Abstract
This paper defines and analyzes the role of management accounting in modern business. The paper asserts that management accounting in its traditional form has most certainly lost its relevance because the paradigms and principles of business have evolved; these paradigms and principles need to be universally applied; and such principles need to be taught in business schools. The paper notes that at the bottom of the "relevance lost" principle is the lack of uniformity in accounting, as there is no specific system, while traditional management accounting is insufficient to meet the challenges of today's complicated business world. The paper conclude that attempted reforms have also not been sufficient to make a substantial difference, and that accountants therefore need to make a concerted effort towards both standardization and future reform.

Outline:
Introduction
The Current Relevance of Management Accounting
Management Accounting: Obsolete in Modern Business?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A further problem is the divergence in legislation. According to the author, accounting issues are handled completely differently within the various Districts, particularly in Belgium. Although standard setters in the region agree that there should be uniform accounting system, this does not appear to be the case.
"At the heart of this problem, according to the author (Christiaens, 2001:157), is the fact that the reform practices in Europe are handled by divergent legislators, while, as already mentioned, the different Districts have different accounting regulations. As such, there is therefore an apparent lack of management accounting, or indeed a uniform system of such accounting in the region."

Tags:principle, legislation, margin, uniformity

Abstract
This paper is on an accounting case for a company called Octavan which is changing its accounting system and other aspects of accounting to improve its revenue picture; the company is about to shift to the double declining balance method. The paper discusses how the use of this method will give the company a boost in the first year or so, but at some point will reach the same level as the straight-line method, at which time the company will have to change again to the straight-line method.

From the Paper
"In the Octavan case, the company is about to shift to the double declining balance method. The use of this method will give the company a boost in the first year or so, but at some point it will reach the same level as the straight-line method, at which time the company will have to change again to the straight-line method (Double declining balance depreciation method, 2005, paras. 1-3). This change along with the reduction in accumulate depreciation should save the company money in the first few years and so is a clear benefit with little apparent downside. The move might alter the financial picture of the company as far as investors are concerned, but the company already has secured its loan and can use the added funds in the early period to pay for that loan and to help increase revenues."

Tags:accounting, methods, case

Abstract
This paper examines how information systems are changing various aspects of the accounting profession. It includes a description of a variety of new technologies and their
effects on accounting processes. Additionally, it examines how these technologies have changed the way accounting is performed.

From the Paper
"According to an essay published online on the Wikipedia website an accounting information system is the system of records organizations must retain in order to generate accounting reports. These records include the sales made and their related expenses along with data about other financial activities and processes. Most companies use accounting software to maintain accounting records. Automation of the accounting process, including the use of accounting software, allows accountants to provide information more rapidly and in greater detail to decision makers and accounting information..."

Tags:accounting information systems, control, fraud, theft, auditing, segregation, control plans

Abstract
The paper discusses an organizational change process and how it affected the work of a freelance employee.

From the Paper
"Individuals who choose to work as freelancers are confronted by many challenges including unstable Internet connections, multiple distractions, the difficulty of remaining in contact with employers and attempting to fit into organizational cultures that are maintained through direct interpersonal interactions. (Woodward) As an individual who engages in freelance work as a consultant to a variety of organizations on issues ranging from sales to marketing to promotional activities, I have often found it difficult to adjust my work styles to the requirements of..."

Tags:freelancing, organizational change

Abstract
This paper examines the future of accounting by investigating current and future trends. This includes considering the changes in the work environment for accounting employees, trends in accounting roles and future opportunities for accountants, and future skills of accountants that will be in high demand. Considering these three areas shows where business accounting is heading and how best accounting professionals can prepare for these changes.

From the Paper
"The business world is in a period of change, with accounting a major part of that business world. As one report says, "Accounting is the language of business. It is and always will be the analysis of how money is used by businesses, nonprofit organizations, governments and individuals" (Insight). As the business world changes, accounting must change to continue to meets the needs of businesses. This is one of the areas that will greatly influence the future of management accounting. To understand this issue further, the current and future trends in accounting will be investigated. This includes considering the changes in the work environment for accounting employees, trends in accounting roles and future opportunities for accountants, and future skills of accountants that will be in high demand. Considering these three areas will show where business accounting is headed and how best accounting professionals can prepare for these changes."

Tags:finance, management, industry, business, work, economics, accountant

Abstract
This analysis identifies several expected changes in the field of accounting. These include that the reporting of financial information will become more strictly regulated; that the reporting of financial information will involve international regulations and standards; that accounting departments will have an international aspect to their operations; that information technology will impact on the role of the accounting department; that the accounting department will provide more diverse information; and that the skills and functions required of accountants will increase.

From the Paper
"Accounting has always been related to measuring the activities of the business and reporting those activities in suitable ways. Financial statements are created not only to tell the business how it is functioning, but also to pass that information on to shareholders and other interested third parties. This is the task of disclosing financial information and it is a crucial one. One source notes that the primary goal of financial accounting is to provide information to external users of accounting information. Most major organizations are supported by shareholders."

