Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the weaker focus on risk management and internal control within the Belgian corporate governance guidelines is associated with less developed risk management and internal control systems within Belgian companies, when compared to...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test whether firms audited by the same Big 4 audit firm (Big 4 continuing clients) are more/less likely to report material weaknesses (systemic material weaknesses) in internal controls over a financial reporting than those audited by the same Non-Big...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess whether ownership concentration, leverage and demand for equity financing is associated with internal corporate governance quality. The paper focuses on dimensions of governance quality that are related to financial reporting quality....

“Enron” has become less the name for a company than a shorthand for mammoth abuse of financial reporting and corporate governance of a variety so egregious as to be almost unbelievable. Across the world there is debate in conferences and regulatory bodies as to whether “Enron” can happen...

This paper introduces fraud as asset misappropriations (85 per cent of cases), corruption and fraudulent statements. Symptoms include accounting anomalies, lack of internal control environment, lifestyle and behaviour. The most effective tools for fraud detection are internal audit review,...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the weaker focus on risk management and internal control within the Belgian corporate governance guidelines is associated with less developed risk management and internal control systems within Belgian companies, when compared to...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test whether firms audited by the same Big 4 audit firm (Big 4 continuing clients) are more/less likely to report material weaknesses (systemic material weaknesses) in internal controls over a financial reporting than those audited by the same...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess whether ownership concentration, leverage and demand for equity financing is associated with internal corporate governance quality. The paper focuses on dimensions of governance quality that are related to financial reporting quality....

Describes the internal audit function in a joint venture company. Auditing joint ventures is a fascinating topic, particularly when it involves the nuclear power industry and partnership between China and a foreign collaborator. The internal audit function was established right at the outset and...

Corporate governance has as ancient a pedigree as the formation of companies. However, six contemporary developments have provided a focus which makes this the era par excellence of corporate governance. Under review are a representative set of the economies of the world. A start is made with...