Modeling sequential R&D investments: A binomial compound option approach

In this paper, we propose a binomial approach to modeling sequential R&D investments. More specifically, we present a compound real options approach, simplifying the existing valuation methodology. Based upon the same set of assumptions as prior models, we show that the number of computational steps for valuing any compound option can be reduced to a single step. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach using the real-world example of valuing a new drug application. Overall, our work provides a heuristic framework for fostering the adoption of binomial compound option valuation techniques in R&D management

DARC 2023 at Radboud University: Societal challenges in accounting research and education

This year, the 7th edition of the Dutch Accounting Research Conference (DARC) was hosted by the Nijmegen School of Management at Radboud University on Thursday, March 23. In total, over 75 accounting researchers from various Dutch universities were welcomed by Frank Hartmann, chair of the accounting group and head of the Business Economics department. During the day, four keynote speakers presented their research and in a panel discussion, the current state of accounting education was debated. In the evening, participants gathered to network over dinner. This article presents a discussion of the theme of the conference, an outline of the research papers and projects presented during the conference, and a summary of the panel discussion on Accounting Education

Testing versus building accounting theory with experimental research

Contains fulltext : 167434.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)With this conceptual paper, we want to raise scholars’ awareness of the underused potential of experiments in accounting research. We refer to research taxonomies from the management discipline to explore the role of experimental research in testing and building accounting theory. Although the contribution of laboratory research to testing theory is well acknowledged, we argue that exploratory experimental research efforts also have the potential to build new theory, pointing at the underused potential of experiments in current accounting research. In doing so, we (i) provide a clear understanding of theory building and theory testing in accounting research; (ii) present a guideline for assessing the degree of theory building and theory testing inherent in any (experimental) study. Furthermore, we argue that an inter-study triangulation aligning experimental and archival methodologies will have the potential to produce results that are robust to internal and external validity concerns, thus advancing accounting theory.17 p

Pro forma earnings disclosure: the effects of non-GAAP earnings and earnings-before on investors’ information processing

Contains fulltext : 167437.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)Research on pro forma earnings disclosure usually does not distinguish between different types of pro forma earnings. However, non-GAAP earnings and earnings-before (EB) metrics such as the EBIT fit the conventional perception of pro forma earnings but offer varying degrees of flexibility to management in pursuing strategic reporting motives. This study presents the results of an experiment that builds upon Maines and McDaniel’s (Account Rev 75(2):179–207, 2000) framework and analyzes if variations in the use and combination of pro forma earnings information affect whether nonprofessional investors acquire (pro forma) earnings information, and how this information is evaluated, and weighted when making investment-related judgments. Our results indicate that a “pure” non-GAAP disclosure increases investors’ evaluation of a company’s earnings performance compared to all other reporting strategies. However, we also find that nonprofessional investors consider non-GAAP information strategically motivated and thus weight it less heavily in arriving at investment-related judgments. Overall, we find that investors’ judgments (i.e., the overall favorability of the earnings announcement and the company’s attractiveness as an investment) are highest when the earnings press release contains the non-GAAP earnings and the EB measure. This has important implications for behavioral accounting theory as well as corporate practice and policy-making

Organizations, Climate Change, and Transparency: Reviewing the Literature on Carbon Disclosure

Contains fulltext : 160304.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access) Contains fulltext : 160304pre.pdf (preprint version ) (Open Access)The debate surrounding climate change often centers on companies’ contributions to global warming, which has led to an increase in the importance of carbon disclosure. We evaluate the current state of related research and identify its trends, coherences, and caveats via a systematic literature review. Sociopolitical theories of disclosure, economic theories of disclosure, and institutional theory serve as the main theoretical anchors for our exploration. The existing research emphasizes the determinants and, to a lesser extent, effects of carbon disclosure, as well as the associated regulatory issues such as voluntary versus mandatory disclosure. Additionally, we discuss related topics, such as assurance and risks. We find that a large portion of scholarly work provides no link to theory, despite the fact that such links can be identified, for example, from the financial disclosure literature. Finally, we report on the established knowledge and examine the need for additional research

Bringing Signaling Theory to Intermediated Voluntary Disclosure. Commentary on “Detecting False Accounts in Intermediated Voluntary Disclosure” by Patrick Callery and Jessica Perkins

Contains fulltext : 231200pub.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)28 februari 20203 p

The proliferation of “big data” and implications for official statistics and statistical agencies

This working paper describes the potential of the proliferation of new sources of large volumes of data, sometimes also referred to as "big data", for informing policy making in several areas. It also outlines the challenges that the proliferation of data raises for the production of official statistics and for statistical policies. &nbsp

Creating social and environmental value through integrated thinking: International evidence

Integrated thinking (IT) is a managerial mindset increasingly discussed in the context of value creation. Through the lens of systems theory, this study examines how the degree to which IT is embedded in a firm's strategy and day-to-day business processes is associated with the firm's social and environmental value creation. Using a broad international dataset, we find strong evidence that our measure of IT is positively related to a firm's sustainability performance (SP), which we use to operationalize social and environmental value creation (or erosion). Our results also reveal that the increase in a firm's SP might come at the cost of a short-term decrease in financial performance (FP). We find no indication, however, that IT induces a trade-off between SP and long-term FP. Integrated thinking appears to stipulate long-term financial value creation instead. We further explore moderating factors within the organizational and institutional context of our sample firms and highlight implications for society, corporate practice, and policymaking

Towards Green ICT Strategies: Assessing Policies and Programmes on ICT and the Environment

This survey analyses 92 government programmes and business initiatives across 22 OECD countries plus the European Commission. Fifty of these have been introduced by governments and the remaining 42 have been developed by business associations, mostly international. Over two-thirds of these focus on improving performance in the ICT industry. Only one third focus on using ICTs across the economy and society in areas where there is major potential to dramatically improve performance, for example in “smart” urban, transport and power distribution systems, despite the fact that this is where ICT have the greatest potential to improve environmental performance.