Tags:enron, finance, accountant, cfo, shareholder, accountability

Abstract
The paper discusses the problems concerning the information systems (IS) department of Toyota Motor Sales USA (TMS). The paper explains that the many systemic problems that IS was experiencing were emanating from a lack of leadership and the need for a much higher level of task ownership on the part of IS employees. The paper provides a literature review on change management and analyzes the nature of the problems at TMS. The paper also provides recommendations and concludes with a summary of the factors that should change the culture and ensure a higher level of accountability and performance.

Outline:
Background
Statement of the Problem
Literature Review
Problem Analysis
Recommendations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The Information Systems (IS) Department of Toyota Motor Sales USA (TMS) had become overwhelmed with the many committed projects to the sales force, service, and dealer organizations, yet had not been able to define accountability for results. This situation was made even more challenging due to the fact that a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system was being implemented throughout TMS, requiring significant change to IS, Marketing, Services, Operations and Sales roles throughout the company. Despite these many projects and the impending ERP project that was one of the largest in the company's history, the IS Department failed to deliver any of them on deadline, earning a reputation as unresponsive and not connected to the broader TMS business (Wailgum, 2005)."

Tags:ERP, accountability, communication, trust, employees

Abstract
This paper explains that a flat organizational structure allows for a dramatic increase in employee productivity as well as nearly eliminating idle time wasted in over communication and decision approval making. The author stresses that the preparation and implementation for the change into this model is completely dependent on the communication made to every employee in terms of full disclosure. The paper suggests that counseling during and after the change will increase the employee's level of acceptance to this more beneficial form of organization.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Change to Come
The Change Arrives
Group Decision Making Responsibility
The Risks of the Flat Model
Conclusion

From the Paper
"If a hierarchy is able to sneak into the structure, the company will be right back where they started and the entire change will be nothing more than a waste of the company's money and certainly a waste of all the employees' time and loyalty to the company amidst the change. Careful monitoring as well as self checks will ensure that the change stays true to the essence of what it was intended to be."

Tags:fear participatory, full disclosure, coaching accountability

Abstract
This paper explores four critical areas of change management strategies. It looks at systems thinking, stakeholder interests and resource constraints, the impact of technology on effective managerial decision making and the need for transparency and greater immediate feedback. The paper also explores the aspect of leadership behaviors that is critical to the development of champions or de facto leaders that set the pace for everyone around them in the company.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Evaluating Systems Thinking and the Application of Systems Logic
Managing Stakeholder Interests and Resource Constraints
Assessing the Impact of Technology on Decision Making
Analyzing the Evolving Role of Ethics

From the Paper
"The other side of leadership and ethics are the ad hoc leaders, or those leaders in an organization others consider their true leaders. The strategies for creating evangelists rests more with infusing ownership first, then giving these evangelists the freedom to re-define processes and in effect "own" them infuses greater credibility and transparency than any other action from senior management. How all this ties into ethics is that at the cornerstone of being honest and trustworthy is handing the control of any strategy to those that will benefit it from it most; the users. For the ethical considerations as they relate to change management, the embracing of accountability, honesty, transparency and shared ownership must start with senior management working very diligently to make IT initiatives reflect the needs of users. Further, senior management must allow users to measure performance to their own expectations, being transparent about both the strengths and weaknesses of the IT systems supporting strategies."

Tags:transparent, accountability, systems

Abstract
This paper examines the connection between globalization and illicit corporate operations, with a focus on the Enron and WorldCom scandals. First, the paper discusses the changes that have occurred in financial reporting in the period after the accounting scandals at Enron and WorldCom. Then, it explores the scandals themselves, describing the nature of the irregularities in the corporations' financial reporting and its ultimate impact of company stakeholders. This is followed by a section on the need for change, which includes a list of suggestions which outline modifications which emerged from the analysis of several accounting red flags. That paper concludes by summarizing the need for change which addresses issues that refer to all players in the corporate reporting chain.

Outline:

Introduction
The Enron Scandal
The WorldCom Scandal
The Need for Change
Modifications in Financial Reporting
Concluding Remarks

From the Paper
"By 1987, Enron has risen from scratch to become America's seventh largest company, employing 21,000 individuals in over 40 countries. Unfortunately however, it was proven that the company's success had been based on an "elaborate scam". The company's management had misused and wrongfully accounted their financial status. They even leaked false information to investment brokers in order to further attract investors. They inflated their profits and lied in corporate documents in order to preserve an image of a highly profitable organization. In all this, they had the help of audit organization Arthur Andersen (the audit organization also suffered greatly as a result of the scandal). When the first signs of problems were perceived by the public, the company kept on lying; but when investors begun to leave and the company's stock plunged overnight, Enron was forced to declare bankruptcy."

Tags:XBRL system, Enron, WorldCom, Sarbanes-Oxley Act