A note on the using of accounting databases

TY - JOUR

T1 - A note on the using of accounting databases

AU - Yang, David C.

AU - Vasarhelyi, Miklos A.

AU - Liu, Caixing

PY - 2003

Y1 - 2003

N2 - This paper identifies potential data problems when using accounting databases. To examine data errors, two commonly used accounting databases, Value Line and Compustat, are compared in their qualitative and quantitative features. Data are examined using seven variables over a period of 11 years. Substantial data differences are found, most of which are attributable to definitional discrepancies and others to direct measurement error. Finally, recommendations for dealing with these problems are presented, to preparers of databases as well as standard setters.

AB - This paper identifies potential data problems when using accounting databases. To examine data errors, two commonly used accounting databases, Value Line and Compustat, are compared in their qualitative and quantitative features. Data are examined using seven variables over a period of 11 years. Substantial data differences are found, most of which are attributable to definitional discrepancies and others to direct measurement error. Finally, recommendations for dealing with these problems are presented, to preparers of databases as well as standard setters.

KW - Accounting

KW - Data integrity

KW - Databases

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0041361779&partnerID=8YFLogxK

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0041361779&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1108/02635570310465689

DO - 10.1108/02635570310465689

M3 - Review article

SN - 0263-5577

VL - 103

SP - 204

EP - 210

JO - Industrial Management and Data Systems

JF - Industrial Management and Data Systems

IS - 3-4

ER -