Chapter 1: An Introduction to Accounting Theory
Accounting Theory and Policy Making
The Role of Measurement in Accounting
Appendix 1-A: Valuation Systems
Chapter 2: Accounting Theory and Accounting Research
Accounting Research and Scientific Method
Is Accounting an Art or a Science?
Directions in Accounting Research
A Scientific Revolution in Accounting?
Chapter 3: Development of the Institutional Structure of Financial Accounting
Accounting in the United States Prior to 1930
Formative Years, 1930-1946
Postwar Period, 1946-1959
Modern Period, 1959 to the Present
Chapter 4: The Economics of Financial Reporting Regulation
The Case for Unregulated Markets for Accounting Information
The Case for Regulated Markets for Accounting Information
Imperfections of Accounting Regulation
Economic Consequences of Accounting Policy
Chapter 5: Postulates, Principles, and Concepts
Postulates and Principles
Basic Concepts Underlying Historical Costing
Appendix 5-A: The Basic Postulates of Accounting (ARS 1)
Appendix 5-B: A Tentative Set of Broad Accounting Principles for Business Enterprises (ARS 3)
Chapter 6: The Search for Objectives
The Trueblood Committee Report
User Objectives and User Diversity
Chapter 7: The FASB’s Conceptual Framework
The FASB’s Conceptual Framework
The Conceptual Framework as a Codificational Document
Empirical Research on the Conceptual Framework
Assessing the Conceptual Framework
Chapter 8: Usefulness of Accounting Information to Investors and Creditors
Earnings, Dividends, and Stock Prices
Background on Risk and Return
Introduction to Capital Markets Research in Accounting
The Value of Accounting Information: Evidence From Return Data
The Value of Accounting Information: Evidence From Direct Valuation
Accounting Data and Creditors
Importance of Earnings Forecasting
Empirical Research and Standard Setting
Chapter 9: Uniformity and Disclosure: Some Policy-Making Directions
What Underlies the Choice Among Accounting Methods?
The Usefulness of Accounting Allocations
Improving Accounting Standards
Chapter 10: International Accounting
National Accounting Differences
International Harmonization of Accounting Standards
Chapter 11: The Balance Sheet
The Relationship Between the Balance Sheet and the Income Statement
Classification in the Balance Sheet
Appendix 11-A: A Simple Example of a Weather Derivative
Chapter 12: The Income Statement
Future Events and Accounting Recognition
Current Operating Versus All-Inclusive Income
Special Subjects Concerning Income Measurement
Income Statement Developments
Chapter 13: Statement of Cash Flows
The Statement of Changes in Financial Position
The Motivation for a Cash Flow Statement
Requirements of the Cash Flow Statement
Classification Problems of SFAS No. 95
Analytical Usefulness of the Cash Flow Statement
Cash and Funds Flow Research
Chapter 14: Income Taxes and Financial Accounting
The Asset–Liability Orientation of SFAS No. 109
Empirical Research on Income Tax Allocation
International Accounting Standards (IAS)
Improving Accounting Standards
Chapter 15: Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
Overview of Pension Plans
Development of Pension Accounting Standards
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
International Accounting Standards (IAS)
Improving Accounting Standards
Appendix 16-A: Illustration of Pension Expense Determination and Actuarial Funding Methods
Chapter 16: Leases
The Evolution of Lease Accounting Standards
FASB and IASB Joint Exposure Draft on Accounting for Leases
Improving Accounting Standards
Chapter 17: Intercorporate Equity Investments
Defining the Reporting Entity
Translation of Foreign Operations
Improving Accounting Standards
Appendix 17-A: Special Purpose Entities, Variable Interest Entities, and the Downfall of Enron