Accounting and accountability in Fiji: A review and synthesis

This paper reviews accounting and accountability research in Fiji. The review is based on 41 papers which were published in accounting refereed journals, professional journals, edited book chapters and thesis and other refereed journals outside accounting. The reviews are over the years 1978 and onwards. In addition to categorization of the reviewed papers according to accounting topics, theories and methods of data collection, some themes to which the papers could be related are discussed. Financial reporting/ accountability research is the most popular research in Fiji followed by the new public management. Corporate governance research treads third. The paper findings suggest some directions for future accounting history research in Fiji and where the data can possibly be sourced for such research. We conclude that more future work is needed in the areas of accounting history which entails topics such as accounting and the state, performance auditing, indigenous accounting, financial reporting, SMEs and accountability in general

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF LITERATURE PERTAINING TO FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL INDICATORS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SMEs: EVIDENCE FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR

The study aims to bring to the attention of tourism managers and entrepreneurs an up-to-date review of the information sources related to the most important financial and non-financial indicators used in the decisional environment in order to determine the adaptation strategies of a company to the marketplace. The data has been collected, starting in august 2022, by analyzing the Scopus database from three perspectives: indicators, performance and tourism. 90 articles have been identified based on the criteria commonly used during the last 10 years. The results show that the indicators are used both from the financial and non-financial perspectives. Last, the main indicators used in the management of the smart enterprises in tourism have been identified. These indicators are clustered together in a portfolio of analysis methodologies, such as balance score card, specific to each company, which are the foundation of the process of adoption of the strategic decisions concerning the companies’ adaptation to the marketplace. This study is among the first to offer theoretical and empirical proofs of the manner in which the non-financial indicators become key aspects in the administration of the tourism businesses. The implementation of the new strategic pathways and the continuous evaluation of the results obtained will provide the tourism businesses long term competitive advantages and they will ensure a lasting loyal customer base

Financial statement analysis as a tool in evaluating the performance on Namibian small and medium-sized enterprises

Literature on financial statement analysis has been documented by various authors on how the performances of organisations can be measured using financial statement analysis as a tool. Most of the literature focused on what has been written in relating to organisations which are listed on the stock exchange. However, the same principles which are applied in evaluating the performance of large organisations can equally be applied to any organisation; this includes small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Namibia. Despite the fact that financial statement analysis is an important tool for evaluating the performance of organisations, no previous literature was found pertaining to the evaluation of the performance of Namibian small and medium-sized enterprises using this tool. This research will attempt to identify how management of Namibian small and medium-sized enterprises can effectively make use of financial statement analysis as a tool in evaluating the performance of the organisations in order to make correct strategic decisions that will benefit the SMEs

Avenues for corporate sustainability management: guiding SMEs in their strategic journey towards a sustainable long-term growth

