The two approaches of accounting research

The two approaches of accounting research The positivist approach and the critical approach are the two approaches of accounting research. This article explains the concepts of positivist approach and critical approach, and then explains some of the problems of these two approaches. This article discusses the inter-relationship between accounting research, accounting standards and accounting practice. Through the research findings, this article use the case of intangible assets to illustrates how accounting research impact on accounting standards. Secondly, this article shows how accounting standards effects accounting practice. Thirdly, this article explains the inter-relationship between accounting research and accounting practice. Introduction The positivist approach and the critical approach are the two methodologies of accounting research. Hooper, Davey, Liyanarachchi and Prescott (2008, p20) described that the positivist approach is generally considered to be a combination of induction and deduction. The traditional view for the positive approach to research is to understanding and solving problems. The traditional characteristics of the positive approach are empiricism, logic and causality. These characteristics are often referred to as ontological, epistemological and methodological characteristics of a research paradigm. Positive accounting research experiments to describe what is without making any value judgments as to how things should be. The positive approach has been important in recent years. The critical approach to accounting research does not provide a particular method or methodology for research but rather a dialectic and Socratic approach to the evaluation of knowledge claims (Hooper et al, 2008, p33). T he critical research focus on the accounting theory that is concerned with resolving conflicts between the corporation and general public. The only ideology is the belief in humanness and the concomitant and emancipation of humankind. Critical theory offers processes for the consideration and evaluation of knowledge claims without providing a single way forward for the researcher. These two accounting research approaches are not mutually exclusive but are complementary. Hooper et al (2008) states that the positive approach has a number of problems, such as lack of agreement on what the positive approach actually is; appeals to the authority of science but focuses on behavior and so on. The critical approach also has some problems, such as the critical research cannot generalize findings; critical research cannot predict or replicate studies. Both of these two theories have its own advantages and disadvantages, it is necessary to combine the two methodologies in actual accounting practice environment. Accounting research helps accounting standards setters and others understand the economic world, but accounting research does not seek prescriptions of techniques to make the world better. However, knowing what works and what does not work can help corporations or standard setters choose techniques that have the best chance of working in as yet untested situations. Accounting standards have been categorized on the basis of their nature into two categories: principal-based standards and rule-based standards. Hooper et al (2008) states that accounting standards are based on a set of principals and concepts. Intangible assets defined as non-physical and non-monetary sources of probable future economic profits accruing to the firm as a result of past events or transaction (Canibano et al, 2000). Intangible assets should be accounted and reported in the financial statement. Maines,  Bartov, Fairfield, and Hirst (2003) states that for pragmatic reasons, most research on intangible assets focuses on those intangibles, intangible assets generated by RD expenditures. RD expenditures data are widely available because RD expenditures must be disclosed separately under FASB No. 2, Accounting for Research and Development Costs. Because there is no such requirement for other types of intangibles assets. Canibano et al (2000) describes that control of the probable future benefits arising from the intangible investment is considered by most accounting standards setting bodies as a basic requisite for recognition. Lev and Zarowin (1999) suggest that intangible assets should be accounted for following the same methods applied for tangible assets, but at the same time some argument arise that there are significant differences between tangible and intangible assets which make it necessary to apply different criteria for the recognition and valuation of the latter (Hendriksen, 1982). According to the SFAC6, paragraph 25, the FASB (1985a) considers the ownership or control of the future benefits as the main requisite for the recognition of intangibles. If it is focus on the ownership of the benefits, then intangible assets such as human resource could be recognized. There is a new trend in accounting research, which seems to be providing strong support to reporting intangibles (Canibano et al, 2000). Accounting research suggests to use disclosures on intangibles assets and those intangibles expenditures have future much benefits, but that these future benefits are more like uncertain than those associated with conventionally recognized assets. Thus, there is some empirical support for the capitalization of estimated RD intangibles. Given research results, Maines et al (2003) makes the following recommendations: first, support the FASBs decision to add another project which considers the disclosure and recognition of information related to intangibles assets. Second, believe that the FASB needs to consider recognition of internally generated intangibles asset s, because current accounting standards require capitalization economic similar as intangibles assets acquired externally. Third, Despite our support for intangible assetss disclosures related to and possible recognition , we encourage the FASB to proceed carefully on disclosures and recognition information on intangibles, given significant uncertainties related to accounting research in this paticular area. Concerns related to this research include the following. Finally, while research documents associations between intangibles information and designs