According to Gleeson-White (2014, p.216), "When I first considered the six capitals model, it seemed to offer a way to argue for the value of employees (or the other living capitals) and against their dismissal in times of economic downturn, because they comprised essential company value, a human capital stock. But the more I questioned the advocates of integrated reporting [emphasis added] about the benefits it offered the capitals other than financial capital, the more it appeared that financial capital remained the ultimate concern of this integrated way of thinking. Early examples such as Coca-Cola Hellenic's integrated report, with its dismissal of 1356 people in favour of cost reduction, suggests that for the moment integrated reporting does not change the rule of financial capital over the other capitals".

 REQUIRED:

• Discuss the accounting profession's stance on Integrated Reporting (IR). 
• Evaluate the integrated reports produced by an Australian company and another companies of your choice. 
• In your view, does Integrated Reporting provide assurance to all stakeholders in terms of an organisation's strategies, governance, performance, and prospects according to the IR framework? 

 There are three sections in this research component in the above required question. Select a company's latest annual report of one of the following companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.  You are required to answer following assignment questions for the company selected in a report format and compare the findings of your company (wherever necessary) with another competing company from the same industry selected by you preferably from ASX 200 companies available at http://www.asx200list.com/

 

1. APA Group Stapled (Utilities)
2. Amcor Limited (Materials)
3. Blackmores Limited (Consumer Staples)
4. Cochlear Limited (Healthcare)
5. Crown Resorts Limited (Consumer Discretionary)
6. CSL Limited (Healthcare)
7. Fortescue Metals Group LTD (Materials)
8. Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (Consumer Discretionary)

 

• All annual reports are available on the website of these companies.
• Choosing a company other than those mentioned above is also permitted. You should consult with your lecturer. 

 

Part B: Section A:

• Discuss the accounting profession's stance on Integrated Reporting (IR).

 

Part B: Section B: 

• Evaluate the integrated reports produced by an Australian company and another companies of your choice.

Part B: Section C: 

• In your view, does Integrated Reporting provide assurance to all stakeholders in terms of an organisation's strategies, governance, performance, and prospects according to the IR framework?