scholarly journals The rise and fall of the UK operating and financial review

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Rowbottom ◽  
M.A.S. Schroeder
Keyword(s):  
Political Ideology ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Reporting Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Decision ◽  
Corporate Reporting ◽  
Business Lobbying ◽  
The Government ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the controversial repeal of legislation requiring UK companies to disclose an Operating and Financial Review (OFR). After a lengthy period of consultation and the preparation of a reporting standard, legislation was passed in March 2005 requiring UK listed companies to disclose a separate statement of management commentary, an OFR. In November 2005 the Chancellor unexpectedly and controversially announced the repeal of the OFR during a speech to the largest business lobbying group in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis draws upon internal, private governmental documents prepared by the Treasury ministry to brief the Chancellor, publicly disclosed as a result of a legal challenge against the repeal decision. Findings – The paper describes how Treasury officials were motivated to seek deregulatory opportunities in order to gain political support for their head, Prime Minister-in-waiting, Gordon Brown. The analysis reveals how the repeal of the OFR was identified as an example of corporate deregulation, and how this perception proved to be misplaced following the reaction to the repeal decision which led to the government reinstating many OFR requirements in an enhanced Business Review in 2006. Originality/value – The paper draws on the conception of “3-D” power to analyse how a political ideology prevalent in the pre-financial crisis environment came to influence accounting technology with unexpected consequences. Using data rarely disclosed in the public domain, it illuminates the “black boxed” processes underlying regulatory decision making. The paper details how the Treasury were politically motivated to influence corporate reporting policy in the absence of concerted political lobbying, and why this episode of government intervention led to an unanticipated regulatory outcome.

Twitter users exhibited coping behaviours during the COVID-19 lockdown: an analysis of tweets using mixed methods

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchi Mittal ◽  
Wasim Ahmed ◽  
Amit Mittal ◽  
Ishan Aggarwal
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Twitter Data ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The World ◽  
Twitter Users ◽  
The Government ◽  
Using Data

Purpose Using data from Twitter, the purpose of this paper is to assess the coping behaviour and reactions of social media users in response to the initial days of the COVID-19-related lockdown in different parts of the world. Design/methodology/approach This study follows the quasi-inductive approach which allows the development of pre-categories from other theories before the sampling and coding processes begin, for use in those processes. Data was extracted using relevant keywords from Twitter, and a sample was drawn from the Twitter data set to ensure the data is more manageable from a qualitative research standpoint and that meaningful interpretations can be drawn from the data analysis results. The data analysis is discussed in two parts: extraction and classification of data from Twitter using automated sentiment analysis; and qualitative data analysis of a smaller Twitter data sample. Findings This study found that during the lockdown the majority of users on Twitter shared positive opinions towards the lockdown. The results also found that people are keeping themselves engaged and entertained. Governments around the world have also gained support from Twitter users. This is despite the hardships being faced by citizens. The authors also found a number of users expressing negative sentiments. The results also found that several users on Twitter were fence-sitters and their opinions and emotions could swing either way depending on how the pandemic progresses and what action is taken by governments around the world. Research limitations/implications The authors add to the body of literature that has examined Twitter discussions around H1N1 using in-depth qualitative methods and conspiracy theories around COVID-19. In the long run, the government can help citizens develop routines that help the community adapt to a new dangerous environment – this has very effectively been shown in the context of wildfires in the context of disaster management. In the context of this research, the dominance of the positive themes within tweets is promising for policymakers and governments around the world. However, sentiments may wish to be monitored going forward as large-spikes in negative sentiment may highlight lockdown-fatigue. Social implications The psychology of humans during a pandemic can have a profound impact on how COVID-19 shapes up, and this shall also include how people behave with other people and with the larger environment. Lockdowns are the opposite of what societies strive to achieve, i.e. socializing. Originality/value This study is based on original Twitter data collected during the initial days of the COVID-19-induced lockdown. The topic of “lockdowns” and the “COVID-19” pandemic have not been studied together thus far. This study is highly topical.

