The role of culture on the adoption of International Standards on Auditing in the developing countries: An institutional perspective

This paper examines the role played by the culture on the adoption of the International Standards on Auditing (referred to as ISA henceforth) that intends to stimulate establishing an efficient auditing regime in Libyan auditing practice. The current research conducted interviews with 43 participants across five Libyan key stakeholders in the auditing environment. The methodology employed was in line with the relevant literature and it serves to achieve the aims and to answer the questions of this study (Ménacère, 2016). Institutional isomorphism produces a greater impact on Libya accounting and auditing practices (Phillips & Jiao, 2016). Therefore, this study examines that the cultural factor systematically and consistently assesses the level of ISA adoption, commitment, and associated harmonisation. Given the growing interest in harmonising the auditing practice, not only by scholars but also by policy and decision-makers, this study is aimed at contributing to improve and develop an under-researched topic in Africa, by expanding the literature on the importance of harmonising auditing practices. It also provides fresh insights into auditing practices in a politically unstable country. Awareness is also raised about other relevant drivers of adopting ISA

The Implication of IFRS Financial Instruments Disclosure on Value Relevance

The main objective of this research is to examine the effects of financial instruments declared under IFRSs on value relevance over thirteen years. The research sample included 35 European enterprises that were listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange from 2007 to 2019. This study focuses on the adoption of IFRS.7 and IAS.32 disclosure standards, in line with previous studies. The Ohlson model (1995) was utilised in the study to evaluate the dependent variable since it is the module used most often in determining value relevance. The findings indicated that financial knowledge about financial instruments (FI) was typically valuable throughout the research. In addition, the significance of financial instruments and other disclosures when examining sub-components were not valued as relevant but rather provided information regarding the kind and level of exposure to FI risks. Furthermore, the earnings and book value of the common equity have a favourable impact on the value relevance. Hence, the key contributions of this study went beyond enriching the body of literature to make recommendations regarding the most influential determinant among financial instrument items that positively enhance value relevance

The Harmonising of Auditing Standards in Emerging Economies from The Stakeholders’ Perspectives

The literature has highlighted the increased pressure on the auditing profession to achieve global harmony in auditing practice (i.e. Humphrey et al., 2009; Michas, 2011; Holm & Zaman, 2012), thereby requiring auditing regulators and standards-setters to revise and improve auditing standards in their own local contexts. This study seeks to determine the contemporary conduct and determinants of local auditing practice and offers an analysis of how Libyan audit stakeholders perceive the prospect of adopting harmonised auditing standards or developing such a set of standards for local use. A survey was completed by 196 respondents, representing five stakeholder groups in the Libyan auditing arena. Statistical analysis, via the SPSS, was performed. The outcomes are deemed to be generalizable given the size of the sample. This study has found that the Libyan Accounting and Auditing practice have varied according to variable concerning the personnel involved. And that the result is an overall poor quality of audit work in the country. This needs to be raised, and the harmonisation of audit standards is one way to achieve not only this but a greater degree of credibility in the country’s financial reporting. The study contributes to the body of literature in respect of the Libyan accountancy environment by specifically exploring the perception of stakeholders towards the adoption of harmonised audit standards. By implication, it makes a contribution to the wider body of knowledge about auditing in the Arab countries, where similar cultural conventions and attitudes exist

International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) Adoption: An Institutional Perspective

This study seeks to examine the factors that influence the adoption of ISAs, intending to stimulate establishing a responsible and efficient auditing regime in Libyan auditing practice, shedding light on challenges in auditing practices in the North African region. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 43 participants that represented 5 key actors from within the auditing field in Libya, including preparers and users of annual reports. Regarding ISAs adoption, the study focused on those institutional isomorphism drivers that are found to produce a greater impact on the experience of auditing practice in Libya. The identified factors are (a) foreign corporations, such as accountancy firms, (b) economic systems and the stock market, (c) international financial institutions (IFIs), and (d) the legal system. The research demonstrated that these drivers systematically and consistently predict the level of ISAs adoption commitment and associated harmonisation. Given the growing interest in harmonising auditing practice not only by scholars but also by policy and decision-makers, the relevance of this research cannot be questioned since it addresses significant concerns and contributes to the development of an under-researched topic in Africa. This paper expands the literature on the importance of harmonising auditing practices and provides fresh insights into auditing practices in a politically unstable country. Awareness is also raised about the most relevant drivers of adopting ISAs and several implications for policymakers and regulators in pursuing international harmonisation of auditing standards

"Systematic Analysis of the Factors That Impact upon the Mindset of Knowledge Sharing Behaviour (KSB) for Individuals within Academia"

