Re: MicroStrategy, how did the national office of PWC learn that there may be “issues” with the financial statements that had been approved by one of its own partners?
Should the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud be extended from 5 years to 10? Why or why not? What are the downsides to the proposed legislation?
If they “have it all,” why do execs commit fraud? Do you agree with the arguments presented in the article?
Do you think a computer program that analyzes word patterns in the MD&A can be a good predictor of fraud in the financial statements? Will firms learn to alter their wordings, knowing that the SEC is using word patterns as a detection device?
Why does the government tend to “go after” companies, rather than individual executives, in alleged fraud cases? What are the consequences of this strategy for mitigating future fraud attempts?
Which in your opinion would be more effective as a deterrent to shenanigans/fraud: increased penalties from the SEC, or jury trials?
