https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12852 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:34:19 GMT 2026-04-18T05:34:19Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100818 Title: Maximising internal controls & managing risks within a government finance department : account-ministry for finance Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to understand better to which extent internal controls & risk management are being implemented in the Corporate Services Directorate, Accounts Section, Ministry for Finance. The main objectives of this study are: Identify why internal controls & risk management are important, what is to be accomplished by their implementation & what should be done in order to maximise controls & manage risks; Getting a good picture of the current situation in other accounts government sections to tackle the public service risk analysis; Assess the level of awareness by headship positions of the Ministry for Finance with respect to Risk Management & control concepts by interviewing them & analyse the daily operations; Using the main findings to compile a sample risk register to be implemented & adjusted according to the needs of the accounts section. The main data sources consisted of qualitative type data collection i.e. structured interviews conducted at the Accounts Section, MFIN. I acquired feedback of what's going on, what are their perspectives about the subject & what situations the department is currently facing. I also did documentation analysis from NAO Audit Reports, international publications, local journals, articles and other online material and related subject books. The final stage of this study includes a number of recommendations in order to help strengthen control functions & implement them according to the relevant circulars & regulations, and above all help improve the current situation with respect to Risk Management & control in the Accounts Section. The main conclusions derived showed that risk management is still in its infancy phases. Government Departments suffer from lack of resources which was even felt in this department. This is a limiting factor to the adoption of a complete strategic approach to risk management, however things are on the right track. The importance of having more training courses which cater the status of risk management in a government finance department is continuously being emphasised in order to be more aware on the development of risk management competence. The ultimate responsibility for implementing risk assessments rests on the management of the department. Description: H.DIP.ACCTY.&FIN. Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100818 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100815 Title: Introducing performance budgeting methodology within the Maltese public sector Abstract: PURPOSE: The study analysis the need of Government to alter or shift from the current line-item budgetary approach. The issue investigated is to whether adapting performance budgeting reform would induce revolutionary changes in the rigid budgetary process being applied in Malta thus attaining key sustainability issues required to enhance desired economic progress, greater fiscal discipline, more informed budgetary decisions to enhance transparency and accountability. DESIGN: These objectives have been achieved through an intense research by conducting questionnaires throughout the Ministries involving Director Generals, Directors Corporate Services, Public Officers at the Budget Office and Financial Controllers. FINDINGS: Despite literature criticism with regards to budgeting, this study reveals that the majority of the respondents still perceive budgeting as a very worthwhile exercise. Although other tools might compliment the budgeting process these are not considered as its substitutes as the main belief is to improve current system rather than abandoning it in favour of other approaches. CONCLUSION: Criticism and/or failure to adopt new performance budgeting approaches are not necessarily attributable to a system failure but depend on the suitability of the budgeting approach being implemented within the complexity of various socio/economic elements. Respondents agree that current budgeting system needs to be upgraded gradually into a system focusing on an effective cost calculation and valid measure of costing for inputs and outputs for outcomes. However such is attainable through willingness of all stakeholders and those at the helm of Government to implement a gradual change in culture and mentality. VALUE: It is aimed to encourage further research to shed more light of weaknesses of traditional budgeting systems and to induce change to acquire greatest benefits from innovative approaches vital to move away from rigid budgeting processes. Description: H.DIP.ACCTY.&FIN. Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100815 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100814 Title: Having a practical accurate procurement unit within the Gozo general hospital Abstract: In today's rapidly evolving business environment, the procurement function is continuously changing and is considered by management as a primary process of an organisations strategic plan. E-procurement continues to transform the procurement function. The move towards planned purchasing specifies the buyers' extensive scope and enhanced commitment to assist and support in delivering the organisations strategic aim. Moreover, business communication between buyers and suppliers is constantly moving towards automation. This long essay will explore possible solutions on how the procurement function within the Gozo General Hospital could be improved. Enhancement of the existing e-procurement system; implementing a supply chain management system together with improved leadership and communication may all assist in achieving improvement The same solutions may be applied to other procurement units found within the public sector. The detailed literature review has helped in the analysis of the benefits of implementing e-procurement purchasing transaction process and in identifying the numerous available e-procurement applications that assist organisations in accomplishing outstanding results. Different methods in reducing bureaucracy within a department by improving leadership and communication between top management and their subordinates and by implementing a supply chain management system have also been highlighted. Primary data was achieved through a questionnaire which consisted of both open and close ended questions. It was distributed amongst procurement related employees, the majority being at high level. These were of prominent reference to provide results. It is also very important to state that there is very little literature recorded about procurement units within hospitals and other public service departments in Malta and Gozo. As a result, secondary data was gathered from archival sources and from organisations' abroad. The outcome of this research concludes that procurement officials would prefer improvement within their unit. Necessary development would assist in contributing towards an effective and efficient public procurement function. It is expected that the recommendations mentioned in this study will encourage administrators from the public service to improve career development systems and training programmes for procurement units, to assist employees in becoming experts in the area they are performing in. Description: H.DIP.ACCTY.&FIN. Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100814 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100738 Title: Corporate governance at central salaries and salaries sections with operations department, Gozo Abstract: This study has to do with corporate governance within an Operations Department in Gozo as far as payroll processes are concerned. The rationale underlying the study is to look into good practices and take cognition of improvements that need to be undertaken to enhance governance in Central Salaries and Salaries Sections within the Ministry for Gozo. While taking stock of the reform process that has been attempted throughout the time at the macro level of analysis, the operational issues at hand in Salaries at the micro level are the scrutiny of this study. An endeavour for an in-depth research grounded in literature reviewing was embarked upon. This research review delved into capacity building of payroll personnel, needs analysis, expertise and compliance issues while examination of the underlying causes was carried out. Through the method of action research embarked upon, a cyclic or spiral process was employed. This qualitative and participative process converges to something more useful over time for both action and understanding. The rigour and economy of this research method allow for the confrontation of ideas and data to be taken into account. The advantage of action research is its responsiveness. Throughout, it allowed me to tum an unpromising beginning into an effective ending. Repeated cycles in the researching process permitted me to refine the research question, work on the research design, formulation of interview questions and ultimately converge on appropriate conclusions through compilation and continual reviewing of data at the micro level of analysis. On this ongoing understanding, the research question took the following form: What can be done differently to enhance corporate governance so as to build on the ongoing reforms at Central Salaries and Salaries Sections? Emerging interpretations validated and collaborated through a continual process of responsiveness for the sake of rigour and quality of data calls for the need to enhance operational freedom and the 4 Cs, the laying down of expectations, the addressing of payroll system shortcomings, amongst other issues. These findings necessitate a major rethink in, among others, the internal and external audit practices, the setting up of policies and guidelines manual for payroll at departmental levels. Most importantly of all they necessitate an appraisal of motivation and range of skilfulness within Central Salaries and Salaries Sections to optimize human resources to be undertaken by payroll management. A skill profiling and motivation matrix for the enhancement of corporate governance in public payroll is thus being suggested as part of the recommendations put forward. Description: H.DIP.ACCTY.&FIN. Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100738 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z