scholarly journals Trade-based money laundering (TBML) empowers criminals to run free post-Brexit

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariola Jolanta Marzouk
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Subject Matter ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Subject Matter Experts ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Purpose This paper aims to provide unique empirical findings exploring the impact of the UK’s post-Brexit Economic Strategy to boost trade with developing countries on the UK banking sector’s ability to manage trade-based money laundering risks. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory research design that used structured literature review, followed by semi-structured interviews with key subject matter experts employed by large UK banks. Findings Both banks and law enforcement struggle to prioritise trade-based money laundering (TBML) intelligence discovery due to deficient skills, resources, technology and lack of strong regulatory stimulus. The regulated sector calls for the UK anti-money laundering (AML) reform that would better incentivise TBML deterrence, yet the Government underestimates the money laundering risks while trading with high-risk jurisdictions post-Brexit. Research limitations/implications The findings are based on a small sample of six semi-structured interviews with difficult to access population of key subject matter experts. Despite the small sample, participants provided well-articulated and informed insights. Practical implications The UK’s post-Brexit Economic Strategy to boost trade with developing countries downplays the TBML risks it carries. The findings should alert UK banks, law enforcement and the Government who will collectively bear the responsibility to effectively manage TBML while enabling smooth trading. Originality/value The research provides unique perceptions of UK banks’ senior subject matter experts on managing TBML threats from opportunistic criminals.

scholarly journals Holding the government to account for its finances: the “Unsung” heroes of the UK parliament scrutiny unit

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Ferry ◽  
Larry Honeysett ◽  
Henry Midgley
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Accounting Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Literature ◽  
Vital Part ◽  
Financial Cycle ◽  
Members Of Parliament ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThis paper describes the role and remit of the Scrutiny Unit, which assists members of parliament (MPs) with the analysis of accounting data.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is developed through an understanding of the secondary literature and practical experience of the work of the Unit.FindingsThe Scrutiny Unit is an unappreciated and yet vital part of the way in which financial scrutiny operates within the UK parliament. It translates to MPs key financial and economic documents including the budget and accounts. It is a unique institution, covering the entire financial cycle of approval and accountability within parliament.Originality/valueThis is the first descriptive piece on the Unit in an accounting journal and contributes to our understanding of how financial accountability works within the UK parliament.

Improving access to adult vaccination: a tool for healthy ageing

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Scrutton ◽  
David Sinclair ◽  
Trinley Walker
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how access to vaccination for older people in the UK can be both improved and used as a tool for healthy ageing. Design/methodology/approach – ILC-UK released a report “Adult Immunisation in the UK”, which applied a UK perspective to a 2013 Supporting Active Ageing Through Immunisation (SAATI) report on immunisation. The ILC report combined the SAATI findings with a traditional literature review, a policy review incorporating grey literature and the outcomes of a focus group discussion. This paper highlights the key findings of the ILC-UK report. Findings – Vaccination needs to be included as part of proactive strategies to promote healthy and active ageing. Initiatives need to be explored that increase the rate of delivery of vaccinations. Barriers to the vaccination of health and social care professionals working with older people need to be removed. The government should explore using psychological insights into human behaviour to improve the take-up of vaccinations amongst adults. The range of settings where older people can receive vaccination needs to be expanded. Information on the potential benefits of immunisation should be made readily available and easily accessible to older people. Practical implications – The paper calls for a structural shift in how vaccination services in the UK are organised. Social implications – The paper calls for a cultural shift in how society views immunisation and the role it has to play in the healthy ageing process. Originality/value – The paper uses new European research on immunisation and applies it to the UK's situation.

