Accounting fraud Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Accounting fraud - Research Paper Example This paper identifies research problem and purpose in a research paper, aligns the problem and purpose to identify strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research methods and case study design, and justifies selection of qualitative methods and the case study design over other research methods and designs. Overview of the research problem and purpose Fraud, a deception or misrepresentation that aims at deriving unauthorized gain, is a common phenomenon in organizations and has extensive effects on different stakeholders. Examples of fraud include employee embezzlement, vendor fraud, customer fraud, and management fraud including financial statement fraud (Albrecht et al, 2012). Prevention is the most economical approach to managing fraud but limited research has been conducted on the best technique for preventing fraud besides rule-based-strategies. Sufficient research has however been done on other control measures such as auditing. Lack of empirical findings on fraud prevention st rategies is therefore the research problem with focus on in-house data forensic and developing an understanding on the factors affecting in house data forensic is the research’s purpose. Alignment of the research problem, purpose The research problem and purpose can be explored through qualitative research methods and case study design. ... One of the characteristics of qualitative research is its flexibility that allows for adequate alternatives to exploration. Its methodology allows for development of designs, procedures, and data collection strategies within research processes, a property that maximizes data utility because suitable and adequate data is collected for research. The research method also focuses data interpretation and therefore relies on few variables for specific purpose. It is therefore able to overcome limitation of data on variables and develop meaning on a problem. Another feature of the qualitative approach, based on Academic Conferences, is its objective of a comprehensive and informed description of a subject. The aim of the study, being an understanding of in-house data forensic therefore identify this property’s significance because a complete definition of the forensic approach and description of its features and factors around it will inform of its potential challenges and optimal ap plication in fraud prevention. A qualitative researcher do not need much information prior to research and this not only identify ease of implementation but establishes a strength in research fields that have not been explored and therefore lack sufficient background information. The researcher is also able to approach the study from a neutral perspective because of lack of pre-emption (Academic Conferences, 2010). Flexibility is also strength of the method, also though it is also a characteristic feature. Selected research design can be reviewed at any stage of the research process to facilitate the objectives. Flexibility also allows the method to adjust to challenges that may emerge during a research process or dynamism