How to Form a New Special Interest Group

The following is an illustration of how to form a new Special Interest Group of the BAA. The information provided below is very full, and in practice less content would be sufficient. The BAA General Secretary, Jeffrey Unerman, may be able to advise on the constitutional or procedural matters.

After the necessary information has been assembled, this needs to be formally submitted to the General Secretary, who will arrange for it to be put to a meeting of the Executive Committee of the BAA for approval.

If it is approved, a small amount of money (currently 300 pounds) will normally be advanced by the BAA to the Treasurer of the new SIG to cover initial, pump-priming expenses. Thereafter, the SIG will be expected to be self-financing and to present annual accounts which can be consolidated with those of the BAA as a whole.

Information required for the BAA Executive Committee to approve the formation of a SIG is the general case for the SIG, identification of a potential committee (purposes, structure, processes, activities, scope, terms if reference) and a draft constitution.

The General Case for an X Special Interest Group

X is an important interest area within the British Accounting Association. However, it has been without a Special Interest Group to serve its interests. The X Special Interest Group (XSIG) will serve as a forum for those interested in the academic discipline of X.

Identification of a Potential Executive Steering Committee

Chair : A ( E Uni )
Secretary: B (F Uni)
Treasurer: C (G Uni)
Newsletter Editor: D (H Uni)
Other officers and executive advisory committee (if appropriate)

Membership

After circulating academics in accounting and finance departments in the UK X* members of the BAA, from N different institutions signalled their backing either by e-mail or by signing a form showing interest in the Special Interest Group. (*should be at least 10% of total BAA membership).

Purposes (illustrative)

The main purposes of the XSIG are to: encourage research and scholarship in X; eEstablish a network of researchers and teachers in X; enhance the teaching of X; provide support for PhD students in X; develop close links with the accounting profession so as to inform policy; publish a newsletter and organise targeted workshops; develop and maintain relationships with the British Accounting Association and the Professional Accountancy Institutes; (or some other appropriate selection of purposes, consistent with the aims and objectives of the BAA)

Structure

The XSIG executive committee will report to the BAA Executive through the Chair of the SIG, who will be an ex-officio member of the BAA Executive Committee. The main work of the executive committee will be done by the identified officers.

Processes

The SIG’s AGM will normally take place at the BAA Annual Conference. The Executive Committee will meet at least once more during the year. The Chairman will liaise with members of the BAA Executive on the operational, day-to-day running of the SIG.

Activities of the SIG (illustrative)

The SIG will start by running a newsletter. The newsletter will include details of teaching, research, general news, events and conferences. In addition to the newsletter, there will be targeted workshops. These workshops will be on key specialist areas and concerns to those in the X community. These may be on teaching, research or relationship with the profession. Examples of such themed workshops might be: workshops on specialised research topics; workshops on specialised teaching topics; workshops on issues of interest to both the profession and the financial accounting community.

Scope of the SIG

The SIG will cover all activities covered by X-field academics. This will include research into the whole range of X (e.g. teaching of X at all levels (undergraduate and postgraduate) and relationship to the profession (e.g. how to make academic work relevant).

Terms of Reference

Title: X Special Interest Group (XSIG)

Principal Contact: Prof. IJ

Mailing address:

Email :

How to Join the SIG: Either by contacting IJ or through Kathryn Hewitt, BAA Administrator (K.hewitt@sheffield.ac.uk).

Related Publications: We publish a newsletter twice a year. All BAA members are invited to contribute on a wide-range of issues concerning financial accounting across teaching, administration and research. Contact D for details.

Related Conferences: There will be periodic workshops on specialised teaching and research issues of relevance to SIG members.

General Information: XSIG has been set up to serve as a forum for all those interested in the core academic discipline of X. The SIG aims to improve teaching and research in X. This will involve creating a network of individuals interested in sharing views, ideas and information about X. The SIG aims to help to bridge the gap between practice and academia. The group aims to promote X through its newsletter and periodic special workshops and events which will include PhD students, lectures and members of the accounting profession. As such the XSIG aims to enhance both the academic and the professional aspects of X.