Because of the non-recurring and transitory nature of discontinued operations, accounting standards require that the results of discontinued operations be separately reported on the income statement. Prior accounting literature supports the view that discontinued operations are non-recurring or transitory in nature, and also suggests that income classified as transitory has minimal relevance in firm valuation. Finance and management literature, however, suggest that firms discontinue operations to strategically utilize their scarce resources. Assuming that discontinued operations are a result of managerial motives to strategically concentrate resources into remaining continued operations, this dissertation examines the informativeness of discontinued operations. In doing so, this dissertation empirically tests the financial performance, investment efficiency, valuation, and analyst forecast accuracy effects of discontinued operations. In 2001, Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 144 (hereafter SFAS 144) replaced Accounting Principles Board's Opinion 30 (hereafter APB 30) and broadened the scope of divestiture transactions to be presented in discontinued operations. Some stakeholders of financial statements argued that discontinued operations were less decision-useful in the SFAS 144 era because too many transactions that do not represent a strategic shift in operations were separately stated as discontinued operations on the income statement. With the possibility that the discontinued operations reported in SFAS 144 era may not reflect a major strategic reallocation of resources, this dissertation examines whether the relationship between discontinued operations, firm performance, investment efficiency, and analyst forecast accuracy are different in the pre-SFAS 144 and SFAS 144 era. Using a sample of firms that discontinued operations between 1990 and 2012, this dissertation study finds limited evidence that firms experience improvement in financial performance following discontinued operations and that such improvement is only observed in pre-SFAS 144 era. The results also suggest that any improvement in financial performance documented is conditional on the profitability of the operations discontinued and provide no support for investment efficiency improvement following discontinued operations. Related to the valuation implications of discontinued operations, this dissertation shows that investors differentially value profitable and loss discontinued operations. However, such valuation differences are not dependent on the performance improvement implications. Finally, results support that analyst forecast accuracy of earnings decreases following the reporting of discontinued operations, but such effect is only observed in the pre-SFAS 144 era. This dissertation makes several contributions to the literature. First, this study extends the literature on corporate divestment by using a large sample of discontinuation decisions and hand-collected data on the profitability of the operations discontinued. Second, this research extends the literature on market studies by analyzing whether market response to a discontinuation decision is dependent upon the profitability of the operation discontinued. Third, based upon a review of the literature, it is believed that this is the first study to examine the possibility that analyst forecast accuracy may change following a discontinuation decision. Finally, this study extends the literature that examines the effects of changes in accounting rules and regulations on the informativeness of financial statement items. These results should be of interest to investors, regulators, and analysts.

Thesis (M.Com. (Accounting)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / For organisations to be successful, they need key stakeholders like shareholders, customers, employees, banks and the community. These stakeholders are essential in any profit-based organisation. All stakeholders have needs, which have to be balanced. However, it is difficult to balance the needs of different stakeholders as they have different preferences. This study seeks to determine how different needs of stakeholders can be balanced and which of these stakeholders an organisation can prioritise to create value in the organisation. The study used a quantitative method to extract secondary data from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The judgemental sampling method was utilised to selected 68 organisations from the JSE, which were utilised to determine which stakeholder has an impact on the value of an organisation. The study did not choose any industry but generalised. The results of the study indicate that shareholders, customers and banks (debtholders) have no effect on the financial performance of the organisation. This means that stakeholders do improve value in an organisation. However, the results further revealed that the community and employees have a positive influence on financial performance. Future researchers can choose one industry to determine how these particular stakeholders influence the financial performance of organisations in a particular industry. In addition, more stakeholders can be identified that are key to organisations. / National Research Fund through Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre

