https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/693 2026-10-31T14:43:35Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150574 Title: Corporate governance, accountability and financial performance in the Maltese gaming sector Authors: Ellul, Lauren; Dimech, Elisa; Baldacchino, Peter J.; Tabone, Norbert; Grima, Simon Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to: (i) assess the extent to which accountability and transparency are embedded in the corporate governance frameworks of Maltese gaming companies, (ii) identify the primary challenges in sustaining these principles, and (iii) examine how these principles examine the relationship between these principles and the financial performance of such companies.; Design/Methodology/Approach: A predominantly qualitative research approach was adopted, complemented by quantitative elements. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including gaming company representatives, audit professionals, and the Malta Gaming Authority. A corporate governance index was constructed from interview data, and financial statements for 2020-2023 were analysed to derive revenue figures.; Findings: Accountability and transparency are generally prioritised; however, governance standards vary, with publicly-listed firms adopting more robust frameworks. A positive and statistically significant relationship between governance and financial performance was observed in Business-to-Consumer companies. In Business-to-Business firms, the relationship remained positive but was not statistically significant. Finally, the findings indicate that the main challenges relate to regulatory compliance, the difficulty of safeguarding sensitive information, and people-related issues.; Originality/Value: This study contributes to the corporate governance literature by providing sector-specific evidence from Malta, a highly regulated European gaming jurisdiction. It develops and applies a corporate governance index to examine accountability and transparency practices and provides evidence that the governance–financial performance relationship differs according to business model. In particular, the findings reveal a significant positive association between governance quality and revenue among B2C companies, while no statistically significant relationship is identified among B2B companies. The study further highlights the implications of regulatory fragmentation, ownership structure and disclosure constraints for governance within highly regulated industries. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148874 Title: The rule of law in tax judgements of the ECtHR Authors: Attard, Robert Abstract: This chapter examines how the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) applies the principle of the rule of law to guard taxpayers against arbitrary state authority. It outlines how key components of the rule of law—such as requiring a solid legal basis in domestic law, determinacy, foreseeability, non-arbitrariness, non-discrimination, and access to judicial review—are interpreted through ECtHR case law to set standards for quality and fairness in national tax measures. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148538 Title: Reporting components and reliability issues Authors: Jorge, Susana; Caruana, Josette Abstract: This chapter deals with financial reporting in the public sector, taking IPSAS as reference. Some examples of the reporting components of specific countries are presented. The chapter also highlights the role of financial reporting in promoting transparency and accountability in the public sector, and concludes by referring to the importance of auditing to ensure fair presentation and regularity of the public sector accounts, ultimately impacting on citizens’ trust in public sector managers and politicians. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148537 Title: The IPSASB’s conceptual framework and views on selected national frameworks Authors: Jorge, Susana; Caruana, Josette Abstract: This chapter is about conceptual frameworks in public sector accounting. While particularly taking the IPSASB’s conceptual framework as a reference, the chapter also offers brief views on selected national frameworks from a group of European countries – namely the UK, Finland, Austria, Germany and Portugal – as illustrative examples of how conceptual frameworks can approximate or diverge from that of the IPSASB.; The explanations enable an understanding of the role of a conceptual framework underlying public sector accounting standards, as well as the main issues normally included in it. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z