Citation
Evans, S. (2007), "Literature and insights", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 20 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aaaj.2007.05920eaa.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Literature and insights
Given that this year's final issue of the AAAJ will be a special one without a Literature and Insights section, I am bringing the festive season forward. Well, not strictly speaking, but I am taking the opportunity with this editorial to dwell on Christmas. So, put on your party hats, pull out your list of presents, and here we go.
Engineers have investigated the aerodynamic properties of Santa's sleigh, and we still do not know how that thing flies. Time and motion experts have tried to establish how his North Pole workshop can produce so many toys in one year without requiring a factory the size of China; the world needs some of that efficiency at the moment, but I do worry about its contribution to greenhouse gases. Now Dianne M. Dean tackles the question that really keeps us all awake at night – will we be able to afford the traditional range of Christmas presents this year? If her analysis is any guide, you and I just might be in trouble in 2007.
Dean's creative work below sets out a comparison of the cost of the 12 days of Christmas, which run from the 25 of December to Epiphany on the 6 of January, as we all know (or not). This kind of analysis seems to be a popular, if slightly scary, pastime for accountants and financial advisors. One example is the Christmas Price Index produced by PNC Wealth Management and Institutional Investments to illustrate the effects of inflation (a web search will throw that one up), but nothing seems as detailed and unsettling as Dean's approach. Now, you are thinking, what are the hidden costs? Where does one house all of those animals, for instance, and who is going to find the wherewithal to feed every one of those dancers and pipers and lords? It is bad enough finding sufficient food in the pantry to sustain the relatives when they land for a festive celebration. Perhaps, we can offset the costs by breeding new stock out of this lot and selling it to other gift-givers in a year's time.
It all gets rather complicated, does not it? I am opting for simplicity; otherwise known as a good book, pleasant company, chocolate and good cheer. In whatever way you choose to celebrate the end of the year, I hope that it brings you the joy you wish for and the things that you need (hopefully there will be something more exciting than a new calculator in your stocking).
Your contributions of creative writing are always welcome.
Steve EvansLiterary Editor