L'impatto potenziale delle piccole e medie imprese (PMI) sullo sviluppo sostenibile globale è considerevole e deve derivare da un programma di responsabilità e sostenibilità d’impresa (RSI) strutturato internamente. Questo, tuttavia, non è un compito facile, data, da un lato, l'esistenza di barriere interne che caratterizzano le operazioni delle PMI e, dall'altro, le due nuove sfide mondiali emergenti dell'accelerazione digitale e della crisi derivante dall'emergenza pandemica da Covid-19. Inoltre, queste due questioni globali si rafforzano a vicenda e mettono le PMI in una situazione rischiosa in termini di continuità. Ma anche la sostenibilità d'impresa, che sta diventando sempre più una leva strategica di cui ci si aspetta che le aziende di tutte le dimensioni si avvalgano, presenta rischi simili. È in questo contesto che la tesi cerca di trovare delle soluzioni alle barriere interne e alle sfide esterne che impediscono alle PMI di diventare leader di successo del movimento per lo sviluppo sostenibile. Gli elementi di resilienza alla crisi, coordinamento delle attività di RSI e reporting, digitalizzazione e leadership sembrano avere la capacità intrinseca di guidare lo sviluppo sostenibile di un'azienda nel lungo termine. Tuttavia, per realizzare ciò, devono essere gestiti mediante procedure sistematiche e diventare parte del quadro strategico della sostenibilità all'interno delle aziende. Lo scopo di questa tesi è, dunque, quello di analizzare ciascuno di questi aspetti che sono strettamente legati al tema della sostenibilità aziendale (fornendo output che potrebbero supportare le aziende nel loro percorso di transizione verso la sostenibilità), e che le PMI oggi trovano difficili da affrontare perché il contesto in cui operano diventa sempre più complesso e iniziano a formarsi dei divari tra ciò che ci si aspetta dall’operatività delle PMI e la loro effettiva capacità. La struttura della tesi è composta da quattro capitoli che seguono una prospettiva macro-micro e ogni capitolo adotta una metodologia di ricerca diversa per esplorare gli elementi sopra menzionati. I risultati possono essere utilizzati principalmente dalle aziende che cercano di avviare o migliorare un programma esistente di gestione della sostenibilità. Nonostante il progetto di ricerca sia principalmente rivolto alle PMI, poiché le best practice analizzate sono state principalmente quelle delle grandi aziende, anche queste ultime potranno dunque trarre ispirazione per le loro operazioni di sostenibilità. Per quanto riguarda le PMI, il vantaggio principale sarebbe quello di trovare soluzioni per evitare che le loro barriere interne e le questioni mondiali ne compromettano la capacità di impegno verso un approccio di CSR correttamente strutturato.The potential impact of small-medium enterprises (SMEs) on the global sustainable development is considerable and must stem from an internally structured corporate sustainability and responsibility (CSR) program. This, however, is no easy task, given, on one hand, the existence of internal barriers that characterize SME operations, and on the other, the two newly emerging world-wide challenges of digital acceleration and the crisis resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, these two global matters are mutually reinforcing and put SMEs in a risky situation in terms of continuity. But so does corporate sustainability, which is increasingly becoming a strategic lever that companies of all sizes are expected to make use of. It is within this context that the thesis seeks to find solutions to the internal barriers and external challenges that prevent SMEs from successfully becoming the leaders of the sustainable development movement. The elements of resilience to crisis, coordination of CSR activities and reporting, digitalization, and leadership all seem to have the intrinsic ability to guide the sustainable development of a company in the long term. However, to do so, they must be managed through systematic procedures and become part of the sustainability strategic framework within companies. The aim of this thesis is, thus, to analyze each of these aspects that closely relate to the topic of corporate sustainability (providing outputs that could support companies in their sustainability transition journey), and which SMEs nowadays find difficult to deal with because the context in which they operate becomes increasingly complex and gaps begin to form between what is expected of them and their actual capacity. The structure of the thesis consists of four chapters that follow a macro-micro perspective, each chapter adopting a different research methodology to focus on the above-mentioned elements. The results can be of use mainly by the companies seeking to initiate or improve and existing sustainability management program. Despite the research project being primarily targeted at SMEs, since the best practices analyzed have been mainly those of larger corporations, the latter will also be able to receive some inspiration for their sustainability operations. As for SMEs, the main advantage would be to find solutions to prevent their internal barriers and worldwide issues tamper their ability to engage in a correctly structured CSR approach

Performance management: Assessing the gap between theory and practice in an SME

This study seeks to assess issues which may prevent performance management theory being applied effectively in practice. In particular it is interested in performance management in an SME. A single case study was used to test the author’s theoretical propositions and assess them against previous academic research. Findings were validated through a multi-method approach. Many issues found in prior performance management research were present in the study organisation, with behavioural factors, management capabilities and past experience of performance management as potential barriers to a successful PMS. Although this research is based on a single case study and therefore not generalisable, it can be concluded that for a performance management system to be effective companies must be clear about their goals, develop a coherent PM strategy and show commitment at each stage of the process. This study was based on a privately-owned micro-organisation in the service sector and adds to previous research conducted into performance management issues in SMEs

