https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3411 2026-04-27T08:28:43Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42868 Title: Business intelligence and its relationship with the accounting function : a local study Abstract: Objective This research, which has never been attempted locally as yet, aims at firstly determining whether local banks apply business intelligence; then most importantly, at identifying whether the accountant is one of the major influences on business intelligence and to what extent he exerts such an influence. Design This study was performed in the local banking industry and involved the use of semi-structured interviews. The Chief Financial Officer and a Business Intelligence or Information Technology specialist from each of the six participating banks have been interviewed in order to achieve the objectives of this research. Findings This study suggests that even though most of the participating banks do use business intelligence or are in the process of deploying it, some CFOs do not make proper use of it. This leads to failure in extracting the benefits business intelligence may bring to their finance function. Consequently, business intelligence was not considered to increase the accountant’s level of confidence in giving business advice. Nonetheless, it was found that all respondents recognise that a strong relationship exists between business intelligence and their accounting function. One major deficiency, however, is observed in the local banking industry; business intelligence is only applied tactically in most cases leaving the finance function detached from the rest of the business functions. Conclusions The level of involvement of the CFO in decision-making at banks having BI is found to be no less than that at banks which do not use BI. Moreover, the level of confidence of CFOs in giving business advice is not directly related to the use or otherwise of BI. Values It is hoped that this study will encourage more research in the field and that it will increase the awareness about the benefits a strong relationship between business intelligence and the accounting function can bring to an entity. Description: B.ACCTY.(HONS) 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/7927 Title: The role of small and medium-sized practices in the provision of financial and other advice to local small businesses Abstract: Purpose: A shift towards demands by SMEs for services of a business support nature has directed further research into the provision of business advisory services by SMPs. The study aims to identify the services currently provided by SMPs to SMEs, the barriers SMPs come across when dealing with SMEs and what characteristics ensure a well-built SME-SMP relationship that enables the SMP to pursue a value-added role. Design: A survey - based questionnaire was distributed to local SMPs with the aim to achieve the objectives of the study. The questionnaire was based on the survey questionnaire used in the study conducted by Devi and Samujh (2010) in Malaysia (ACCA Research Report 118). Statistical analysis of the results was performed through SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Findings: Although a number of business advisory services provided by SMPs to SMEs were identified, compliance-related services such as audit and the filing of tax returns remain the two most provided services by SMPs. The most prominent business advisory service is tax planning. Highly specialized services are only provided by less than 30% of the respondents. The most significant barrier that the surveyed SMPs experience is the lack of suitably qualified staff. Human resources would enable local SMPs to increase the array of services they provide to SMEs. Other barriers include the shortage of skilled bookkeepers by SMEs and the reluctance of SMEs to pay for additional services. Despite this, the local SME-SMP relationship is a positive one, based on trust and frequent contact. Conclusions: A number of solutions were proposed in order to ensure further growth in the business advisory sector. To overcome the barriers SMPs should seek to develop referral networks and invest in a diverse human capital. Implications: This study provides a platform for further research into the dynamics of the SME-SMP relationship and illustrates the importance and growth potential of SMPs and their role in the local accountancy profession. Description: B.ACCTY.(HONS) 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/7569 Title: Whistleblowing within Maltese public service departments : an evaluation Abstract: Purpose: In the wake of world-renowned scandals, whistleblowing has been identified as a major tool to be used in conjunction to other internal control systems in order to support their integrity. This study is aimed to ascertain the presence and nature of whistleblowing policies within local Public Service Departments, and the role independent institutions such as the Public Service Commission and the Ombudsman have to play in this regard. Design: The objective of this study is achieved through a series of semi-structured interviews with a sample of public service departments' heads of department, and semi-structured interviews with representatives of selected independent institutions. Findings: From the study it emerges that Maltese public service departments do not have any formal whistleblowing policies in place and the main justification given for this was that an open-door policy has proved to be sufficient to deal with such a matter. The upcoming enactment of the 'Protection of the Whistleblower Act' has been nonetheless considered as beneficial. Whether the provisions of the new act will be effective in encouraging whistleblowing is somehow doubtful due to cultural resistance which is exacerbated by the peculiarities of a small state. The study shows that the Ombudsman does not assume a direct investigatory role in relation to whistleblowing within public service departments, whilst the Public Service Commission has an important role to play in this regard but it is limited to cases involving disciplinary and selection processes. Description: B.ACCTY.(HONS) 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/7568 Title: Letters of undertakings and inquiry Abstract: Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyse the significance, usefulness and general including effectiveness of both the letters of undertakings and the letter of inquiry from the perspective of Maltese external auditors. Design: Research data was collected through semi-structured interviews carried out between October and December 2010. Sixteen interviews were conducted and their response thereto analysed. Findings: This study shows that the Letters of Undertakings are used to provide comfort that the company will continue as a going concern since any shortfalls will be financed by the supporting company. The external auditors consider the letters of undertakings as being significant since they are a way of obtaining audit evidence, however, they are of little use since the auditor cannot rely only on the evidence obtained from these letters but rather needs to carry out further audit procedures. With respect to the Letter of Inquiry, it was found that the letter is requested in order to obtain an insight and audit evidence with respect to a particular cases and their outcome. The lawyer's letter is important, especially when there are ongoing cases, however, the usefulness and effectiveness of the letter depends on the amount of detail the lawyers include in their response. Value: It is hoped that this study will encourage further developments in the area by introducing a standard for the letters of undertakings and the letter of inquiry respectively. Other recommendations would be to word the letters of undertakings as a guarantee and to improve the education on these letters, and lastly to reduce the limitations of the lawyer's response with respect to the lawyer's letter. Description: B.ACCTY.(HONS) 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z