Abstract Research aim: This study examines the interplay between revenue-expense matching, political connections, and firm investment efficiency within the Malaysian context. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: Drawing on the revenue-expense matching framework proposed by Dichev and Tang (2008), we construct a measure of matching quality and employ ordinary least squares (OLS) regression on a sample of 570 Malaysian publicly listed firms over the period 2000-2017 to investigate two key issues: (1) the extent to which matching quality influences investment efficiency, and (2) whether political connections moderate this relationship. Research finding: The empirical evidence indicates that stronger revenue-expense matching is positively associated with improved investment efficiency. However, this beneficial effect is significantly weakened in the presence of political ties. Further analyses suggest that this moderating influence is particularly pronounced among government-linked companies. Additionally, high-quality matching appears to reduce both overinvestment and underinvestment, although these advantages are markedly less evident in politically connected firms. Practitioner/Policy implication: While previous research has explored the intersection of financial reporting quality, political affiliations, and corporate investment, this study is among the first to empirically link revenue-expense matching with investment efficiency in the context of political embeddedness. The findings not only enhance understanding of how accounting quality and institutional structures interact to shape investment decisions in emerging markets, but also offer policy insights by highlighting the need for governance mechanisms that curb political influence and foster more efficient capital allocation. Research limitation: This study acknowledges limitations, including potential measurement issues, limited generalizability beyond Malaysia, and endogeneity concerns that future research could address using causal inference methods.

Abstract Research aim: The integration of technology in internal auditing is reshaping how audits are conducted, enabling greater efficiency, transparency and decision-making. This study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the intellectual structure, key contributors, thematic developments and theoretical foundations of technology integration in internal auditing. It also identifies critical gaps in the current literature for future research. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: This research employed bibliometric techniques using VOSviewer and RStudio software. A total of 1037 articles published between 1993 and 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science database and analysed to map the evolution, impact and direction of scholarly work on technology integration in internal auditing. Research finding: This bibliometric study uncovers publication trends, core journals, influential institutions and authors, key countries and most cited articles. It also identifies thematic clusters, trending topics, conceptual structures, theoretical lenses and emerging keywords. The results offer a structured overview of how the field has evolved over the last three decades and highlight the intellectual foundations guiding the domain. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study is among the first to conduct a focused bibliometric analysis exclusively on internal auditing and technology integration. Unlike prior studies that reviewed either broad audit domains or single technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) or blockchain, this study provides a holistic and longitudinal view across multiple technologies. Practitioner/Policy implication: It contributes by mapping thematic developments, theoretical integration and future research opportunities specific to internal auditing. Research limitation: While this study provides a comprehensive mapping of technology integration in internal auditing, its reliance on Web of Science data may limit coverage, highlighting the need for future, theory-driven and interdisciplinary research that addresses underexplored themes such as ethical AI governance and explainability.

Abstract Research aim: This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate cash holdings on bankruptcy risk, with particular emphasis on sectoral differences in Uzbekistan. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: This study uses a robust panel dataset of 299 listed firms in Uzbekistan over the period 2014-2021 (2,301 firm-year observations). Panel regression techniques are employed to examine the relationship between cash holdings and bankruptcy risk across various industry sectors. Research finding: The findings reveal that corporate cash holdings significantly reduce bankruptcy risk, especially in the manufacturing-related industries. The sectoral analysis highlights disparities in financial resilience and risk exposure, indicating the importance of industry-specific financial strategies. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study provides evidence from an underresearched transitional economy, thereby enhancing our understanding of firm-level financial behaviour in emerging markets. The findings support the relevance of trade-off theory in Uzbekistan, while suggesting that free cash flow theory may require contextual adaptation. Practitioner/Policy implication: The results underscore the need for policymakers and practitioners to adopt differentiated approaches when designing financial regulations and firm strategies. Particularly, strengthening liquidity management in the manufacturing sector can enhance corporate resilience. Research limitation: The study is limited by its focus on a single country, potential data constraints, and the exclusion of certain variables. These limitations open avenues for future research to explore cross-country comparisons and incorporate broader macroeconomic indicators.

