Indexal Thinking – Reconfiguring Global Topologies for Market-Based Intervention

Abstract

Author/s Biography/ies:Afshin Mehrpouya is an associate professor of accounting and management control systems at HEC Paris. Trained as a medical doctor in Iran, Afshin also holds an MBA and PhD in management. In his research he explores the expanding role of accounting regimes and performance measurement in transnational governance. His current research projects focus on the production and consumption of rankings and genealogical analysis of norms such as transparency in global governance. He has conducted empirical investigations of empirical fields ranging from access to medicine, to sovereign wealth funds, responsible investments, urban sustainability and the New Financial Architecture. Prior to starting his academic career, Afshin worked in the design of environmental and social rankings and ratings, with focus on healthcare and nutrition. Science. Rita's research is in the area of social and institutional studies of accounting. She has a broad interest in the changing roles and rationales of accounting and economic calculation in different governance settings. She is particularly interested in examining economic calculation from the perspective of the history and sociology of science, unpacking the epistemic assumptions underlying costing and performance measurement approaches. She has worked on empirical topics such as the appraisal of large public sector projects and the rise of rankings in transnational governance.