https://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/issue/feedSouth African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences2024-03-18T05:10:02+01:00AOSIS Publishingsubmissions@sajems.orgOpen Journal Systems<a id="readmorebanner" href="/index.php/sajems/pages/view/journal-information" target="_self">Read more</a> <img style="padding-top: 2px;" src="/public/web_banner.svg" alt="" />https://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5180Institutional quality effect of ICT penetration: Global and regional perspectives2024-02-01T13:10:51+01:00Charles S. Sabasabacharlesshaaba@yahoo.comOladipo O. Davidolalekan.david@nwu.ac.zaTewa P. Votovtewap@yahoo.fr<p><strong>Background:</strong> As countries at global and regional levels work towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which emphasises the establishment and promotion of strong and inclusive institutions, there is a growing urgency to harness the power of information and communications technology (ICT) penetration in order to accomplish this objective. Hence, the rational for this study.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The institutional quality effect of ICT penetration (ICTP) is investigated at global and regional levels.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> Annual panel data for 183 countries spanning 2003–2021 are utilised. The countries were further disaggregated to five major regions.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> We applied the Two-Step System-Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) estimation approach that incorporate forward orthogonal deviations to achieve the objective of the study.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The results of the SGMM analysis demonstrate a statistically significant and positive effect of ICTP on institutional quality at the global level. However, the effect varies significantly at the regional level.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Overall, considering the inclusion of other control variables in the estimations, it is indicated that global and regional governments, as well as policymakers, could accelerate the achievement of institutional quality by strategically harnessing the potential of ICTP.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study makes a valuable contribution to the existing literature by revealing the impact of ICTP on institutional quality at both global and regional levels. To address endogeneity concerns, the Two-Step SGMM methodology is employed, offering a robust analytical framework for analysis.</p>2024-01-12T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Charles Shaaba Saba, Oladipo Olalekan David, Tewa Papy Votohttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5183A conductive effect of aid volatility on health poverty in aid-recipient countries2024-02-01T13:10:51+01:00Qinglong Xiongjxyxyxxz@163.comLanyong Liuliulanyongeco@163.comHai Longsoholonghai@163.com<p><strong>Background:</strong> Aid volatility has been frequently discussed but its effect on health poverty has not.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of aid volatility on residential health in recipient countries.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> Panel data from 91 recipient countries around the world from 1989 to 2017 were analysed.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> The Random Forest algorithm in machine learning was used.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> It reveals a conductive effect of aid volatility on public health, as aid volatility accounts for approximately 2.2%, 3.6%, 2.5% significance in child mortality, maternal mortality and life expectancy, respectively. Positive volatility causes more child mortality than negative volatility, while it causes less maternal mortality, although both kinds of volatility have a significant effect on life expectancy. Additionally, multinational aid volatility has a greater impact than bilateral volatility. The age dependency ratio affects maternal health and public life expectancy, while foreign aid and aid volatility are not crucial.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The donor nations or institutions should keep their aid growth-rate stable in order to ensure sustainable development in both the local economy and public health, while the recipient nations are encouraged to address these issues by developing their economy internally.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> According to a conductive effect framework developed during the research, theoretically, an indirect relationship between aid volatility and the health poverty level of recipient countries exists.</p>2024-01-19T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Hai Long, Qinglong Xiong, Lanyong Liuhttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5103External shocks’ effects on the co-movements of currency and stock returns in three Southern African Development Community states2024-02-01T13:10:51+01:00Thobekile Qabhobhothobekile.qabhobho@mandela.ac.zaSyden Mishisyden.mishi@mandela.ac.zaEwert P.J. Kleynhansepjkleynhans@gmail.comEdson Vengesaivengesaie@ufs.ac.zaOngama Mtimkaongama.mtimka@mandela.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Although numerous researchers have discovered a negative association between stock-market returns and changes in exchange rates, the literature does not address how external shocks may alter these correlations.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This article investigates the risk synchronisation between stock returns, exchange-rate returns, geopolitical risk (GPR), and global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU) concerning countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The SADC countries over the period February 2005–August 2021.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The wavelet techniques were used to address the study’s objectives.