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1 – 10 of over 5000Daria Arkhipova, Marco Montemari, Chiara Mio and Stefano Marasca
This paper aims to critically examine the accounting and information systems literature to understand the changes that are occurring in the management accounting profession. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to critically examine the accounting and information systems literature to understand the changes that are occurring in the management accounting profession. The changes the authors are interested in are linked to technology-driven innovations in managerial decision-making and in organizational structures. In addition, the paper highlights research gaps and opportunities for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopted a grounded theory literature review method (Wolfswinkel et al., 2013) to achieve the study’s aims.
Findings
The authors identified four research themes that describe the changes in the management accounting profession due to technology-driven innovations: structured vs unstructured data, human vs algorithm-driven decision-making, delineated vs blurred functional boundaries and hierarchical vs platform-based organizations. The authors also identified tensions mentioned in the literature for each research theme.
Originality/value
Previous studies display a rather narrow focus on the role of digital technologies in accounting work and new competences that management accountants require in the digital era. By contrast, the authors focus on the broader technology-driven shifts in organizational processes and structures, which vastly change how accounting information is collected, processed and analyzed internally to support managerial decision-making. Hence, the paper focuses on how management accountants can adapt and evolve as their organizations transition toward a digital environment.
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This study aims to investigate the relationship between top manager tenure and the sophistication level of management accounting system (MAS) in extant literature.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between top manager tenure and the sophistication level of management accounting system (MAS) in extant literature.
Design/methodology/approach
Cumulating evidence from 31 studies (N = 12,739), this study meta-analytically examines the central question of whether top managers' tenure is significantly associated with MAS sophistication after correcting individual studies for statistical artifacts. The study also assesses the strength of this association bniy exploring the influence of several moderating factors.
Findings
The findings show that long-tenured top managers are not significantly related to MAS sophistication. However, the moderator analtgcqyses indicate that the relationship between top manager tenure and MAS sophistication is moderated by tenure measurement type, firm sector and size. The study provides evidence for the significant moderation of tenure measurement type (i.e. position tenure). The results also argue that top manager tenure matters for MAS sophistication in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and firms in the private sector.
Originality/value
The meta-analysis summarizes existing studies quantitatively to expand prior narrative reviews by providing definitive evidence of the overall effect of top manager tenure on MAS sophistication.
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Benjamin Nitsche, Jonas Brands, Horst Treiblmaier and Jonas Gebhardt
Academics and practitioners have long acknowledged the potential of multiagent systems (MAS) to automate and autonomize decision-making in logistics and supply chain networks…
Abstract
Purpose
Academics and practitioners have long acknowledged the potential of multiagent systems (MAS) to automate and autonomize decision-making in logistics and supply chain networks. Despite the manifold promises of MAS, industry adoption is lagging behind, and the exact benefits of these systems remain unclear. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing 11 specific MAS use cases, highlighting their benefits, clarifying how they can help enhance logistics network resilience and identifying existing barriers.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-stage Delphi study was conducted with 18 industry experts. In the first round, these experts identified 11 use cases of MAS and their potential benefits, as well as any barriers that could hinder their adoption. In the second round, they assessed the identified use cases with regard to their potential to enhance logistics network resilience and improve organizational productivity. Furthermore, they estimated the complexity of MAS implementation. In the third round, the experts reassessed their evaluations in light of the evaluations of the other study participants.
Findings
This study proposes 11 specific MAS use cases and illustrates their potential for increasing logistics network resilience and enhancing organizational performance due to autonomous decision-making in informational processes. Furthermore, this study discusses important barriers for MAS, such as lack of standardization, insufficient technological maturity, soaring costs, complex change management and a lack of existing use cases. From a theoretical perspective, it is shown how MAS can contribute to resilience research in supply chain management.
Practical implications
The identification and assessment of diverse MAS use cases informs managers about the potential of this technology and the barriers that need to be overcome.
Originality/value
This study fills a gap in the literature by providing a thorough and up-to-date assessment of the potential of MAS for logistics and supply chain management. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relevance of MAS for logistics network resilience using the Delphi method.
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Hung Quang Bui, Tu Thanh Hoai, Hoa Anh Tran and Nguyen Phong Nguyen
Based on the contingency theory and resource-based view, this study develops and tests a moderated mediation model explaining the performance implications of the interaction…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the contingency theory and resource-based view, this study develops and tests a moderated mediation model explaining the performance implications of the interaction between the accountants’ participation in strategic decision-making (APAR) and accounting capacity (ACAP) in promoting the use of management accounting systems (MAS) toward enhancing firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, the authors tested the proposed model and its hypotheses with survey data from 340 large Vietnamese firms.
