverk till ett alltmer principbaserat regelverk skulle äga rum. Övergången till det internationella regelverket, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), skulle hjälpa till att skapa de förutsättningar som krävdes för en samstämmighet inom området. Konceptet riktade sig främst mot företag och intressenter som var verksamma på den internationella marknaden. För att praktiskt kunna minimera redovisningsskillnader mellan olika redovisningssystem ingick den internationella normgivaren IASB, tillsammans med den amerikanska normgivaren FASB, i ett konvergeringsprojekt. Syftet var att skapa ett gemensamt och harmoniserat regelverk. Projektet mellan IASB och FASB inleddes år 2002 för att arbeta mot ett gemensamt mål om en förbättrad jämförbarhet mellan de finansiella rapporterna. Syftet med studien är att undersöka och analysera skillnaderna mellan IASB:s och FASB:s hantering av immateriella tillgångar, samt hur de ställer sig till utvecklingen inom den internationella harmoniseringsprocessen. Utifrån detta syfte har vi valt att genomföra en kvalitativ studie då vi anser att denna forskningsform ger oss möjligheten till att besvara våra forskningsfrågor. I vår undersökning har vi studerat i vilken grad de olika standarderna harmoniserar med varandra. För att uppfylla syftet har studien genomförts utifrån en abduktiv ansats, med en komparativ design, där vi har klassificerat utdrag från vardera regelverk. Vi har utgått från en kvalitativ undersökningsansats där fyra områden valts ut och analyserats. Områdena består i redovisning av verkligt värde, nedskrivningar, avskrivningar och nyttjandeperiod. Utifrån ekonomisk litteratur och vetenskapliga artiklar, har vi med hjälp av dimensionsteorin, kunnat visa i vilken mån regelverken är harmoniserade. Resultatet visar att det har skett en harmonisering mellan IASB:s och FASB:s regelverk, dock kvarstår det kulturella och institutionella skillnader. Analysen visar att IFRS är mer regelbaserad än principbaserad i förhållande till US GAAP vad det gäller immateriella tillgångar. Slutsatsen motsäger alltså den generella bilden av att US GAAP är regelbaserad och IFRS är principbaserad. Slutligen går utvecklingen inom harmoniseringen mot att utövaren får användning av sitt professionella omdöme och att regleringarna blir mer klara och flexibla. Enligt vår mening är det mest effektivt att en standard innehåller både regler och principer.

In 1982, the Financial Accounting Board (FASB) issued Statment of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69 (SFAS No. 69) which required oil and gas producing companies to disclose supplementary information to the basic financial statements. These disclosures include, costs incurred, capitalized costs, reserve quantities, and a standardized measure of discounted cash flows. The FASB considered these disclosures to be necessary to compensate for the deficiencies in historical cost financial statements. The usefulness of the new signals created by SFAS No. 69, however, is an empirical question and research regarding that objective is lacking. The objective of the study is to test the usefulness of SFAS No. 69. The research strategy used to achieve that objective is to compare the discriminant and predictive power of SFAS No. 69 signals or SFAS No. 69 signals combined with financial signals to that of financial signals alone. The research hypothesized that SFAS No. 69 signals by themselves or as supplmentary to financial signals have more discriminant and predictive ability for business failure in oil and gas industry than do financial signals alone. In order to test that hypothesis, the study used the multiple discriminant analysis technique (MDA) to develop three equations. The first is based on SFAS NO. 69 signals, the second on financial statement signals, and the third on joint financial and SFAS No. 69 signals. Data were collected from the 10-K's arid the annual reports of 28 oil and gas companies (14 failed and 14 nonfailed). The analysis was repeated for four time bases, one year before failure, two years before failure, three years before failure, and the average of the three years immediately before failure. After assessing the discriminant and predictive ability of each equation in the four time bases, a t-test was used to determine a significant difference in the discriminant and predictive power existed between SFAS No. 69 signals or SFAS No. 69 signals combined with financial signals and financial signals alone. The study concluded that SFAS No. 69 signals by themselves or as supplementary to financial statements have more discriminant and predictive power for business failure than financial signals alone in the analyses of the third year before failure and of the average of three years before failure. The study, however, found no significant difference in the discriminant and predictive ability in the analyses of one year and two years before failure. The results indicated that SFAS No. 69 signals are useful for financial report users in detecting the deterioration of the financial position of an oil and gas company before failure.

Este trabalho analisa a potencialidade da contabilidade na identificação do equilíbrio econômico-financeiro dos contratos de concessão de distribuição do setor elétrico brasileiro. São apresentadas as abordagens da contabilidade regulatória do setor em questão, o novo ambiente contábil societário estabelecido pela lei 11.638/2007 e a Medida Provisória 449/2008, que altera a legislação societária vigente, a fim de fornecer elementos teóricos para discussão do papel da contabilidade na regulação econômica. Especial ênfase é dada aos subsídios contábeis na determinação e manutenção do equilíbrio econômico-financeiro dos contratos de concessão do serviço de distribuição de energia elétrica no Brasil, para identificar como estes podem conter restrições à adoção de um novo modelo de contabilidade. A análise procura investigar a contabilidade regulatória como instrumento de regulação econômica do setor de distribuição de energia elétrica para entender sua contribuição na identificação do equilíbrio econômico-financeiro estabelecido pelo marco regulatório do setor elétrico nacional, haja vista a mudança estabelecida pela Lei 11.638/2007. Para tanto, a metodologia utilizada é uma pesquisa analítica e comparativa através da simulação de um contrato de concessão de acordo com o modelo contábil atual e o novo modelo com a aplicação das interpretações internacionais de contabilidade. Conclui-se que o modelo elaborado de acordo com as normas internacionais de contabilidade proporciona melhor identificação do equilíbrio econômico e financeiro estabelecido nos contratos de concessão. / This work analyzes the accounting potentiality in the identification of the economic and financial equilibrium of the distribution concession contracts of Brazilian electrical sector. The regulatory accounting approaches of the mentioned sector are presented, the new business accounting environment established by law 11.638/2007 and the law 449/2008, which alters the effective partnership law, in order to provide theoretical elements to discuss the role of accounting in economic regulation. Especial emphasis is given to account subsidies when determining and maintaining the economic and financial equilibrium of concession contracts for electricity distribution service in Brazil, to identify how they may be restrictive to the adoption of a new accounting standard. The analysis tries to investigate the regulatory accounting as an economic regulation tool of the electricity distribution sector to understand the identification of the economic and financial equilibrium established by the regulatory mark of national electricity sector, have seen the change of the law 11.638/2007. Therefore, the methodology used is analytical and comparative research through simulation of a concession contract according to the effective accounting model and the new model applying accounting international standards. It was concluded that the model elaborated according to international accounting standards provides better identification of economic and financial equilibrium established in concession contracts.