ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is concerned with ‘accounting lag’ and the problem of existing accounting measures failing to reflect fully the advantage of new manufacturing systems. It examines the extent to which accounting and engineering practitioners can rely on professional journals as sources of information when seeking to overcome the limitations of accounting measures. The book reviews the literature concerning the evaluation of investments in advanced manufacturing systems and identifies new areas for research. It provides outlines an optimisation model which has been developed for the simultaneous evaluation of leasing and purchasing options. The book also examines the influence of the macroeconomic environment on European corporate capital structure. It considers the impact of ‘financial shocks’ on the price of a security. It explores the legislative background to summary financial statements.
