Details of the task
There are many methods that companies might use to manipulate their earnings. One of these methods is the misclassification of recurring expenses to increase earnings before exceptional items which is known as classification shifting. It is a relatively new research area especially in the UK. Therefore, you are required to propose a research in the field of accounting and finance that investigates whether top management use classification shifting to affect their wealth (their remuneration or their stock ownership).
The proposed research needs to have the potentials to contribute meaningfully to our general knowledge and/or policy-making.
In the proposal, the following elements need to be covered:
1. Executive summary
2. Introduction highlighting background of your research problem.
3. Research objectives.
4. The importance of the proposed research
5. A review of the relevant literature
6. 2-4 research questions and/or research hypotheses
7. The proposed research design, method of data collection and analysis.
Pay particular attention to:
• Your introduction,
• Your conclusion,
• The use of headings and/or signpost words
• Paragraph structure
Special note: You need to pay special attention to making proper referencing