An evaluation of Global Management Accounting Principles in the sustainability of a South African mechanised piggery

Abstract

Research purpose: The aim of this article was to evaluate the relevance of Global Management Accounting Principles (GMAPs) in the sustainability of a mechanised piggery in a South African context. Motivation for the study: Considering the pressure which commercial agriculture in South Africa is experiencing, as well as the growing nature of pork production in this sector, mechanised piggeries would have to consider ways in which to manage their operations in order to remain sustainable. Research approach, design and method: The research design took the form of an exploratory case study and contextual applied research with an inductivist approach to qualitative research. Main findings: The findings include that, without pre-knowledge of GMAPs, Piggery A employed a large number of the concepts and principles described by GMAPs as best practice. Practical and managerial implications: All commercial farming operations should consider GMAPs as a tool to establish best practice in the support of decision-making that promotes sustainability of farming operations. Contribution or value-add: The article’s contribution is to highlight that GMAPs can also be utilised as an effective decision-making tool in a mechanised piggery albeit it was designed for use in large corporations.

Keywords

• global management accounting principles
• commercial farming
• sustainability
• South Africa
• mechanised piggery