Title

Equational Zero Vector Databases, Non-Equational Databases, and Inherent Internal Control

Author Info

Roberta Ann Barra, University of Hawaii at Hilo
Arline Savage, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Jeff J. Tsay, University of Texas at Arlington

Recommended Citation

Postprint version. Published in International Journal of Business Information Systems, Volume 6, Issue 3, January 1, 2010, pages 354-377.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1504/IJBIS.2010.03505.

Abstract

Equational zero vector accounting systems, based on duality principles and the double-entry model, were designed as ontological control systems to help prevent and detect fraud and errors inherent in non-equational, single-entry systems. Non-equational systems lend themselves to fraud and errors to a larger degree because the internal control inherent in an equational zero vector system has no substitute. We use an analytical analysis methodology to show that an equational zero vector system provides superior inherent internal control over data completeness and data reliability. In the accounting information systems area, the most popular modern non-equational system, the resource-event-agent model, is increasingly being promoted as a replacement for the equational zero vector accounting system. We contend that, although non-equational accounting system frameworks can be modelled with controls, they do not achieve the degree of control inherent in an equational zero vector accounting system without becoming an equational zero vector accounting system.

Disciplines

Accounting | Business

Copyright

2010 Inderscience Publishers.

Publisher statement

The following article appeared in International Journal of Business Information Systems