Blended Value Accounting and Social Enterprise Success

Social enterprises (SEs) are businesses managed by entrepreneurs who seek to improve society, and they represent an important trend in social change work. However, there is little empirical knowledge about which blended value accounting (BVA) methods are used by SE managers, and whether the use of BVA is perceived by SE managers as a critical success factor. Blended value accounting is a conceptual framework for measuring combined social and financial outcomes in SEs, and some believe that the use of BVA may be a critical success factor for SEs. This research was based on Covin and Slevin\u27s conceptualization of entrepreneurial orientation. The main research question was whether the use of BVA methods was correlated with SE success from the perception of the SE managers. Surveys were sent to 3,682 SE managers in North America, the United Kingdom, Asia, and Africa (n = 280). Data were analyzed using multiple regression, with the dependent variable SE success, and the independent variables: the use of BVA method, number of employees, length of time in business, economic sector, and country of registration. Findings indicated no statistically significant correlation between the use of BVA method and SE success, though most SE managers, 73% of 280 respondents, were using BVA methods for other reasons, including complying with state laws. The BVA method B-Impact Rating System was used by 59% of survey respondents who used any method of BVA. These findings suggest that SE managers should select a BVA method that is inexpensive to implement, aligns with industry standards, and provides them with management information. Supporting agencies should create a global registry of SEs, report on the social change impact they create through their businesses, and encourage all businesses to adopt the social-change orientation of SEs

A polychotomous accountability index for integrated reporting by South African listed companies

