This case provides an experiential learning opportunity to (a) appreciate the role of professional judgment in accounting policy choices, (b) evaluate the effect of accounting decisions on other business functions, and (c) understand the challenges in transitioning to a new accounting standard. Prestige’s previous auditors were fine with its use of output-based measure (milestones completed) to compute the percentage-of-completion (POC) for its long-term construction contracts. However, the newly appointed auditors recommended Prestige to switch over to input-based measure (costs incurred) to compute POC. Students need to choose the appropriate financial reporting policy considering accounting and non-accounting issues. The case addresses an important context, long-term construction contracts. Although the case setting is in India, it can be used in any country given its GAAP-agnostic nature. The case is best suited for intermediate accounting courses in which the topic of revenue recognition is addressed.
326 The Role of Professional Judgment in the Assessment of Incoming Calls to EMS Systems