The alignment between management accounting and lean manufacturing: rhetoric and reality

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Oliveira Fontenelle ◽  
Juliana Keiko Sagawa
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Accounting Systems ◽  
Function Management ◽  
Lean Accounting

Purpose Lean manufacturing (LM) has advocated gains by reducing waste and intensifying continuous improvement. As a holistic organizational policy, it must overpass the limits of the manufacturing function. Management accounting should be aligned to lean thinking, aiming to meet the demands and goals of a lean organization. This paper aims to investigate the degree of alignment between management accounting systems and LM practices. Design/methodology/approach Two representative case studies were carried out in industry leaders in the implementation of LM, in Brazil. The key research constructs and were identified by means of a systematic literature review. The rhetoric and practice concerning the alignment between management accounting and LM are discussed based on the existing theory and the conducted case studies. Findings The analysis showed that many of the principles that form the rhetoric of lean accounting are far from the accounting practices observed in the companies. Using the theory-building function of case studies, 10 propositions to be tested in future research are proposed. The main propositions are also summarized in a framework based on analogies with optical lenses. Originality/value To the best of the knowledge, there are no previous in-depth studies focusing on characterizing this alignment between management accounting and LM practices. The analysis yields prescriptive directions for managers that seek to improve this alignment in their business. This study also proposes a five-stage maturity model, which can be used by the managers to assess this alignment and to set goals for reaching more advanced levels of maturity.

scholarly journals Lean accounting: a structured literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Figueira Alves ◽  
Julio Vieira Neto ◽  
Daniel Luiz de Mattos de Mattos Nascimento ◽  
Flavio Ezequiel de Andrade ◽  
Guilherme Luz Tortorella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Accounting ◽  
Structured Literature Review

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to perform a review and analyze the literature on lean accounting (LA) to develop insights into how LA research is developing, offering a critique of the research to date and underlining future research opportunities.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a structured literature review (SLR) to categorize and analyze 39 research articles from relevant journals with a publication date from 1996 to 2020 (September) and to answer three research questions.FindingsFindings demonstrated that although LA seems to be the most suitable method for lean companies, it still lacks research in terms of the role of accountants in lean organizations as well as how its concepts are integrated with the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).Practical implicationsThe paper provides both academics and practitioners with valuable insights regarding the role of management accounting and accountants in the pursuit of lean transformation, presenting meaningful themes and a complete analysis of the literature along with research gaps for future research.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to lean manufacturing literature by providing a comprehensive SLR of articles regarding LA. Also, the paper serves as a basis for developing future research agendas in management accounting practices for lean organizations.

Management accounting systems effectiveness, perceived environmental uncertainty and enterprise risk management: evidence from Jordan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Malik Muneer Abu Afifa ◽  
Isam Saleh
Keyword(s):  
Direct Relationship ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Enterprise Risk Management ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Accounting Systems ◽  
Enterprise Risk ◽  
Systems Effectiveness ◽  
Perceived Environmental Uncertainty ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to investigate the direct relationship between management accounting systems effectiveness (MASE) and enterprise risk management (ERM). In addition, it aims to investigate the interaction (moderating) effect of each of the four informational characteristics of MASE and each of the three components of perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) on ERM, using empirical evidence from the developing country's Jordanian market. Design/methodology/approach The study population includes all Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange at the end of 2019, and the study sample consists of all these companies (complete surveying – census population). This study chooses a quantitative method through a survey design approach using questionnaire as the best method for data collection. Findings The summation of the relationship and interaction effects (moderation) examined by this study are as follows: three of the four informational characteristics of MASE, namely, a broadness of scope, an aggregation and an integration, have a positive direct relationship with ERM. The characteristic ‘timeliness’ has non-significant negative relationship with ERM. Additionally, the interaction (moderating) effect of higher levels of two informational characteristics of MASE, namely, a timeliness and an aggregation and higher level of perceived competitor uncertainty, will result in a higher ERM implementation. Research limitations/implications The results of this study have significant ramifications for numerous companies, administrators and interested parties, as they may allow them to build and sustain effective accounting processes for management. These results support adopting sophisticated management accounting systems (MASs) instead of traditional systems in the companies to help them in improving the information quality and control levels, as well as reducing the risks by implementation of ERM. In addition, to ensure that companies are confronted with the environmental factors they face. The results of the present study will enable administrators to develop a deeper understanding of such management accounting systems. Originality/value To the best of the knowledge, this is the first study of Jordan to investigate the relationship between MASE and ERM, moderated by PEU. As such, the study raises significant findings, drawing attention to MASs and their role in Jordan.

