You are a research consultant who has been asked to develop a research proposal on a contemporary Accounting Issue. Below are some of the Contemporary Accounting issues topics areas that can be considered:

Earnings Management

Directors remuneration

Accounting for Intangible assets like software and other computer-based assets

Accounting for rebates the principal issue of disclosure

Impact of Blockchain and other technology (Artificial intelligence and Automation) on the accounting discipline

Technology or programs currently used in accounting firms for undertaking accounting tasks in business

Sustainability and Environmental Accounting

Fair value accounting

Ethical and governance issues associated with digital technology in accounting.

Real-time Data Analytics and data visualisation

Cloud Accounting

Relationship between accounting earnings and share price

Factors influencing international accounting practice

Role and impact of accounting in and on corporate governance.

Accounting estimates

Assessment Instructions

Choose any one contemporary accounting issue from the list above and prepare a research proposal.

Note: The above topics are broad, and your research question should be specific and related to the topic area. The research proposal should be based on the particular research question determined by the student.

Word limit: 1200 (+ or 10%), excluding executive summary and references

Detailed instructions:

The research proposal should include the following sections:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Background of the Study

Source Analysis and Literature review

Gap Identification

Research question

Aim and Objectives of the research

Research Methodology

Data collection and Analysis

Ethical considerations

Limitations

The research proposal should include at least five references relevant to the chosen accounting issue (e.g. journal articles, textbooks, websites etc.). At least two of these must be academic journal articles, but various sources should be used. You must reference each source as per KBS referencing guidelines.

Complete a source analysis on one of the journal articles you have chosen and one of the other sources. Refer to the source analysis template in week four content.

Some sources of Academic journals are below; use KBS library to search for the relevant journal articles relevant to your topic.

The International Journal of Accounting

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal

Journal of Accounting Research