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Ghostwriters in the cloud

Author

Listed:
  • Fisher, Elizabeth
  • McLeod, Alexander J.
  • Savage, Arline
  • Simkin, Mark G.

Abstract

Ghostwriters are “hired guns” who complete online tests, write term papers, or even take entire courses on behalf of others. Several surrogate indicators suggest that the market for ghostwriting is growing. This paper explores the antecedents, ethical considerations, and legal issues involved with ghostwriting, and discusses the authentication techniques, identity-management methodologies, and proctoring options that can help control ghostwriting activities. It also describes a pilot study that the authors conducted of a promising authentication system. Both institutions of higher learning and accounting educators can adopt policies and procedures to deal with ghostwriters, and we include a list of best practices for this problem.

Suggested Citation

  • Fisher, Elizabeth & McLeod, Alexander J. & Savage, Arline & Simkin, Mark G., 2016. "Ghostwriters in the cloud," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 59-71.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joaced:v:34:y:2016:i:c:p:59-71
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccedu.2015.11.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Blaise Cronin, 2015. "The writing on the wall," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 66(5), pages 873-875, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rebele, James E. & St. Pierre, E. Kent, 2019. "A commentary on learning objectives for accounting education programs: The importance of soft skills and technical knowledge," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 71-79.
    2. Apostolou, Barbara & Dorminey, Jack W. & Hassell, John M. & Rebele, James E., 2017. "Accounting education literature review (2016)," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 1-31.
    3. James Bierstaker & William D. Brink & Sameera Khatoon & Linda Thorne, 2024. "Academic Fraud and Remote Evaluation of Accounting Students: An Application of the Fraud Triangle," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 195(2), pages 425-447, November.
    4. Everaert, Patricia & Safari, Maryam, 2021. "Digital self-contained module to assist a writing task on evaluating the financial, social, and environmental performance of a company: Teaching note," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 57(C).

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