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The bivariate results show that there was a positive interdependence between the stock market and the currency market in Botswana and Mauritius from 2007 to 2012. In South Africa, there is always significant co-movement between the two markets. The partial wavelet shows that, while both increasing GPR and GEPU influence the correlation between stock returns and exchange-rate returns, GPR has a greater impact than GEPU. Finally, the wavelet multiple correlations analysis reveals that the Botswana exchange-rate reaction to shocks is indeterminate, with the ability to lead or lag in terms of how the SADC economies respond to shocks across all-time scales.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The findings from the study imply that investors should watch for changes in the GEPU, particularly the GPR, if they are concerned about the stock markets in Botswana, Mauritius, and South Africa.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This is the first study to evaluate the conditional effect of external shocks on the co-movement of currency returns and stock returns in SADC countries using wavelet techniques.</p>2024-01-19T06:05:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Thobekile Qabhobho, Syden Mishi, Ewert P.J. Kleynhans, Edson Vengesai, Ongama Mtimkahttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5069A dynamic, stochastic, Bayesian, provincial input–output model for the South African economy2024-02-01T13:10:51+01:00Douglas J. Crookesdouglascrookes@gmail.com<p><strong>Background:</strong> The green economy has long been important in public discourses, as has been the forecasting of macroeconomic phenomena.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The purpose with this study was to construct a regional input–output model for the South African economy.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The model is a coupled input–output/system dynamics model. It is dynamic in the sense that sector growth follows the ‘limits to growth’ hypothesis. The model is used to explore the impact on the green economy, and also on poverty indices.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> It was constructed using Vensim®, a system dynamics modelling package. Bayesian methods were utilised to estimate realistic values for the multipliers. Type I multipliers for output, income, employment and gross value added (GVA) are estimated. The model was then ‘tested’ by forecasting various resource sectors’ GVA (i.e. agriculture, mining, water, electricity).</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The model fits the historical data well, replicating provincial GVA as well as national GVA to an acceptable standard. The multipliers fell within appropriate ranges, and followed a priori expectations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The model provides ‘highly accurate’ forecasts of various macroeconomic parameters, including the resources sectors. The impact of different multipliers in the three resources sectors on various poverty indices in South Africa was also assessed.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The model has great potential for further use in the agricultural, energy and resource sectors, but also has wider application since it provides a means for generating an input– output table for any specific year based on the forecasting of input – output elements.</p>2024-01-31T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Douglas J. Crookeshttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5133A nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach to remittances and access to financial inclusion in Jordan2024-02-01T13:10:51+01:00Bashier A. Alabdulrazagbasheerf@yahoo.comMofleh A. Alshogeathrimalshogeathri@ksu.edu.sa<p><strong>Background:</strong> Financial inclusion and its relationship with remittances has been widely an area of investigation among researchers.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study investigates the asymmetric effects of remittance inflows on financial inclusion (FI) in Jordan.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> Annual time series data (1990–2022) constitute 33 observations.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> This study uses the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The empirical evidence showed a long-run equilibrium relationship among the model’s variables. Furthermore, the standard Wald test provides evidence of the asymmetric long-run and short-run effects of remittance inflows on FI and, hence, the nonlinear relationship.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The Jordanian government should promote efforts to simulate the inflow of remittances to the country. This study uncovered the vital relationship between FI and remittance inflows and its important role in enhancing financial sector development.</p><p><strong>Contirbution:</strong> This study contributes to the existing literature on the remittances-FI nexus. First, it uncovered the vital and important relationship between FI and remittance inflows, and its crucial role in enhancing financial sector development. Second, unlike previous studies that used linear ARDL or traditional estimation methods, it applied the NARDL approach to test for the existence of a nonlinear relationship between the model’s variables. Third, it suggests that policymakers in Jordan government should put effort into stimulating the inflow of remittances to promote FI and, hence, economic growth and development.</p>2024-01-31T08:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Bashier A. Alabdulrazag, Mofleh A. Alshogeathrihttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5054The relationship between earnings volatility and corporate risk disclosures2024-02-01T13:10:51+01:00Johannes Rammalau11198878@tuks.co.zaFranz Eduard Toerieneduard.toerien@up.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Corporate risk management theory argues that effective hedging with derivatives should reduce earnings volatility and enhance firm value. However, studies that have examined the relationship between the use of derivatives and earnings volatility, particularly from developed markets have reported mixed results.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This study investigates the relationship between corporate risk management practices such as the use of derivatives and earnings volatility. More specifically, it examines whether the use of derivatives by non-financial firms listed on the JSE has an effect of smoothing earnings volatility.