Quality and quantity of FTSE-100 segmental information reporting

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 326-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghassan H. Mardini ◽  
Sameh Ammar
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Boards Of Directors ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Reporting Standard ◽  
International Financial Reporting Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Reporting ◽  
Ifrs 8 ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of international financial reporting standard no. 8 (IFRS 8) on segmental information reporting (SIR) after the post-implementation review (PIR) issued by international accounting standards board (IASB). This impact is examined in relation to quality and quantity as SIR dimensions represent, respectively, the level of reported items and segments. As a complement to this, the chief operating decision maker (CODM) identity is considered to understand the patterns of SIR dimensions. Design/methodology/approach The SIR of the UK financial times stock exchange 100 (FTSE-100) listed companies over the period 2013-2016 is the research’s scope. Several criteria were developed to ensure a representative research sample. A disclosure index approach was used facilitating the use of content analysis for data collection, which pertained to the dimensions of SIR published by the FTSE-100 following IFRS 8 PIR. Findings The IFRS 8 PIR has had several implications shaping the growing trend that is underpinned by the SIR dimensions published by FTSE-100 companies. First, the SIR quantity dimension positively corresponds over 2013-2016, but it still does not meet IASB’s demands. This, secondly, also applies to the quality dimension of SIR to uncover inconsistency with the existing knowledge being held regarding the introduction of IFRS 8. More specifically, the response of the FTSE-100 to mandatory and voluntary items seems to be in transition of substitution. Third, CODM’s identity was an insightful dimension in rationalising the understanding through the aforementioned dimensions. It is undertaken by boards of directors or executive committees and the case of the latter is associated with more disclose in relation to the CODM’s identity. Practical implications These findings reveal implications to: academics undertaking further research about IFRS 8 PIR to challenge or endorse this conclusion, using similar or alternative approaches; the stakeholders’ decision-making process; and policymakers to re-think the structure of mandatory and voluntary items. Originality/value This paper provides empirical evidence on the quality and quantity of SIR published by FTSE-100 companies following IFRS 8 PIR.

Political regimes and foreign aid effectiveness in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Konadu Tawiah ◽  
Evans John Barnes ◽  
Prince Acheampong ◽  
Ofori Yaw
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Foreign Aid ◽  
Political Ideology ◽  
Aid Effectiveness ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Political Regimes ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government

Purpose This paper has examined the effectiveness of foreign aid on Ghanaian economy under different political regimes. Design/methodology/approach Using vector error correction and co-integration models on the annual data set over a period of 35 years, the authors demonstrate that foreign aid has had varied impacts on economic growth depending on the political ideology of the government in power. Findings With capitalist political philosophy, foreign aid improves private sector growth through infrastructural development. On the other hand, a government with socialist philosophy applies most of its foreign aid in direct social interventions with the view of improving human capital. Thus, each political party is likely to seek foreign aid/grant that will support its political agenda. Overall, the results show that foreign aid has a positive impact on the growth of the Ghanaian economy when there is good macroeconomic environment. Practical implications This implies that the country experiences economic growth when there are sound economic policies to apply foreign aid. Originality/value The practical implication of the findings of this paper is that donor countries and agencies should consider the philosophy of the government in power while granting aid to recipient countries, especially in Africa. The results are robust to different proxies and models.

Supporting delivery of diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed additional needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 623-641
Author(s):  
Alistair Catterall
Keyword(s):  
Funding Agency ◽  
Minimal Amount ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Apprenticeship Training ◽  
Additional Funding ◽  
The Government ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Learner Needs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the fact that under current Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding guidelines, diagnostic assessments for apprentices with additional learner needs are deemed an ineligible cost, which has the potential to reduce access to additional funding and support. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this paper is to critically evaluate the surrounding literature, government reports and Mencap review produced since the apprenticeship levy and present the implications of these funding guidelines relating to access to apprenticeships and the practical effects of apprentice’s experience and development. Findings The finding presented by this paper is that the definition of diagnostic assessments as an ineligible cost reduces the quality of training delivered by providers and assurances to apprentices that they will be fully supported from the start of their training. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this research was the minimal amount of government/ESFA documentation addressing this subject within apprenticeships. Practical implications The practical implications of this paper relate to the on-going delivery of apprenticeship training in the UK, and the detrimental effect of reducing access to diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed additional learner needs under the current wording of the Education Skills Agency guidance. Social implications The government policy is currently under review to address this area which is considered an ineligible cost for supporting apprentices with recognised additional learner needs. Originality/value The value of this paper is to align with recent Mencap review and collaboratively readdress the ESFA’s current positioning of diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed learning difficulties and disabilities as an ineligible cost and non-standardised requirement.