make causal inference difficult. All of the accounting research in this area is based on RD expenditures for data availability reasons. It is not clear how easily these accounting research results generalize to other types of intangibles assets. Accounting Standards play an important role in accounting practice. McCombie and Deo (2005) state that accounting standards provide the accountant with a guideline to reports economic transactions and events for an organization. The accounting standards are also described as a piece of delegated legislationparliament has given the power of making accounting standards to a body that has experts on it rather than developing the documents itself as a body of legislators (Ravlic, 2003). The number of companies that have to apply standards in preparing financial reports is therefore quite important. Macve (2010) states that audited accounts are part of an organization that defines the economic environment in a country, or across countries, and enables investors to have confidence in the system as a whole as one to which to entrust their money. This was justified by Edwards (1938) in his call for a revolutionary reform of UK accounting practice. It still seems as true today. In the view of the US SEC it is the overall regime of standards of corporate governance, accounting, auditing and enforcement in a country that lowers the cost of capital to firms in that economy and thereby stimulates investment and economic growth. This effect is probably greater than what any individual firm can achieve by improving its own accounting and disclosures (cf. Botosan, 2006). The accelerating growth of accounting practices over the years has changed the format of corporate annual reports. International Accounting Standards (IASs) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), along with other statutory requirements, have changed the way in which financial statements are reported (Gouws and Cronjà ©, 2008). All the information is generated by a diversity of accounting practices, all of which are therefore worth researching. Accounting research leads to an enhanced understanding of the fact that these practices are driven by two systems that provide the information included in corporate annual reports. This shows that practices peripheral to traditional accounting practices also have an important role to play, both for educational institutions and accounting. Accounting practices should not be seen in isolation (that is, only from an accounting perspective), as they are multidisciplinary in nature. Environmental practices and information, social practices and information, ethical practices and information, as well as management accounting practices and information, together with financial accounting practices and information, form the context within which reporting in corporate annual reports takes place ( Gouws and Cronjà ©, 2008). Accounting Research have made Accounting Practice more efficient and effective, but Accounting research and accounting practice are not always seemed to be synchrony. One of the great attractions of conducting applied accounting research in accounting practice is that the research topics extend beyond the normal boundaries. It brings worldviews into conflict, improves accounting practice, and raises doubts about professional social and values (Schiehll, Borba, Murcia, 2007). HENDRIKSEN (1982) corroborates this argument, adding that accounting theory may be defined as logical reasoning in the form of two principles that: (1) accounting research provide a general frame of reference by which accounting practice can be evaluated, and (2) accounting research guide the development of new accounting practices and procedures. However, some of the research shows results of accounting research have not led to changes in accounting practice; this may be caused by practitioners not accepting the research findings or a lag in putting new accounting theory into accounting practi ce. This has been an over-emphasis on a theory and the research results in some cases, and it is correct that standard-setters and practitioners have not accepted or have been cautious in using the accounting research results as a basis for new accounting rules and practices, such as market efficiency research. However, in other cases research appears to be quite useful to standard setters as they establish new rules and practices, such as earnings management research. Llewellyn and Sue (1996) states that theories for practice would place more emphasis on theory as a map or recipe or instructions manual which provide means by which we can do things in the world or cope with events. Auditing Practice, Research, and Education, A Productive Collaboration, published in 1995 through a joint effort of the American Accounting Association and the AICPA, set the goal of preparing a monograph documenting the successes of prior, less-harried times when collaborative efforts produced significan t insights and often solutions to challenging auditing problems (Bell and Wright, pg 178). They explain the rich heritage of practitioner or academician collaboration in addressing auditing challenges. The authors indicate the importance of a periodic review of academic research for use of those in practice. The monograph also calls for increased interaction with practitioners, the use of academic research fellows in practice, and integration of the research process into audit education (Anderson et al, 2003). Accounting practice depends on accounting research, and accounting research guide the development for accounting practice. Conclusion Both of the positivist approach and the critical approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, the best way to use accounting research is to combine the two methodologies in actual accounting practice environment. The inter-relationships between accounting research, accounting standards and accounting practice are Accounting research helps accounting standards setters and others understand the economic world, accounting research have made accounting Practice more efficient and effective, but accounting research and accounting practice are not always seem to be synchrony. Accounting standards provide the accountant with a guideline to reports economic transactions and events for an organization.

