IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/jmgtco/v31y2020i1d10.1007_s00187-020-00298-w.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Big data and management control systems change: the case of an agricultural SME

Author

Listed:
  • Gianluca Vitale

    (University of Siena
    University of Pisa)

  • Sebastiano Cupertino

    (University of Siena)

  • Angelo Riccaboni

    (University of Siena)

Abstract

Nowadays big data (BD) represents a hot topic which receives great interest from both scholars and practitioners, due to its capabilities to affect managerial practices in both large corporations and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In management control field of study, the use of BD can induce important managerial changes. However, no univocal consensus exists in literature regarding BD effects on managerial practices. In particular, some scholars highlighted the opportunities related to BD application while others question the real benefits of BD. Accordingly, in the current debate, there is no clear understanding of the real effects that BD may have on Management Control Systems (MCS). This ambiguity is even more pronounced in SMEs, given their reluctance to adopt both formal MCS and BD technologies. Consequently, this paper aims to analyze whether and how BD affects MCS and which drivers are involved in such interaction. To this end, we developed a case study on a SME, adopting the theoretical lens of Quinn (J Account Organ Change 7(4):337–357, 2011; Manag Account Res 25(1):76–92, 2014). Our study contributes to the present literature providing three main findings. Firstly, we showed that BD affects differently the formal and informal dimensions of MCS. Secondly, this study demonstrated that an exogenous shock, such as the adoption of a BD technology, can lead to MCS stability and not only to MCS change. Finally, we identified some micro-level mechanisms that triggered changes in formal and informal MCS. In particular, we found that leadership and managerial culture could play pivotal role in MCS change.