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The setting includes 135 JSE listed non-financial companies during the period 2005-2021.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> Firm level data were obtained from financial data depositories, IRESS and Thomson Reuters Datastream. This study made use of panel estimated generalised least squares method (period seemingly unrelated regression) regression model in the analysis.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The findings of this study contradict the prediction of corporate risk management theory. The empirical findings showed that derivatives use measured by a dichotomous variable was positively associated with earnings volatility, meaning that derivatives were not effective in smoothing earnings volatility. However, when derivatives use is measured by a continuous variable, the empirical findings showed a weak association.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The present study rejects the null hypothesis based on the results of the regression models. However, the results of this study do not suggest that JSE listed firms are ineffective in managing risks and cannot conclude that these firms used derivatives for speculative purposes, exposing themselves to additional risks and volatility.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The findings of this study add to the body of knowledge on corporate risk management practices and their impact on earnings volatility and on firm value.</p>2024-01-31T09:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Johannes Rammala, Franz Eduard Toerienhttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5329Measuring the impacts of cooperative membership on household income: A case study of Zanzibar2024-03-01T13:36:48+01:00Mbarouk J. Alimbarouk.ali@suza.ac.tzGao Qianqiangewenguang@126.comGe Wenguanggewenguang@126.com<p><strong>Background:</strong> It is commonly acknowledged that cooperatives play important social functions that raise the standard of living for their members, particularly those who originate from rural, and low-income backgrounds.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This article aims to measure the impacts of cooperatives membership on household income taking Zanzibar as a case study.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The data used were directly collected from 217 cooperative members and 83 non-cooperative members.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the demographic characteristics of the respondents. The probit model and propensity score matching (PSM) was used to analyse the impacts of cooperative membership on household income.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The probit model findings show that there are four statistically significant factors affecting cooperatives membership, including gender, educational level, land ownership, and access to credit. In addition, PSM findings reveal that there is a disparity in income level between cooperative members and non-members. On average, cooperative members are able to generate more income than non-cooperative members by 28% per year.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study concludes that, in order to expand the observed benefits to the population, cooperative growth needs proper backing. Because poverty has many different dimensions, it’s crucial to expand the organisations that help the poor while also utilising other support services to reduce it.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The article serves as first empirical evidence to be conducted in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The findings will facilitate the amendment of the cooperative context, including tax reduction, extending loans and grants, and other favourable working conditions necessary for supporting the development of cooperative society.</p>2024-02-29T11:10:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Mbarouk J. Ali, Gao Qianqian, Ge Wenguanghttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5239Store atmospherics and apparel behavioural intentions: The moderating effect of urban bottom-of-the-pyramid consumers’ age2024-03-04T05:05:02+01:00Bianca M. van Niekerkbbvann@gmail.comMornay Roberts-Lombardmornayrobertslombard@gmail.comNicole Cunninghamncunningham@uj.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) consumers’ significant discretionary purchases of non-essential products, such as apparel, contribute to retail growth. In a turbulent retail environment, store atmospherics presents an innovative cost-effective solution to incorporate BOP consumers’ unique motivations for desired apparel behavioural intentions to grow market share.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding a systematic review of store atmospherics on urban BOP consumers’ apparel behavioural intentions in an emerging African market. This study also proposes various purchase antecedents to attitudes, which drive apparel behavioural intentions. The moderation effect of age is investigated to understand the change in purchase antecedents related to attitudes among different urban BOP age groups.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> Interviewer-administered surveys was conducted among urban BOP consumers in Namibia’s main urban areas.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> A sample of 881 respondents was selected by purposive, interlocking and convenience sampling methods. Covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM) confirmed the significant relationships between all constructs in the proposed model.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The systematic link between store atmospherics and urban BOP apparel behavioural intentions is primarily because of consumers’ perceived value, trust and attitudes. Urban BOP consumers’ perceived value, anticipatory emotions and attitudes are moderated by age.