Market Research Report Energy and Sports Drink Market Growth in Asia Essay

The changing consumer preferences, demand for functional beverages, increasing awareness towards healthy lifestyles and growing urban population in Asia would be the major factors that would drive the market in coming years. An increasing awareness towards healthy lifestyles has led to a transition in the taste and preferences of people in Asia. The young urban population has been the target customer for energy and sports drink brands in this region. The energy and sports drinks are majorly consumed by professional sports people, gym goers and by working professionals and students that require a special beverage in order to boost their energy and stay active. â€Å"The increasing participation of the health conscious people in sports and fitness activities has greatly impacted the growth trend of sports and energy drink market in Asia. The young population aged 25-35 years represents a potential group of customers for the energy and sports drink manufacturers in the region. † – According to the research report ‘Asia Energy and Sports Drink Market Outlook to 2017’ by Ken Research. The increasing media exposure towards sporting events on television has captured the attention of people, which in turn has encouraged the youth to adopt sports as a profession or as a hobby. This has impelled the growth of sports drinks in Asian countries over the last few years. Sports drinks market in Asia is dominated by famous brands such as Gatorade, Powerade and Pocari Sweat. Red Bull majorly has dominated the energy drink market in the region. Red Bull has effectively maintained a strong distribution channel in various countries in Asia such as in India, China, Japan, Thailand and in South Korea. The energy and sports drink market is anticipated to be driven by the growing trend of health and fitness is expected to create significant demand in Asian countries. The consumer expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages is expected to surge in the region owing to the rise in disposable incomes of the people. The rising awareness about fitness and health benefits among the people in the region will encourage more people to join fitness and sports clubs which will drive the demand and consumption of energy and sports drink in the coming years. The report provides detailed overview on the energy and sports drink market in Asia and help reader to identify the ongoing trends in the key segments of the industry and anticipated growth in future depending upon changing industry dynamics in coming years. The report will aid industry consultants, food and beverage service companies and marketing companies and other stakeholders to align their market centric strategies according to ongoing and expected trends in future. For More Details Please Click On Following Link: http://www. kenresearch. com/agriculture-food-beverages/beverages/asia-energy-and-sports-drink-market-research-report/429-104. html http://www. kenresearch. com/press/news-asia-energy-and-sports-drink-market/211. html Related Links: http://www. kenresearch. com/agriculture-food-beverages/beverages/japan-energy-and-sports-drink-market-research-report/432-104.html http://www. kenresearch. com/agriculture-food-beverages/beverages/south-korea-energy-and-sports-drink-market-research-report/433-104. Html http://www. kenresearch. com/agriculture-food-beverages/beverages/india-energy-and-sports-drink-market-research-report/431-104. html http://www. kenresearch. com/agriculture-food-beverages/beverages/thailand-energy-and-sports-market-research-report/434-104. html http://www. kenresearch. com/agriculture-food-beverages/beverages/china-energy-and-sports-drink-market-research-report/430-104. html.

Dehaydration

DEHYDRATION Dehydration: Axia College SCI 241 Dehydration: How does it affect the Body? Primarily, water is essential to health maintenance because water is a imperative nutrient within the body. Water is needed for the body to carry out its many functions. The body consists of mainly water, which is why once our bodies are depleted of water, it is unfavorable for our health. Water moves inside the body by osmosis that carries up or down a concentration gradient, which is dependent on where the water is needed and where there needs to be a reduction if there is an too high of an amount of water. Water also helps aid with the function of many systems in body such as the digestive system, the lymphatic system, and the nervous system. In addition, water, in its many forms contributes to a number of functions in the human body. For instance, water is basically saliva that is used in the mouth and in the blood, which is comprised mostly of water, it â€Å"? ows through our bodies, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and returning waste products to the lungs and kidneys for excretion† (Grosvenor and Smolin, 2006, p. 283). Water also aids the body by producing sweat and â€Å"[regulating] body temperature by increasing or decreasing the amount of heat lost at the surface of the body† (Grosvenor and Smolin, 2006, p. 283). Sweat cools the body by producing water to lose heat in the body. Water also aids in digestive and excretory functioning. We lose a lot of water through the digestive system because it aids in breaking down the foods we eat and we lose a lot of water through urine and feces. Furthermore, when the body does not get the water it needs, it dehydrates. Dehydration can occur through sweating when someone is exercising and they have lost too much water. Dehydration leads to fatigue, vomiting, and