The thesis documents findings of a study conducted to develop a project based financial management system (PBFMS) whose role was viewed as a contributor to the successful delivery of projects leading to improved financial performance of small and medium construction enterprise (SMCEs). In particular, the PBFMS was viewed as a facilitator {function) for the efficient and effective conduction of the strategic management, project planning and control processes. Thus an adequate PBFMS was seen as one which, facilitates the efficient and effective delivery of projects with a view to provide enhanced enterprise performance. In pursuit of this aim, theory and practices relating to the development, operation and use of a PBFMS were investigated and analysed from both literature and field work leading to findings being reported in the thesis. In addition, the actual financial management systems of SMCEs were investigated to determine the extent to which their attributes match those of the proposed PBFMS model. The motivation for embarking on the study was brought about by three aspects observed in Botswana. Firstly, was the frequently documented poor delivery of projects, that is, for a sustained period of time, projects were being delivered beyond stipulated times, above agreed cost, and below specified quality. In some worst scenarios, projects were being abandoned at various stages execution but before completion. Secondly, the investigation was also prompted by the frequent financial failures of enterprises that were being recorded in the construction industry. Thirdly, the conduct of the proprietors of the construction enterprises was also frequently circumspect, particularly in matters relating to financial management. Thus in pursuing the study, a number of premises were made. Firstly, the financial management systems of the SMCEs were considered inadequate to fulfil their functions, that is, they were incapable of facilitating the strategic management, project planning and control process. It was also speculated that management of SMCEs were not committed to the PBFMS i.e. they did not participate, get involved and did not comply with the policies regarding the planning, developing, and operation of financial management systems. As a result, PBFMS were unable to play their role of facilitating to the successful delivery of projects for improved contribution to the financial performance of SMCEs. The second premise was that financial models available are either too generic to guide SMCEs in financial management matters or the strategic component is not linked to the operational plans to execute the strategy. For those which are meant for construction enterprises, they normally prescribe practices for project planning and control without including the strategic element and vice versa. In essence there is a gap in each of the models available for use by the SMCEs. It is the closing of this perceived gap in knowledge that the results of the thesis contribute in finding a solution to the mentioned problem. Thus the study aimed at answering two research questions: (i) Do SMCEs have adequate PBFMS that facilitate the effective delivery of projects for enhanced financial performance? and (ii) Is there a relationship between the adequacy PBFMS and poor performance of SMCEs? To facilitate the answering of these two question two hypothesis were formulated namely: Hoi: The PBFMS of SMCEs are adequate to facilitate the delivery of projects; and Ho2: The adequacy of the PBFMS is positively correlated with the performance of SMCEs. To test the two questions a research process was planned and executed in several steps. Firstly, a survey strategy using the questionnaire was selected as the most appropriate method to provide a snap shot of the existence of attributes of PBFMS and to investigate associated practices relating to their development and operation. The method was considered more appropriate and effective in gathering large data in a short space of time in line with the doctoral time framework. Construction enterprises registered with Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) for building and civil work in classes A, B, C and D were surveyed. The internal quantity surveyor, estimator or accountant were requested to respond on matters relating PBFMS on behalf of the SMCEs. The sampling frame from which the SMCEs considered for study were obtained from the two government departments which work closely with PPADB, the Department of Building and Engineering Services (DBES) and Department of Roads (DR). The sample sizes for each group category (small and medium) were determined using Krajcie and Morgan (1970) table. Stratified and systematic random sampling was used to select the identity of the members to form a sample fro study from the sampling frame. The second step was to design the questionnaire to probe the three aspects identified as constituting the PBFMS namely the strategic management; project planning and control; and management commitment. Essentially the questionnaire sought to investigate the knowledge, tools, techniques, practices, opinions and attitudes of those who design, develop, operate and use the PBFMS in the SMCEs. To ensure a high quality design, the questionnaire was given to experts in the subject area to provide some comments on its suitability and was also piloted on four enterprises. Data collected was analysed using mainly the SPSS software and involved application of various statistical techniques including cross-tabs, ratio analysis, ttests and correlational tests. A total of 101 completed questionnaires were received, made up of 55% and 46% small and medium enterprises, respectively. The demographic profile of SMCEs confirmed some of the expected results, for example, majority (59%) of the respondents were owner/managers confirming the dominance of the owner in SMCEs. Majority of SMCEs (59%) were more than 9 years old, with medium enterprises being more mature (60% older than 9 years) than the small sized enterprises (49% older than 9 years). Majority (56%) of SMCEs had 10 or more employees, with medium sized enterprises having more employees (75% with 10 or more) than the small sized enterprises (42% with 10 or more). SMCEs performed more of building work alone (48%) than both building and civil work (48%) or maintenance (11%) and no enterprise performed civil work (0%) alone. Majority of SMCEs (65%) acted as main contractors as opposed to sub-contractors, though as expected sub-contracting was seen more in small (20%) than medium (10%) enterprises. Lastly, the public sector (central and local authorities) provided majority (65%) of the SMCEs jobs. However, if parastatals which are wholly owned by government were added, the public sector job market adds up to 73% (65%+8%). The testing of the major two major hypothesis resulted in the following conclusion. The results indicated that the first hypothesis was supported, that is, in a majority of SMCEs operating in Botswana the PBFMS were found to be adequate in facilitating the delivery of projects. The results were therefore not