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Overall, this study sheds light on the differences between young and old urban BOP consumers and how they differ or coincide with age groups in more affluent segments. In order to adequately segment the urban BOP market, apparel retailers should emphasise on affordability, quality, emotional goal attainment and trust in their store atmospherics.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> In the broad context of store atmospherics, this study specifically uses age categories as a lens to provide valuable insights concerning age differences in urban bottom-of-the-pyramid consumers’ perception of store atmospherics which influences their apparel behavioural intentions. Further, this study solidifies that different age categories amongst urban bottom-of-the-pyramid consumers bring forth different behavioural intentions to which marketers should adapt their store atmospheric strategies.</p><p> </p>2024-03-04T05:05:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Bianca M. van Niekerk, Mornay Roberts-Lombard, Nicole Cunninghamhttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5287Market responses to appointment of women and men as directors: A study of top 40 Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed companies2024-03-06T08:00:03+01:00Maruping J. Mothapomaruping.mothapo@gmail.comOlive Stumkeolive.stumke@nwu.ac.zaBeitske M. van der NietBeitske.VanDerNiet@nwu.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> This study investigates market reactions to the appointment of women and men as directors on the top 40 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed company boards. Both the social and business rationale for the appointment of women is contextualised to evaluate the potential bias towards their appointment as directors. This research contributes to the literature by concurrently analysing both genders.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The primary objective of the study was to assess market reactions to the new appointment of women and men as directors of the top 40 JSE-listed companies using an event study.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> This study focussed on companies from the top 40 JSE-listed companies’ index. The period analysed was from the year 2015 to 2019.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> The event study methodology was used to analyse announcements of 17 women and 29 men as directors from companies across 12 sectors of the top 40 JSE-listed companies.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The study identified a significant negative market reaction to the appointment of women as directors, potentially because of gender bias. The appointment of men as directors was met with positive market reactions, though the results were statistically insignificant. The results align with prior studies that gender bias may impact the negative reaction towards the appointment of women.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study suggests gender is relevant to shareholders because of different market reactions. Companies should not disregard the benefits of board diversity despite negative reactions in the short term.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study informs boards of possible market reactions to gender diversity efforts. It emphasises the economic and ethical benefits and necessitates stakeholder engagement.</p>2024-03-06T08:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Maruping J. Mothapo, Olive Stumke, Beitske M. van der Niethttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5323Macroeconomic drivers affecting the foundry industry in South Africa2024-03-07T06:00:02+01:00Luckson PhiriLucksonP@truco.co.zaRiaan Dirkse van Schalkwykdirksr@unisa.ac.zaAletta S. Tolmayetolmaas@unisa.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> The problem addressed in the study reported on in this article is the decline of South Africa’s foundry industry. This industry is valuable in terms of job creation and a sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) strategy is required to sustain the industry in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> With the dearth of research on sustainability of the foundry industry, the research comprised three objectives; namely, to identify from literature the macroeconomic drivers, to empirically identify critical macroeconomic drivers, and to make recommendations on strategies for enhancing SCA for foundries in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The study was conducted during 2022 within the foundry industry in South Africa. Foundry representatives from foundries located in all nine provinces of South Africa were invited to participate in the study.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods methodology, initially employing a quantitative approach, and subsequently applying a qualitative approach to ascertain the most influential macroeconomic drivers. Quantitative data analysis entailed descriptive methods, while the qualitative phase involved thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study contributes by identifying the macroeconomic drivers that can be used by industry leaders in the formulation of strategies for SCA within the African context.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The study contributes by identifying the macroeconomic drivers that can be used by industry leaders in the formulation of strategies for SCA.</p>2024-03-07T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Luckson Phiri, Riaan Dirkse van Schalkwyk, Aletta S. Tolmayhttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5314A cost–benefit analysis for alcohol in South Africa for the year 20192024-03-11T05:05:02+01:00Graham Barrgraham.barr@uct.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> This article considers the impact of the production and consumption of alcohol on the economy of South Africa and on South Africa at large. It does this through estimating the costs of alcohol consumption for the South African (SA) society on the one hand, and comparing it to estimates of the economic benefits of having an established alcohol manufacturing industry in South Africa on the other.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study aims to use available data to objectively assess the role of alcohol in the SA economy.