Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Social accounting is a method of assessing the impact of development activities that goes beyond traditional financial measures. It involves the examination of both financial and non-financial indicators to evaluate an organization's performance in terms of social and environmental outcomes. This research project aims to explore the application of social accounting in assessing the impact of development activities in various sectors. The study will review existing literature on social accounting and its relevance to development activities. It will also examine case studies of organizations that have successfully implemented social accounting practices to measure their social impact. By analyzing these cases, the research aims to identify best practices and challenges in using social accounting as a tool for assessing development impact. Furthermore, the project will involve conducting interviews with key stakeholders in development projects, such as funders, project managers, and beneficiaries. These interviews will provide insights into the perceptions and experiences of different actors regarding the use of social accounting in evaluating development outcomes. The data collected from these interviews will be analyzed to identify common themes and patterns related to the effectiveness of social accounting in assessing development impact. In addition, the research will explore the potential benefits of integrating social accounting into the monitoring and evaluation frameworks of development projects. By incorporating social accounting practices into project management processes, organizations can enhance their ability to track and communicate their social impact to stakeholders. This can lead to improved accountability, transparency, and decision-making within development initiatives. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on social accounting and its application in assessing the impact of development activities. By highlighting the importance of considering social and environmental factors in addition to financial metrics, the study aims to promote more holistic approaches to measuring development outcomes. Through a combination of literature review, case studies, and stakeholder interviews, the research will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with using social accounting as a method of evaluating development impact.

Thesis Overview