Management accounting systems, enterprise risk management and organizational performance in financial institutions

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Zaleha Abdul Rasid ◽  
Che Ruhana Isa ◽  
Wan Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Enterprise Risk Management ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Accounting Systems ◽  
Enterprise Risk ◽  
And Control

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the linkages between management accounting systems (MAS), enterprise risk management (ERM) and organizational performance by examining MAS information characteristics that match ERM implementation and joint effects of MAS and ERM on organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – The research method involved administering a questionnaire to 106 financial institutions (FIs) in Malaysia. The respondents were chief financial officers or staff members holding the most senior positions in the finance department of the institutions. Findings – The significant findings on the association between ERM and MAS show that implementation of ERM requires the use of sophisticated MAS information. ERM and MAS complement each other as both are integral to decision making, planning and control in an organization. The finding also substantiates the important role of ERM in enhancing non-financial performance. Research limitations/implications – This study covered only MAS as part of sub-control systems in an organization. Future studies could investigate the link between a more comprehensive management accounting and control system and ERM. Furthermore, this study used perceptual measures of MAS, ERM and organizational performance. Practical implications – The regulating body should promote best management practices of sophisticated MAS and ERM among FIs as these practices will create competitive advantage as well as help those institutions comply with regulations. Originality/value – This study has contributed to the body of knowledge on the linkages between MAS, risk management system and organizational performance.

Uncovering Governance And Mindfulness Patterns For Improved Performance: The Role Of Management Accounting Systems Change

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred E. Seaman ◽  
John J. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Systems Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Management Accounting Systems ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
The Impact

This study extends the model developed in Williams and Seamans [Williams, J. J. and Seaman, A. E. (2010). Corporate Governance and Mindfulness: The Impact of Management Accounting Systems Change, The Journal of Applied Business Research, Vol. 26, No. 5, pp. 1-17] exploratory paper examining the moderating effects of management accounting systems (MAS) change on the corporate governance/mindfulness relationship for a Canadian sample of 124 top-level accounting professionals. Canonical correlation analysis was applied to the linkage of multiple cognitive processes of mindfulness (Weick and Sutcliffe, 2001; 2007) and the governance dimensions of performance and conformance specified by the International Federation of Accountants (2009), underpinned by the moderating effects of five different components of MAS change, which yielded 13 significant relationships. The latter were subsequently analyzed for important gestalts (i.e., patterns) in the overall relationship, and assessed within the context of aligning professional accounting practices involving systems changes to the IFAC (2009) governance framework. These findings appear to have implications for improved governance structures in practice as well as offering a rich foundation for future research.

Management accounting systems to support stressing events: evidence from the food sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Truant ◽  
Laura Broccardo ◽  
Francesca Culasso ◽  
Demetris Vrontis
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Accounting Systems ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study analyses how family-run businesses operating in the Italian food sector faced the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that affected the global economy, with the support of management accounting systems.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used is based on a survey questionnaire conducted on Italian family firms involved in food business. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed.FindingsThis study categorised the companies into three groups, according to their long-term orientation and the use of management accounting tools. The results highlight proactive versus passive companies that emphasise various recovery paths from the perspective of performance.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations refer to the attention on a single country and the sample size.Practical implicationsThe main practical implication refers to management at different levels that should better understand how a clear long-term orientation can maintain the competitive position and pre-crisis performance.Originality/valueThis study examines the measures launched by companies to address challenges originating from the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of management accounting systems in SMEs: a multidimensional measurement approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 497-515
Author(s):  
Elsa Pedroso ◽  
Carlos F. Gomes
Keyword(s):  
Management Accounting ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Chief Financial Officers ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Accounting Systems ◽  
Order Construct ◽  
Information Characteristics ◽  
Management Accounting System

