Management Accounting Research Articles

Adaptive Approach as a Tool of Library Management in the Conditions of Turbulent External Environment

The purpose of the article is to define the role, place and possibilities of the adaptive approach in library management within the framework of practical implementation of the concept of sustainable innovative development of the library industry; to study the reasons for applying adaptive management methods in libraries. Research methods. The following methods and approaches were used: general scientific methods of cognition, in particular, analysis and synthesis, abstract and logical, monographic and analytical, decomposition and systematic approach. Using these methods ensured the validity of the provisions of this study. The scientific novelty lies in creating a holistic view of the features, trends and factors of the adaptive approach in library management. Conclusions. A system is considered adaptive if it can adapt to changes in internal and external conditions. Such a system remains operational in the event of unforeseen changes in the properties of the managed object, management goals, or environmental conditions by changing its functioning algorithm, behavioural programme, or search for optimal states. The task of adaptive library management is to keep the library as a system and its processes within the specified limits. The adaptive management system assesses the state of the process within the limits of permissible fluctuations and determines the need for corrective adaptation measures. Fluctuations in the processes of a library institution are expressed in terms of library production. Thus, the use of adaptive management methods meets the practical tasks of sustainable innovative development of the library industry and can be used in the library management tools for its implementation. An adaptive approach to library management is possible in the following cases: a) a developed forecasting system for prompt monitoring of the current situation of the library; b) the possibility of promptly changing plans if they no longer correspond to the new reality; c) an effective system of operational management accounting and control.

Engaging management accountants in corporate sustainability

PurposeExpectations regarding the participation of management accountants (MAs) in the promotion of sustainability of multinational enterprises (MNEs) have been poorly realised. This raises the question of whether MAs are invited to join in sustainability promotion or does sustainability not fit the perceived professional role of MAs. We suggest that the development of individual-level engagement of corporate sustainability is required for MAs to start contributing to corporate sustainability.Design/methodology/approachWe utilise the psychological ownership theory to investigate how MAs’ professional role could develop to incorporate advancing sustainability. Our qualitative study is based on 32 interviews conducted in seven local business units of three different technology-oriented MNEs.FindingsWe reveal features connected to the professional role of MAs that may impede the activation of the routes to psychological ownership of corporate sustainability, thus undermining their involvement in corporate sustainability enhancement. Moreover, we show that MAs’ own perceptions of their professional role may impede the stimulation of the routes.Originality/valueFrom a managerial viewpoint, our study helps readers to understand how the routes to psychological ownership of corporate sustainability could be cultivated in the development of the future role of MAs. It also gives input for MA professional organisations and MA professional education providers to develop conditions that foster sustainability thinking among MAs. Moreover, by integrating the examination of MAs’ professional role with the psychological ownership theory, we broaden the theoretical scene both in management accounting and in business sustainability research.

Supporting management decisions for M&A transactions based on the strategic allocation of intangible assets

In the context of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), management decisions regarding asset allocation play a key role in determining the strategic value of intangible assets. This study investigates the allocation of such assets, particularly goodwill, in relation to enterprise value on balance sheets across global M&A transactions within the B2C sector from 2000 to 2021. Utilizing data from the Markables database, which includes 543 transactions, this study presents robust and quantile regression analyses to effectively address challenges arising from non-normally distributed data. The findings underscore a significant correlation between the strategic allocation of intangible assets, especially goodwill, and enterprise value, highlighting their essential role in reflecting future earning potential and growth prospects. Additionally, the study reveals specific factors, including transaction type (asset vs. share deals) and timing (transaction year), that influence these asset allocation decisions. These insights are critical for enhancing management decisions in valuation and strategic financial planning during M&A. By elucidating these dynamics, this paper significantly contributes to the literature on management accounting and corporate finance, offering a granular understanding of the valuation of intangible assets in business combinations. Acknowledgment This study emerged from a cooperative project between the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein (Austria) and the University of Economics in Bratislava (Slovakia) 2023-05-15-003 “Enhancing long-term business value towards environmentally and socially sustainable economy,” which was funded by the performance committee of the Austria-Slovakia Action initiative.