feeling ill. Severe dehydration is a dangerous situation that can threaten one’s health. When people are severely dehydrated, they should seek immediate medical attention because dehydration can make the body go into shock and eventually lead to a fatality. The fatality would most likely be due to heart failure, because the heart is an important organ that needs water to survive, just like the rest of the body. Inadequate water also affects the heart because a lack of water increases the blood volume and the blood becomes dense, which places stress on the functioning of the heart. The pressure on the heart affects the supply of nutrients and oxygen that are transported to the cells in the body to perform their daily functions. Besides heart failure, water depletion creates many health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, asthma, pain in the joints and muscles, back pain, migraine headaches, and diabetes. These illnesses would occur because a lack of water causes a disruption in cell functions in the body. Also, dehydration affects our energy levels and how much we are able to grasp the processes that are occurring in our brain. Without sufficient amounts of water, we are unable to focus and will experience a collapse in concentration and judgment. Different electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are similar because they provide different important functions for the body. Sodium and potassium ions are nerve conductors that help stimulate muscle contractions by generating electrical charges across the nerve cell membrane. Sodium is a positive ion located outside the cell membrane. Sodium travels back and forth entering and exiting cells, regulating water in the body. Sodium aids by generating electrical currents to parts of the brain, nerves, and muscles. Potassium is another positive ion, but unlike sodium, it is located inside cell membrane. Potassium helps in body functioning by monitoring the heart and aiding muscle functioning. Chloride is negatively charged particle known as an anion, which is located within cells. Chloride generally combines with other elements to create different products. For instance, chloride combines with sodium to create NaCl, also known as table salt. Too much salt has been indicated as major contributor to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. The electrolytes sodium, potassium, and chloride, are all different because depletion or an excessive amount lead to different diseases or malfunctions in the body. According to Grosvenor and Smolin (2006), sodium, chloride, and potassium depletion can occur with heavy and persistent sweating, chronic diarrhea or vomiting, and kidney disorders that lead to excessive excretion. For instance, sodium inadequacy can lead to problems in cell function and potassium imbalances lead to irregularities in heart activity and impairment of the nervous system. Low or high levels of chloride can also produce nausea and kidney disease. Moreover, there are a plethora of foods and drinks that can affect hydration levels in the body. Two liquids that affect hydration levels are alcohol and caffeine. The consumption of both caffeine and alcohol promotes water loss in the body. In caffeinated beverages, high doses of caffeine create water loss â€Å"partly to increased blood flow to the kidneys and partly to reduced reabsorption of sodium by the body† (Hamilton, n. d). Also, alcohol reduces hydration â€Å"by depressing production of the antidiuretic hormone called vasopressin, which acts on the kidneys, concentrating the urine by promoting the reabsorption of water and salt into the body (Hamilton, n. ). Hamilton (n. d) suggests that Vasopressin aids in fluid stability within the body and an interruption in its function leads to decreased urine levels, which may be a contributor to dehydration in the body. Consequentially, water loss that is produced by alcohol may also contribute to the loss of other essential nutrients and minerals that are used for nerve and muscle sustainment. To avoid dehydration from alcohol and caffeine, more water should be consumed that will balance the amounts of alcohol or caffeine with the amount of water that is in the body. Ultimately, to avoid dehydration, people need to make sure that enough water is consumed as a daily part of their diet. It is easy to lose water from sweating or urinating too much, but replenishing water loss is vital for water balance in the body. A popular recommendation for getting enough water in the diet is to consume at least 8 glasses of water every day. Also, it is important for people to drink plenty of water if they are doing strenuous activity or exercising in extreme weather conditions. Also, we have to make sure that we are dressed appropriately for the weather. For instance, in summer, to avoid dehydration in extreme heat, we have to wear loose fitting clothes. Also, it is best to avoid the sun as much as possible if it is hot, but if someone does decide to stay outside in the heat, it is best to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. In essence, water is the fabric of life. It is given to us in plentiful amounts, but it should not be wasted. It is 60% of the human body and without it, we would cease to exist. The best method to make health an utmost priority is to consume the recommended amount of water and eat a healthy and nutritious diet that will compliment a healthy lifestyle. Water is not a gift, it is a right. Remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and to give the body the most important nutrient that it needs for survival. References Grosvenor, M. B. , & Smolin, L. A. (2006). Nutrition: Everyday choices. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hamilton, A. (n. d). Caffeine dehydration: Caffeine and alcohol – just how dehydrating are they? Retrieved December 7, 2008 from http://www. pponline. co. uk/encyc/caffeine-dehydration. htm

