Purpose: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities are crucial for the cordial relationship between the business and the community, and despite the cost involved in CSR investments such relationship may have favourable consequence on community patronage and financial outcome. This study investigated the effect of CSR activities on the profitability of oil firms listed in Nigeria by ascertaining how community development costs (CDC) and employee benefits are associated with the financial performance of the firms. Methodology: Data on the study variables from thirteen oil and gas firms were collected over a period of twenty-one years (1998 to 2018), and analysed using a heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation-consistent regression technique to determine the effect of CSR activities on the financial performance of the sampled firms. Findings: The results showed that community development cost (CDC) had a significant positive effect on profitability. Employee benfits also have similar effect on financial performance. These findings indicate that investing in CSR activities ultimately has a favourable impact on corporate financial performance. Accordingly, the study recommended that oil firms should increasingly invest in employee welfare and community development projects in Nigeria. Originality/Value: This paper used a data set drawn from almost all the listed oil firms in Nigeria over a relatively long time span. The results support the usefulness of CSR activities to corporate entities, thereby encouraging oil firms to conduct more CSR investments in Nigeria.

Purpose: The study used the Beneish M Score to discover probable financial statement manipulation by a selected Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed bank. Research methodology: The Beneish M Score eight variable statistical model was applied to secondary data of the selected bank from 2011 to 2018. The model utilizes ratios in distinguishing between manipulators and non-manipulators, with a yardstick measure of -2.22. Results greater than -2.22, classify the organization as a financial statements manipulator with less than -2.22 classify it as a non-manipulator. Results: The M score model detected manipulation for the years 2011 (-0.74), 2013 (-1.84), and 2015 (-2.19), which are greater than the benchmark of -2.22. The years 2012 (-3.17), 2014 (-2.46), 2016 (-3.07), 2017 (-2.80) and 2018 (-2.42) reveal the bank as a non-manipulator as these values are less than -2.22. Limitations: The Beneish M score statistical model was modeled for manufacturing companies. The study sought to test the M Score’s applicability in the banking sector and it was restricted to the selected bank for the years 2011 to 2018. Contribution: The Beneish M score is a valuable model for users of issued annual financial statements to guard against earnings manipulation. Stakeholders rely on audited financial statements, believed to be free from manipulation, yet companies fold up with unqualified audit opinions contained in published financial statements. The study validates the Beneish M score statistical model for detecting manipulation in published annual financial statements in Zimbabwe, where there is limited research on earnings manipulation.

Purpose: Numerous studies have been conducted on digital finance and financial inclusion. However, there is limited information on the impact of the digital income level divide on the financial inclusion of informal practitioners. Thus, there is a need to examine the area critically from the perspective of a marginalised society. Hence, the current study focused on identifying the components of the digital income level divide and establishing its impact on the financial inclusion of informal traders. Methodology: The study applied a mixed-methods research design whereby interviews and questionnaires were employed to collect data. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using inferential statistics and content analysis, respectively. Findings: The findings show that the digital-income level divide has resulted from digital usage, the insignificance of the benefits of digital finance usage, low income levels, and the practical nature of informal traders. Also, informal traders pay high transaction costs, which are not considered beneficial for the services of receiving and sending money. Originality/Value: The paper informs on the set of strategies that enable informal traders to become part of digital financial users and benefit from financial inclusion. This study adds knowledge to the literature on the combined impacts of income level and digital divide challenges associated with informal traders on financial inclusion.

Purpose: Rapid technological advancements have caused changes in almost every aspect of society. Financial technology is one of them. Fintech-based financial services can provide convenience and freedom in meeting financial need, especially for Indonesian students. Fintech e-wallets have negative effects in addition to their positive effects. This is related to the consumption patterns of Indonesians who are identical with impulsive purchases. The goal of this study is to determine how much Financial Literacy, Financial Attitude, Locus of Control and Lifestyle can influence the Financial Management Behavior. Methodology: This study was conducted on 100 respondents who were Management Students at UPN Veteran East Java. And was chosen by utilizing purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The analysis technique used are Partial Least Square. Findings: The findings indicate that Financial Literacy, Financial Attitude, Locus of Control and Lifestyle have a positive and significant effect on Financial Management Behavior. This show the importance of having better knowledge, mindset, control and a good lifestyle to avoid trouble and effectively managing their finances. Originality/Value: This study is meant to raise public awareness to young adults, particularly management students at UPN Veteran East Java on the need to improve their financial literacy, financial attitude, and also having locus of control and a good lifestyle. It is hoped that by having a good literacy and mindset, one can be manage daily expenses more wisely, also by having high self-control will help their decision making as well as their lifestyle. Thus enabling them to the right decision based on their own financial situation especially amidst the provided convenience and freedom in using financial based services.