Examining the relationship between environmental management accounting practices and return on equity in the South African chemical industry

Environmental management accounting practices (EMAPs) have become pervasive, and continued efforts to ensure universal implementation across various sectors often represent financial implications for organizations. Despite many studies that examined the relationship between EMAPs and financial performance, the debate is still inconclusive. Therefore, the study paves the way for chemical firms to explore the effectiveness of EMAPs’ implementation for both financial and environmental gain. The study used purposive sampling to gather quantitative secondary data from annual integrated reports of chemical firms to examine the relationship between EMAPs and financial performance in the South African chemical industries during 2016–2022. Following the results from the regression estimations, two of the EMAPs – water and energy usage – have had a positive relationship with financial performance, with the latter being highly significant. Contradictorily, carbon emissions and environmental expenditure adversely and insignificantly influenced financial performance. The results suggest that chemical firms have in place ineffective carbon management strategies that fail to generate sustainable returns. Overall, the results acknowledge the efforts of chemical industries in making substantial contributions to enhance environmental performance and encourage environmentalists and policymakers to reconfigure environmental policies for improved environmental and financial performance. Further research on environmental management accounting (EMA) barriers in chemical industries is imperative to achieving environmental sustainability.

Exploring the impact of environmental uncertainty and strategic management accounting on competitive advantage and performance: Empirical insights from SMEs in Indonesia

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Indonesia have suffered significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to unpredictability of operational performance. Hence, SMEs must formulate the right strategies and innovative techniques to be able to hurdle the challenges. In this study, the numerous factors influencing SMEs’ performance are evaluated to determine their impact on internal business procedures. Performance, environmental uncertainty, the use of strategic management accounting, and competitive advantage with a focus on product differentiation are the variables examined. This study employs a quantitative methodology and questionnaire-based data collection approaches. Furthermore, structural equation modelling is used to process the gathered data. According to the data collected from 167 respondents across 67 firms, environmental uncertainty has a negative impact on business performance, but has no effect on the usage of strategic management accounting. While having a positive impact on the competitive advantage that focuses on product differentiation, the use of strategic management accounting has no impact on performance. Furthermore, performance is positively impacted by a competitive advantage that emphasizes product differentiation. The results of this research contribute to the development of accounting science, especially management accounting. Meanwhile, the practical contribution for SMEs is in terms of increasing their competitive advantages.

The Role of Islamic Work Ethics in Moderating Influence Love of Money and Machiavellian Nature to Fraud Accounting in Management of Village Funds

The number of fraud cases in Indonesia has been increasing annually, and it has started to spread to the countryside. This turns into an irony as the hamlet continues to grow and evolve into a sophisticated community. The goal is to investigate how a love of money and other Machiavellian traits affect the tendency for fraud accounting when using village funds, as well as how the Islamic work ethic influences the interaction between the village apparatus and the community in Wonokerto District. The SEM-PLS technique is being used in this quantitative study. Primary data were employed, and 66 persons made up the sample size through the use of purposive sampling procedures in conjunction with the questionnaire method of data collecting. According to the findings, the inclination of accounting fraud was significantly influenced by both love of money and Machiavellian tendencies, and the Islamic work ethic was found to be ineffective in mitigating this effect.

Greening Emerging Economies: Enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance through Environmental Management Accounting and Green Financing

Given the rising interest in sustainability globally, this paper investigates whether the environmental management accounting (EMA) and green financing of a firm are associated with superior environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, considering manufacturing firms from emerging economies like Bangladesh to address a gap in relevant research. Drawing on the perspective of contingency theory, this study is one of the first to analyze how EMA and green financing enable sustainable production to enhance ESG performance, as well as the mediation that sustainable production exerts on this relationship. This study entails an analysis of ESG performance in sensitive industries, i.e., those that are more likely to cause social and environmental damage. To test our hypotheses, we applied partial least squares path modeling to analyze data from 467 responses. Further, we used fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to check the robustness. The results suggest that sensitive industries present superior ESG performance through integrating EMA and green financing. Further, empirical evidence demonstrates that sustainable production fully mediates the relationship between EMA and ESG performance. Meanwhile, sustainable production does not moderate green financing and ESG performance. For managers, this study demonstrates how embedding green financing and EMA into the organizational process for transitioning to a sustainable production model can present superior ESG performance. Our study contributes to research on both the impact of EMA and green financing on ESG performance, mediation effects of sustainable production, and integrated analysis using PLS-SEM and fsQCA, and the practice of sustainability management in firms in developing countries.