in agreement with the basic premise made at the commencement of the study. In view of the finding, it suggests that SMCEs in Botswana have adequate systems that support the efficient and effective project planning and control. Secondly, management is committed to the 'welfare' of the PBFMS in terms of complying and supporting their development and operation. However, like any human endeavour, there are weaknesses in the PBFMS, for example, they were found inadequate in facilitating the strategic management process, including lack of linking the process to the operational process in order to execute the strategy. They were also found weak in one of the most crucial process of project management; that of project control. The second major investigation showed a weak link between the adequacy of a PBFMS and performance. Secondly, the results also indicated that the SMCEs which had adequate PBFMS performed better than their counterparts. The first results were not surprising since the cause of poor performance were shown as three pillars (business environment, client/representatives and enterprise factors). However, the second results emphasise that SMCEs with adequate PBFMS posted better performance than their counterparts with inadequate systems. In this way the role of PBFMS in contributing to better performance was illustrated by the results. Some recommendations are proposed resulting from the findings and how to achieve a deeper understanding of the subject. Firstly, SMCEs should pay more attention to matters pertaining to strategic management to ensure a long-term view of their enterprises. Secondly, when a strategic plan is developed, it must be implemented through operational plans as a means of executing the strategy. Thirdly, concerted effort should made in ensuring that the projects are controlled as it is the only way to achieve sustained profitability and satisfied customers. Fourthly, as a way of providing a deeper understanding of the subject, it is suggested a longitudinal study could be undertaken to yield a more encompassing investigation than a cross sectional study which captured only one business cycle of the industry (down turn). Lastly, the study could be replicated in another industry with a similar profile like the construction industry in Botswana, for example, Namibia or/and the study could include large enterprises to provide means of comparing the different profiles of enterprises. / Business Management / D. B. L.

This study examines the divide between finance theory and practice by analysing the significance of the determinants of capital structure choice among 123 listed firms on the JSE, to determine whether these firms follow the trade-off theory or the pecking-order theory. Data obtained from McGregor’s Bureau of Financial Analysis database was analysed using standard multiple regressions, stepwise regressions and ANOVA techniques to test for financing behaviour. The results indicated that the trade-off model has both cross-sectional and time-series explanatory power for explaining the financing behaviour, while tests on the pecking-order model were weak. The results further revealed a significant positive correlation between debt financing and financial distress, and a significant negative correlation between debt financing and the collateral value of assets during the period under study (1995-2005). These findings suggest a divergence between finance theory and practice for JSE listed firms and manifest conflicting ideologies between finance practices of developed and developing economies. / Business management / M. Com. (Business Management )

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Master of Technology Degree in Cost and Management Accounting, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2014. / Small businesses are vital for employment and job creation in South Africa. The implementation of sound cash management practices is essential to ensure to profitability and sustainability of any successful business. The commonly used expression, “Cash is king” cannot be contested as its validity was more prevalent in this research study. The aim of the study was to identify the current cash management practices of small retail businesses in the Tongaat area and identify the impact of such practices on their profitability and sustainability. This descriptive, cross sectional study, using a quantitative research paradigm and a non-probability sampling method targeted a sample of 69 businesses in the chosen area. The sample structure consisted of small retail businesses in the Tongaat area of KwaZulu-Natal. There was a significant relationship between drawing budgets and sustainability. This finding suggests that the more often the business draws up cash budgets, the more viable and sustainable the business is. 78.3% of the respondents acknowledged the importance of keeping records in the business, however, only 29.9% drew up cash budgets. The findings of this study could be useful to potential, emerging and established owners of all types of businesses since effective and efficient cash management is an integral component of any successful business. There should be more emphasis placed on the impact of how proper cash management practices can affect profitability and sustainability of a small retail business. A recommendation that adds value to the study was to engage the final-year, National Diploma: Cost and Management Accounting students in an integrated project, where they can provide cash management advice to these businesses. This will enhance the small businesses’ knowledge of cash management and encourage implementation of these procedures to assist in increasing profitability and sustainability in their business.