Abstracts in English, Southern Sotho and SwahiliThe broad aim of this explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was to extend the extant literature by developing a weighted polychotomous accountability index (PAI) that, in turn, was used to measure and evaluate the extent and quality of integrated annual reports (IARs) prepared by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed companies for the period 2013 to 2016. The study was motivated by a paucity of research on whether corporate accountability, through corporate reporting, has improved (extent and quality) under integrated reporting () through improved integrated reporting quality (IRQ) scores. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase was for developing the PAI through the Delphi Inquiry method. In the same phase, through qualitative and quantitative content analysis, the PAI was used to measure and evaluate the extent and quality of IARs for the JSE Top 100 companies over the four-year period (2013–2016). The second phase, in the form of semi-structured interviews, aimed at investigating the factors that contributed to the change in IRQ scores over that period. Eight respondents (preparers of IARs), representing five companies, were interviewed. Through the Delphi Inquiry method, the PAI was developed (major contribution of the study), which has eight categories, 44 constructs, a total possible score of 152 and a total weight of 100%. Furthermore, the PAI has a six-point ordinal scoring system from 0 to 5. For the IRQ scores, mean annual IRQ scores were computed as 52.45% for 2013, 58.48% for 2014, 64.72% for 2015 and 68.29% for 2016. As for the JSE sectors, the highest IRQ scores were 66.45%, 71.05%, 75% and 81.25% for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. From an industry perspective, the results showed highest IRQ scores of 66.45%, 72.37%, 70.72% and 62.42% for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. The steady increase in the mean IRQ scores for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 shows that there is significant improvement in the extent and quality of IARs produced by the JSE listed companies. This improvement in the IRQs is due to different reasons, which include: preparers taking seriously, teamwork, benchmarking, training, experience, addressing stakeholder needs and understanding the principles before implementing . Moreover, some companies fail to produce quality IARs due to a number of factors that include: an inadequate understanding of by some preparers of IARs; some entities not seeing value in preparing quality IARs hence they present poor quality IARs; partial buy-in, especially by the executive management; a paucity of skills and resources; outsourcing that was identified as bringing with it poor quality work and some entities preferring to chase prestigious awards at the expense of the company’s actual philosophy, hampering the quality of IARs in the process. Different conclusions were reached. It was noted that some concepts and principles should be more synchronised so that they are not in conflict with each other. Rules should be introduced so that may be a blend of principles and rules as this could minimise preparer judgement. The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) must align its terminology with that of other guideline bodies, such as rating agencies, to give more meaning to . The IIRC needs to improve in order to suit companies in the service industry. Integrated reporting has to be more compatible with the digital world and not necessarily paper based. More research must be done about what users need to see in IARs to enhance the relevance of the IAR to different stakeholders. Furthermore, the IIRC must proactively educate decision-makers for an improved buy-in of . Pertaining to transformation, de facto and de jure transformation remain merely theoretical without substantial changes on the ground. Government and the JSE should consider the nature of current disincentives since these seem not to sufficiently challenge the current status quo. Finally, more training on capitals and business models should be conducted in order to improve the quality of reporting since these two constructs are perceived to be complex and hence difficult to implement, especially through quantification.Maikaelelo a a anameng a thutopatlisiso eno e e tlhalosang ya mekgwa e e tswakantsweng ya tatelano e ne e le go atolosa dikwalo tse di gona ka go dira tshupane ya maikarabelo ya polychotomous (PAI) e morago e neng ya dirisediwa go lekanyetsa le go sekaseka bogolo le boleng jwa dipegelo tsa ngwaga le ngwaga tse di golaganeng (diIAR) tse