Journal of Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Social Sciences
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Public Investment, Infrastructure, and the Competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises: Empirical Evidence from Vietnam’s Fiscal Expansion
Purpose: This study examines the impact of public investment and infrastructure development on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of Vietnam’s recent fiscal expansion.
Methodology: The study employs a quantitative approach using panel data from Vietnamese provinces over the period 2015 - 2023. Data are collected from official sources, including the General Statistics Office, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the World Bank. Fixed-effects regression models are applied to estimate the relationship between public investment, infrastructure, and SME competitiveness while controlling for firm- and region-specific factors.
Findings: The results indicate that public investment and infrastructure development have a positive and statistically significant effect on SME competitiveness. In particular, investment in transport and digital infrastructure shows the strongest impact on productivity growth, market expansion, and export participation of SMEs.
Implications: The findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize efficient allocation of public investment toward infrastructure sectors that directly support business activities, especially transport and digital connectivity, to enhance regional competitiveness and SME performance
Originality: This study provides new empirical evidence from an emerging economy by linking fiscal expansion, infrastructure investment, and firm-level competitiveness. It contributes to the literature by offering a regional-level analysis of how public investment policies shape SME performance in developing countries.
Limitations and directions for future research: This study is limited by the use of secondary data at the provincial level and the focus on a single country context. Future research could employ firm-level microdata, explore causal mechanisms using quasi-experimental methods, and extend the analysis to cross-country comparisons
Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Accounting Major in Cambodia
Higher education institutions in Cambodia have offered a major in accounting since the private sector was permitted to provide education services. The development of the country, which sees the inflow of foreign companies and the growth of local firms, the full adoption of the accounting standards, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by the National Accounting Council (NAC) may have induced the growing demand for professional accountants and the enrollment of students in accounting program. Recently, a major in accounting has attracted increasing interest from students. This study determined factors influencing Cambodian students’ decision to major in accounting. Three hundred ninety-four 394 students currently studying accounting were surveyed using the anonymous self-administered questionnaire through Google Forms. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to construct the variables, and multiple regression was employed to analyze the factors influencing students’ choice of accounting major. The results showed that personal interest, school reputation, and career expectations are significant factors. Although female students account for the majority of accounting students, gender was not found to have a significant influence on students’ choices. The results suggest that higher education institutions should prioritize strengthening their reputations by offering internationally accredited curricula and programs so that their graduates will be qualified to work in top-class companies, boosting students’ interest and expectation in pursuing accounting careers
An Empirical Study of Interdependency among the Identified Innovation Factors
Innovation is the need of the hour for an organization to stay ahead of the competition. It\u27s a critical factor that can make or break an organization\u27s success. The factors influencing innovation, whether tangible or intangible, are complex and multifaceted. The factors that drive innovation need further research as proper tools are unavailable to determine the quantum of influence the factors have on innovation. Building on their previous research, the authors identified key factors that significantly influence innovation through a comprehensive literature review. This study, however, took a different approach, conducting an empirical investigation using a survey as a measuring tool. The study then performed statistical analysis on the data, identifying and shortlisting the factors that play a crucial role in driving innovation within an organizational context. The study employed a statistical analysis, including a large sample z-test for proportions and hypothesis testing for each of the 25 factors. This approach led to the shortlisting of 13 factors that significantly influence innovation. Furthermore, the study used Correlation analysis to understand the interdependency among the innovation factors, adding another layer to the research. Further research may be directed toward devising a mathematical model for the innovation index for use as a measuring tool to assess an organization\u27s innovation potential
Digital Transformation in Cambodian Higher Education and Its Impact on Teaching and Learning Outcomes
This study investigates the impact of digital transformation (DT) on teaching and learning outcomes in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Cambodia. This research examines the implementation, challenges, and effects of DT initiatives using a survey questionnaire distributed to management, academic, and support personnel and students from public and private HEIs. The findings reveal widespread implementation of DT in Cambodian HEIs, with a high level of perceived effectiveness. The positive correlation between DT and improved teaching and learning outcomes, such as student satisfaction, academic performance, and educator effectiveness, supports the hypothesis that DT enhances the quality and delivery of higher education in Cambodia. However, the study also identifies several challenges, including financial constraints, digital literacy, technological infrastructure, institutional leadership support, and resistance to change. Addressing these barriers through targeted strategies and investments is crucial for the successful and sustainable adoption of digital technologies in Cambodian higher education. Additionally, the study confirms the moderating effects of technological readiness, educator competencies, student digital skills, and leadership styles on the relationship between DT and teaching and learning outcomes. Among these factors, student digital skills emerged as the strongest moderator, emphasizing the importance of enhancing digital literacy among students to maximize the benefits of DT
Does Corporate Social Responsibility Engagement Reduce Earnings Management? Evidence from Cambodian-Listed Companies
This research aims to explore the influence of ethics on financial reporting quality by investigating the correlation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and accrual-based earnings management (AEM) within a sample of Cambodian non-financial listed companies over the nine years from 2014 to 2022. The study reveals that the level of involvement in AEM is lower in Cambodian firms, which have a higher tendency to engage in charitable activities. The study\u27s findings hold significant implications as they contribute to a deeper understanding of financial reporting practices and CSR initiatives, which may interest stakeholders, including investors, regulatory bodies, and scholars interested in ethical business practices. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of ethics on the quality of financial reporting, particularly within emerging economies
Financial Literacy Awareness and Practices Among Village Savings Groups in Cambodia
Purpose: This study aims to assess the financial literacy awareness and practices of village savings group members in rural Cambodia, focusing on their earning, saving, spending, borrowing, insurance coverage, financial concepts awareness, and use of mobile applications.