Suggested Citation

  • Gianluca Vitale & Sebastiano Cupertino & Angelo Riccaboni, 2020. "Big data and management control systems change: the case of an agricultural SME," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 31(1), pages 123-152, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jmgtco:v:31:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s00187-020-00298-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s00187-020-00298-w
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00187-020-00298-w
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s00187-020-00298-w?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wang, Gang & Gunasekaran, Angappa & Ngai, Eric W.T. & Papadopoulos, Thanos, 2016. "Big data analytics in logistics and supply chain management: Certain investigations for research and applications," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 98-110.
    2. Thomas Gackstatter & Benedikt Müller-Stewens & Klaus Möller, 2019. "Effective accounting processes: the role of formal and informal controls," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 30(2), pages 131-152, July.
    3. João A. Ribeiro & Robert W. Scapens, 2006. "Institutional theories in management accounting change: Contributions, issues and paths for development," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 3(2), pages 94-111, July.
    4. Langfield-Smith, Kim, 1997. "Management control systems and strategy: A critical review," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 22(2), pages 207-232, February.
    5. Sivarajah, Uthayasankar & Kamal, Muhammad Mustafa & Irani, Zahir & Weerakkody, Vishanth, 2017. "Critical analysis of Big Data challenges and analytical methods," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 263-286.
    6. Julie Bertz & Martin Quinn, 2014. "Interpreting management accounting rules: an initial study of public bodies," Metrika: International Journal for Theoretical and Applied Statistics, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 319-342, February.
    7. Cristiano Busco & Robert W. Scapens, 2011. "Management accounting systems and organisational culture," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 8(4), pages 320-357, November.
    8. Côrte-Real, Nadine & Oliveira, Tiago & Ruivo, Pedro, 2017. "Assessing business value of Big Data Analytics in European firms," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 379-390.
    9. Rikhardsson, Pall & Yigitbasioglu, Ogan, 2018. "Business intelligence & analytics in management accounting research: Status and future focus," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 37-58.
    10. Stefanie Gschwantner & Martin R. W. Hiebl, 2016. "Management control systems and organizational ambidexterity," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 27(4), pages 371-404, November.
    11. Brian T. Pentland & Martha S. Feldman, 2005. "Organizational routines as a unit of analysis," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 14(5), pages 793-815, October.
    12. Moores, Ken & Yuen, Susana, 2001. "Management accounting systems and organizational configuration: a life-cycle perspective," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 26(4-5), pages 351-389.
    13. Anja Heinicke, 2018. "Performance measurement systems in small and medium-sized enterprises and family firms: a systematic literature review," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 28(4), pages 457-502, February.
    14. Markus Kreutzer & Laura B. Cardinal & Jorge Walter & Christoph Lechner, 2016. "Formal and Informal Control as Complement or Substitute? The Role of the Task Environment," Strategy Science, INFORMS, vol. 1(4), pages 235-255, December.
    15. Michela Arnaboldi & Cristiano Busco & Suresh Cuganesan, 2017. "Accounting, accountability, social media and big data: revolution or hype?," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 30(4), pages 762-776, May.
    16. Narasimha Rao Vajjhala & Ervin Ramollari, 2016. "Big Data using Cloud Computing - Opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises," European Journal of Economics and Business Studies Articles, Revistia Research and Publishing, vol. 2, January -.
    17. Erik Strauß & Christina Zecher, 2013. "Management control systems: a review," Metrika: International Journal for Theoretical and Applied Statistics, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 233-268, February.
    18. Howard M. Armitage & Alan Webb & John Glynn, 2016. "The Use of Management Accounting Techniques by Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises: A Field Study of Canadian and Australian Practice," Accounting Perspectives, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(1), pages 31-69, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Ágnes Szukits, 2022. "The illusion of data-driven decision making – The mediating effect of digital orientation and controllers’ added value in explaining organizational implications of advanced analytics," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 33(3), pages 403-446, September.
    2. Markus Jung & Mischa Seiter, 2021. "Towards a better understanding on mitigating algorithm aversion in forecasting: an experimental study," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 32(4), pages 495-516, December.
    3. Maël Schnegg & Klaus Möller, 2022. "Strategies for data analytics projects in business performance forecasting: a field study," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 241-271, June.
    4. Iryna Alves & Sofia M. Lourenço, 2022. "The use of non-financial performance measures for managerial compensation: evidence from SMEs," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 151-187, June.
    5. Rosa Lombardi & Raffaele Trequattrini & Federico Schimperna & Myriam Cano-Rubio, 2021. "The Impact of Smart Technologies on theManagement and Strategic Control: A Structured Literature Review," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2021(suppl. 1), pages 11-30.
    6. Jochen Fähndrich, 2023. "A literature review on the impact of digitalisation on management control," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 9-65, March.
    7. Francesco Badia & Fabio Donato, 2022. "Opportunities and risks in using big data to support management control systems: A multiple case study," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2022(3), pages 39-63.
    8. Domenica Lavorato & Palmira Piedepalumbo, 2023. "How Smart Technologies Affect the Decision-Making and Control System of Food and Beverage Companies—A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-21, February.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Wilkin, Carla & Ferreira, Aldónio & Rotaru, Kristian & Gaerlan, Luigi Red, 2020. "Big data prioritization in SCM decision-making: Its role and performance implications," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 38(C).
    2. Muhammad Haseeb & Marcin Lis & Ilham Haouas & Leonardus WW Mihardjo, 2019. "The Mediating Role of Business Strategies between Management Control Systems Package and Firms Stability: Evidence from SMEs in Malaysia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-20, August.
    3. Jochen Fähndrich, 2023. "A literature review on the impact of digitalisation on management control," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 9-65, March.
    4. Adel R. Haedr & Messaoud Mehafdi, 2017. "Accounting for Management Control in Large Libyan Companies," Athens Journal of Business & Economics, Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER), vol. 3(3), pages 279-304, July.
    5. Sebastiano Cupertino & Gianluca Vitale & Angelo Riccaboni, 2018. "L?impatto dei Big Data sulle attivit? di pianificazione & controllo aziendali: In caso di studio di una PMI agricola Italiana," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2018(3), pages 59-86.
    6. Armando Della Porta & Francesco De Luca & Chiara Aufiero, 2023. ""Radicare" la sostenibilit? nella strategia attraverso i sistemi di management control: un caso di studio relativo ad una Pmi," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2023(2), pages 43-68.
    7. Alnoor Bhimani, 2020. "Digital data and management accounting: why we need to rethink research methods," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 31(1), pages 9-23, April.
    8. Sheng, Jie & Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph & Wang, Xiaojun, 2017. "A multidisciplinary perspective of big data in management research," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 97-112.
    9. Domenica Lavorato & Palmira Piedepalumbo, 2023. "How Smart Technologies Affect the Decision-Making and Control System of Food and Beverage Companies—A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-21, February.
    10. Adriana Tiron-Tudor & Delia Deliu, 2021. "Big Data’s Disruptive Effect on Job Profiles: Management Accountants’ Case Study," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-26, August.
    11. Michela Arnaboldi, 2018. "The Missing Variable in Big Data for Social Sciences: The Decision-Maker," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-18, September.
    12. Andreas Kallmuenzer & Andreas Strobl & Mike Peters, 2018. "Tweaking the entrepreneurial orientation–performance relationship in family firms: the effect of control mechanisms and family-related goals," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 12(4), pages 855-883, October.
    13. Francis Aboagye‐Otchere & Cletus Agyenim‐Boateng & Abdulai Enusah & Theodora Ekua Aryee, 2021. "A Review of Big Data Research in Accounting," Intelligent Systems in Accounting, Finance and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(4), pages 268-283, October.
    14. Correa, Juan C. & Garzón, Wilmer & Brooker, Phillip & Sakarkar, Gopal & Carranza, Steven A. & Yunado, Leidy & Rincón, Alejandro, 2019. "Evaluation of collaborative consumption of food delivery services through web mining techniques," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 45-50.
    15. Ewelina Zarzycka & Justyna Dobroszek & Lauri Lepistö & Sinikka Moilanen, 2019. "Coexistence of innovation and standardization: evidence from the lean environment of business process outsourcing," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 30(3), pages 251-286, October.
    16. Osama Musa Ali Al-Darras & Cem Tanova, 2022. "From Big Data Analytics to Organizational Agility: What Is the Mechanism?," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, June.
    17. Ciampi, Francesco & Faraoni, Monica & Ballerini, Jacopo & Meli, Francesco, 2022. "The co-evolutionary relationship between digitalization and organizational agility: Ongoing debates, theoretical developments and future research perspectives," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    18. Claudio Vitari & Elisabetta Raguseo, 2019. "Big data analytics business value and firm performance: Linking with environmental context," Post-Print hal-02293765, HAL.
    19. Richardson, Alan J. & Kilfoyle, Eksa, 2016. "Accounting institutions as truce: The emergence of accounting in the governance of transnational mail flows," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 32-47.
    20. Vicky Ching Gu & Bin Zhou & Qing Cao & Jeffery Adams, 2021. "Exploring the relationship between supplier development, big data analytics capability, and firm performance," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 302(1), pages 151-172, July.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:jmgtco:v:31:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s00187-020-00298-w. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.