di rulaganngwang ke ditlamo tse di kwadisitsweng kwa Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) mo pakeng ya 2013 go fitlha 2016. Thutopatlisiso e rotloeditswe ke tlhaelo ya dipatlisiso tse di malebana le gore a maikarabelo a ditlamo, ka dipegelo tsa ditlamo, a tokafetse (bogolo le boleng) ka fa tlase ga dipegelo tse di golaganeng () ka maduo a a tokafatseng a boleng jwa dipegelo tse di golaganeng (IRQ). Thutopatlisiso e dirilwe ka magato a le mabedi. Legato la ntlha e ne e le la go dira PAI ka mokgwa wa Delphi Inquiry. Mo legatong leo, ka tshekatsheko ya diteng go dirisiwa mokgwa o o lebelelang dipalopalo le o o lebelelang mabaka, go dirisitswe PAI go lekanyetsa le go sekaseka bogolo le boleng wa diIAR tsa ditlamo tse di kwa Godimo tse 100 tsa JSE mo pakeng ya dingwaga tse nne (2013–2016). Legato la bobedi, le le neng le le mo sebopegong sa dipotsolotso tse di batlileng di rulagana, le ne le ikaeletse go batlisisa dintlha tse di tshwaetseng mo diphetogong tsa maduo a IRQ mo pakeng eo. Go botsoloditswe batsibogi ba le robedi (barulaganyi ba diIAR), ba ba emetseng ditlamo di le tlhano. Ka mokgwa wa Delphi Inquiry, go tlhamilwe PAI (tshwaelo e kgolo ya thutopatlisiso), e e nang le dikarolo tse robedi, ka megopolo e le 44, maduo otlhe a a kgonagalang a 152 le boima jotlhe jwa 100%. Mo godimo ga moo, PAI e na le thulaganyo ya maduo ya dintlha tse thataro go tswa go 0 go ya go 5. Malebana le maduo a IRQ, palogare ya maduo a ngwaga le ngwaga a IRQ, e tlhakanyeditswe go nna 52.45% ka 2013, 58.48% ka 2014, 64.72% ka 2015 le 68.29% ka 2016. Malebana le maphata a JSE gona, maduo a a kwa godimodimo a IRQ e ne e le 66.45%, 71.05%, 75% le 81.25% ka 2013, 2014, 2015 le 2016 ka tatelano eo. Go ya ka indaseteri, dipoelo di bontshitse maduo a a kwa godimodimo a IRQ a 66.45%, 72.37%, 70.72% le 62.42% ka 2013, 2014, 2015 le 2016 ka tatelano eo. Koketsego ka iketlo ya palogare ya maduo a IRQ a 2013, 2014, 2015 le 2016 e bontsha gore go na le tokafalo e e bonalang mo bogolong le boleng jwa diIAR tse di tlhagisiwang ke ditlamo tse di kwadisitsweng mo JSE. Tokafalo eno ya diIRQ ke ka ntlha ya mabaka a a farologaneng, a a akaretsang: barulaganyi ba tsotelela thata, tirisanommogo ya setlhopha, go itshwantsha le ba bangwe, katiso, maitemogelo, go samagana le ditlhokego tsa baamegi le go tlhaloganya dintlhatheo pele ga go diragatsa . Mo godimo ga moo, ditlamo dingwe di palelwa ke go tlhagisa diIAR tsa boleng ka ntlha ya dintlha di le mmalwa tse di akaretsang: go tlhaloganya go go sa lekanang ga ke barulaganyi bangwe ba diIAR; ditheo dingwe di sa bone boleng jwa go baakanya diIAR tsa boleng mme seo se dira gore di tlhagise diIAR tsa boleng jo bo kwa tlase; tshegetso e e sa lekanang, bogolo segolo ya botsamaisikhuduthamaga; tlhaelo ya bokgoni le ditlamelo; theko ya ditirelo kwa ntle, e leng se se supilweng se tla ka boleng jo bo kwa tlase jwa tiro le ditheo dingwe di tlhopha go lelekisa dikgele tsa mabono mme di ikgatholosa filosofi ya nnete ya ya setlamo, mme ka go rialo di ama boleng jwa diIAR. Go fitlheletswe diphitlhelelo tse di farologaneng. Go lemogilwe gore megopolo mengwe le dintlhatheo tsa di tshwanetse go rulaganngwa ka tsamaisano gore di se ke tsa ganetsana. Go tshwanetse ga itsisewe melanwana gore e nne motswako wa dintlhatheo le melawana gonne seno se ka fokotsa go atlhola ga barulaganyi. Lekgotla la Boditšhabatšha la Dipegelo tse di Golaganeng (IIRC) le tshwanetse go lepalepanya mareo a lona le a ditheo tse dingwe tse di kaelang, go tshwana le ditheo tse di lekanyetsang, gore e nne le bokao jo bo oketsegileng. Lekgotla la IIRC le tshwanetse go tokafatsa gore e siamele ditlamo tse di mo indasetering ya ditirelo. Dipegelo tse di golaganeng di tshwanetse go tsamaelana le lefatshe la dijitale mme e seng fela gore e nne tse di mo dipampiring. Go tshwanetse ga dirwa dipatlisiso tse dingwe malebana le gore badirisi ba tlhoka go bona eng mo diIAR go tokafatsa bomaleba jwa IAR mo baameging ba ba farologaneng. Go feta foo, lekgotla la IIRC le tshwanetse go ruta batsayaditshwetso gore go nne le tshegetso e e tokafetseng ya . Malebana le diphetogo, diphetogo tse di gona le tsa tshwanelo e sala go nna tiori fela mme go se na diphetogo tse di bonalang. Puso le JSE ba tshwanetse go lebelela dintlha tsa ga jaana tse di kgobang marapo ka ntlha ya fa go sa bonale fa di gwetlha seemo sa ga jaana mo go lekaneng. Kwa bokhutlong, go tshwanetse ga dirwa katiso e nngwe ya letlotlo le dikao tsa kgwebo go tokafatsa boleng jwa go dira dipegelo ka ntlha ya fa megopolo eno e mebedi e lebega e le marara mme ka jalo go se bonolo go e diragatsa, bogolo segolo ka dipalo.Ndivho khulwane ya ṱhalutshedzo iyi ya ngona yo