The first research objective of this dissertation is an empirical study of the capital budgeting process to determine what capital budgeting evaluation techniques are used by firms in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The second research objective of this dissertation is how the size of the firm impacts on the type of capital budgeting evaluation techniques used. The size of the firm is measured by magnitude of turnover, assets and the number of employees.

The treatise analyses the issues around budgets and examines budget expenditure control procedures. The research method selected has been formulated from the research onion process (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill 2009). This methodology first identifies the research approach, research strategy, timelines and data collection methods. As part of the research process, a quantitative approach has been taken and a survey was carried out in relation to the collection of quantitative data for the purposes of the treatise research. The final analysis of the survey results is reflected in the conclusion of the research findings. Budget expenditure control procedures provide a company with a method of control for managing actual spending against the budget. Most companies have a refined practice of budget preparation, and in the larger companies, these are implemented across all departments and carried out by respective managers. Once the budget is in place, it is the responsibility of the managers to ensure that those having expenditure authorisation adhere to it. If control procedures are well managed, this allows for improved efficiency in operations and can lead to benefits in budget performance. Control procedures that are inefficient and poorly managed will inhibit budget objectives being achieved. The control procedures for budget expenditure can be formulated and applied to optimise budget performance and to control budget variance. Formal budget expenditure control procedures, as part of a company’s budget strategy, can provide managers with an effective business tool that improves current budget spending control procedures. This will then result in the identification of potential efficiency gains and improve budget performance.