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Developments in Management Control and Digitalization

Bonk, Maximilian Tim LU and Adams, Manuel Niklas LU (2019) BUSN79 20191
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how management control and digitalization develop and affect each other. Management controls allow holistic steering possibilities of an organization, whereas digitalization seems to affect management control and the required tools, structures, and processes. To gain hands-on reliability, the finance department of the Central European Region of a US-headquartered conglomerate is chosen for this case study. By conducting this research, the authors deem to contribute to the lack of research in this area, also since developments in management control and technology occur in short timely sequences.
Abstract
Methodology: The present thesis is an inductive qualitative case study approach, dealing with one case company to deepen the insights and the granularity level of information. Some theoretical knowledge was acquired to set up questions for the semi-structured interviews.
Abstract
Theoretical perspective: The theory is built on different relevant theoretical perspectives in the areas of management control and digitalization. Malmi & Brown’s (2008) management control systems as a package framework was chosen as comprehensive framework.
Abstract
Empirical foundation: The empirical evidence is based on various interviews and E-Mail correspondence according to the case study approach.
Abstract
Conclusions: Digitalization is a process that will continue to affect management control systems at the case company. All five clusters of the theoretical framework are affected by digitalization which points to the extension of the framework with consideration of information technology. Business partnering leads to added value, better use of time and higher quality and transparency. The case companies’ development in terms of digitalization of management control differs in the regions as restructurings and the corporate structure affect the implementation of digital technologies. Standardization and automatization require a change in the behavior and skillset of employees regarding computerized applications. Management control systems... (More)
Conclusions: Digitalization is a process that will continue to affect management control systems at the case company. All five clusters of the theoretical framework are affected by digitalization which points to the extension of the framework with consideration of information technology. Business partnering leads to added value, better use of time and higher quality and transparency. The case companies’ development in terms of digitalization of management control differs in the regions as restructurings and the corporate structure affect the implementation of digital technologies. Standardization and automatization require a change in the behavior and skillset of employees regarding computerized applications. Management control systems become redundant when machines take over employees’ tasks. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Bonk, Maximilian Tim LU and Adams, Manuel Niklas LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
An Analysis of how Digitalization affects the Controlling Function – A Case Study Approach
course
BUSN79 20191
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Management Control, Management Control Systems as a Package, Controlling function, Controller, Digitalization
language
English
additional info
This master thesis contains confidential data of 3M Company. This work may only be made available to the supervisors and authorized members of the board of examiners. Any publication and duplication of this master thesis - even in parts - is prohibited. An inspection of this work by third parties requires the expressed permission of 3M Company and the authors.
id
8977789
date added to LUP
2019-09-30 13:52:15
date last changed
2019-09-30 13:52:15
@misc{8977789,
  abstract     = {{Conclusions: Digitalization is a process that will continue to affect management control systems at the case company. All five clusters of the theoretical framework are affected by digitalization which points to the extension of the framework with consideration of information technology. Business partnering leads to added value, better use of time and higher quality and transparency. The case companies’ development in terms of digitalization of management control differs in the regions as restructurings and the corporate structure affect the implementation of digital technologies. Standardization and automatization require a change in the behavior and skillset of employees regarding computerized applications. Management control systems become redundant when machines take over employees’ tasks.}},
  author       = {{Bonk, Maximilian Tim and Adams, Manuel Niklas}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Developments in Management Control and Digitalization}},
  year         = {{2019}},
}