ṱanganelanaho ya thevhekano ho vha u engedza maṅwalwa a zwino nga u bveledza indekisi ya vhuḓifhinduleli yo khethekanywaho (PAI) ine ya dovha ya, shumiswa u kala na u ela vhuphara na ndeme ya mivhigo ya ṅwaha nga ṅwaha yo ṱanganelanaho (dzi IAR) yo lugiswaho nga vha khamphani dzo ṅwaliswaho kha Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) lwa tshifhinga tsha vhukati ha 2013 u swika 2016. Ngudo dzo ṱuṱuwedzwa nga u shaea ha ṱhoḓisiso dza nga ha uri vhuḓifhinduleli, u mona na u vhiga ha tshiofisi ho no khwiṋisea na (vhuphara na ndeme) nga fhasi ha u vhiga ho ṱanganelanaho () nga kha zwikoro zwa ndeme ya u vhiga ho ṱanganelanaho (IRQ). Ngudo dzo itwa fhethu huvhili nga maga mavhili. Ḽiga ḽa u thoma ḽo vha ḽi ḽa u bveledza PAI nga kha ngona dza Ṱhoḓisiso dza Delphi. Kha ḽiga ḽeneḽo, nga kha musaukanyo wa vhungomu wo sedzaho ndeme na tshivhalo, PAI yo shumiswa u kala na u ela vhuphara na ndeme ya dzi IAR kha khamphani dza 100 dza nṱha dza JSE kha tshifhinga tsha miṅwaha miṋa (2013–2016). Ḽiga ḽa vhuvhili nga tshivhumbeo tsha inthaviwu dzo dzudzanywaho zwiṱuku dzi sengulusaho zwivhumbi zwi dzhenelelaho kha tshanduko ya zwikoro zwa IRQ lwa tshifhinga. Vhafhinduli vha malo (vhadzudzanyi vha dzi IAR), vho imelaho khamphani ṱhanu vho vhudziswa. Nga kha Ngona ya Ṱhoḓisiso dza Delphi, ho bveledzwa PAI (zwidzheneleli zwihulwane kha ngudo), dzi re na khethekanyo dza malo, miṱalukanyo ya 44, ṱhanganyelo dza zwikoro zwine zwa nga vha hone zwa 152 na ṱhanganyelo ya tshileme ya 100%. Zwiṅwe hafhu, PAI dzi na sisiṱeme ya zwikoro ya odinaḽa zwa phoindi dza rathi u bva kha 0 u swika kha 5. U itela zwikoro zwa IRO, zwikoro zwa vhukati zwa ṅwaha nga ṅwaha zwo rekanywa zwa vha 52.45% nga 2013, 58.48% nga 2014, 64.72% nga 2015 na 68.29% for 2016. Kha sekithara dza JSE, zwikoro zwa nṱhesa zwa IRQ zwo vha zwi 66.45%, 71.05%, 75% na 81.25% nga 2013, 2014, 2015 na 2016 nga u tevhekana. U ya nga kuvhonele kwa nḓowetshumo, mvelelo dzo sumbedza zwikoro zwa nṱhesa zwa IRQ zwa 66.45%, 72.37%, 70.72% na 62.42% nga 2013, 2014, 2015 na 2016 nga u tevhekana. U gonya zwiṱuku kha zwikoro zwa vhukati zwa IRQ zwa 2013, 2014, 2015 na 2016 zwi sumbedza uri hu na u khwiṋisea hu hulwane kha vhuphara na ndeme ya dzi IAR dzo bveledzwaho vha khamphani dzi re kha JSE. U khwiṋisea uhu ha dzi IRQ ndi nga ṅwambo wa zwiitisi, zwine zwa katela vhadzudzanyi vha dzhielaho nṱha, u shuma sa thimu, u vhambedza, vhugudisi, tshenzhelo, u livhana na ṱhoḓea dza vhadzheneleli na u pfesesa milayo phanḓa ha musi i tshi shumiswa . Nṱhani ha izwo, dziṅwe khamphani dzi a kundelwa u bveledzwa dzi IAR nga ṅwambo zwa zwiitisi zwo vhalaho , zwi katelaho u sa pfesea lwo lingaho ha nga vhaṅwe vhadzudzanyi vha dzi IAR, zwiṅwe zwiimiswa zwi sa vhoni ndeme ya u ita dzi IAR dza ndeme zwa sia vha tshi bvledza dzi IAR dza ndeme i sa takadzi, u zwi ṱanganedza hu si nga mbilu dzoṱhe nga maanḓa vha vhalanguli vhahulwane; u shaea ha zwikili na zwiko; u ṱunḓa tshumelo nnḓa zwine zwo topolwa sa zwi ḓisaho mushumo wa ndeme i sa takadzi na zwiṅwe zwiimiswa zwi tshi funa u gidimisana na pfufho dza maimo hu sa dzhielwi nṱha fiḽosofi ya vhukuma ya dza khamphani, zwine zwa thivhela ndeme ya dzi IAR kha kuitele kwa zwithu. Ho swikelelwa khunyeledzo dzo fhambanaho. Ho vhonala uri miṅwe miṱalukanyo ya na milayo i tea u dzudzanywa u itela uri i sa vhe na khuḓano. Milayo i tea u ḓivhadzwa u itela uri dzi vha ṱhanganyelo ya milayo na maitele saizwi zwi tshi nga fhungudza khaṱhulo dza vhadzudzanyi. Khoro ya Dzitshakatshaka yo Ṱanganelanaho ya u Vhiga (IIRC) i tea u dzudzanya mathemo ayo na ayo a zwiimiswa nyendedzi, zwi nga ho sa mazhendedzi a u fhima, u ṋea ṱhalutshedzo ya khwiṋe kha . Vha IIRC vha tea u khwiṋisa u itela uri dzi elane na nḓowetshumo dza tshumelo. U vhiga ho ṱanganelanaho hu tea u elana vhukuma na ḽifhasi ḽa didzhithala nahone hu sa ḓisendeke nga bammbiri. Hu tea u itwa ṱhoḓisiso nga ha zwine vhashumisi vha vhona kha dzi IAR u khwaṱhisedza u tea ha IAR dza vhashumisani vho fhambanaho. Dziṅwe hafhu, IIRC i tea u funza vhadzhii vha tsheo lwo khwaṱhaho u itela u khwiṋisa u ḓidzhenisa kha . Zwi tshi elana na tshanduko, tshanduko ya de facto na ya de jure i sokou dzula i ya thyori hu si na tshanduko dzi vhonalaho ngeno fhasi. Muvhuso na JSE vha tea dzhiela nṱha lushaka lwa sa vha hone ha zwiṱuṱuwedzi saizwi izwi zwi tshi tou nga zwi ṋekedza khaedu lwo linganaho tshiimo tsha zwithu tsha zwino. Tsha u fhedzisela, vhugudisi kha zwiedza zwa pfuma na bindu vhu tea u itwa u itela u khwiṋisa ndeme ya u vhiga saizwi izwo zwifhaṱo zwivhili zwi tshi vhonala sa zwi konḓaho nahone zwi konḓaho u shumisa, nga maanḓa nga kha u vhekanya ndemeFinancial AccountingD. Phil. (Accounting Sciences

