Key Features
Several unique features distinguish this casebook:
Financial Statement Diversity—This book comprises 28 cases. We believe that you will appreciate the exposure to many different companies and quickly learn that, while financial statements do not all look the same, you can understand and use them all.
Current Financial Statements—The cases are very current; primarily dated 2006 and 2007. This affords you the opportunity to read and use pertinent and timely financial information. Some older cases have been included because they explicate a concept particularly well or because they demonstrate an uncommon trend.
International Financial Statements—Cases cover companies from France, Austria, the Netherlands, the UK, India, as well as from the U.S. Many of the U.S. companies are major multinationals. The globalization of business necessitates your facility with financial statements other than those prepared in ii accordance with U.S. GAAP. The international cases will help you understand some of the recent harmonization efforts between the International Accounting Standards Board and the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board. Some international cases require you to compare U.S. GAAP financials to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Thus, you will become a sophisticated user of financial information.
Learning Objectives—Cases are prefaced with a set of learning objectives. These become your learning goals as you work through the cases. The focus of each case is made clear through these objectives.
Corporate Descriptions—Each case focuses on one or two sets of financial statements. A brief description of the companies in the case is designed to remind you that accounting information is used in specific business contexts. Reported financial accounting numbers are the result of a series of complex, professional estimates and judgments. Many of these are influenced by industry practice. Correctly reading and interpreting financial information is predicated on your awareness of a company’s business and industry.
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