Preface x
CHAPTER 1 Introduction 1
Historical Perspective 2
Contemporary Perspective 3
Growth and Spread of Multinational Operations
Global Competition 5
Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions 6
Financial Innovation 7
Internationalization of Capital Markets 7
North America 8
Asia 8
Western Europe 9
European Equity Markets--A Closer Look 10
Continental Europes New Equity Culture 10
Cross-Border Equity Listing and Issuance 11
Where Are We? 12
Learning Objectives 13
Appendix 1-1 Stock Exchange Web Sites 17
Selected References 18
Discussion Questions 19
Exercises 20
Case 1-1 E-centives, Inc. Raising Capital in Switzerland 22
CHAPTER 2 Development and Classification 24
Development 25
Classification 31
Four Approaches to Accounting Development 31
Legal Systems: Common Law versus Code Law Accounting 32
Practice Systems: Fair Presentation versus Legal Compliance Accounting 33
Selected References 35
Discussion Questions 36
Exercises 37
Case 2-1 Are Classifications of Accounting Outmoded? 40
Case 2-2 Volkswagen Group 41
CHAPTER 3 Comparative Accounting I 44
Six National Financial Accounting Systems 46
France 46
Germany 51
Japan 56
The Netherlands 61
United Kingdom 65
United States 70
Selected References 76
Discussion Questions 76
Exercises 77
Case 3-1 Standing on Principles 81
CHAPTER 4 Comparative Accounting II 83
Reasons for.Choosing These Four Countries and areas 83
Some Observations About the Four Countries and areas and Their
Accounting 84
Four National Financial Accounting Systems 86
Czech Republic 86
China 90
Taiwan 94
……