Environmental sustainability and ambiguity of environmental objectives in European companies: a survey analysis

The current development model has not been feasible for some time, given the tremendous impacts that are being encountered on a social and environmental level. The need for a development model focused on sustainability, so called "sustainable development", has been known since the 1990s, however not all companies are committed to pursuing it. The objective of this thesis is to investigate whether the European SMEs pursue environmental sustainability at an operational level, and not just a formal one, by setting clear and measurable environmental objectives; indeed the use of corporate environmental objectives is a useful tool for implementing sustainability in the corporate management system. The underlying assumption is that a low level of ambiguity of environmental objectives, it should lead to good environmental performance. To answer the research question, 70 small and medium-sized European companies were interviewed through an online survey, and the results show a medium-low total mean of the ambiguity of environmental objectives, which correspond to medium-high managerial environmental performance; on the contrary, the operational environmental performances are lower than the managerial ones, indicating a greater attention of the companies in question to the formal aspect of sustainability, which is not completely followed by a practical application, for example through monetary and non-monetary incentives. Given that the definition of environmental objectives by organizations, as a way to enhance environmental performance has been little studied in the literature, we suggest further research that may or may not provide evidence on this topic.The current development model has not been feasible for some time, given the tremendous impacts that are being encountered on a social and environmental level. The need for a development model focused on sustainability, so called "sustainable development", has been known since the 1990s, however not all companies are committed to pursuing it. The objective of this thesis is to investigate whether the European SMEs pursue environmental sustainability at an operational level, and not just a formal one, by setting clear and measurable environmental objectives; indeed the use of corporate environmental objectives is a useful tool for implementing sustainability in the corporate management system. The underlying assumption is that a low level of ambiguity of environmental objectives, it should lead to good environmental performance. To answer the research question, 70 small and medium-sized European companies were interviewed through an online survey, and the results show a medium-low total mean of the ambiguity of environmental objectives, which correspond to medium-high managerial environmental performance; on the contrary, the operational environmental performances are lower than the managerial ones, indicating a greater attention of the companies in question to the formal aspect of sustainability, which is not completely followed by a practical application, for example through monetary and non-monetary incentives. Given that the definition of environmental objectives by organizations, as a way to enhance environmental performance has been little studied in the literature, we suggest further research that may or may not provide evidence on this topic