Contabilidade gerencial no terceiro setor: um estudo de caso na organização de amparo ao idoso “sou feliz” em Marechal Floriano (ES)

This paper aimed to identify how the management accounting tools used by a third sector organization in the city of Marechal Floriano (ES) are configured in light of the evolutionary stages proposed by IMAP I (document prepared by the International of Management Accounting Practices). Methodologically, descriptive research was developed with a qualitative approach and data collection through face-to-face forms and direct observation. The results suggest that the organization is in an intermediate evolutionary phase in relation to the use of management accounting tools. It was observed that most of the tools from the first and second evolutionary stages, which are considered traditional, are being used. On the other hand, a low use of tools from the third and fourth evolutionary stages, which are considered modern, was also identified. It was concluded, therefore, that the organization needs to increase the use of modern management accounting tools in order to qualify its organizational management.

Research on the Cultivation Mode of Management Accounting Talents in Applied Undergraduate Colleges in the Age of Digital Intelligence — Taking Guangzhou Huashang College as an Example

The in-depth application of modern information technology in the accounting industry, such as big data and artificial intelligence, has brought profound changes to the accounting industry, and the enterprises have put forward new requirements for the professional competence of accounting talents, which also poses challenges to the cultivation of undergraduate accounting talents. The paper first analyzes the demand for the professional competence of accounting talents by enterprises in the era of digital intelligence, as well as the dilemmas faced by applied undergraduate colleges and universities in the cultivation of talents. Combined with the Framework of China’s Professional Competence in Management Accounting and the competency model of management accountants, Guangzhou Huashang College actively explores the path of talent cultivation, and puts forward the creative “Three Constructions and Four Combinations”. It provides an exploratory path for undergraduate colleges and universities to cultivate accounting talents in the era of digital intelligence from the aspects of target orientation, curriculum system, practical teaching, and faculty.

A Review on the Integration of Industry 4.0 Technologies in Management Accounting: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for Enhancing Business Performance

A Review on the Integration of Industry 4.0 Technologies in Management Accounting: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for Enhancing Business Performance

ГЕНЕЗА Й ЕВОЛЮЦІЯ КОНЦЕПЦІЇ ЛАНЦЮГІВ СТВОРЕННЯ ВАРТОСТІ У КОНТЕКСТІ ФОРМУВАННЯ МІЖНАРОДНОЇ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

The aim of the article is to identify the ways and directions of the genesis and evolution of the value chain concept in the context of forming international competitiveness of enterprises The analysis of scientific research on this issue has shown that the concept of value chains originates from the teachings of the physiocrats, gained significant development from the 1940s onwards, and currently holds a prominent position in the forefront of management thought and analytical tools. It forms a powerful strategic planning instrument for analyzing the business environment and making managerial decisions to enhance the competitive advantages of an enterprise in the market. The study found that the value chain concept is based on process-oriented, adaptive, and strategic management approaches. It views the enterprise as a system that transforms available resources and ensures feedback among all management links to secure competitive advantages in the market. The functioning of value chains also determines the formation of enterprise profits. The value chain concept is a crucial tool for both macroeconomic analysis, identifying global trade trends, its impact on developed and transition economies, understanding directions of national development policies, and the integration of individual productions into sectoral complexes, as well as microeconomic analysis for forming strategies of differentiation and diversification for enterprise development. The value chain concept must consider and balance the goals of various stakeholders, including customers (satisfaction of needs, technical support), owners and shareholders (profit, profitability, development), the workforce (decent working conditions, professional growth), the community (responsible social and environmental policies, community involvement, promotion of a healthy lifestyle), and partners (collaboration based on stable, long-term, effective business relationships). Value chains in an enterprise include sequentially interconnected processes and actions aimed at producing goods and services that acquire added value by meeting consumer needs, thereby forming the enterprise’s competitive advantages. Analyzing value chain elements as a management tool increases business profitability and is an integral part of formalized strategic management business models (mission, strategy, corporate culture, performance indicators) and operational management. The analysis of value chain elements is a part of management accounting, marketing, and logistics. It provides a systematic approach to making managerial decisions about the functioning of value chains, which can disrupt the status quo among the links, performers, and beneficiaries in the economic relationship system that encompasses the value chains within an enterprise.

