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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge of the use of performance measurement systems (PMS) in situations where the benefits of both vertical and horizontal integration strategies are sought simultaneously. Design/methodology/approach This is a single case study, the purpose of which is to build a contextual theory. Findings The main results highlight three competing and partly contradictory tendencies in the development and use of PMS in organizational integration. In addition, the authors have identified features of PMS that may benefit or hinder integration. Grounded on empirical findings the paper presents a more complete theoretical framework of PMS for integration. Research limitations/implications The propositions of the framework need to be tested in different contexts with case and field studies or a large sample of data using statistical techniques to improve external validity. The causal relationships explored in this study may be further developed using longitudinal studies. Practical implications In acquisition situations there exists the need for vertical integration to control the growing complexity but at the same time for horizontal control to advance customer-centred production. Performance measurement is the key issue to examine the execution and results of such integrations. Originality/value Case study findings are used to develop a more comprehensive theory of PMS design and use in situations where both vertical and horizontal integration are sought. Contrary to current understandings, the central statement of this study is that horizontal organization is not an alternative to vertical organizational structure but they can be effectively coupled.

This study examines the homogeneity of BIG4 audit reports after implementing key audit matters (KAMs) in the context of fair value accounting. We focus on reported KAMs and the procedures related to the fair values of investment properties, particularly those related to challenging management's estimations and valuation specialists' use. Our data consist of 235 individual audit reports from the real estate sector from 2017 to 2018 and cover 60% of the listed real estate companies in the EU, Switzerland, and Norway. We found that the BIG4 audit firms are not homogenous in their audit reports. There is a statistically significant difference among the BIG4 audit firms in reporting the challenge of management estimates and in the number of audit procedures. We also found that a country's legal origin plays a significant role when auditors report KAMs. Our findings contribute to the current audit quality and reporting literature.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how the banking industry seeks to prevent money laundering and how the phenomenon is reflected in practice in the daily work of bank employees in Finland. Design/methodology/approach This study is a qualitative case study by its nature. The concept of accountability has been used as a theoretical approach in the study. Findings This study shows that knowing the customer is one of the most important factors in preventing money laundering. The risk-based approach, customer risk classification and bank’s internal instructions have partially clarified daily routines in anti-money laundering (AML). Technological developments and various payment services have generated new ways of money laundering, but technology has also made it easier to monitor cash flows through various monitoring systems. The challenge is constantly changing regulations concerning how to act in different situations for different customers. Originality/value This study investigated the accountability of banks in AML in Finland and highlighted how bank employees implement accountability for AML in an ever-changing socio-technical context.

In this study, we explore and conceptualize dishonest vulnerabilities related to digital finance platforms. We use the actor-network theory approach to illustrate the interaction of human (people) and nonhuman (technology) actors. In particular, we focus on digital finance platform abuse and fraud. Our empirical data are based on criminal reports of vehicle financing. We identify the main actors; actor-worlds; roles of the actors; their interests; and the obligatory passage points in destabilizing the durability of a digital finance platform. Our findings particularly highlight the dual roles of the perpetrator, dealer, and product in dishonest vulnerability on digital finance platforms. Prior literature has not focused on approaches to the dishonest vulnerability of technology for human and nonhuman actors. We have used a critical approach, actor-network theory, to explore digital finance and digital finance platforms. Our findings suggest, that in the development of digital financial platforms, both in technology and in business processes, more attention should be paid to the dual roles of actors to avoid dishonest vulnerabilities.