Abstract Research aim: Past studies have shown that managers tend to exhibit opportunistic tendencies which do not align with the shareholders’ interest. According to the agency theory, conflicts arise when a company’s manager (the agent) and stockholders (the principal) have different objectives. The firm’s management and the revenue authority had different objectives when it came to using a company’s financial report, which resulted in information asymmetry. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The research adopted a longitudinal design and purposefully sampled 63 companies out of a total population of 112. Secondary data was obtained from the selected companies’ annual reports spanning from 2015 to 2024, and analysed using regression techniques. Research finding: The findings revealed that institutional ownership, foreign ownership, ownership concentration, audit firm size, and leverage significantly influence tax aggressiveness, whereas board financial expertise exerts no significant impact on the tax aggressiveness of Nigerian publicly listed non-financial companies. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the literature by filling a gap in sector-specific analyses of external determinants of tax aggressiveness within the Nigerian context. Grounded in agency theory, it extends prior research by disaggregating findings across industry sectors and demonstrating how external controls shape corporate tax behaviour. Practitioner/Policy implication: The findings suggest that policymakers should enhance regulatory oversight on institutional and foreign investors’ influence in corporate governance, promote the engagement of high-quality audit firms, and encourage debt monitoring mechanisms to reduce aggressive tax behaviour. Companies should also consider increasing the presence of financially literate board members to balance strategic tax planning with compliance. Research limitation: The research focuses on publicly listed non-financial companies in Nigeria and spans the years 2015 to 2024. The exclusion of financial institutions and the reliance solely on secondary data may affect the generalizability of the results. Future studies could incorporate qualitative methods or expand to include cross-country comparisons and unlisted firms.

Abstract Research aim: This study investigates the relationship between organisational life cycle (OLC) stages and the use of multiple performance measures (MPMs) across Indonesian manufacturers. A configuration approach was used to categorise companies into different OLC stages using Miller and Friesen’s (1984) typology. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: A survey method was utilised, with the respondents comprising 96 managers of Indonesian manufacturing companies. A cluster analysis with hierarchical agglomeration and Ward’s minimum variance method was used to classify companies into OLC stages. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pairwise comparison analysis were used to examine the hypotheses. Research finding: Significant differences in the usage of each and all MPM perspectives was observable across OLC stages. A greater extent of the use of each and all MPM perspectives was also demonstrated by companies in the growth stage, compared to those in the maturity and birth OLC stages. A greater extent of the use of the customer perspective and all MPM perspectives was documented by companies in the revival stage. The learning and growth perspective was implemented to a marginally greater extent by revival-stage companies than birth- and maturity-stage companies. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study contributes to contingency-based OLC and performance measurement systems (PMSs) literature by documenting an association between OLC stages and the use of MPM perspectives across Indonesian manufacturers. Practitioner/Policy implication: Results of this study can enhance managers’ understanding about the implication of OLC stages in influencing companies’ performance measurement practices. This allows managers to make strategic decisions that are consistent with the objectives and priorities of their company’s performance measures and respective OLC stage. Research limitation: The present study is related to the classification of companies into OLC stages. Future studies can use different OLC classification approaches and/or different typologies. This study is also limited to companies from the manufacturing sector and the number of respondents, which may limit generalisation.

Abstract Research aim: The study aims to analyse the influence of bank-specific determinants on Indonesian banks’ non-performing loans (NPLs) with the addition of governance mechanisms. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The study uses a fixed-effect panel data regression model with data from 43 banks listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) over the period of 2018 to 2023, and from 258 panel data units. Documentation is used as a data collection technique, and panel data regression analysis is used for analysis. Research finding: The study results indicate that the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) positively affects NPLs, while bank size has a negative effect. The number of independent commissioners predicts NPLs in a positive direction, while the composition of independent commissioners does the opposite. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study highlights the diverse findings in prior research regarding the relationship between bank-specific characteristics and NPLs. It incorporates good corporate governance (GCG) as a variable to evaluate its influence on NPLs within the Indonesian banking sector. Practitioner/Policy implication: The study has implications on the importance of increasing the role of the independent commissioners, who can oversee a supervisory mechanism that includes managing NPLs. Research limitation: This study only examines the NPLs of Indonesian banks from 2018 to 2023, with data sources from financial and annual reports. Future researchers can examine broader datasets and conduct qualitative analysis. In addition, GCG measurement can be studied more broadly by analysing the gender diversity, educational background, and expertise of directors and commissioners, and linking it to ownership structure.

