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Article
Publication date: 16 November 2015

Kamilah Ahmad and Shafie Mohamed Zabri

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that affect the use of management accounting practices (MAPs) in Malaysian medium-sized firms in manufacturing sector.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that affect the use of management accounting practices (MAPs) in Malaysian medium-sized firms in manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design involving the use of postal questionnaire was carried out to investigate the influences of key contingent factors on MAPs. The survey was conducted to 500 Malaysian medium-sized firms in manufacturing sector which elicited 110 useable responses.

Findings

The results indicates that size of the firm, intensity of market competition, commitment of owner/manager of firm and advanced manufacturing technology have significant influences on the use of certain MAPs. Thus the research provides support for a contingency-based explanation for the use of MAPs and identifies new variable such as commitment of owner/manager as one of a key factor that affect the extent of use of MAPs in smaller firms.

Research limitations/implications

The research focused on medium-sized firms in manufacturing sector. Therefore the empirical research results may lack generalizability to the overall Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Future study might investigate whether there is a variation of the significant contingent factors in medium-sized firms across economies.

Practical implications

This research fills in the significant research gap and provides a start for further research into MAPs among SMEs based on a contingency approach.

Social implications

The results contribute to a better understanding of the factors underlying the development of MAPs among smaller firms.

Originality/value

The paper discusses key contingency factors influencing MAPs in larger firms and SMEs and how these factors could affect the use of MAPs in smaller firms’ context.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2017

Filipe Sardo and Zelia Serrasqueiro

The purpose of this paper is to analyse if capital structure decisions of small- and medium-sized Portuguese firms are in accordance with the predictions of dynamic trade-off…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse if capital structure decisions of small- and medium-sized Portuguese firms are in accordance with the predictions of dynamic trade-off theory, more precisely, the speed of adjustment of short-term debt (STD) and long-term debt (LTD) towards the respective target debt ratios.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on two samples of Portuguese firms, 1,377 small-sized firms and 811 medium-sized firms, dynamic estimators were used for the treatment of data obtained from the Amadeus database for the period 2007-2011.

Findings

The results indicate that small- and medium-sized firms adjust their STD and LTD ratios towards the respective target ratios. Small- and medium-sized firms present a high-speed adjustment towards the target STD ratio, suggesting that both types of firm face costs of deviating from the target capital structure, which are, probably, greater than the costs of adjustment associated with STD. However, considering the distance from the target ratio as a determinant of the adjustment speed, the results show the predominance of the negative effect of the costs of adjustment on capital structure adjustment speeds.

Originality/value

The results obtained for the speed of adjustment of STD and LTD, in a recession context, show that for small firms and medium-sized firms, mainly for the former, the costs of external market transactions are prohibitively high, slowing the speed of adjustment towards the target capital structure.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 August 2023

Ahmed Anis

This paper aims to examine the role of Blockchain in the accounting and auditing literature and profession. Specifically, the paper investigates auditors' perceptions about the…

3818

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of Blockchain in the accounting and auditing literature and profession. Specifically, the paper investigates auditors' perceptions about the role of blockchain in accounting and auditing and the perceived potential benefits and challenges of blockchain-based accounting systems in Egypt. Moreover, what are the capabilities required for successfully implementing blockchain-based accounting systems?

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was adopted to achieve the research objectives. The qualitative study included 11 in-depth interviews with external auditors, and the results of the interviews and the literature review helped develop a survey collected from 58 auditors.

Findings

The findings revealed low-to-moderate awareness of Blockchain-based accounting systems. Also, there were significant differences between auditors from large audit firms and small-and-medium audit firms regarding the benefits and challenges associated with Blockchain-based accounting systems.

Practical implications

The results provide valuable insights for practitioners, researchers and policymakers.

Originality/value

Understanding blockchain-based accounting systems and the benefits and challenges associated with their application is crucial for developing effective strategies and frameworks to overcome barriers and realize the transformative potential of blockchain in the accounting and audit market.

Details

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-279X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2013

Martin R.W. Hiebl, Birgit Feldbauer‐Durstmüller and Christine Duller

The purpose of the present paper is to investigate whether the transition from a family business to a non‐family business affects the institutionalisation of management accounting.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the present paper is to investigate whether the transition from a family business to a non‐family business affects the institutionalisation of management accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an online survey among all large and medium‐sized Austrian firms. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to test the impact of the level of family influence on aspects of the institutionalisation of management accounting. Firm size is included as the main control variable.