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The study is conducted at a macro-level on the SA economy.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> Quantitative assessment of the net economic benefit (or cost) of the SA alcohol industry was used for conducting the study.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The study indicates that the production of alcohol contributes significantly, both directly and indirectly, to Gross National Product (GDP) and generates broad-based employment in the economy. The damage caused by the consumption of alcohol to society is significant and primarily includes the suffering and even death resulting from medical conditions associated with the consumption of alcohol.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Taking all factors into consideration, the alcohol industry has a large net positive contribution to the SA economy, levels of employment, and SA society.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> There has been much debate and discussion about the net impact of the alcohol industry on South Africa. This study makes a clear contribution to the debate in that it calculates empirically, on a solid statistical foundation, a Rands and cents estimate of the net contribution of the alcohol industry to the South African economy.</p>2024-03-11T05:05:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Graham Barrhttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5280Analysing the nexus between financial structure and monetary policy impulses in sub-Saharan Africa2024-03-13T07:00:03+01:00Raad M. Al-Talr.tal@ju.edu.joJephias Makiwajephias.makiwa@students.uz.ac.zw<p><strong>Background:</strong> Gains in improving bank efficiency have widely been regarded as one of the most effective means of ensuring sustainability in a financial system.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> It is proposed in this article to measure monetary policy impulses and the dynamic panel data model to examine the linear relationship.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The nexus between financial structure and monetary policy impulses is analysed, considering 21 sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations during the time period from 2011 to 2022.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> The Vector Autoregressive (VAR) analysis is employed to measure monetary policy impulses and the dynamic panel data model to examine the linear relationship.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> A significant positive association between competition in the banking system and monetary policy impulses was found. Monetary policy impulses are inversely and significantly related to financial development. Also, the size of the central bank has a significant positive influence on the effectiveness of monetary policy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The financial structure has a significant role to play in the monetary transmission mechanism and credit markets help propagate and amplify shocks to the macro-economy.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The relationship between financial structure and monetary policy is not a one-way street as these variables tend to influence one another. Empirical literature on the subject is not very recent and come to differing conclusions, hence the rationale for conducting this article in SSA, employing both the structural VAR model and the dynamic panel data model.</p>2024-03-13T07:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Raad M. Al-Tal, Jephias Makiwahttps://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/5211Breaking the budget chains: Empowering Iraqi small- and medium-sized enterprises through Beyond Budgeting2024-03-18T05:10:02+01:00Noora S. Alhalawinoorasabah@uokirkuk.edu.iqSaida Dammaksaida.dammak@ihec.ucar.tn<p><strong>Background:</strong> Traditional budgeting has faced criticism, leading researchers to explore alternative management control methods such as Beyond Budgeting. Despite its potential benefits, Beyond Budgeting adoption remains limited.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This research investigates Beyond Budgeting’s effect on Iraqi small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) performance, focusing on competitive advantage.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The study targets Iraqi SMEs, considering their diverse business landscape. A random sample of 353 accountants was chosen from a research community of 22 974 individuals. SPSS and AMOS 26 software and a custom questionnaire were used.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> The authors conducted multiple linear regression analysis and Structural Equation Modeling to address our study’s objectives. Additionally, we utilised maximum likelihood procedures to assess factor loadings, construct validity and reliability.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Beyond Budgeting implementation significantly affected both financial and nonfinancial performance. It demonstrated positive effects on cost leadership and competitive advantage differentiation. However, an indirect negative impact on nonfinancial performance was observed through the influence on cost leadership, suggesting a trade-off between cost reduction and other nonfinancial factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study acknowledges limitations in sample size and the need for considering additional factors. Further research is required to understand Beyond Budgeting’s limited adoption in Iraq. The study contributes valuable insights on Beyond Budgeting as a substitute for traditional approaches, benefiting managers and policymakers.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study emphasises Beyond Budgeting’s significant impact on Iraqi SME performance, highlighting the relationship between Beyond Budgeting, competitive advantage strategies, financial and nonfinancial performance. The findings provide insights for enhancing budgeting practices in Iraqi SMEs.</p><p> </p>2024-03-18T05:07:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Noora S. Alhalawi, Saida Dammak