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree Doctor of Technology: Public Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / In 2006, the government-supported microfinance programmes implemented by the Kenyan government started lending credit to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) using a group-lending mode, a change which represented a paradigm shift from individual lending mode. The overall aim of this research is to provide an investigation of whether the transformation of this lending policy was backed by any theoretical and empirical support. Specifically, the entirety of this study is intended to give an insight of what might have influenced the change, what informed it and what might have been overlooked. To achieve clarity and the study aim, the research is compartmentalised into three discrete studies. In the first study, a historical investigation into the factors which hindered MSEs from acquiring credit was undertaken. The second study investigated the reasons MSEs were credit rationed. The third study investigated whether the problems experienced by MSEs, associated with lack of credit access (lack of credit demand and rationing), could have been mitigated by group lending. The research utilised quantitative research design, the first two studies utilised data derived from National MSEs Baseline survey conducted in 1999. The third study utilised primary data collected from micro credit groups of the Kenya Rural Enterprise Programme (K-REP) in 2006 in Nairobi, Kenya. Various economic models and regression analysis were utilised in analysing different outcomes. In particular, the research utilised Univariate Probit, Bivariate Probit and Heckman Two-Stage Models to model various credit access outcomes. The study found that group lending largely mitigated information asymmetry- the main cause of MSEs failure to access credit. However, the study concludes that asymmetric information was not the only source of credit failure in Kenya. For group lending to work, or to have worked, it required support by other pro-MSE programme dynamics. This suggested that the government decision to change policy was partially informed by theory and practice. / D

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Goverment of the Republic of Namibia soon after independence, recognised its cardinal national responsibility to change the orientation of the nation's economy from one of exporting raw materials and importing final-use products to in-country production of goods based on the country's resource endowment. One productive sector for which explicit and far-reaching guiding policies, strategies and programmes have been developed and instituted from the beginning is the promotion of highly competitive industries with special emphasis on SMEs as a major pathway to progressive and sustainable industrialisation and employment and the simultaneous development of entrepreneurial culture. In recognition of the critical role the SMEs can play in the socia-economic development and economic diversification of the country, the Government of Namibia through its Ministry of Trade and Industry has put in place policies and programmes, specifically for the development of SMEs. To this end, the Ministry of Trade and Industry realised that the lack of bankable business plans limited entrepreneurs' access to finance and this posed the biggest challenges to the growth of the SME sector in the country. This has been conceived as a daunting factor and stems from the reality that entrepreneurs cannot provide bankable business plans to back up their applications. Given the prevailing condition, the Government of Namibia initiated the MSME Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Support programme ~ specifically geared to assist the SME sector with bankable business plans in order to induce financial institutions to provide loans to entrepreneurs with viable project ideas and prospects for success. The objective of the study is to explore the extent to which this support programme has facilitated the access to finance by SMEs and the creation of sustainable businesses. The findings of the study have established that worldwide some of the developed and developing countries initiated and implemented similar govemmental programmes in the form of subsidies to the services rendered by third parties to SMEs in business-plan formulations and related advisory services. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kort na onafhanklikheid het die regering van Namibia besef dat die landsekonomie minder afhanklik moet word van grondstof-uitvoere en die invoer van vervaardigde goedere, met groter klem op die verwerking van plaaslik vervaardigde grondstowwe. In die verband is kleinsake as 'n belangrike ontwikkelingsinstrument beskou en 'n vername skepper van nuwe werksgeleenthede, wat juis in die uitvoer-georienteerde landbou- en mynbou-sektors aan die kwyn is. Om hierdie herorientasie van die ekonomie te bevorder het die Ministerie van Handel en Nywerheid verskeie programme ontwikkel, veral vir die bevordering van kleinsake. In die verband is die probleem van bankfinansiering as 'n besondere knelpunt beskou , met die gebrek aan omvattende sakeplanne vir finansierbare projekte gesien as kemprobleem. Met die oogmerk het die Ministerie die "SME Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Support programme" ontwikkel, ten einde finansiele instellings te motiveer om meer geredelik finansiering te verskaf. Hierdie studie ontleed die bestaande program, sy agtergrond, ontwikkeling en probleme asook die baie beperkte sukses wat tot sover bereik is. Vergelykings met programme in ander lande suggereer dat verreikende aanpassings nodig is om die program meer betekenisvol en suksesvol te maak

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / This study examines the default rate and performance of Microfinance bank (MFBs) loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria based on the case study of Accion Microfinance Bank Limited (AMFB), Lagos State. Responses from 150 employees of AMFB revealed that the causes of default rate and performance of SMEs reflect the risk and vulnerability of the SME sector in Nigeria. It further showed that MFBs apply stringent credit criteria in granting loans to SME borrowers, coupled with the existing high cost of funds. The attitude, lack of transparency on the part of SME owners and fund diversion were identified as major factors responsible for the high default rate among SME borrowers. These and other factors warrant the need for further study in the areas of the impact of MFB loans on SME development given the new revised microfinance policy framework in Nigeria.

