Adopting the contingency theory framework, this study investigated the extent to which Malaysian public listed companies (PLCs) implement environmental management accounting (EMA) and whether the implementation varies across corporate characteristics. Five corporate characteristics, namely, environmental sensitivity of industry, company size, ownership status, Environmental Management System (EMS) adoption and the proportion of non-executive directors (NEDs), were examined. The results, derived from postal questionnaires, indicate that the extent of EMA implementation was moderate and that more emphasis was placed on environmental cost effectiveness activities. The results also imply that complying with environmental regulations is more important than incorporating EMA information into performance measurement, control and reporting. Except for ownership status, the extent of EMA implementation, however, did not vary among corporate characteristics, and thus, provides limited support to contingency theory in explaining the extent of EMA implementation among Malaysian PLCs.

Abstract-While the pressure of legitimacy was found to greatly influence companies' environmental reporting (ER) practices, being environmentally responsible however is not necessarily reflected through positive and descriptive environmental information. Unless companies begin to truly commit to upholding environmentally responsible, that is, to be accountable towards their business environmental impacts, the issue of incompleteness and incredibility of ER will remain topical. For companies to effectively measure and report their environmental performance, the implementation of Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) is essential as conventional accounting systems disregard the generation of environmental information. Using social issue life cycle theory as an interpretive lens, this paper aims to propose a theoretical framework to investigate the relationship between the extent of EMA implementation and ER practices.

The increase of scandals involving non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has provoked concerns from the public for their accountability. In the case of Yemen, the NGOs receive financial support from both local and international donors. These organisations, however, are not obliged to disclose how they manage the donation funds, although the donors usually outline specific requirements on how the funds should be utilised. At the same time, the success of projects undertaken by the NGOs funded by the donors can help to enhance the organisation’s reputation and legitimize its activities to secure more funds. This study investigated the level of accountability practices in the Yemeni local NGOs. A questionnaire survey was sent to 75 active local NGOs. The findings show that the level of accountability practices among local NGOs is moderate. Most of these organisations evaluated the impact of their projects at their completion. However, they tend to avoid an independent assessment of any third party. They also restricted the local communities’ involvement in determining where and how the money of the project should be spent. This suggests that the local NGOs are more likely to be “seen” as being accountable rather than being accountable. A further improvement perhaps through policymaking is thus necessary to ensure effective accountability practices in funds management of the NGOs.

This study examines the factors influencing accountability practices in funds management of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Yemen. A total of 75 local NGOs operate in Yemen, receiving local and foreign funding. A structured online questionnaire was employed for data collection. This study found that accountability was not widely practiced among the NGOs in Yemen. The level of accountability practices of these NGOs was significantly influenced by funding competition and perceived motive. The results of the study offer important implications for both policymakers and NGOs. The relevant regulatory bodies must formulate policies to enhance the NGOs’ accountability for improved efficiency and transparency. The NGOs, on the other hand, are expected to be transparent in ensuring the resources are well managed, and services are delivered efficiently and effectively to the recipients.

Learning outcome At the end of this case study, students should be able to identify issues relating to the external and internal environment of a business; explain how traditional marketing differ to social media marketing strategy and how digital marketing could be applied for frozen food company, identify alternatives to address the production capacity issue and challenges of contract manufacturing; identify and discuss measures that a company could adopt to effectively manage the working capital; apply various business management tools, concepts and theories in different decision-making settings – tools or concepts such as Porter’s five forces, SWOT analysis, PESTEL; and use analytical and logical skills through problem solving. Case overview/synopsis This case presents Khir, CEO of Mamart Food, facing several challenges in the post Covid-19 pandemic. Mamart Food is a SME manufacturing company located in Peninsular Malaysia. It competes in a frozen food industry. The case highlights the turbulence which Khir had to face due to the production capacity issue. He had the dilemma of balancing between the opportunity to boost sales and the capacity to meet demand. The dilemma emerged during the Movement Control Order in place and was expected to continue in the post MCO period. Quite a number of frustrated stockists over the unmet demand have started to aggressively voice out their dissatisfaction. Seeing the growing number of complaints, Khir had to act fast. Being the CEO, Khir must resolve the tension between Suliana, the production manager and Hisham, the sales and marketing manager. Failing which, it could be detrimental to the survival of Mamart Food. The most effective strategy for Mamart Food therefore needs to be formulated immediately. Complexity academic level This case is designed mainly for final year students in Accounting or Business undergraduate programmes. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.