Management Accounting and Control: Lessons for and from the World's Tiniest Businesses

Srikant M. Datar; Marc J. Epstein; Kristi  Yuthas

Article | Strategic Finance

Management Accounting and Control: Lessons for and from the World's Tiniest Businesses

by Srikant M. Datar, Marc J. Epstein and Kristi Yuthas

Abstract

The article discusses skills microentrepreneurs need to manage and expand their businesses. After interviewing hundreds of microfinance clients around the globe, the authors were able to identify five tools drawn from management accounting where improved knowledge would have a substantial impact including cost management, throughput enhancement, risk management, budgeting, and opportunity identification.

Keywords: Governance Controls; Expansion; Business or Company Management; Microfinance; Cost Management; Risk Management; Budgets and Budgeting; Accounting; Opportunities;

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Datar, Srikant M., Marc J. Epstein, and Kristi Yuthas. "Management Accounting and Control: Lessons for and from the World's Tiniest Businesses." Strategic Finance 91, no. 5 (November 2009).

Set in December 2019, this case explores how P&G has applied data science and analytics to cut costs and improve outcomes across its business units. The case provides an overview of P&G’s approach to data management and governance, and reviews the challenges associated with changing long-established work processes within the company. It concludes by exploring four examples of how P&G has applied analytics to its businesses.

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Management Accounting and Control: Lessons for and from the World's Tiniest Businesses

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