Manufacturing plays a significant role in the economy of Namibia, and yet is not performing as anticipated. In this study, the role management accounting plays in the success of a manufacturing business is explored. The research study was guided by the question of whether management accounting practices have an impact on the success of a manufacturing business through decision-making, business strategy formulation and implementation processes, as well as business performance as a whole. The research methodology used for this study is a qualitative case study of the manufacturer, Namibia Breweries Limited. This study used the insight of managers involved in the business strategy formulation and implementation, as well as in the decision-making process. The interviews focused on three themes: the contribution of management accounting practices through the business strategy and decision-making process, the influence of management accounting on business performance, and finally, the management accounting systems used in a manufacturing business. The findings of the study demonstrate that there needs to be greater awareness regarding the influence of management accounting practices on the success of a manufacturing business. Also, periodic appraisals on financial performance, quality of products and personnel performance, as well as a thorough understanding of the costing system, can be essential to the success of a manufacturing business.

Manufacturing is one of the important sectors needed to improve the economies of Namibia and South Africa. However, the manufacturing sectors of both countries are not performing as planned. Management accounting is one of the requirements needed for a successful organisation. With the aim of reducing costs, improving decision making, profits and customer satisfaction, the main role of management accounting in manufacturing companies of Namibia and the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is to control cost, forecast and budget, make decisions, report internally, improve profits and manage working capital. This study used an online survey to examine the factors that affect the effectiveness of management accounting in executing this role. The findings of the study revealed that management accounting is affected by the external environment, developments in technology and customer satisfaction. It also found that organisational structure, relationships with stakeholders and management accounting reporting were internal factors affecting management accounting. Specific skills like numerical and analytical skills were also identified as important to the role of management accounting. Based on contingency and role theories, this research aims to find those factors which can be controlled to improve the effectiveness of management accounting systems in manufacturing organisations, and as a result improve the success of those organisations on which these systems are contingent.