Key research themes
1. How is risk systematically incorporated into accounting-based business valuation models?
This research theme investigates the integration and quantification of risk and uncertainty in accounting-based valuation frameworks for businesses. It addresses the challenges of modeling risk factors affecting firm value, the selection of appropriate risk measures in simulation-based valuations, and the systematic classification of risks inherent in business valuation. The motivation arises from the recognition that risk directly affects expected cash flows and discount rates, yet traditional valuation approaches often inadequately capture these dimensions or rely heavily on market-based proxies. A rigorous risk incorporation ensures more accurate valuation results that can inform decision making, investment, and strategic planning.
2. How do different valuation schools and accounting models influence the application and interpretation of accounting-based valuation approaches?
This theme explores the evolution and comparative analysis of accounting valuation models as influenced by historical, institutional, and cultural valuation schools (notably American, British, and German) along with emerging accounting standards and practices. It reveals how these schools adopt different assumptions about income, cash flows, and discounting, which shape the valuation outcomes and the acceptability of specific accounting models, including the use of historical cost versus fair or market values. Understanding schools’ perspectives facilitates the harmonization and contextual adaptation of valuation methods, improving valuation objectivity and relevance.
3. What are the theoretical and empirical developments in accounting-based valuation models emphasizing earnings quality and accrual accounting?
Research under this theme centers on the development, critical commentary, and empirical evaluation of accrual accounting valuation models emphasizing the quality of earnings as a core determinant of firm value. It covers foundational models such as the Residual Income Valuation Model (RIV), Evaluation of Earnings Quality (EQ) dimensions (persistence, predictability, informativeness), and theoretical refinements that relax assumptions like the clean surplus relation. The focus is on linking accounting earnings and book values to intrinsic firm value, using robust empirical methodologies to understand how accounting information reflects or predicts market valuations.