IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/tefoso/v173y2021ics0040162521006041.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The convergence of big data and accounting: innovative research opportunities

Author

Listed:
  • Ibrahim, Awad Elsayed Awad
  • Elamer, Ahmed A.
  • Ezat, Amr Nazieh

Abstract

This study aims to develop accounting standards, curriculums, and research to cope with the rapid development of big data. The study presents several potential convergence points between big data and different accounting techniques and theories. The study discusses how big data can overcome the data limitations of six accounting issues: financial reporting, performance measurement, audit evidence, risk management, corporate budgeting and activity-based techniques. It presents six exciting research questions for future research. Then, the study explains the potential convergence between big data and agency theory, stakeholders theory, and legitimacy theory. This theoretical study develops new convergence points between big data and accounting by reviewing the literature and proposing new ideas and research questions. The conclusion indicates a significant convergence between big data and accounting on the premise that data is the heart of accounting. Big data and advanced analytics have the potential to overcome the data limitations of accounting techniques that require estimations and predictions. A remarkable convergence is argued between big data and three accounting theories. Overall, the study presents helpful insights to members of the accounting and auditing community on the potential of big data.

Suggested Citation

  • Ibrahim, Awad Elsayed Awad & Elamer, Ahmed A. & Ezat, Amr Nazieh, 2021. "The convergence of big data and accounting: innovative research opportunities," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:173:y:2021:i:c:s0040162521006041
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121171
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162521006041
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121171?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lee Roberts & Abeer Hassan & Ahmed Elamer & Monomita Nandy, 2021. "Biodiversity and extinction accounting for sustainable development: A systematic literature review and future research directions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(1), pages 705-720, January.
    2. Vecchio, Pasquale Del & Secundo, Giustina & Maruccia, Ylenia & Passiante, Giuseppina, 2019. "A system dynamic approach for the smart mobility of people: Implications in the age of big data," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    3. Wang, Huamao & Yao, Yumei & Salhi, Said, 2020. "Tension in big data using machine learning: Analysis and applications," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    4. Basukie, Jessica & Wang, Yichuan & Li, Shuyang, 2020. "Big data governance and algorithmic management in sharing economy platforms: A case of ridesharing in emerging markets," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    5. Mohamed H. Elmagrhi & Collins G. Ntim & Ahmed A. Elamer & Qingjing Zhang, 2019. "A study of environmental policies and regulations, governance structures, and environmental performance: The role of female directors," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(1), pages 206-220, January.
    6. Ahmed A. Elamer & Collins G. Ntim & Hussein A. Abdou & Andrews Owusu & Mohamed Elmagrhi & Awad Elsayed Awad Ibrahim, 2021. "Are bank risk disclosures informative? Evidence from debt markets," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(1), pages 1270-1298, January.
    7. Liedong, Tahiru Azaaviele & Rajwani, Tazeeb & Lawton, Thomas C., 2020. "Information and nonmarket strategy: Conceptualizing the interrelationship between big data and corporate political activity," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    8. Linsley, Philip M. & Shrives, Philip J., 2006. "Risk reporting: A study of risk disclosures in the annual reports of UK companies," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 387-404.
    9. Kiani Mavi, Reza & Kiani Mavi, Neda, 2021. "National eco-innovation analysis with big data: A common-weights model for dynamic DEA," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    10. Barakat, Ahmed & Hussainey, Khaled, 2013. "Bank governance, regulation, supervision, and risk reporting: Evidence from operational risk disclosures in European banks," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 254-273.
    11. Iqbal, Rahat & Doctor, Faiyaz & More, Brian & Mahmud, Shahid & Yousuf, Usman, 2020. "Big data analytics: Computational intelligence techniques and application areas," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    12. Riggins, Frederick J. & Klamm, Bonnie K., 2017. "Data governance case at KrauseMcMahon LLP in an era of self-service BI and Big Data," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 23-36.
    13. Khaldoon Al-Htaybat & Larissa von Alberti-Alhtaybat, 2017. "Big Data and corporate reporting: impacts and paradoxes," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 30(4), pages 850-873, May.
    14. Jensen, Michael C. & Meckling, William H., 1976. "Theory of the firm: Managerial behavior, agency costs and ownership structure," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 3(4), pages 305-360, October.
    15. Abraham, Santhosh & Cox, Paul, 2007. "Analysing the determinants of narrative risk information in UK FTSE 100 annual reports," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 39(3), pages 227-248.
    16. Blazquez, Desamparados & Domenech, Josep, 2018. "Big Data sources and methods for social and economic analyses," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 99-113.
    17. Cavalieri, Sergio & Maccarrone, Paolo & Pinto, Roberto, 2004. "Parametric vs. neural network models for the estimation of production costs: A case study in the automotive industry," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(2), pages 165-177, September.
    18. Hughes, Jeffrey & Ball, Kirstie, 2020. "Sowing the seeds of value? Persuasive practices and the embedding of big data analytics," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    19. Gupta, Shivam & Chen, Haozhe & Hazen, Benjamin T. & Kaur, Sarabjot & Santibañez Gonzalez, Ernesto D.R., 2019. "Circular economy and big data analytics: A stakeholder perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 466-474.
