Narrative Research in Accounting and Finance

Narratives in financial disclosures have been extensively researched since the 1980s. While narrative research in the UK is predominantly qualitative while in the US predominantly quantitative, recent topics in narrative accounting in the UK have increasing use of quantitative and mixed methods. I am interested students interested in doing narrative research in accounting and finance, particularly in short disclosures such as trading updates, earnings press releases and interim management statements. Students need to have a background in accounting and / or finance although some economics students may fit this topic as well. Students do not need to have a background in quantitative techniques although necessary training will be provided within the course of the PhD if such techniques are employed. The goal of PhD from this topic is to develop multiple potentially publishable papers in reputed accounting and finance journals. The papers submitted to journals will be co-authored by the student and thesis supervisors. Students will have the opportunity to attend statistical analysis, narrative and other related workshops both within and outside of Brunel University (in UK). Potentially publishable papers will also have the opportunity to be presented in reputable accounting and finance conferences and seminars, including the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) conferences.