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and validate a multidimensional approach to measure the effectiveness of management accounting systems.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extensive literature review, the most appropriate information dimensions were identified. To validate the multidimensional tool, survey data were obtained from 284 chief financial officers of Portuguese small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A structural equation model, evaluating the influence on the managerial performance, was used to verify the nomological validity of this new construct.FindingsThe results of this study suggest that the effectiveness of management accounting systems can be measured using a second-order construct. This construct includes 14 items, covering four dimensions of the management information characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough contributing to the advancement of knowledge, it is, however, limited to the Portuguese organizational environment and culture. Therefore, further studies should be carried out in other organizational contexts and cultures, to test and validate this multidimensional tool.Practical implicationsThe multidimensional tool presented and validated in this study can be used by executives of SMEs for assessing the effectiveness of their management accounting systems, which can help to improve SMEs' performance measurement and benchmarking processes.Originality/valueOn the best of our knowledge, this is the first study wherein the management accounting system is modeled as a second-order construct from the perspective of multidimensional information characteristics. This second-order approach recognizes the contribution and retains the distinctive nature of each first-order construct, representing the management accounting system. This multidimensional construct could be very important for future research by allowing to capture synergies resulting from the balanced development of its four information dimensions, and consequently, offer new contributions to management accounting knowledge.

scholarly journals The role of management accounting systems in the development of intellectual capital

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Casas Novas ◽  
Maria do Céu Gaspar Alves ◽  
António Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Accounting Systems ◽  
And Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of management accounting systems (MAS) in the development of intellectual capital (IC) – i.e. human capital (HC), structural capital (SC) and relational capital (RC) – and the resultant effects on organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was developed to conduct a survey of high-level managers of Portuguese companies. The data collected were analyzed through the use of structural equation modeling with AMOS. Findings Statistical support was found for six out of nine hypothesized relationships. The findings confirm the role of MAS in the development of HC and SC. Results also showed positive and statistically significant relationships between the three dimensions of IC, in line with previous research. Finally, results indicated that SC has a positive and significant link with organizational performance, in keeping with some research. Research limitations/implications The estimation procedure allowed only a partial validation of the proposed model because, although positive, the relationships between MAS and RC, between HC and performance and between RC and organizational performance were not statistically significant. Practical implications The study highlights the role of MAS as information networks that collect, process and communicate information that influences the development of IC, as well as networks of relationships that support the establishment of conditions for the creation and integration of organizational knowledge and the development of IC. Originality/value In this research, an arguably more complete framework of the relations between MAS, IC and performance is developed and empirically tested. Despite the existence of some literature addressing the relationship between MAS and IC, this is the first study, of which authors are aware, that focuses specifically on the relationships between MAS and the three dimensions of IC (HC, SC and RC), as well as their effects on organizational performance.

scholarly journals Separation – integration – and now …? A historical perspective on the relationship between German management accounting and financial accounting

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Brandau ◽  
Christoph Endenich ◽  
Robert Luther ◽  
Rouven Trapp
Keyword(s):  
Management Accounting ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Institutional Pressures ◽  
Commercial Law ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Current Accounting ◽  
Management Accounting Systems ◽  
The Relationship

German accounting has traditionally followed a dual ledger approach with strictly separated internal cost accounting, as the basis for management information, and external financial accounting focusing on creditor protection and based on the commercial law. However, the increased adoption of integrated accounting systems implies a significant change in the relationship between financial and management accounting systems. We use Hegelian dialectic to trace the historical development of German accounting from separated systems and antithetical propositions of full integration, to the emergence of partial integration as the synthesis of this transformation process. The foundation of our paper is a comprehensive analysis of the literature on the relationship between financial and management accounting in Germany. On this basis, we elaborate how financial accounting in Germany has been shaped by its economic context and legislation, and how financial accounting – accompanied by institutional pressures – in turn influenced management accounting. We argue that the changing relationship between management and financial accounting in the German context illustrates how current accounting practice is shaped not only by its environment, but also by its historical path. Based on this reasoning, we discuss several avenues for future research.

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