Aliza Ramli

Performance Measurement and Balanced Scorecard Implementation: Case Evidence of a Government-linked Company

Abstract The Balanced Scorecard (BSC), an iconic strategic performance management tool, is well received by many organisations worldwide; however some Malaysian organisations have not really implemented it. The present study was carried out to examine the use of the BSC to achieve desired transformation, the role of management accountants and the critical factors for the successful implementation of the BSC model in a selected Malaysian government-linked company (GLC). An in- depth case study method was adopted and data was collected from multiple sources of evidence which enabled the corroboration of facts. The findings revealed that management accountants played crucial and multiple roles in BSCs implementation and will advance knowledge to successfully implement a management accounting innovation within the local context.

Improving Employees Accountability and Firm Performance through Management Accounting Practices

Abstract Evolution in the business environment will play a key role in spurring the growth of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) globally. Growing changes in business competition, daily operation, new strategy and technology are driving transformation in employees productivity and the future business environment that have significant impacts to organizations. Many organizations are demanding for proactive entrepreneurs with a dynamic team, who can run and steer their businesses to becoming more cost-efficient, which may lead to increased efficiency of firm performance. Literatures in management accounting recognize the important role of Management Accounting Practices (MAP) in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study examines the relationships between budgetary participation, commitment and performance measures through the tools and techniques of MAP in firm performance. A case study approach with heavy reliance on semi-structured interview was used, where 16 informants who are key decision makers and officer from different management levels were interviewed in the case study. Other sources of evidence have also been sought to enhance the desirability of the findings discussed. Our findings revealed that usefulness of MAP in the company improved employees’ accountability and firm performance. It also showed that budgetary participation and commitment from employees’ accountability have improvement activity when using MAP. This is directed towards helping others in achieving the desired business results by strategically positioning themselves into MAP in making informed decisions in their business undertaking. Further, the budgetary participation and commitment are predictors of managerial performance and accountability in perceived usefulness of MAP of firm performance outcomes.

An Islamic CSR Framework: Perception from Practitioners, Academicians and the General Public

Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the perception on the use of an Islamic corporate social responsibility ( i -CSR) framework as guidance to navigate CSR activities among Islamic-based organizations and the relationship between a strong overall perception about i -CSR framework and the positive embodiment of Islamic CSR practices. A questionnaire survey was distributed to three (3) main groups of respondents namely: Shariah Scholars and Academicians, Practitioners and Regulators and the General Public . The results of the study revealed that there were no significant differences in the overall perception towards an Islamic CSR framework among the three groups of respondents. However, there is a positive correlation between the level of awareness towards CSR and the positive acceptance of the framework. The results revealed that a strong overall perception about the framework is significantly and positively related to the overall acceptance of Islamic CSR practices.

Factors Driving Change in Management Accounting Practices: Malaysian Survey Evidence

Using survey questionnaire, this study aims to examine changes in management accounting practices, specifically management accountants’ roles, and tools and techniques adopted over specified periods within companies in Malaysia. Factors driving those changes were also investigated. The findings revealed that the management accountant’s role has expanded beyond its conventional boundary. In addition, the changes in management accountants’ roles and the tools and techniques used can be attributed to the factors driving the change. It was apparent that the most important factors that caused the change were core competency aims, changing work patterns/attitudes and broader scope of accountability. Thus, top management can exhibit substantial confidence in enhancing business performance that can be made by a better understanding of the change drivers, empowering management accountants, and adopting innovative techniques.

Entrepreneurial Orientation, Strategic Management Accounting Practices, Innovation, and Firm Performance: Craft Industry Perspective

Globalization in new era changes business environment in various dimensions. Organizational integration factor, business strategy, and innovation in technology were slowly becoming the major strategic issues which have significant impacts on organizations. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the issues coming in the way of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and firm performances within the craft industry development drawn on to the influence factors that enhance its performance and to further provide a framework to examine SME performances. Craft industry is a heritage industry which is considered as one of the major contributors in the manufacturing sector and also to the development of SMEs in most countries. However, its potential is always underestimated. Relevant literature on entrepreneurial orientation, strategic management accounting practices, innovation, and firm performance in SMEs within the craft industry is reviewed. In this paper, a framework of firm performance and factors affecting it is proposed that relies on resource-based view theory. A framework is developed to explore the premise for the research. Based on the suggested framework, entrepreneurial orientation, strategic management accounting, and innovation are identified as factors affecting firm performance, while the firm performance considers both financial and nonfinancial perspectives. The proposed framework allows the identification of the triggers driving SME performances and the capture of a holistic firm performance within the craft industry.

Islamic Ethical Practices and the Marketplace: Evidence from Islamic Financial Institutions☆

Abstract The marketplace from an Islamic ethical practice (i-EP) would be concerned among other things with the process of getting the right supplies from the right suppliers, performing Shariah compliance processes efficiently and innovatively with the ultimate aim of providing halal, green, ethical and socially responsible products and services to customers. The main aim of this study is to examine the marketplace dimension of 37 Malaysian Islamic Financial institutions for the year 2012. A content analysis of the annual and sustainability reports was employed to examine their current marketplace practices. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to confirm the results and to clarify arising issues. The results of the content analysis revealed that the focus of disclosure for the marketplace dimension was on the stakeholder engagement activities followed by the marketing activities. The disclosure of Islamic principles and values in market-related policies was given the least attention. This suggests that the Islamic financial institutions were not strategically incorporating the Islamic principles and values into the policies related to their marketplace dimension. To a certain extent, the results of the interviews provide support for the results of the content analysis. The interviews performed revealed that the motivation for stakeholder engagement for Islamic institutions was to resolve zakat distribution issues.