The Application of Blockchain in the Accounting Industry

Blockchain technology is one of the new information technologies, because of its consensus mechanism, distributed mechanism, smart contract and other technical characteristics, as well as non-forgery, open and transparent, traceability, whole-process traces, collective maintenance and other characteristics, has been widely concerned by various industries. Accounting is the language of business and a management information system that provides financial and accounting information. In today’s highly developed market economy, accounting plays an indispensable and important role. The in-depth application of blockchain technology in the accounting industry can promote the development of the accounting industry, but also can promote the integration of blockchain technology into the overall social and economic environment. This paper studies the application of blockchain technology in the accounting industry. “Luckin coffee financial fraud” events as examples, by analyzing the Luckin coffee event accounting problems, put forward the problems existing in the traditional way of accounting, and block chain technology used in comparing the advantage of the accounting profession, points out that block chain technology can solve the problem of some of the existing accounting, to perfect the accounting and internal control to provide a better strategy and scheme. At the same time, this paper also analyzes the risks existing in the application of blockchain technology in the accounting industry, and briefly puts forward several countermeasures. Finally, the development of block chain technology into the accounting industry is prospected. Blockchain technology not only promotes the development of traditional financial accounting, but also promotes the development of management accounting, and promotes the overall reform of the accounting industry.

The Impact of Management Accounting Practices on Firm Performance: A Conceptual Framework

The Impact of Management Accounting Practices on Firm Performance: A Conceptual Framework

Blue Management Accounting: Water Footprint, Cost, Efficiency, and Internal Control at WKP Corporation Headquarters

Blue Management Accounting: Water Footprint, Cost, Efficiency, and Internal Control at WKP Corporation Headquarters

The effect of Porter’s competitive forces on competitive advantage and organisational performance and the moderating role of management accounting practices

This study examines the effect of the intensity of competitive forces on organisational performance and competitive advantage and the moderating role of the use of traditional and contemporary management accounting practices on this relationship. Using survey data collected from 505 US-based financial managers, the findings indicate that the use of traditional management accounting practices was found to positively moderate the effect of the intensity of competitive forces on competitive advantage. Additional exploratory analysis revealed that the extent of use of contemporary management accounting practices positively moderates the effect of the intensity of competitive forces on organisational performance in a product differentiation/high-force environment. The extent of use of contemporary management accounting practices was also found to positively moderate the effect of the intensity of competitive forces on competitive advantage in a low-cost/high-force. However, the extent of use of contemporary management accounting practices was found to negatively moderate the effect of the intensity of competitive forces on competitive advantage in a product differentiation/low-force environment. Finally, the extent of use of traditional management accounting practices was found to negatively moderate the effect of the intensity of competitive forces on organisational performance in the product differentiation/high-force model. These findings provide a preliminary insight into the important role of management accounting practices in the management of competitive forces.

Research on the Reform of Management Accounting Teaching Mode under Background of Artificial Intelligence

Through the research on the reform of management accounting teaching mode under the background of artificial intelligence, this paper puts forward some reform measures such as updating the teaching content, innovating the teaching method and reforming the teaching evaluation. In terms of updating the teaching content, this paper proposes to integrate artificial intelligence technology into the teaching content of management accounting, add cutting-edge courses such as data analysis, data mining and intelligent decision-making, and update traditional courses such as cost management and budget management to combine them with artificial intelligence technology. In terms of teaching method innovation, this paper proposes to adopt the combination of online and offline teaching mode, introduce cases of data analysis and prediction model, and introduce diversified teaching methods such as case teaching and simulated practical training. In terms of teaching evaluation reform, this paper proposes to build a holographic data monitoring system for learning process based on artificial intelligence technology to provide personalized learning suggestions and feedback, so as to achieve scientific and accurate teaching evaluation.

