Perceived environmental uncertainty, supply chain purchasing strategy, and use of MAS information

Abstract

PurposeThe 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/approachAbout 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.FindingsThe 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/implicationsThis 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 implicationsThe 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/valueThe 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.