Title: Harley Davidson Inc. – a case in international accrual accounting analysis on the risk, profitability and/or cash flow from estimation and management discretion

Authors: Kwok Mow Chan

Addresses: Department of Accounting, School of Business, Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Campus (Off Shore Campus), CDT 250, 98009 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract: The case study on Harley Davidson Inc. is a comprehensive case analysis of the impact of accrual accounting on the risk, profitability and/or cash flow on its reported financial performance. It analysed significant red flag items most likely to be subject to estimation and management discretion. It seeks to explain in the context of managerial stakeholder theory whether management had any earnings management motivations for presenting the financial data as it was originally in the annual report; and whether in the context of positive accounting theory does the bonus plan hypothesis explain managements| motivations. The study concludes with a four-year comparative analysis 2004-2007 of significant accounting ratios; and evaluates the extent to which the ratios have been affected by the estimates adopted from the accrual accounting processes.

Keywords: accounting analysis; international case study; accrual accounting estimates; stakeholder theory; management motivation; Harley Davidson Inc; risk; profitability; cash flow; financial performance; earnings management; positive accounting theory; accounting ratios.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMFA.2010.035640

International Journal of Managerial and Financial Accounting, 2010 Vol.2 No.4, pp.401 - 430

Published online: 01 Oct 2010 *

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