    20. Michela Arnaboldi & Cristiano Busco & Suresh Cuganesan, 2017. "Accounting, accountability, social media and big data: revolution or hype?," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 30(4), pages 762-776, May.
    21. Abeer Hassan & Ahmed A. Elamer & Suman Lodh & Lee Roberts & Monomita Nandy, 2021. "The future of non‐financial businesses reporting: Learning from the Covid‐19 pandemic," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(4), pages 1231-1240, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Kanyarat (Lek) Sanoran & Jomsurang Ruangprapun, 2023. "Initial Implementation of Data Analytics and Audit Process Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-14, January.
    2. Falana, Gbenga Ayodele & Olusola Esther (PhD) & Dagunduro, Muyiwa Emmanuel, 2023. "Effect of Big Data on Accounting Information Quality in Selected Firms in Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(3), pages 789-806, March.
    3. Grosu, Veronica & Cosmulese, Cristina Gabriela & Socoliuc, Marian & Ciubotariu, Marius-Sorin & Mihaila, Svetlana, 2023. "Testing accountants' perceptions of the digitization of the profession and profiling the future professional," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Ibrahim, Awad Elsayed Awad & Hussainey, Khaled & Nawaz, Tasawar & Ntim, Collins & Elamer, Ahmed, 2022. "A systematic literature review on risk disclosure research: State-of-the-art and future research agenda," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    2. Khurram Ashfaq & Rui Zhang & Abdul Munaim & Naveed Razzaq, 2016. "An Investigation into the Determinants of Risk Disclosure in Banks: Evidence from Financial Sector of Pakistan," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 6(3), pages 1049-1058.
    3. Nadezda Gulko & Catriona Hyde & Nina Seppala, 2017. "Disclosure of corporate risks and governance before, during and after the global financial crisis: case study in the UK construction industry in 2006–2009," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 14(3), pages 207-223, August.
    4. Enzo Scannella & Salvatore Polizzi, 2021. "How to measure bank credit risk disclosure? Testing a new methodological approach based on the content analysis framework," Journal of Banking Regulation, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 22(1), pages 73-95, March.
    5. Moumen, Néjia & Ben Othman, Hakim & Hussainey, Khaled, 2016. "Board structure and the informativeness of risk disclosure: Evidence from MENA emerging markets," Advances in accounting, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 82-97.
    6. Yener Altunbaş & Salvatore Polizzi & Enzo Scannella & John Thornton, 2022. "European Banking Union and bank risk disclosure: the effects of the Single Supervisory Mechanism," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 649-683, February.
    7. Rihab Grassa & Nejia Moumen & Khaled Hussainey, 2021. "What drives risk disclosure in Islamic and conventional banks? An international comparison," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(4), pages 6338-6361, October.
    8. Ahmed A. Elamer & Collins G. Ntim & Hussein A. Abdou & Alaa Mansour Zalata & Mohamed Elmagrhi, 2019. "The impact of multi-layer governance on bank risk disclosure in emerging markets: the case of Middle East and North Africa," Accounting Forum, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(2), pages 246-281, April.
    9. Malafronte, Irma & Porzio, Claudio & Starita, Maria Grazia, 2016. "The nature and determinants of disclosure practices in the insurance industry: Evidence from European insurers," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 367-382.
    10. Rodríguez Domínguez, Luis & Noguera Gámez, Ligia Carolina, 2014. "Corporate reporting on risks: Evidence from Spanish companies," Revista de Contabilidad - Spanish Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 116-129.
    11. Malik, Muhammad Farhan & Zaman, Mahbub & Buckby, Sherrena, 2020. "Enterprise risk management and firm performance: Role of the risk committee," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 16(1).
    12. Neifar, Souhir & Jarboui, Anis, 2018. "Corporate governance and operational risk voluntary disclosure: Evidence from Islamic banks," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 43-54.
    13. Bravo, Francisco, 2016. "Forward-looking disclosure and corporate reputation as mechanisms to reduce stock return volatility," Revista de Contabilidad - Spanish Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 19(1), pages 122-131.
    14. Ntim, Collins G. & Lindop, Sarah & Thomas, Dennis A., 2013. "Corporate governance and risk reporting in South Africa: A study of corporate risk disclosures in the pre- and post-2007/2008 global financial crisis periods," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 363-383.
    15. Salem Boumediene & Fatma Ezzahra Abdallah & Salma Ben Moussa & Emna Boumediene, 2022. "Internal Corporate Governance Mechanisms And Risk Disclosure: Evidence From Tunisia," Accounting & Taxation, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 14(1), pages 15-30.
    16. Alessandra Allini & Francesca Manes Rossi & Khaled Hussainey, 2016. "The board's role in risk disclosure: an exploratory study of Italian listed state-owned enterprises," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(2), pages 113-120, March.
    17. Elamer, Ahmed A. & Ntim, Collins G. & Abdou, Hussein A. & Pyke, Chris, 2020. "Sharia supervisory boards, governance structures and operational risk disclosures: Evidence from Islamic banks in MENA countries," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 46(C).
    18. Ott, Christian, 2020. "The risks of mergers and acquisitions—Analyzing the incentives for risk reporting in Item 1A of 10-K filings," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 158-181.
    19. Abdelrehim, Neveen & Linsley, Philip & Verma, Shraddha, 2017. "Understanding risk disclosures as a function of social organisation: A neo-Durkheimian institutional theory-based study of Burmah Oil Company 1971–1976," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 49(1), pages 103-116.
    20. Ridhima Saggar & Balwinder Singh, 2019. "Drivers of Corporate Risk Disclosure in Indian Non-financial Companies: A Longitudinal Approach," Management and Labour Studies, XLRI Jamshedpur, School of Business Management & Human Resources, vol. 44(3), pages 303-325, August.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:173:y:2021:i:c:s0040162521006041. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00401625 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.