Methodology: The study employed a quantitative research approach, surveying 109 savings group members from 24 villages in Cambodia\u27s Kampot and Kampong Thom provinces using a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. The collected data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Findings: The study identified a relatively strong financial literacy among the respondents, indicating the potential for further capacity building. However, significant barriers to financial inclusion and access to formal financial services were revealed. The study also highlighted gaps in insurance coverage, particularly for agricultural and health risks, and limited use of mobile financial applications.
Implications: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve access to formal financial services, strengthen insurance product uptake, and address challenges in using digital financial tools in rural Cambodia.
Originality: This study offers detailed micro-level insights into the financial literacy, practices, and challenges of village savings group members, which is essential for developing effective strategies to enhance financial inclusion.
Limitations and future research: The findings may not be generalizable to other contexts, as the study was conducted within a specific rural community. Future research could explore financial practices in different geographical and socioeconomic settings and delve into the root causes of barriers to inform targeted interventions and policy recommendations
The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Performance on Tax Avoidance in Cambodia: The Moderating Role of Board Independence
Purpose: This study seeks to explore the connection between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and tax avoidance (TA) among a sample of Cambodian companies listed on the Cambodian Securities Exchange (CSX). It also investigates whether board independence moderates the relationship between these two variables.
Methodology: Several statistical analyses have been conducted using the effective tax rate (ETR) and extracting accounting data from these companies\u27 annual reports.
Findings: The study reveals that Cambodian companies investing significant resources in charitable initiatives are less likely to participate in TA practices. It has also been realized that the influence of CSR in mitigating the likelihood of engaging in TA practices is boosted in firms with a higher proportion of independent directors.
Implications: The study\u27s findings have significant policy implications as they contribute to a better understanding of TA practices and CSR. This understanding can benefit numerous investors, regulators, and academics interested in firms\u27 tax behavior. Furthermore, the findings can aid tax administrations in identifying conditions that heighten the risk of TA practices, thereby assisting in formulating effective tax systems that enhance firms\u27 tax compliance.
Originality: This study represents one of the initial inquiries into the relationship between CSR and TA practices in Cambodia. It provides a unique perspective by furnishing empirical evidence on this relationship within the Cambodian context, which differs from other cultural and institutional environments where previous studies have been conducted. It also offers new insights into how the independence of board directors moderates the relationship between CSR and TA.
Limitations and directions for future research: This study primarily relies on firms\u27 disclosed donation figures in financial statements. As such, the study may only partially represent the extent of CSR involvement and potentially impact the accuracy of CSR assessment
The Determinants of Tax Revenue in Southeast Asia: The Role of Government Effectiveness and Human Development
Purpose: This study examines the determinants of tax revenue in Southeast Asia, focusing on the impact of human development and government effectiveness on tax revenue.
Methodology: The panel data method, specifically the fixed effects and random effects models, was employed to examine the determinants of tax revenue. The study used data (1992 to 2022) from eight Southeast Asian countries retrieved from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators and the International Monetary Fund online database.
Findings: This study reveals a positive relationship between human development and tax revenue and government effectiveness and tax revenue.
Implications: The results of this study carry important implications for policymakers. They suggest that enhancing government effectiveness and human development, which encompasses income, health, and education, can lead to an increase in tax revenue. Policymakers are therefore encouraged to prioritize the implementation of policies that bolster government effectiveness, such as the use of modern technology in tax administration, and economic policies that not only boost income but also improve health and education outcomes.
Originality: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing evidence on the relationship between tax revenue and key policy variables. Moreover, it has tested data sets and variables that differ from those used in previous panel data analyses.
Limitations and directions for future research: This study provides valuable evidence on various factors that affect tax revenue. However, based on data availability, other policy variables, such as the quality of tax administration, tax exemption, and incentives, should be included to explore their impact on tax revenue
Comparative Analysis of Egypt’s National Competitiveness: An Evaluation Using International Economic Indicators
This study aims to assess Egypt\u27s national competitiveness, using international economic indicators and benchmarks to help policymakers set strategies for improvement. The study utilized a comparative analysis method by employing specific international indicators and benchmarks, namely the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) of the World Economic Forum, the Global Innovation Index (GII) of the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the Ease of Doing Business of the World Bank. These outcomes were compared with those of three primary regional groups: Middle East and North Africa (Arab Countries), Lower Middle-Income countries, and Sub-Saharan African countries. Despite Egypt’s progressive economic development, the country still performs weakly in international economic indicator rankings compared to the selected regions. However, this also suggests significant potential for improvement in Egypt\u27s national competitiveness. Further in-depth analysis is needed to assess Egypt\u27s national competitiveness by examining the outcomes of these indicators using Porter’s Diamond model. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of Egypt\u27s national competitiveness performance and inform strategies for enhancing its national competitiveness
An Empirical Study of Pairs Trading in Cambodia Securities Exchange
A pair trading strategy of two shares works when there is a co-integration between the two equities. This paper uses the two-step Engle and Granger method to establish whether or not the two stock price series had a long-run relationship. Since the residual term predicted from the sample regression function between the dependent variable, PPSP, and the independent variable, PWSA, is stationary, as indicated by the ADF test, all listed stocks in CSX, a pair of equities, PPSP and PWSA, are co-integrated. During the research period, the price spread increased three times to two standard deviations. At any point, one unit of outperformance stock is short, and one unit of co-integrated ratio is long. Pair trading has an average investment return of 8.0264 percent, outperforming the weighted average return of 1.1651 percent