Abstract:
This study examines the extent of the gap between education and practice, in respect
of management accounting in South Africa. The investigation is carried out by means
of two surveys; the first among universities and technikons to determine what is taught by tertiary institutions and the second among consultants to ascertain what is being practised.
It finds a significant overemphasis by education of simplistic mathematical models
and quantitative techniques at the expense of strategic management accounting and
performance measurement techniques.
A literature study indicates that the relevance of the subject might be enhanced
through closer co-operation between education and practice as well as multidisciplinary research. A broader view, incorporating organisational and behavioural
perspectives on management accounting, should be taken.