Geospatial data in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Jozefowicz ◽  
Merlin Stone ◽  
Eleni Aravopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Western Country ◽  
Geospatial Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain the rise of geospatial data, its importance for business and some of the problems associated with its development and use. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews a certain amount of previously published literature but is based mainly on analysis of the very large number of responses to a consultation paper on geospatial data published by the UK Government. Findings The findings are that while there is strong appreciation of the potential benefits of using geospatial data, there are many barriers to the development, sharing and use of geospatial data, ranging from problems of incompatibility in data definitions and systems to regulatory issues. The implication for governments and for providers and users of geospatial data relates to the need to take a long-term approach to planning in resolving the issues identified. Research limitations/implications The research findings are limited to the UK, but similar findings would be likely in any other large Western country. Practical implications This paper confirms the need for a strong and coherent approach to the planning of geospatial data and systems for the establishment of a clear basis for the different parties to work together and the need to clearly separate the roles of the government in establishing frameworks and standards and the role of the private sector in developing applications and solutions. Social implications Society is increasingly dependent on the use of geospatial data, in improving living standards and dealing with social problems. The recommendations identified in this paper, if followed, will facilitate these improvements. Originality/value The value of this paper is the tight synthesis that it provides of a wide ranging and complex range of responses to the UK Government consultation and placing these responses in the wider context of the development of geospatial data.

Why there have been so few spectrum trades in the UK: lessons for Europe

Info ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajen Akalu
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Spectrum Management ◽  
Reform Process ◽  
Ceteris Paribus ◽  
Empirical Observation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Reform ◽  
Regulatory Decision ◽  
Frequency Management ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThis paper seeks to define a coherent management preference function for determining the conditions when the market can be effectively used in the management of spectrum based on abduction and volitional pragmatism.Design/methodology/approachVolitional pragmatism based on the logic of abduction is used to provide an explanation for real world empirical observation of few spectrum trades in the UK. This is generalized for application with wider context of European frequency management.FindingsThere has been a considerable regulatory effort directed toward spectrum trading in the EU. The UK experience with trading is clearly not what was expected. It was suggested that this is a result of an analytical approach based on deductive validationism subject to ceteris paribus assumptions. This approach does have merit but its application is over extended. This is due in large part institutional under specification of what constitutes the market and the nature of the transaction taking place.Research limitations/implicationsThe emphasis is in this paper is on the explanation of real world facts rather than normative prescription based on deductive validationism. Such an approach though fallible (all facts cannot be taken into account) is no less valuable in the process of regulatory decision making than deductive validationism.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a more coherent explanation of spectrum development and the spectrum management reform process.Originality/valueA set of conditions are provided for determining when the market can be used in the management of spectrum. This makes explicit the intended operation of the market as well as its limitations.

The credit crunch – the right time for credit unions to strike?

Legal Studies ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Ryder
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Credit Unions ◽  
Credit Union ◽  
Political Support ◽  
North American Continent ◽  
Cooperative Movement ◽  
The North ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

The origins of the cooperative movement can be traced to the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers in 1844, from which similar institutions emerged in Central Europe, the North American continent and the rest of the world. Modern credit unions evolved from these small cooperative societies and have developed into mainstream providers of financial services in many jurisdictions. However, credit unions in the UK have not made a similar impact. There are several factors that have limited their growth – an inadequate legislative framework, an ineffective credit union regulatory system, inappropriate development models, an over-reliance on state subsidies and a disunited movement. The aim of this paper is to re-examine these factors in light of the level of political support provided by the government since 1997.

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