Findings
The results indicate that (1) MAS act as the full mediator in the positive relationship between APAR and firm performance, and (2) ACAP positively moderates the effect of APAR on the use of MAS.
Originality/value
This study bridges the gap between accounting and strategic management literature by elucidating the mechanism by which the involvement of accountants in strategic issues improves the use of MAS toward enhancing firm performance and increases the current understanding of ACAP as a boundary condition for this mechanism.
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Salah A. Hammad, Ruzita Jusoh and Elaine Yen Nee Oon
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to examine the relationship between contextual factors, management accounting system (MAS) and managerial performance within…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to examine the relationship between contextual factors, management accounting system (MAS) and managerial performance within the health care industry. In particular, it aims to uncover the contextual factors influencing the design of MAS that would enhance managerial performance in Egyptian hospitals.
Design/methodology/approach
The premise of contingency theory is utilized to identify the contextual factors that may influence the use of MAS; namely organizational strategy, technology, structure, external environment, and size. The mediating role of MAS on the impact of managerial performance is examined through the extent to which managers use the four information characteristics associated with the design of MAS: scope, timeliness, aggregated, and integrated.
Findings
This framework provides clarity in linking the perceived usefulness of MAS information characteristics to managerial performance that has been viewed as problematic by past studies.
Research limitations/implications
The Egyptian hospital industry is chosen as the ideal setting to investigate the relationship between contextual factors, MAS and managerial performance because of its complexity and continuous inept administration despite years following its reform.
Practical implications
This framework helps practitioners develop new approaches in designing MAS within the health care sector.
Originality/value
This framework adds invaluable insights to the existing literature regarding performance implications of MAS design and functionality, especially within the health care sector.
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Michael Minkov and Anneli Kaasa
Recent studies exposed serious issues with Hofstede's popular model of culture, especially his uncertainty avoidance (UA) and masculinity-femininity (MAS–FEM) dimensions. However…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent studies exposed serious issues with Hofstede's popular model of culture, especially his uncertainty avoidance (UA) and masculinity-femininity (MAS–FEM) dimensions. However those studies did not focus on work-related issues as in Hofstede’s research.
Design/methodology/approach
We followed Hofstede’s approach to his dimensions more closely than anyone before in a large cross-cultural study. We used data from the nationally representative International Social Survey Program (over 50,000 respondents from 47 countries), measuring work goals and work-related stress in a way similar to Hofstede's.
Findings
UA and MAS–FEM, as measured and described by Hofstede, did not replicate. They lack internal consistency and the items that target them are not associated with Hofstede's UA and MAS–FEM indices. Instead, some of those items follow a very different and sound logic, invalidating Hofstede's UA and MAS–FEM theories. Our study provides additional evidence that UA and MAS–FEM are misleading artifacts of Hofstede's IBM database, with no analogues outside IBM. An improved, recently reported version of individualism-collectivism (IDV-COLL) replicated nearly perfectly, solidifying the validity of that dimension of national culture. A revised version of long-term orientation, called flexibility–monumentalism (FLX–MON) also replicated well.
Research limitations/implications
We discuss lessons for the cross-cultural field, including cross-cultural management, as well as policy-making by national governments, to be drawn from the controversial story of Hofstede's model. We advise a stronger focus on empirical confirmation and replication rather than excessive faith in fascinating, yet unproven theory.
Practical implications
To avoid further confusion, we advise researchers, consultants and managers to reconsider the use of Hofstede's UA and MAS–FEM and focus on the valid dimensions in the revised Minkov-Hofstede model.
Social implications
A number of national governments recently launched large-scale studies of their national cultures, based on Hofstede's model. The goal of those studies was to involve culture in the design of social and economic development policies. Studies of this kind should be founded on empirically sound models or else they can result in the formulation of flawed policies.
Originality/value
This is the first study of large samples from many nations showing that even when Hofstede's method is followed closely by focusing on work-related issues, UA and MAS–FEM do not emerge from the data, and this is not because of data deficiencies but because the logic of UA and MAS–FEM is demonstrably flawed. Our study also demonstrates new methods for the replication of IDV-COLL and FLX–MON, though without claiming that they are superior to existing ones.