Three essays on intellectual capital in Mexican SMEs

Cette thèse s’intéresse à la mesure du capital intellectuel (CI) ainsi que son impact sur les avantages compétitifs de petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) au Mexique. La principale question de recherche est : Comment le capital intellectuel devrait-il être mesuré et quel est son impact sur l’avantage compétitif des PME au Mexique? Afin de répondre à la question de la recherche, le premier article offre une perspective méthodologique du CI. Dans cette revue, les limites des méthodes quantitatives utilisées lors de l’étude du CI sont soulevées. L’utilisation de la modélisation par équations structurelles est discutée et privilégiée. Dans le deuxième article, un modèle de mesure adapté aux réalités des PME mexicaines est proposé. Les résultats suggèrent que, le capital humain et le capital organisationnel sont cohérents avec les études précédentes portant sur le CI dans les PME. Par contre, le capital externe présente des caractéristiques uniques au contexte du Mexique. De plus, malgré les disparités socio-économiques entre les différentes régions au Mexique, suite à une analyse comparative, il est démontré que la vision des gestionnaires ne semble pas différer en termes de CI. Finalement, malgré la multitude de programmes gouvernementaux à la fois aux niveaux national et local, très peu de PME semblent en récolter les bénéfices. Le troisième article tient compte de la théorie basée sur les ressources et la théorie des capacités dynamiques afin d’examiner le CI dans les PME mexicaines ainsi que leur relation avec l’avantage compétitif. Une typologie est proposée et les PME examinées y sont catégorisées en conséquence. Les résultats suggèrent que les PME avec des capacités dynamiques ont institué des processus à l’interne afin de répondre plus rapidement au changement, leur permettant ainsi de gérer les opportunités et les menaces. De plus, elles prennent plus de risques que les PME moins dynamiques lorsqu’il s’agit de saisir des opportunités et de les transformer en avantages compétitifs. De tels processus sont intrinsèques aux PME dites dynamiques parce qu’ils deviennent partie de la culture organisationnelle.The objective of this thesis is to measure intellectual capital (IC) and its impact on the competitive advantage of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Mexico. The main research question is: How should intellectual capital be measured and what is its impact on the competitive advantage of SMEs in Mexico? To answer the research question, the first essay offers a methodological perspective of IC. In this review, the limitations of quantitative methods used in the study of IC are noted. Subsequently, the use of structural equation modeling is discussed and promoted. In the second essay, a measurement model adapted to the realities of Mexican SMEs is proposed. The results suggest that human capital and organizational capital are consistent with previous studies of IC in SMEs. As for external capital, it presents some characteristics unique to the Mexican context. Moreover, despite the socio-economic disparities across regions in Mexico, a comparative analysis shows that the vision of managers does not seem to differ in terms of IC. Finally, despite the multitude of governmental programs at both national and local levels, very few SMEs seem to be reaping their benefits. The third essay takes into account the resource-based and the dynamic-capabilities views to examine IC in Mexican SMEs and its relation to competitive advantage. A typology is proposed and the examined SMEs are categorized accordingly. The results suggest that SMEs with dynamic capabilities have instituted processes within their organizations to respond more rapidly to change, allowing them to manage opportunities and threats. Moreover, they are willing to take more risks than their counterparts, who are characterized by less dynamism in seizing opportunities and transforming them into competitive advantages. Such processes are intrinsic to SMEs because they become part of the culture of organizations

Facilitating organisational change and innovation: activating intellectual capital within a learning paradigm

Emanating from the mainstream accounting and managerial thinking, which hinges upon the “command and control” assumption, a firm’s Intellectual Capital (IC) is understood as an objective reality. Influenced by this understanding, advocates of the measuring paradigm attempt to posit IC under parsimonious conditions within a reporting system. This thesis contributes to an emerging critical trend that seeks to counterbalance the limitations of the measuring paradigm and explores the possibilities of constructing a learning paradigm. A series of high-level questions that confront both paradigms, including their ontological assumptions, methodological considerations, foci of practice, and criteria for ICinformation disclosure, are considered. Whilst the measuring paradigm prioritises the activities of assessing and reporting individual IC elements, a learning paradigm is concerned with nurturing a learning motive in IC practice for organisational change and innovation. The analysis of a learning paradigm draws on the works of three processphilosophers: Habermas, Vygotsky and Deleuze. This thesis engages with the case study of “InCaS”: a project combined IC research and practice, involving researchers and 25 SMEs from 5 European countries. Data were collected through qualitative survey and administrative documents, interviews, and group discussions over a 30-month-period. Thematic analysis and reconstructed stories analysis were applied where suitable. The findings reveal that a learning paradigm does not stand against the measuring paradigm, but transforms it by enabling a flowing process of IC in SMEs. This flowing process contributes to the generation and development of new knowledge, new practice, and a new sense of positive energy. Based on this, the thesis suggests that the future of IC practice should focus on “IC flow management”, i.e. activate a non-linear process of learning-by-reflection, learning-by-participation, and learning-by-affection. In doing so, IC would not be perceived as a lifeless commodity, but as a metaphor of life that accommodates different pathways to value