| Title | Chapter 1: Accounting theories, practices and human capital formation trends |
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| DOI | https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2025.BK497.01 |
| Landing page | https://books.aosis.co.za/index.php/ob/catalog/book/497 |
| License | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ |
| Copyright | Martha Matashu, Lilian I Nwosu & Calvin Mahlaule (eds.). Licensee: AOSIS (Pty) Ltd. The moral rights of the editors and authors have been asserted. |
| Publisher | AOSIS |
| Published on | 2025-09-15 |
| Long abstract | This study presents a conceptual review of selected accounting theories with the view of integrating human capital formation into the practice and discipline of accounting. Accounting is a dynamic field that requires expert professionals with skills to enhance financial management practices across various sectors of the economy. However, the financial and regulatory environments are constantly changing, necessitating a re-evaluation of established practices and educational curricula to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. While several studies have been conducted on accounting in the African context, a notable gap exists in the integration of human capital formation trends within accounting research. This study adopts a traditional literature review approach to examine accounting theories and their inclusion of human capital formation in the discipline. Findings from the literature review reveal that existing theories primarily focus on explaining accounting processes and procedures, with limited attention given to integrating human capital formation. The findings also suggest that applying a human capital perspective yields insights that extend beyond the understanding of accounting practices and principles, fostering approaches for human capital development, professional growth, education and training within the field. The study concludes that effective accounting practices require an integration of human capital formation approaches into both accounting practices and education. Furthermore, the study of accounting theories should be extended to integrate these human capital formation approaches. |
| Print length | 21 pages |
| Language | English (Original) |
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Lilian Ifunanya Nwosu is an associate professor in Accountancy at NWU, South Africa. Her research interests include accountancy, instructional leadership and management, school governing bodies, curriculum studies and Accounting education. She earned a Diploma in Accounting Education from the Federal College of Education in Nigeria and holds several degrees from NWU: a BCom, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and an Honours degree in Educational Management. Additionally, she has an Honours degree in Financial Accounting from Unisa and an MPhil in Accounting Sciences from Unisa, as well as an MA in Education Management with a specialisation in Accounting Education from NWU. She obtained her PhD in Educational Management and Leadership, majoring in Accounting Education, from NWU. She is an accredited assessor and moderator, a member of SAIPA and a tax practitioner. Nwosu has published approximately 36 research papers, including articles, book chapters and conference proceedings. She serves on the Scientific Committee, Ethics Committee and Higher Degrees Committee at NWU. She has collaborated with internal and local partners on writing and publishing research projects. Her research and teaching experience contributed to her receiving the Faculty Teaching Award in 2023 in the field of Accounting Sciences at the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, NWU. She expresses gratitude to God for the academic achievements she has made throughout her career.
Veruschka Pelser-Carstens is an associate professor in Commercial Law at the School of Accounting Sciences, part of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, NWU, South Africa. She graduated with an LLB degree from the Faculty of Law at the then Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (PUCHE) and completed her legal apprenticeship, subsequently being admitted as an attorney. She earned her PhD in Computer Science from the University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu. Her expertise lies in the development and use of serious games for educational purposes, particularly in accountancy education. Her research is affiliated with Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovative Education and Training in South Africa (TELIT-SA), a research entity dedicated to creating an interdisciplinary community of practice to enhance best practices for teaching and learning with technology. She has published numerous articles and papers on accountancy education and serves on various teaching, learning and research committees. Her ongoing involvement in these committees has provided her with numerous research opportunities and collaborations both within South Africa and internationally. Pelser-Carstens has received several teaching excellence awards, including the NWU Teaching Excellence Award, which has bolstered her expertise in teaching, learning and professional development within higher education institutions. She is dedicated to her responsibilities and strives to perform her duties with professionalism.
Calvin Mahlaule is the deputy director of the School of Accounting Sciences, which is part of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at North-West University (NWU), South Africa. As Deputy Director, he played a key role in introducing the postgraduate programme: a Master’s (MA) degree in Accountancy. Before joining academia, he served in various strategic roles within both the public and private sectors. He has contributed to teaching and learning, scientific and higher education committees. He earned a Master of Commerce (MCom) in Accountancy from NWU, with expertise in South African and international tax, transfer pricing and Accounting education. Mahlaule has presented his research findings at various conferences and served as a programme leader in financial accounting prior to his current role as deputy director. He is strategic in his leadership approach and has published numerous articles in accountancy education while engaging in various national and international collaborations. Self-driven and ambitious in his vision, Mahlaule is committed to ensuring that the school maintains a research-oriented focus to achieve the required research output.