Environmental Accounting — DU B.Com. (Hons.) Previous Year Question Papers

Type of the Paper : DSE Q1. Critically analyse the evolution of the "Triple Bottom Line" (TBL) approach. How does it transition corporate accountability from purely economic profit-maximization to a broader socio-environmental framework? Also, give examples of how companies measure the 'People' and 'Planet' metrics. (18) Q2. Distinguish between Financial Accounting with Social Accounting. Also, discuss the limitations of conventional financial statements in reflecting a firm's true operational cost to society? (18) Q3. Evaluate the statutory provisions for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), under Section 135 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013. Also, explain the criteria for applicability, mandatory spending limits, and the implications of the "comply or explain" mandate for large conglomerates. (18) Q4. Discuss the methodology and strategic role of a "Social Audit." How does a social audit function as a rigorous internal control mechanism for management, as opposed to merely serving as an external public relations tool? (18) Q5. (a) Define "Social Costs" and "Social Benefits" with relevant heavy-industry examples. Also, discuss the primary challenges accountants face while they assign a monetary value to environmental degradation or community welfare? (18) Q6. Examine the role of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards in sustainability reporting. Does the standardization of social accounting practices effectively prevent corporate manipulation of environmental data, or does it risk becoming a superficial compliance checklist? (18) Q7. “Stakeholder Theory posts that a corporation owes a duty of accounting and transparency to all stakeholders affected by its operations not just its financial shareholders.” Analyse the statement using the principles of Social Accounting. (18) Q.8. A chemical company is proposing to set up a new plant in a rural area. Assess the project's viability from a social accounting perspective using the following annual estimates: Economic Profit from Operations: ₹ 50,00,000 Cost of Environmental Pollution: ₹ 12,00,000 Value of Local Infrastructure Development: ₹ 8,00,000 Economic displacement of local agriculture: ₹ 6,00,000 Value of indirect local employment generated: ₹ 15,00,000 Calculate the Net Social Benefit (or Cost) of the project. 2. Determine whether the project should be approved if the government requires a Net Social Return of at least ₹ 5, 00,000 above the economic profit. (18)