This research investigated whether earnings management of listed companies, have increased or decreased since the implementation of King II in 2003. This study assessed the extent of earnings management for certain sectors and for large and mid cap companies. The discretionary component of total accruals was used as proxy for earnings management – calculated by using the Modified Jones Model. The top-100 JSE-listed firms by market capitalisation were assessed, excluding the Financial, Mining and Resource Sectors. It was found that discretionary accruals has increased since 1996 and peaked in 2005 (see graph Figure 13). It was concluded with 89% certainty that discretionary accruals during “2003-2009” were higher than during “1996-2002”. Hence, the research suggests that accrual based earnings management is likely to have increased since 2003. However, the results were not statistically significant. Also, the cause of this increase could be due to many factors (not necessarily due to King II). Discretionary accruals were found to be higher for mid cap companies and for the retail sector. However, the analysis was not statistically significant. Discretionary accruals have fluctuated significantly over time and amongst companies. In order to identify which companies and sectors manage earnings the most, a more detailed micro-level investigation, using multiple detection models, is required. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The King II Report on Corporate Governance reported that the 19th Century saw the foundations laid for modern corporations, this was the century of the entrepreneur. The 20th Century became the century of management and that the 21st Century promises to be a century of governance, as the focus swings to the legitimacy and the effectiveness of the wielding of power over corporate entities worldwide. South Africa has come a long way since the companies reform project was formally launched in 2004 when the Department of Trade and Industry published the guidelines for corporate law reform in South Africa. Most critics believe that the new Companies Act is long overdue and will contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and align us with international standards and practices. The aim of this research report is to educate directors and potential directors on the most significant changes brought by the new Act and the responsibilities and liabilities of directors as set out in The King II Report. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Volgens die King II Report is die fondasie vir moderne korporasies gedurende die 19de eeu gelê – die eeu van die entrepreneur. Die 20ste eeu het die eeu van bestuur geword, terwyl die 21ste eeu beloof om ‘n eeu van beheer te wees soos wat die fokus verskuif na die geldigheid en die effektiewe beheer van mag oor korporatiewe entiteite wêreldwyd. Suid-Afrika het ‘n lang pad gestap sedert die Maatskappye-hervormingsprojek formeel geloods is in 2004 met publikasie van die Departement van Handel en Nywerheid se riglyne oor korporatiewe regshervorming in Suid-Afrika. Die nuwe Maatskappye wet is lankverwag en meeste kritici glo dat dit sal bydra tot ekonomiese groei in Suid-Afrika en Suid-Afrika in lyn sal plaas met internasionale standaarde en praktyke. Die doel van hierdie navorsingsverslag is om direkteure en potensiele direkteure in te lig omtrent die mees noemenswaardige veranderinge wat deur die nuwe Maatskappye wet daargestel sal word asook die verantwoordelikhede en aanspreeklikheid van direkteure soos uiteengesit in die King II Report.