The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has signed an agreement with the University of Dayton (UD) Department of Accounting and School of Business Administration, securing subject-matter experts to contribute to several research projects in 2015. This year-long pilot program is a seminal initiative, as it reflects IFAC’s commitment to gathering and using empirical data, when appropriate, to enhance the strength and quality of its work. In addition, it signals IFAC’s efforts to evolve and strengthen its ties with the academic community.
Under the agreement, UD will supplement its capacity by engaging leading academics with subject-matter expertise from around the world, when appropriate, to meet IFAC’s diverse research needs. Identified projects for the coming year include: the IFAC Global Small- and Medium-Sized Practice (SMP) Survey; an examination of the role of SMPs in providing business support to small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs); a review of public sector financial reporting in Africa and the Caribbean; and a review of the role of accounting advice on the performance of entities of various sizes.
At the end of the UD agreement, IFAC will evaluate the pilot and consider next steps.