Findings

A lower level of influence from the controlling family was found to be correlated with the institutionalisation and intensification of management accounting in medium‐sized firms. For large firms, such a linear relationship could not be drawn. The level of education of management accountants was inversely correlated with the level of family influence in both large and medium‐sized firms.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into the reasons, underlying drivers and inter‐organisational promoters of management accounting change in family businesses is needed. Furthermore, the organisational impacts of the transition from family businesses to non‐family businesses deserve further investigation.

Originality/value

A framework for assessing the organisational effects of the transition from family businesses to non‐family businesses is provided. The empirical results on the impact of the transition on the institutionalisation of management accounting are presented. The level of family influence was found to act as a significant contextual factor for the organisation of management accounting in medium‐sized firms.

Details

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1832-5912

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

Siming Liu and Len Skerratt

Since the UK Companies Act 1981, different reporting standards have developed for different classes of company to reduce the reporting burden on non-listed companies. There are…

3215

Abstract

Purpose

Since the UK Companies Act 1981, different reporting standards have developed for different classes of company to reduce the reporting burden on non-listed companies. There are now different regimes for listed, large private, medium-sized, small and micro companies. This strategy raises the issue of whether earnings quality across the different classes of company is comparable. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the smoothness of earnings to measure reporting quality across the different types of companies from 2006 to 2013, based on 514,000 observations. Smoothness is an indicator of poor quality.

Findings

The authors find that listed companies have the highest earnings quality, closely followed by small and micro companies. In contrast, large private and medium-sized companies have much lower earnings quality. Overall, the authors find companies which switch between reporting regimes have lower earnings quality. The authors also find that earnings quality is not affected by the small company exemption from audit.

Research limitations/implications

Companies filing abbreviated accounts are excluded since they do not file an income statement. The recent revisions to UK GAAP (FRS 102 and FRS 105) are not examined due to insufficient data.

Practical implications

The Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) strategy of reducing the financial reporting and auditing obligations for small companies seems not to have significantly affected earnings quality. However, the FRC may need to review the reporting requirements of large private and medium-sized companies and also the option of companies to switch between reporting regimes; in these settings earnings quality appears to be weaker.

Originality/value

The paper studies the effect of earnings quality across the different reporting regimes in the UK. Novel and important features of the study are that the sample covers a wide variety of small and micro companies which have not been analyzed previously; the results are disaggregated by year, for assurance that the results are not driven by a single rogue year; and the authors also address the small company exemption from audit, and the flexibility of non-listed companies to switch between regimes.

Details

Journal of Applied Accounting Research, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-5426

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2021

The Nguyen Huynh

The aim of this article is to investigate the determinants of the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets: evidence from Vietnam.

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this article is to investigate the determinants of the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets: evidence from Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This article relies on the resource-based view to examine the factors affecting the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets. The method employed in the research is the generalized method of moments for testing hypotheses of data collected from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam in the period of 2013–2016.

Findings

The results show that factors such as the intensity of capital investment, age and size of the firm, labor productivity, foreign ownership, location, cost management effectiveness and export activities have a positive effect on the performance of Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises, while revenue growth rate, fixed assets and financial leverage tend to hinder their performance. This has brought important messages that the input markets and the business environment in emerging markets like Vietnam have not yet stimulated well-economic activities.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on a topic that has not been fully explored in small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets in general, and Vietnam in particular. Specifically, small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets reconfigure available resources and strengthen internal capabilities to overcome barriers of the shortages of strategic, rare and irreplaceable resources in order to improve their performance. This is a unique contribution to the existing literature and highlights the original value of this article.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2006

John Goodwin and Kamran Ahmed

This study seeks to examine the impact of Australian equivalents to international financial reporting standards (A‐IFRS) on the accounts of small‐, medium‐ and large‐sized firms.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the impact of Australian equivalents to international financial reporting standards (A‐IFRS) on the accounts of small‐, medium‐ and large‐sized firms.

Design/methodology/approach

For 135 listed Australian entities, the half‐yearly accounts ended 30 June 2005 are examined to identify the effects of A‐IFRS. Data are gathered on the change in major balance sheet and income statement elements, the major reconciling items and earnings variability.