The aim of this study is to provide an examination of the factors that have a bearing on KSB, based upon attitudes amongst academics in developing countries, using a particular focus upon academics within the University of Baghdad. With the research study, structural equation modelling was undertaken by using a questionnaire survey for examination of attitudes to microfoundations with regard to KSB amongst a total of 326 academics based at the University of Baghdad. With regard to KSB, it was found that three of the hypothesised factors (anticipation of extrinsic rewards, anticipation of reciprocal relationships and perception of reciprocal benefits) were significantly and positively related. No significant relationship, however, was found to exist between KSB and interpersonal interactions. Based upon the results, a refined, valid model succeeds in exhibiting good explanatory power for the prediction of the intentions for the KSB of academics. Furthermore, it was suggested by the results that academics who were less educated had a greater willingness for knowledge sharing than those who were more highly educated. Based upon the unprecedented data, the paper makes a contribution to growing KSB-theory-related research, particularly with respect to the planned model of behaviour, and puts forward empirical evidence in support of the relationship between attitude and the KSB of academics

Home parenteral nutrition with an omega-3-fatty-acid-enriched MCT/LCT lipid emulsion in patients with chronic intestinal failure (the HOME study):study protocol for a randomized, controlled, multicenter, international clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a life-preserving therapy for patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) indicated for patients who cannot achieve their nutritional requirements by enteral intake. Intravenously administered lipid emulsions (ILEs) are an essential component of HPN, providing energy and essential fatty acids, but can become a risk factor for intestinal-failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). In HPN patients, major effort is taken in the prevention of IFALD. Novel ILEs containing a proportion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) could be of benefit, but the data on the use of n-3 PUFA in HPN patients are still limited. METHODS/DESIGN: The HOME study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter, international clinical trial conducted in European hospitals that treat HPN patients. A total of 160 patients (80 per group) will be randomly assigned to receive the n-3 PUFA-enriched medium/long-chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT) ILE (Lipidem/Lipoplus® 200 mg/ml, B. Braun Melsungen AG) or the MCT/LCT ILE (Lipofundin® MCT/LCT/Medialipide® 20%, B. Braun Melsungen AG) for a projected period of 8 weeks. The primary endpoint is the combined change of liver function parameters (total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) from baseline to final visit. Secondary objectives are the further evaluation of the safety and tolerability as well as the efficacy of the ILEs. DISCUSSION: Currently, there are only very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of ILEs in HPN, and there are very few data at all on the use of n-3 PUFAs. The working hypothesis is that n-3 PUFA-enriched ILE is safe and well-tolerated especially with regard to liver function in patients requiring HPN. The expected outcome is to provide reliable data to support this thesis thanks to a considerable number of CIF patients, consequently to broaden the present evidence on the use of ILEs in HPN. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03282955. Registered on 14 September 2017

Anonymity And Trust Roles In The Digital Barter Age: Digital Transformation Framework And Digital Assets Popularity Assessment

Anonymity is generally a controversial feature that presents multiple trade-offs. It preserves privacy but cannot be Audited; it ensures voice to the voiceless but is prone to online abuse; it allows whistleblowing, but the information cannot be trusted. It is equally questionable when referring to digital/crypto assets. Depending on the perspectives, it might positively and/or negatively affect digital transformation strategies. This paper’s first novelty resides in the original approach to analysing the anonymity and trust roles in electronic commerce transactions from the different stakeholders’ perspectives. A basic but solid framework for consistent digital transformation ion is presented. It is designed to help decision-makers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and engineers. The authors’ innovative assumption is that tokens and crypto-assets (including the so-called crypto-currencies) should be considered early forms of digital barter, easily substituted in the future. Another assumption is that bartering is the old/new frontier for illegal activities. Current forms of money are not free from pitfalls. It can be demonstrated by the fact that money laundering activities are evergreen and constantly change channels and techniques. Hence, the focus should be on adequately designed digital infrastructures to ensure the same level of trust currently granted to FIAT currencies and physical assets. Physical Assets Bartering is the most basic form of exchange. Money added (at least) two important functions: unit of account and store of value. Money popularity is linked to governments’ public trust and facilitated exchanges. However, it does not mean it is the absolute best form of barterin

Mixed and augmented reality applications in the sport industry

Augmented reality (AR) is already part of the lives of thousands of people, in many different sectors. In addition to a change in current business models, the introduction of this technology in sports can greatly implement and improve fan engagement strategies and the fan experience in the world of e-sports. This research, starting from a concise but systematic literature review, analyses how mixed and augmented reality are providing a growing number of applications in the world of sport. Augmented reality is a technology that allows having a better perception of reality. This can help drive a vehicle, see obstacles that would otherwise not be noticed. Given that the nature of augmented reality makes it perfect for a dynamic sector such as sports, many applications can be identified in the sports field, however, many benefits can be identified: a) training for professionals and amateurs; b) marketing strategies and revenue diversifications for sports clubs; c) supporters’ experience; d) supporters’ engagement; e) valid and feasible alternative during pandemic outbreaks; f) measurement of sports results and sports assessment. Augmented reality has been introduced in the sports sector for a while. Many sports are exploiting the features of this new technology, by introducing apps for augmented reality that allow fans to get even closer to their beloved sport heroes. Cycling, football, fitness, cricket, winter sports many others, Apps to increase reality are developed in many different contexts, to experience a race, a match or simply to train with greater awareness, thus obtaining better results