Purpose: In order to ensure effectiveness in State Owned Enterprises, (SOE) forensic auditing significantly plays a huge role in the detection and prevention of fraud. State owned Enterprises play a big role in any country as they provide commercial services or activities to the public. Their business involves transacting huge sums of money in their day to day operations. The state has significant control through full, majority, or significant minority ownership. There are fraudulent activities occurring in these enterprises as a result of poor controls in these organizations, hence forensic auditing plays the role. The purpose of the study was to examine how forensic auditing services aid in fraud detection in State Owned Enterprises. Methodology: Quantitative research methodology was adopted and questionnaires were used to collect data. Findings: The results indicated that forensic auditing has a significant positive correlation relationship in fraud detection in SOEs. Originality/Value: Forensic auditing although used by ZESA, is not being effectively implemented to detect and prevent fraud.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of activity based costing system on financial performance of SMEs. It was observed that high escalating operating costs is a serious cause of concern in most SMEs in Zimbabwe. In order to establish the impact of activity based costing system on financial performance of SMEs, the study would like at the benefits of using activity based costing system, the effects of activity based costing system on cost control, the problems faced with use of activity based costing system and the cost drivers of activity based costing system. Methodology: A descriptive design research methodology was adopted to gather data through use of questionnaires from a population of 15 employees. Data analysis was undertaken by use of SPSS to determine correlations and tables, pie charts and graphs facilitated data presentation. Findings: From the findings, activity based costing system had negative effects on the cost control reduction concluding that there was an insignificant relationship. Originality value: training of employees is important to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills and applying an effective ABC system.

Purpose: The print media industry is on a declining trend in both the number publications and revenue even though the print medium remains relevant in news dissemination. The Zimbabwe newspaper industry has recently been suffering from financial challenges as indicated by the published financial reports for the period under study, one of the reasons for the decline in revenue being the looming of social media. It is due to this background that the researchers sought to investigate the financial performance of print media in advent of social media. Methodology: A quantitative research methodology was adopted. Data was obtained from The Manica post using questionnaires. Regression of data gathered was analysed using SPSS software. Findings: The study reveal that social media has caused the print media, particularly the newspaper division a huge loss in revenue and advertisement and it indicated that there is a negative relationship between financial performance and social media. However other macroeconomic variables like politics and legislation should be taken into consideration. Originality value: The print media sector should adopt new technologies and establish plans to increase its online audience’s clientele base.

This study has two purposes: i) to determine which skill sets are considered the most important and necessary for today's accountants, and ii) to investigate the impact of major categories such as business skills, soft skills, technical and digital skills, and ethical skills on the performance of accountants in the workplace. Under the assumption that there is an infinite population, a sample of 315 accountants was randomly chosen from the contacts on LinkedIn. In order to categorise 22 skills into four groups—business, soft, technical, digital, and ethical skills—data was collected from 91 respondents (28.3% response rate) during the course of the month of February 2023. According to the study's results, today's accountants place a higher value on time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, knowledge of and ability to interpret accounting standards, leadership (SS), business knowledge (BS), professional behaviour, adherence to the code of conduct (ES), financial statement preparation, interpretation, and analysis (TDS), as well as other skills. The independent variables "business skills" (BS), "technical and digital skills" (TDS), and the control variable "continental location" (CL) all significantly improve the employment performance of accountants, according to the findings of the regression analysis. This study advances both theory and application. It places a strong emphasis on educating professional accountants about the need to arm themselves with the newest skill sets in light of a changing environment in order to improve their performance at work. It also looks at the most important skills that affect how well professional accountants perform. The study recommends that colleges and institutions provide accounting students enough time to acquire each of the four skill sets. To enhance these skills, particularly business, technological, and digital capabilities, professional accountants should take part in CPD with their employers.

