Accounting Information Systems in modern times

In the Netherlands Starreveld's theory on Accounting Information Systems has a long standing tradition. Could a theory from the sixties of last century still be useful? Although useful, complementing the theory with a risk-based approach that takes into account the specific context is essential, says Arco van de Ven in his Dutch column.

Has the theory of Starreveld lost its value? This is a question that caused heated debates 20 years ago among the accounting information systems scholars. The struggle was between those who supported Starreveld's theory and their fervent opponents. I personally thought that this conflict had ended long ago. But, unfortunately, this discussion resurfaced yet again in a recent lecture. Starreveld was still included in the learning material and we still teach our students his theory. Quite an accomplishment on Starreveld's part that a theory from the 1950s-60s still is being taught. Does it have value nowadays? Yes, I think that the typology model to assure the completeness of revenue recognition has great value. Is it enough? No, I don’t think so. We need a more risk based approach to deal with the more complex organizations of our times.

Read Arco van de Ven's full column on TIAS' Dutch-language website.