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Big data and management control systems change: the case of an agricultural SME

Author

Listed:
  • Gianluca Vitale

    (University of Siena
    University of Pisa)

  • Sebastiano Cupertino

    (University of Siena)

  • Angelo Riccaboni

    (University of Siena)

Abstract

Nowadays big data (BD) represents a hot topic which receives great interest from both scholars and practitioners, due to its capabilities to affect managerial practices in both large corporations and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In management control field of study, the use of BD can induce important managerial changes. However, no univocal consensus exists in literature regarding BD effects on managerial practices. In particular, some scholars highlighted the opportunities related to BD application while others question the real benefits of BD. Accordingly, in the current debate, there is no clear understanding of the real effects that BD may have on Management Control Systems (MCS). This ambiguity is even more pronounced in SMEs, given their reluctance to adopt both formal MCS and BD technologies. Consequently, this paper aims to analyze whether and how BD affects MCS and which drivers are involved in such interaction. To this end, we developed a case study on a SME, adopting the theoretical lens of Quinn (J Account Organ Change 7(4):337–357, 2011; Manag Account Res 25(1):76–92, 2014). Our study contributes to the present literature providing three main findings. Firstly, we showed that BD affects differently the formal and informal dimensions of MCS. Secondly, this study demonstrated that an exogenous shock, such as the adoption of a BD technology, can lead to MCS stability and not only to MCS change. Finally, we identified some micro-level mechanisms that triggered changes in formal and informal MCS. In particular, we found that leadership and managerial culture could play pivotal role in MCS change.

Suggested Citation

  • Gianluca Vitale & Sebastiano Cupertino & Angelo Riccaboni, 2020. "Big data and management control systems change: the case of an agricultural SME," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 31(1), pages 123-152, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jmgtco:v:31:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s00187-020-00298-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s00187-020-00298-w
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    Cited by:

    1. Ágnes Szukits, 2022. "The illusion of data-driven decision making – The mediating effect of digital orientation and controllers’ added value in explaining organizational implications of advanced analytics," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 33(3), pages 403-446, September.
    2. Maël Schnegg & Klaus Möller, 2022. "Strategies for data analytics projects in business performance forecasting: a field study," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 241-271, June.
    3. Rosa Lombardi & Raffaele Trequattrini & Federico Schimperna & Myriam Cano-Rubio, 2021. "The Impact of Smart Technologies on theManagement and Strategic Control: A Structured Literature Review," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2021(suppl. 1), pages 11-30.
    4. Daniela Di Berardino & Faisal Anees, 2024. "Creativit? organizzativa ed individuale nelle piccole e medie imprese: il ruolo del sistema di controllo," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2024(1), pages 227-249.
    5. Domenica Lavorato & Palmira Piedepalumbo, 2023. "How Smart Technologies Affect the Decision-Making and Control System of Food and Beverage Companies—A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-21, February.
    6. Markus Jung & Mischa Seiter, 2021. "Towards a better understanding on mitigating algorithm aversion in forecasting: an experimental study," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 32(4), pages 495-516, December.
    7. Iryna Alves & Sofia M. Lourenço, 2022. "The use of non-financial performance measures for managerial compensation: evidence from SMEs," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 151-187, June.
    8. Jochen Fähndrich, 2023. "A literature review on the impact of digitalisation on management control," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 9-65, March.
    9. Francesco Badia & Fabio Donato, 2022. "Opportunities and risks in using big data to support management control systems: A multiple case study," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2022(3), pages 39-63.

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