Finance
At the 2007 American Accounting Association’s Annual Meeting, a renowned archeologist, Denise Schmandt-Besserat, said that global business would have never flourished but for double-entry accounting and the needed credible recordkeeping that goes with it. Her research is argued to show that civilization began with double-entry accounting, and writing began with the needed recordkeeping to capture debts and promises. The idea is that without an ability to keep track of promises of future performance, inter-temporal exchanges could never happen, without which commerce would have been stifled.
While I am paraphrasing, accounting scholarship has played a key role in understanding the way the business world operates. My colleagues at the Jones School have played and continue to play an important role in developing our common understanding of capital markets, business contracting and agency relationships and how accounting helps shape them.
One of the initiatives we are particularly excited about is the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program, which features world-class accounting faculty and a curriculum designed for students with non-business undergraduate academic background. You can learn more about the MAcc program online.
I am very proud to say that I am part of a group of trailblazing senior scholars who have made major contributions to accounting research and pedagogy, balanced by vibrant, next-generation-scholars who will reach even greater heights. My colleagues include:
- A member of The Accounting Hall of Fame;
- A current editor of two of the top-3 accounting research journals; and
- Recipient of academe’s research impact award for management accounting practice.
My colleagues’ teaching accomplishments are extraordinary. Their passion for educating the future leaders of a premier business school and a world-class research university is frequently recognized by teaching awards at the Jones School’s annual investiture. Who would have guessed that debits and credits can be that inspiring! As you become part of the Jones School and Rice University, I urge you to visit with my colleagues and learn more about their research agenda and teaching interests. It would be worth your time.