Abstract Research aim: This study examines the relationship between audit committee (AC) dynamics, such as size, gender diversity, and independence, auditor quality, and ESG disclosure practices. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: Using a weighted least squared regression method, this study analyses 315 firm-year observations from 63 Malaysian public-listed companies between 2018 and 2022. Research finding: The results indicate that AC independence and gender diversity significantly enhance ESG, social, and governance disclosures, while AC size negatively impacts social and governance disclosures. Auditor quality showed limited influence, with a negative effect on governance disclosure. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study contributes to agency and stakeholder theories by emphasising AC attributes’ roles in mitigating information asymmetry and addressing stakeholder interests. It challenges existing assumptions about auditor quality, suggesting the need for ESG-specific audit frameworks, particularly in emerging markets. Practitioner/Policy implication: For policymakers, the findings highlight the need to strengthen governance frameworks by promoting AC independence and diversity. Practitioners, especially audit firms, should integrate ESG expertise to support companies effectively. Regulators may consider revising corporate governance codes to encourage balanced ESG disclosures across all dimensions. Research limitation: The study focuses solely on 63 Malaysian public-listed companies, using data between 2018 and 2022.

Abstract Research aim: This study aims to present a taxonomy of the existing literature on carbon emissions disclosure within the context of the evolving climate regime. Specifically, this study systematically maps the research on carbon emissions disclosure from 1997 to 2024 through an integrated bibliometric network and content analysis. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: This study analyses research trends in the field of carbon emissions disclosure from 2007 to February 2024 using a combination of systemic literature review, bibliometric network analysis, and content analysis. Using VOSviewer software, a bibliometric cluster analysis was performed after retrieving 466 relevant documents from the Web of Science (WoS) database. After a network analysis of direct citations, 74 highimpact papers were found to meet the inclusion criteria and were categorised into four clusters. Within the four clusters, a content analysis was conducted to identify the key themes and stages of development in carbon emissions disclosure studies. Research finding: Firstly, the bibliometric analysis revealed four major research clusters. Based on the content analysis, the four research clusters were analysed and themes identified, namely dimensions of reporting, quality of disclosure–CDP questionnaire, implications for disclosure, and climate regime. The second part of the content analysis shows a timeline with three main phases: Period 1, from 1997 to the early 2000s (recognition); Period 2, from the early 2000s to the mid-2010s (understanding emerging markets); and Period 3, from the mid-2010s to the present (adaptability). This phased framework examines the academic growth of the field and highlights the transition from voluntary reporting to strategic adaptation, reflecting broader changes in climate policy and market behaviour. Theoretical contribution/Originality: The findings can help scholars understand the current status of research and development trends. Practitioner/Policy implication: This paper outlines the collection process of relevant evidence for carbon emissions disclosure and undertakes a comprehensive review of the existing literature to improve understanding of the current state of knowledge. Research limitation: The literature reviewed this study is limited to the WoS database and excludes conference publications, editorials, and book chapters. Future studies can expand the scope of the present study by accessing other databases.

Abstract Research aim: This study explores how undergraduate accounting students at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) engage with and adapt to online learning environments, and examines the implications of technology-driven learning for academic engagement and peer networking within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0). Design/ Methodology/ Approach: A qualitative case study approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews to capture students’ reflections on online accounting courses. The analysis centres on challenges and affordances related to interaction, engagement, and professional development. Research finding: The findings indicate that while online learning offers flexibility and convenience (i.e., particularly for theory-driven content) it also presents notable challenges. Students faced difficulties mastering complex topics, reduced opportunities for peer collaboration, and diminished networking experiences. Although interactive features supported academic performance, social and cognitive engagement were often constrained. Theoretical contribution/Originality: Grounded in Vygotsky’s social constructivism, the study highlights the central role of social interaction in cognitive development and professional readiness. It extends the theory by situating it within the Malaysian online accounting education context, offering original insights into student learning in digitally mediated environments. Practitioner/Policy implication: The study offers practical guidance for educators and policymakers to enhance online learning design by integrating structured collaborative tools and peer interaction strategies, particularly in disciplines requiring applied understanding and professional networking. Research limitation: The findings are based on a single-institution case study, which may limit generalisability. Future research should involve multiple institutions and compare varying online instructional models.