This paper describes in outline the basis of a statistical theory of accounting measurement called 'Statistical Activity Cost Theory'. Some applications are explained through the use of computer simulation. The areas of application are: the statistical properties of the depreciation adjustment; a statistical interpretation of standard costing variables; market values and goodwill as derived, probabilistic concepts; and the relationship of the theory to the fundamental economic forces of consumer preferences and supplier cost functions. The theory has considerable potential to improve understanding of the relationship between accounting numbers and underlying economics processes.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
Research Group:	Accounting, auditing and accountability
Research Field:	Accounting theory and standards
Objective Division:	Economic Framework
Objective Group:	Measurement standards and calibration services
Objective Field:	Service industries standards and calibrations
UTAS Author:	Willett, RJ (Professor Roger Willett)
ID Code:	100532
Year Published:	1998
Deposited By:	TSBE
Deposited On:	2015-05-19
Last Modified:	2015-05-19
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