Effective engagement is a two-way process where stakeholders are not merely consulted or listened to, but where a company makes a sincere attempt to engage in a dialogue to respond to stakeholder concerns (Rossouw, 2015; Aina, 2019:60). Responding to stakeholder concerns builds trust, and experience shows that trust and relationships take time to build but are valuable assets. To build trust, the company must show that it has listened and acted in response to stakeholder concerns. This is why ongoing communication with, and reporting to, stakeholders is such an important component in any engagement strategy. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the various approaches to stakeholders’ engagement. In terms of data collection, the author sourced and reviewed literature on the topic. Among others, these sources included journal articles, books, magazines, newspapers and King IV report. The results indicated that companies use different approaches on stakeholders and engagement and the study concludes that inclusivity approach adopted in the King IV report is instrumental in developing engagements that are collaborate and may build sustainable relationships with stakeholders. Proactive continuous engagement with stakeholders brings mutual trust and builds sustainable relationships.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore existing theories and approaches underlying corporate social and environmental responsibility. It also explored methods adopted by corporates in identifying and classifying stakeholders. Methodology: Documentary research approach, which consists of reviewing, analysing and examining information was adopted. The sources included journal articles, books, magazines, websites, frameworks and guidelines. Findings: The results of the study indicated that social and environmental stakeholders are now a force to reckon with. Old literature classifies social and environmental stakeholders as the negligent type but recent developments have realised that neglecting social and environmental stakeholders can be costly. Originality/Value: Guidelines and frameworks need to revise the classification of social and environmental stakeholders.

Purpose: This study seeks to delineate the transition of access to finance for women-owned SMEs (pre and post COVID-19) in Bulawayo Metropolitan as a way of understanding the adequacy of financing and recovery potential of SMEs post the pandemic. Methodology: The study adopts survey methods (questionnaires and interviews) on a conveniently selected but diverse (different economic sectors, formal and informal, different sizes and business forms) sample of women-owned SMEs in Bulawayo Metropolitan. Findings: The study confirmed the widening financing gap for women-owned SMEs on account of SMEs’ reduced bankability and reduction in tenability of most financing sources post COVID-19. The emergence of new costs (rental and debt arrears, revival of operations, re-hiring of labor, acquiring of technology, financing working capital and retooling increase) increased SMEs’ financing needs post COVID-19. Targeted financial intervention is imperative for a speedy recovery of women-owned SMEs post the pandemic. Originality Value: This study provides an uncommon transitory dimension of literature on access to finance for women-owned SMEs (prior and post COVID-19). Secondly, tracing the transition of access to finance for women-owned SMEs advances intervention strategies for timeous recovery of the SMEs. Thirdly, to the best of our understanding, this paper is the first to adopt a gendered approach to the transitory status of access tofinance.

Purpose: This study aims to develop a reliable forecasting approach for Tanzania's unemployment rate and provide policymakers with an effective tool for decision-making. Unemployment forecasting is vital for informed policymaking, particularly in countries like Tanzania. Methodology: This study employs a quantitative research design and adopts Box Jenkin's methodology and the ARIMA (AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average) model for unemployment forecasting in Tanzania. The entire available dataset for the specified period is utilized, employing a non-probability sampling technique. Diagnostic tests, including ACF (AutoCorrelation Function), PACF (Partial AutoCorrelation Function), and unit root analysis, are conducted to guide the optimal model selection. Differencing addresses non-stationarity in the time series data by removing trend and seasonality effects. The optimal model selection is based on criteria such as AIC (Akaike Information Criterion), Schwartz, and Hannan-Quinn. Findings: The study finds that the ARIMA (3,1,4) model demonstrates superior performance in forecasting the unemployment rate in Tanzania. Diagnostic checks validate the adequacy of the model, revealing white noise residuals. The forecasts indicate a consistent downward trend in unemployment rates over the next nine years, suggesting potential labour market improvements in Tanzania. These findings enhance our understanding of Tanzania's unemployment dynamics and provide valuable insights for policymakers. Originality/Value: The study lies in its application of Box Jenkin's methodology and the ARIMA model to unemployment forecasting in Tanzania. By utilizing the entire available dataset and employing diagnostic tests for model selection, the study enhances the reliability of the forecasting approach. The study offers policymakers an informed decision-making tool by providing accurate forecasts and capturing underlying trends.

Purpose: This study examines the impact of firm financial performance, free cash flow, and cash holding on the overinvestment of manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2017-2021. Methodology: We employed 315 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2017-2021 period as samples. The data required is correlated to financial performance, free cash flow, cash holding, and company overinvestment. Data is input manually from the financial reports obtained from the website of each firm. To examine the hypothesis, this study applied multiple regression analysis methods. Findings: The results show that free cash flow has a significant and negative effect on overinvestment. It illustrates that higher free cash flow does not encourage a manager to overinvestment. This result support hypothesis 1 (H₁). Cash holding affects overinvestment positively and significantly. These results indicate that higher cash holdings inspire managers to overinvestment. These results support hypothesis 2 (H₂). Firm performance influences overinvestment negatively and significantly. This result indicates that higher firm performance does not motivate a manager to overinvestment. These results support hypothesis 3 (H₃). Originality/Value: Difference from the previous study, this study examines the impact of financial performance, free cash flow, and cash holding on overinvestment in one comprehensive model.