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Reza Ghasemi, Noor Azmi Mohamad, Meisam Karami, Norkhairul Hafiz Bajuri and Ezzatollah Asgharizade
This study aims to examine the effect of interaction between market competition and management accounting system (MAS) characteristics on managerial performance. Scope of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of interaction between market competition and management accounting system (MAS) characteristics on managerial performance. Scope of the study is concentrated on Iranian financial organizations and managers of these organizations were identified as respondents for the questionnaire survey.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used the SmartPLS to analyze the data, and the model of the study was estimated with structural equation modeling (SEM). It follows the recommended two-stage analytical procedures of SEM: assessing confirmatory measurement models (factor analysis) and confirmatory structural models (path analysis).
Findings
The study uncovered the existence of direct relationships between competition and MAS, and between MAS and managerial performance. The study also confirmed that the relationship between competition and managerial performance is mediated by MAS.
Research limitations/implications
The findings provide valuable insights to guide managers in financial organizations to improve their performance through suitable MAS by considering internal and environmental factors. Recommendations on how to improve MAS and managerial performance are provided accordingly.
Originality/value
Prior researches confirm that there is no unique and universal MAS for all organizations, as this depends on internal firm characteristics and environmental features. However, there has been a lack of empirical evidence on MAS researches in the service organizations.
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Tanja Wolf, Michael Kuttner, Birgit Feldbauer-Durstmüller and Christine Mitter
Academic interest in role changes of management accountants (MAs) has increased during the past two decades. Role changes imply identity reconstructions as they do not only…
Abstract
Purpose
Academic interest in role changes of management accountants (MAs) has increased during the past two decades. Role changes imply identity reconstructions as they do not only require an external legitimacy, but professionals have to internalize a new role script. Thus, this paper aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing changes concerning MAs by providing an identity perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper systematically reviews the literature on the changing role of MAs from an identity perspective, based on a conclusive sample of 64 articles.
Findings
This review identified several external factors such as professional associations and educational institutions as well as organizational and individual factors that impact MAs’ identity and act as change drivers. MAs’ identity is linked with their image in the public and within the organization and is challenged by increasing demands, conflicting expectations and technological progress. Hence, the literature sample illustrates a fragmented and contradictory picture regarding the changes of MAs’ identities and roles and displays that the idea of a simple movement from one identity to another is misleading. Furthermore, the identity perspective offers new issues for management accounting research, practice and education such as nested identity, multiple or desired identities.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to review the literature of MAs’ changing identities and roles from an identity perspective. This perspective enables a novel focus on internal views, perceptions and internalized meanings of MAs connected with their role instead of exclusively debating changed external behavior expectations.
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The objective of this longitudinal case study is to study management control problems in corporate mergers and acquisitions. This is executed by analysing the post acquisition…
Abstract
The objective of this longitudinal case study is to study management control problems in corporate mergers and acquisitions. This is executed by analysing the post acquisition merger processes of two companies of equal size, but with different cultures and management accounting systems (MAS). It is argued that the MAS evolution in such a context may differ significantly from other types of merger and acquisition. The study examines how the new MAS developed after the acquisition. It is argued that goal ambiguity, cultural conflicts, unintended consequences, and dominant individuals play a crucial role in such a process. The study expands and deepens previous findings on MAS integration after corporate mergers, and management accounting change and continuity in general. After comparing the findings of the case study with earlier research, the analysis is expanded and deepened through structuration theory and goal ambiguity.
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Adebayo Agbejule and Ashley Burrowes
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU), supplier development (SUD) and the use of broad scope management…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU), supplier development (SUD) and the use of broad scope management accounting systems (MAS) information. In recent years, many companies have come to recognize the important role supply chain purchasing strategy plays in achieving competitive advantage. One of the key components of the supply chain purchasing strategy is supplier development. In addition, there have been calls for research into how changes in supply chain management affect the use of MAS.
Design/methodology/approach
About 78 managers from different organizations participated in this Finnish study. Using operations management and accounting literature, four hypotheses were proposed in the study. Data were collected from managers using a mail‐out questionnaire.
Findings
The results revealed that PEU is a determinant of SUD, which, in turn, is a determinant of the use of MAS. In other words, SUD plays a mediating role in the relationship between PEU and the use of broad scope MAS information.
Research limitations/implications
This paper describes the responses from 78 managers in medium to large size manufacturing firms in North‐Western Finland and consequently a caveat about generalizability is appropriate notwithstanding the high‐global esteem of Finnish manufacturing.
Practical implications
The competitive production environment that exists today has forced many firms into lean production. This paper suggests that under such conditions of uncertainty the incorporation of SUD data into the MAS may prove very salutary.
Originality/value
The findings of this paper should prove useful to firms entertaining an upgrade and broadening the scope of their MAS to include supply chain management information, particularly as it relates to supplier development.
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