Publications

10 Mar 2014
Research & Ideas

Counting Up the Effects of Sarbanes-Oxley

approach when considering SOX," explains Srinivasan. The most worrisome part of the act on the business side was the mandate that required public companies to obtain an independent audit of their internal control practices. The cost... View Details

Keywords: by Julia Hanna; Accounting; Banking

17 Jul 2000
What Do You Think?

Where Is the Microsoft Board?

start-ups is different than in established large organizations. More often, a director is an investor, friend, expert, and resource. Involvement of a director is more intense, often resulting in daily or at least weekly contact with management at all levels. Insiders... View Details

Keywords: by James Heskett

24 Apr 2012
First Look

First Look: April 24

Watson Publication:In Effective Auditing for Corporates: Key Developments in Practice and Procedures, edited by Joe Oringel, 161-178. London: Bloomsbury Information Ltd., 2012 Abstract In the wake of the recent financial crisis,... View Details

Keywords: Carmen Nobel

15 May 2012
First Look

First Look: May 15

and elaborate on their normative implications. Audit Quality and Auditor Reputation: Evidence from Japan Authors:Douglas J. Skinner and Suraj Srinivasan Publication:The Accounting Review (forthcoming) Abstract We study events surrounding... View Details

Keywords: Carmen Nobel

23 Feb 2021
Research & Ideas

COVID-19 Shines New Light on Working Conditions in Supply Chains

purchase in their contracts, and also by having the brand’s staff or a third party audit these supplier factories to check. Kost: Do you think that consumers are aware of the working conditions among the suppliers for their favorite... View Details

Keywords: by Danielle Kost; Apparel & Accessories

April 2003 (Revised May 2003)
Case

Valuation Ratios in the Airline Industry

By: Paul M. Healy, Krishna G. Palepu and Jonathan Barnett

Four firms in the airline industry illustrate the underlying differences in valuation multiples (price-earnings and price-to-book). View Details

Keywords: Valuation; Activity Based Costing and Management; Accounting Audits; Air Transportation Industry

December 2007 (Revised June 2009)
Case

KPMG (A): A Near-Death Experience

By: Robert G. Eccles and Eliot Sherman

Describes the way in which "Big Four" auditor KPMG dealt with an indictment stemming from the firm's sale of tax shelters. In 2005 Tim Flynn has been KPMG Chairman for a matter of days when he learns that the government is preparing to indict the firm on charges of... View Details

Keywords: Accounting Audits; Crime and Corruption; Taxation; Lawsuits and Litigation; Crisis Management; Partners and Partnerships; Accounting Industry; Service Industry

April 1994 (Revised November 1998)
Case

Kendall Square Research Corporation (A)

By: William J. Bruns Jr.

Kendall Square Research was a small competitor in the supercomputer industry. As sales grew rapidly in 1992 and early 1993, the company sold stock to the public for the first time and analysts forecast higher earnings for 1993. However, when the company's revenue... View Details

Keywords: Revenue Recognition; Standards; Accounting Audits; Computer Industry

March 2001 (Revised April 2001)
Case

General Electric 2000: Quality of Earnings Assessment

By: David F. Hawkins

A financial analyst reviews General Electric's financial reports to learn more about U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and how they differs from international accounting standards. View Details

Keywords: Financial Reporting; Financial Statements; Accounting Audits; International Accounting; Consumer Products Industry; Technology Industry; United States

Find at Harvard

03 Nov 2003
What Do You Think?

Can Investors Have Too Much Accounting Transparency?

auditing and particularly large amounts of consulting services from the same supplier. And now, by means of Section 404, it will: (1 require senior executives to certify that their companies have financial controls that work, and (2 give... View Details

Keywords: by James Heskett

11 Mar 2014
First Look

First Look: March 11

change initiatives-Predictability, Teaming and Open Communication, and Results Only Work Environment-that alter the structure and culture of work in ways that enable better work and better lives. August 2013 Tax Administration Review Randomized Tax Enforcement... View Details

Keywords: Sean Silverthorne

20 May 2016
Op-Ed

World Health Organization Lacks Leadership to Combat Pandemics

public health ministries meet standards for pandemic risk preparedness, resource allocation, and monitoring capability. A country that doesn't pass an annual audit on these dimensions could be denied World Bank funding and other... View Details

Keywords: by John Quelch; Health

June 2001 (Revised July 2001)
Case

Amazon.com in the Year 2000

By: Krishna G. Palepu and Jeremy Cott

An analyst's critique of Amazon's prospectus from the perspective of its bond holders. View Details

Keywords: Bonds; Accounting Audits; Financial Reporting; Governing and Advisory Boards; Internet and the Web; Forecasting and Prediction; Retail Industry

03 Aug 2009
Research & Ideas

Corporate Social Responsibility in a Downturn

recession turns around. Q: How would you advise that executives best communicate their CSR efforts to stakeholders when the economy is in such turmoil? A: This is the time for executives to undertake a CSR audit and classify the programs... View Details

Keywords: by Martha Lagace

May 1987 (Revised February 2000)
Case

Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.: Planning and Control System

By: Robert L. Simons

Detailed description of the planning and control systems in use at Johnson & Johnson. Focuses on the actions of managers in one subsidiary in revising budget targets. Illustrates intensive strategic planning and financial planning process in a large, decentralized... View Details

Keywords: Strategic Planning; Planning; Forecasting and Prediction; Accounting Audits; Budgets and Budgeting; Business Strategy; Financial Management; Business or Company Management; Management Systems; Public Administration Industry; Financial Services Industry