Using Tree Anatomy and Physiology for Identification

Trees are among the earths most useful and beautiful products of nature. Trees have been crucial to mankinds survival. The oxygen we breath is released by trees and other plants; trees prevent erosion; trees provide food, shelter, and material for animals and man. Worldwide, the number of tree species may exceed 50,000. With this said, I would like to point you in a direction that will help you identify and name the 100 most common of 700 tree species that are native to North America. A bit ambitious, maybe, but this is one small step toward using the Internet to learn about trees and their names. Oh, and you just might want to consider making a leaf collection as you study this identification guide. A leaf collection will become a permanent field guide to trees you have identified. Learn How To Make a Tree Leaf Collection and use it as your personal reference for future identifications. What is a tree? Lets start with the definition of a tree. A tree is a woody plant with a single erect perennial trunk at least 3 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH). Most trees have definitely formed crowns of foliage and attains heights in excess of 13 feet. In contrast, a shrub is a small, low growing woody plant with multiple stems. A vine is a woody plant that depends on an erect substrate to grow on. Just knowing a plant is a tree, as opposed to a vine or a shrub, is the first step in its identification. Identification is really quite simple if you use these next three helps: Find out what your tree and its parts look like.Find out if your tree will or wont grow in a particular region.Find a key . Tips: Collecting a branch and/or leaf and/or fruit will help you in the next discussions. If you are really industrious, you need to make a collection of wax paper leaf pressings. Here is How to Make a Wax Paper Leaf Pressing. If you have a common leaf but dont know the tree - use this Tree Finder! If you have a common leaf with an average silhouette - use this Leaf Silhouette Image Gallery! If you dont have a leaf and dont know the tree - use this dormant Winter Tree Finder! Using Tree Parts and Natural Ranges for Species Identification Help #1 - Find out what your tree and its parts look like. Tree botanical parts like leaves , flowers , bark , twigs , shape , and fruit are all used to identify tree species. These markers are unique - and in combination - can make quick work of identifying a tree. Colors, textures, smells, and even taste will also help in finding the name of a particular tree. You will find reference to all of these identification markers in the links I have provided. You might also want to use my Tree ID Glossary for terms used to describe the markers. See Parts of a Tree Help #2 - Find out if your tree will or wont grow in a particular area. Tree species are not distributed at random but are associated with unique habitats. This is another way to help you discern a trees name. You can possibly (but not always) eliminate trees that dont normally live wild in the forest where your tree lives. There are unique timber types located throughout North America. The northern coniferous forests of spruces and firs extend across Canada and into the northeastern United States and down the Appalachian Mountains. You will find unique hardwood species in the eastern deciduous forests , pine in the forests of the South, Tamarack in the bogs of Canada, the Jack pine in the Great Lakes region , the Doug Fir of the Pacific Northwest , the Ponderosa Pine forests of the southern Rockies. Help #3 - Find a key. Many sources of identification use a key. A dichotomous key is a tool that allows the user to determine the identity of items in the natural world, such as trees, wildflowers, mammals, reptiles, rocks, and fish. Keys consist of a series of choices that lead the user to the correct name of a given item. Dichotomous means divided into two parts. Therefore, dichotomous keys always give two choices in each step.My Tree Finder is a leaf key. Find yourself a tree, collect or photograph a leaf or needle and use this simple key style finder to identify the tree. This tree finder is designed to help you identify most common North American trees at least to the genus level. I am confident you can also select the exact species with the links provided and a little research. Here is another great tree key you can use from Virginia Tech: A Twig Key - used during tree dormancy when leaves are not available... Online Tree Identification You now have real information to help identify and name nearly any tree in North America. The problem is finding a specific source describing a specific tree. The good news is that I have found sites that help in identifying specific trees. Review these sites for more information on tree identification. If you have a particular tree that needs a name, start right here: A Tree Leaf KeyAn identification field guide that helps you quickly and easily identify 50 major conifers and hardwoods using their leaves. Top 100 North American TreesA heavily linked guide to conifers and hardwoods. VT Dendrology Home PageVirginia Techs excellent site. Gymnosperm Database at Conifers.orgA great site on conifers by Christopher J. Earl.