The relevance of management accounting education at South African tertiary institutions

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.