2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Published academic articles and empirical studies of SMEs cover a diverse range of topics. Although authors note that academics have had difficulty researching SMEs for a lack of information (Yigui & Shumin, 2010; Evans et al., 2005; Collis et al., 2001). This review focuses on the issues related to financial reporting by SMEs. First, the economic significance of SMEs is reviewed. The review then looks at differential reporting for SMEs. Next, studies investigating the users of SME financial reports and their needs are reviewed. Finally, the
relevance of certain accounting topics to SMEs and the relevance of the new IFRS-SME standards have been studied to some extent by various academics. Their findings and opinions are included in the review.