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the construction industry are presenting challenges to both industry and financial institutions in Namibia. The Development Bank of Namibia’s (DBN) investments in the construction industry yield mixed results, which have become worrisome. The percentage of non-performing loans within the construction portfolio continues to rise, hence a suitable contractor-financing model is required in order to advance financial resources and capacitate the contractor for their own development. The challenges of SMEs in construction business point to the need for the integration of knowledge from fields as diverse as business, finance, management and technical skills. This integration necessitates the need to create an enabling environment in which they can persevere. Understanding and experiencing these challenges, this researcher from the Development Bank of Namibia has taken the initiative to establish advanced financial solutions mainly for SMEs in the construction industry through the Bridging Finance Facility (BFF). This research report compiled findings gathered through the investigation of challenges impeding the success of SMEs, with a specific focus on SMEs engaged in the construction industry. A review of their satisfaction levels pertaining to the DBN’s application requirements, the adequacy of the BFF, mentoring, training, and client relationship support were some of the aspects investigated. The report also brought to the fore the bank’s internal lending processes that are currently in place. The main findings revealed that technical capacity, mentoring and training remain key shortcomings faced by SME’s. This matches the bank’s internal credit assessment processes that do not address the assessment of technical capacity sufficiently. The research found that the standard BFF induction program being implemented by the bank, and credit assessment turnaround times remain challenges for the DBN. Interestingly, road contractors were found to be a less risky portfolio group to finance in comparison to building contractors. The objectives of the document are in accord with the DBN’s overall strategic priorities, namely financial sustainability, stakeholder satisfaction and business development. Fundamental to the success of these investigations with the SMEs challenges was the use of the sets of structured questionnaires tailored to a selected sample of road and building contractors, consultants, quantity surveyors and architects as well as interviews with senior management at the DBN.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-03T18:35:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Claudineia_Boaventura_de_Sousa.pdf: 1035768 bytes, checksum: 8a5ab56ab58fb67088df2de635ac7c91 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-06-17 / This study examined the relationship between the market value (measured by Tobin's Q) and voluntary disclosure economic, social and environmental sustainability reports of companies listed on the BM&FBovespa. We analyzed the Standardized Financial Statements (SFS), Annual Reports (AR) and Sustainability Reports (SR) in the period from 2007 to 2011. The results indicate the existence of significant and positive relationship between voluntary disclosure economic and market value of companies, the same is not true with regard to voluntary disclosure environment that has a significant relationship, but negative in relation to Tobin's Q, demonstrating a trade vision-off between the investor and the manager, as such disclosure is strategically important from the viewpoint of business management. No evidence of a significant relationship between social voluntary disclosure and market value of companies. The study could help to encourage companies to voluntarily disclose information of an economic, social and environmental both quantitative and qualitative, as a strategic, yet aligned their mission and values as a way to communicate with their stakeholders and through that channel as to obtain benefits efficiency in management and business continuity expectations, given the enforcement of regulatory bodies, society and other agents that interfere in business and have direct legitimate. This incentive represents compensatory and contingency measures can reduce risks and transmit corporate responsibility and follow a global trend, which considers factors involving actions of a social and environmental function as extensions of social enterprises / Este estudo analisou a rela????o existente entre o valor de mercado (mensurado pelo Q de Tobin) e a divulga????o volunt??ria de informa????es econ??micas, sociais e ambientais, em relat??rios de sustentabilidade das companhias listadas na BM&FBovespa. Foram analisados, as Demonstra????es Financeiras Padronizadas (DFPs), os Relat??rios Anuais (RA) e os Relat??rios de Sustentabilidade Empresarial (RSE), no per??odo de 2007 a 2011. Os resultados apontam a exist??ncia de rela????o significante e positiva entre a divulga????o volunt??ria econ??mica e o valor de mercado das empresas; o mesmo n??o se d?? em rela????o ?? divulga????o volunt??ria ambiental que possui rela????o significante, por??m negativa em rela????o ao Q de Tobin, demonstrando um trade-off entre a vis??o do investidor e do gestor, pois tal divulga????o ?? estrategicamente relevante do ponto de vista da gest??o dos neg??cios. N??o h?? evid??ncia de rela????o significante entre a divulga????o social volunt??ria e valor de mercado das companhias. O estudo poder?? contribuir para incentivar as companhias a divulgar informa????o volunt??ria de natureza econ??mica, social e ambiental tanto quantitativa como qualitativa, como medida estrat??gica, por??m alinhada ?? sua miss??o e valores como forma de se comunicar com seus stakeholders e atrav??s desse canal obter vantagens quanto ?? efici??ncia na gest??o e nas expectativas de continuidade dos neg??cios, atendendo ao enforcement de ??rg??os reguladores, da sociedade e de demais agentes que interferem nos neg??cios e possuem direitos leg??timos. Tal incentivo representa medidas contingenciais e compensat??rias capazes de reduzir riscos e transmitir responsabilidade corporativa e acompanham uma tend??ncia global, a qual entende os fatores que envolvem a????es de car??ter ambiental e social como extens??es da fun????o social das empresas