EXAMINING GREEN INNOVATION PRACTICE ON CORPORATE’S SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN NON-FINANCIAL SECTOR: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

This research explores the role of Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) as a mediator in the relationship between green innovation and sustainable growth. This research utilized the STATA 14 program to test hypotheses using the path analysis test and the Sobel test. The analysis was conducted on 2,716 observations from 539 non-financial corporates listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) between 2013 and 2020. The path analysis findings indicate that (1) green innovation positively influences EMA; (2) green innovation positively affects sustainable growth; (3) EMA does not have a significant impact on sustainable growth; and (4) EMA does not operate as a mediator between green innovation and sustainable growth. Additionally, the present research conducted a rigorous robustness test, which yielded results that aligned with those obtained from the path analysis test. Incorporating environmentally focused innovation into company plans provides substantial benefits for achieving sustainable growth, including cost reduction, improved competitive advantage, compliance with regulations, and exploring new market opportunities.

Carbon Management Accounting Considerations for Corporate Carbon Reduction: The Limitations and Future of Integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Cost Accounting

Carbon Management Accounting Considerations for Corporate Carbon Reduction: The Limitations and Future of Integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Cost Accounting

An SME approach to data analytics by management accountants in the transition economy of Vietnam

Purpose Data analytics (DA) is an emerging topic in management science at large organizations; however, accountants in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are believed to be lagging far behind in the usage of DA. This study aims to provide a deep understanding of the actual DA activities undertaken by management accountants (MA) and to draw on SMEs’ characteristics to take advantage of DA applications. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews with 31 accounting and finance practitioners at senior levels of SMEs, following the use of the MAXQDA 2022 application for data analysis. Findings Findings in this study suggest variance and trend analysis as the two most popular tasks of DA, and advanced tasks such as contingency analysis, financial modeling, sentiment analysis and regression analysis are unfully performed in SMEs. The outcomes revealed that DA is not anticipated to affect the responsibilities but to expand the role and scope of management accounting. Practical implications This study simultaneously builds a theoretical framework about the antecedents, in terms of the external and internal drives and the characteristics of SMEs’ owner-managers, that are most common in all types of SMEs that encourage MA to use a specific technology, data analysis in a more advanced way instead of searching for determinants that affect the adoption of technology in general, as previous studies have conducted. Originality/value Although there are studies on DA usage, little has approached the mutual interconnections between how DA is applied by MA in SMEs and what changes in management accounting responsibilities by DA affect. Therefore, the point of this study was to look into how SMEs use DA and what activities MA actually do with DA to discover what traits SMEs need to use DA applications effectively as DA applications become more advanced.

Adaptation and growth: a start-up’s resilience in the face of crisis and preparation for the future

Research methodology The case uses secondary data. The data was collected from the company’s founder. Case overview/synopsis ParisZigzag is a media-experiential company engaging in media-related activities, such as content creation on social networks, designing and producing books and magazines, with a distinct focus on lifestyle themes. Additionally, the company organizes tours and cultural events in Paris that resonate with and enhance specific lifestyle choices or cultural identities. The company uses both online media and events as tools for advertising, allowing brands and companies to enhance their visibility among audiences. During the global health crisis, the capacity to swiftly adapt and transform proved to be a critical factor for ParisZigzag. This case study shows how a fast-growing startup could cope with an uncertain and threatening economic and health environment, in particular: 1. entrepreneurs’ reactions to crisis and the crucial role of resilience in responding quickly and constructively to crises and ensuring a startup’s survival; and 2. the significance of proactive planning for future strategies and adapting the business model to tackle forthcoming challenges. Complexity academic level This instructional case can be used in financial and managerial accounting courses and entrepreneurship courses of the graduate or undergraduate level of business programs. This case requires fundamental knowledge in accounting and management.