ACC8000: Research in Accounting Practice - University Of Southern Queensland- Accounting Assignment

Accounting Assignment:

Question one: Consider two approaches to research: quantitative surveys and qualitative case study interviews. For each approach discuss the following: a. the types of research questions that might be addressed b. how theory is used c. the questions asked of participants d. determining who might be the participants e. determining the number of participants f. how the collected data might be analysed Question two: a. Explain how variables are measured in each of the two studies. Comment on which study uses a more rigorous approach, stating reasons why you believe one approach is superior in its rigour. b. Explain how each study defines the population that is used for selecting participants. Discuss the appropriateness of the choice of the population to address the aims of each research study. c. Explain how each study determines the number of participants invited to participate in the study. Comment on the appropriateness of the number of participants chosen for each study. d. Define non-response bias. e. What has been done in each study to address non-response bias? f. Comment on the contents of the conclusion/limitations/recommendation section of each study, stating why one study is more thorough in the information provided. Question three: a. What are the assumed desires and expectations of agents and principals which give rise to the conflict under agency theory? b. Outline three different ways executive compensation can be structured to help reduce conflicts between principals and agents. Explain how each approach to compensation helps reduce conflicts. c. Briefly, outline one theory which attempts to address shortcomings in agency theory. Explain the shortcomings the theory attempts to address. d. How is the demand for external auditing explained by agency theory? e. How is the demand for internal auditing explained by agency theory?