Findings

Findings show that more than half of small firms have no change in net income or equity from A‐IFRS, and that there is an increase in the number of adjustments to net income and equity with firm size. The study also finds that A‐IFRS has increased net income for smalland medium‐sized firms. Equity has increased (decreased) under A‐IFRS for small (large) firms. Small firms experience higher earnings variability than medium‐sized or large firms under A‐IFRS.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited to 31 December reporting date firms and not all A‐IFRS must be complied with when firms restate their comparatives.

Practical implications

Analysts, auditors and other account users should be aware that the effects of A‐IFRS are correlated with firm size.

Originality/value

This is the first Australian empirical paper on the effects of A‐IFRS. It raises doubts about the contentions of some that A‐IFRS will have widespread adverse effects on firms' accounts.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 23 November 2016

Sylvie Berthelot and Janet Morrill

We document the relationship between size, the presence of a full-time accountant, strategy, and the adoption of management control systems (MCSs) in small- and medium-sized

Abstract

Purpose

We document the relationship between size, the presence of a full-time accountant, strategy, and the adoption of management control systems (MCSs) in small- and medium-sized Canadian manufacturing enterprises (SMEs).

Methodology/approach

Using survey results from 247 Canadian SMEs, we use partial least squares to holistically test our model and also present data for each MCS.

Findings

We find that the presence of a professional accountant is strongly associated with the adoption of MCSs and is a significant explanatory variable more often than either size or strategy.

Research limitations/implications

While the impact of organization and strategy has been extensively studied within large organizations, we investigate these relationships within SMEs. Additionally, we investigate the impact of having a full-time accountant, a constraint unique to SMEs due to their limited resources.

Limitations include the fact that we likely have a significant survivor bias as the average age of our sample firms was 30 years. Our analysis of nonresponse bias does not allow us to conclude that such a bias did not exist. Also, it is possible that some respondents believed they had a certain MCS when others might think they did not.

Practical implications

This study will be of interest to owners/managers of manufacturing SMEs, their advisors, and economic development agencies. Our study also has implications for accounting education as most students will work for SMEs.

Originality/value

Few studies have documented the MCSs adopted by North American SMEs, and none have considered the impact of the presence of a full-time accountant.

Book part
Publication date: 12 June 2020

Sujana Adapa, Subba Reddy Yarram and Alison Sheridan

The overarching aim of this chapter is to explore the existing status of mentoring in accounting firms in India and Malaysia, to understand whether or not mentoring is gendered in…

Abstract

The overarching aim of this chapter is to explore the existing status of mentoring in accounting firms in India and Malaysia, to understand whether or not mentoring is gendered in these country contexts, and to investigate the impact of the size of the firm and country context on mentoring. The mentoring framework is used as a theoretical lens to understand the orientation of principals and partners towards the existing and future mentoring support and activities of micro-sized, small-sized, medium-sized, and family-owned accounting firms operating in both India and Malaysia. Data obtained from 40 in-depth interviews (n = 20 in India and n = 20 in Malaysia) are analyzed using qualitative data analysis software NVivo12. The findings obtained from the study indicate that mentoring support exists informally in accounting firms, mentoring support offered and mentoring activities undertaken are gendered, and the nature, extent and type of mentoring offered in accounting firms varies according to the size of the firm in both countries. The chapter presents important practical, theoretical and methodological implications of the study for avoiding gendered mentoring practices in accounting firms.

Details

Mentorship-driven Talent Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78973-691-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Barri Litt, Vikram Desai and Renu Desai

The purpose of this paper is to explore the audit price reactions of local accounting firms to the entry of the Big Four accounting firms into the Indian audit market, providing…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the audit price reactions of local accounting firms to the entry of the Big Four accounting firms into the Indian audit market, providing unique insight into emerging market dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Using financial data from Indian audit clients for a ten-year period from 1996 to 2005, the authors conduct a multivariate regression analysis based on extant audit fee literature.

Findings

This study finds evidence of a price-cutting strategy on behalf of the local incumbent accounting firms in response to the entry of the Big Four firms. It also shows small-sized incumbent firms to cut prices more drastically relative to medium-sized incumbent firms.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical insight into the pricing dynamics of professional services in an emerging market setting. Such insight is increasingly important in our evermore globalized economy where emerging markets are frequently the targets of expansion.

Details

Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-1168

Keywords

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