Purpose: This paper aimed to investigate the role of the Zimbabwean government in the implementation of Management Accounting Practices (MAPs) among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Management accounting is a crucial instrument for success, particularly for SMEs, according to earlier studies. The study noted that there is a dearth of literature on the government's support for the adoption of management accounting SME sector.

Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information from 88 participants. Zimbabwe has no SME database, hence, a chain referral sampling technique was used. The data were interpreted using qualitative content analysis.

Findings: The study found that there is little that is done by the Zimbabwean government in promoting the use of management accounting among SMEs. The areas covered in government-sponsored training for SMEs are bookkeeping, entrepreneurship, and tax preparation; management accounting is not addressed.

Originality/Value: In order to increase public understanding of MAPs, the research advises the Zimbabwean government to conduct seminars, launch awareness-raising campaigns, and establish policies that encourage the use of management accounting.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the moderating effect of debt structure on the relationship between economic diversification and financial sustainability, a lesson for Africa commercial banks as they strive to achieve Africa’s 2063 Agenda Aspirations.

Methodology: The panel regression approach was utilised to analyse the study data. The financial sustainability and Economic diversification was measured using the return on assets and the proportion of non-interest income to total income respectively. While the debt structure was measured using the proportion of the bank debt to equity.

Findings: The findings showed that economic diversification positively and significantly influence the financial sustainability of Africa commercial bank sampled. Debt structure also presents negatively and significantly influences the financial sustainability. Finally the study found that debt structure negatively and significantly moderates the relationship between economic diversification and financial sustainability.

Originality/Value: The study's findings will be helpful to diversification theorist to unlock both diversification premiums and discounts puzzle by adding knowledge on indirect relationships such as the moderating effect debt structure. The management of African commercial banks will be able to make good sound diversification decisions by considering the nature and degree of the debt levels in the balance sheet in quest to promote the financial sustainability.

Purpose: During unstable economic conditions, investors are risk averse and rely on fundamental information such as accounting information to make investment decisions. It is reported that during the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have used accounting discretion in order to cope with difficult economic conditions. The use of discretion in the accounting process may instigate earnings manipulations which reduce earnings quality. This raises the following research question: has earnings quality decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic? This paper aimed at examining earnings quality (EQ) of South African listed firms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the study examined the EQ of these firms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology: Weighted least square regression was used to analyze a sample of 132 non-financial firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) over the period of 2018 to 2021. The sampled firms were extracted from the IRESS research domain. Conservatism and accrual quality were used to measure earnings quality because these two measures required the exercise of discretion.

Findings: The results attained were mixed and suggested that, although the sampled firms did not apply accounting conservatism in reported earnings during the COVID-19 pandemic period as compared to the period before the pandemic, there is no evidence of the use of accrual quality to manipulate earnings during the pandemic period as compared to the period before the pandemic.

Originality/Value: The paper will shed light on whether accounting information remains reliable during unstable economic conditions. In addition, it will inform regulators on whether the accounting standards were consistently applied during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: This study analyzed impact of COVID-19 on market liquidity. Specifically, the study examines the causal relationship that existed between daily growth of reported cases and market liquidity in selected African countries.

Methodology: The study used quantitative approach and panel design from African Stock Markets. It also employed the use of AMIHUD liquidity ratio to measure market depth of Liquidity.

Findings: The findings indicate mixed results that daily growth of reported cases impacted negatively the market liquidity for Egypt, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Contrary, the daily reported cases had a positive impact on the market liquidity in Morocco. The reported cases of COVID-19 had no significant impact on the market liquidity for Botswana, Ghana, Tunisia, Zambia, Uganda and Kenya. Additionally, the number of reported deaths had a negative influence on market liquidity in Morocco. It is recommended that Governments should provide transparent and timely information about the state of the pandemic and its impact on the economy, and promote remote work to limit the spread of communicable diseases and minimize their impact on market liquidity and the economy at large.

Originality/Value: This study is meant to raise public awareness on how COVID19 pandemic has impacted the liquidity of capital markets. It is trusted that the suggested recommendations will enable the regulatory authorities to react timely and in a more transparent way in case of pandemic occurance, hence reduce their impacts on performance of capital markets.