Course description
This course presents some (hopefully) interesting aspects of empirical research in financial accounting. In particular, we will focus on the research that dealt with various topics related to SDGs.

The reason why we might be interested in empirical studies on SDGs is that some critiques against SDGs argue its lack of positive evidence. Researchers are busy in evaluating whether SDGs provide benefit to the society. Since the research in this area is still in its infancy, we will find different approaches to the SDGs-related research topics, which are the reflection of the efforts made by the authors. You may agree or disagree with the authors’ conclusions.

This course will consist of lectures by the instructor and presentations by the students. For each week, I will provide a lecture on the topic for the week. The following class will be reserved for students’ presentation and group discussion on the assigned article(s).
Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and submit a final research proposal based on one or more of the articles covered in class.

Syllabus (Topics to be covered)

Course orientation
Reading acidic articles: An introduction
General review articles on SDGs studies in accounting
Gender equality and corporate performance
Environment related disclosure and corporate value

We plan to make a field visit at ‘Ca’ Foscari for SDGs.’ (https://www.cafoscariforsdgs.com/)

Learning Objectives
1. Develop your understanding of the current state of SDGs,
2. Learn how to appreciate and evaluate academic articles so that you can access cutting-edge knowledge, and
3. Develop your skill to design a research project.

Prerequisite
Students are expected to possess understanding of basic statistics. Prior exposure to introductory courses of microeconomics, finance, and financial accounting will be helpful.

Evaluation method
50% individual oral presentation(s) in class
20% participation to class discussions
30% written research proposal on research in SDGs

Bibliography
Main articles which will be covered in class:
Brooks, C., & Oikonomou, I. (2018). The effects of environmental, social and governance disclosures and performance on firm value: A review of the literature in accounting and finance. The British Accounting Review, 50(1), 1-15.
Bebbington, J., & Unerman, J. (2020). Advancing research into accounting and the UN sustainable development goals. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal., 33(7), 1657-1670.
Sobkowiak, M., Cuckston, T., & Thomson, I. (2020). Framing sustainable development challenges: accounting for SDG-15 in the UK. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 33(7), 1671-1703.
Sarhan, A. A., Ntim, C. G., & Al‐Najjar, B. (2019). Board diversity, corporate governance, corporate performance, and executive pay. International Journal of Finance & Economics, 24(2), 761-786.
Li, Y., Gong, M., Zhang, X. Y., & Koh, L. (2018). The impact of environmental, social, and governance disclosure on firm value: The role of CEO power. The British Accounting Review, 50(1), 60-75.
Wong, J. B., & Zhang, Q. (2021). Stock market reactions to adverse ESG disclosure via media channels. The British Accounting Review, in press.

Other articles used in the course
Eden, L., & Wagstaff, M. F. (2021). Evidence-based policymaking and the wicked problem of SDG 5 Gender Equality. Journal of International Business Policy, 4(1), 28-57.
Noe, C. F. (1999). Voluntary disclosures and insider transactions. Journal of Accounting and Economics, 27(3), 305-326.

(More to be added)

Last updated: May 11, 2023