Internal control implementation in higher education institutions: determinants, obstacles and contributions toward governance practices and fraud mitigation

Purpose This study aims to investigate internal control (IC) implementation in higher education institutions (HEIs). This study also explores determinants, obstacles and contributions of IC implementation within HEIs. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative research method by conducting semi-structured interviews with internal auditors of HEIs. Findings This study found a difference of IC among all HEIs in terms of design. IC implementation is perceived to have a positive contribution to accountability enhancement and fraud mitigation. Several determinants and obstacles faced by HEIs in implementing IC are presented in the paper. Practical implications The IC has to be operated effectively to achieve its benefit. However, not all HEIs implement IC properly. Originality/value This paper is a pioneer study that raises IC implementation in HEIs and its role in governance practices and corruption mitigation.

The Intention to Use Forensic Accounting as a Fraud Mitigation Tool: Mediating Effect of Collapse Avoidance Perspective

Forensic Accounting is widely known as a fraud mitigation tool. The demand for forensic accounting is increasing, along with the fraud level. However, some companies are reluctant to use forensic accounting due to fear be found guilty and have to face legal consequences. The two main theories of this study are the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Forensic Accounting Theory. The two theories are incorporating the element of fraud treat appraisal and collapse avoidance perspective in forensic accounting to determine the intention of companies to use forensic accounting. This study is expected to address the unwillingness to adopt forensic accounting services through the proposed framework model. Therefore, this study may significantly contribute to the increase of awareness and willingness of companies to use forensic accounting for fraud mitigation.

Corporate Governance as a Tool for Fraud Mitigation

Financial fraud through the falsification of financial statements is an evident problem. The restatement is enormous, and there have been developed many approaches to confront it. Profits manipulation has reached alarming proportions worldwide. The tendency of management to present a misleading image based on accounting weaknesses and gaps, to present accounting results as it wishes and not as it should according to the accounting standards, is essentially a key feature of profit manipulation. The executives' motives to falsify financial results and creative accounting practices have concerned researchers and their efforts to identify the necessary changes and improvements in accounting systems to protect the stakeholders and the public from misleading information.

An innovative approach in combating economic crime using forensic accounting techniques

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop an innovative approach of combating economic crime using the forensic accounting techniques. Design/methodology/approach The approach considered the identification of the effective forensic accounting techniques from the available literature and also explored the anti-economic crime policy, capable of assisting in the combating of economic crime. This brought about the development of two conceptual models, which incorporate all the requirements for the implementation of forensic accounting and the integration of forensic accounting technique into the organizational control system for effective fraud mitigation. Findings The analysis of the literature review indicated that one of the drawbacks, which has continue to mitigate the implementation of forensic accounting as a tool for combating fraud is lack of a suitable framework. This was the major focal point of this work, which produced two simplified conceptual models suitable for effective fraud mitigation. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the development of conceptual models for fraud mitigation only. Practical implications The simplified model can easily be adopted into the structure of an organization to provide a sustainable solution to mitigate fraud occurrences. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in the development of two simplified conceptual models. The first model addressed the incorporation of forensic accounting into the organization structure while the second captured the detailed investigation and comprehensive data analysis processes of uncovering fraud. The development of conceptual models with all these peculiarities for fraud mitigation has not been widely reported by the existing literature.

Internal Control Systems Implementation and Fraud Mitigation Nexus among Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya

Purpose: This paper analyses the relationship between the implementation of internal control and fraud mitigation among the savings and credit cooperatives societies (Saccos) in Kenya. Methodology: To achieve the objective, specific variables were formulated based on the five components of internal control model. Particularly, the research focuses on the effect of control environment, control activities, monitoring, information and communication, and risk assessment, on fraud mitigation. Data was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. Ordinary Least Square Regression approach was used for analysis. Results: The data analysis found that all the mentioned variables significantly affect fraud mitigation among Saccos in Kenya. Implications: The analysis highlighted that there is a need for Saccos to strive and implement internal control systems to a higher extent to cure the persistent problem of fraud that they grapple with. The analysis also recommends that Saccos should institute proper mechanisms to provide adequate checks during staff recruitment, install adequate security, provide regulation of valuable information access, they should also conduct regular monitoring of third party links with personnel as measures to mitigate fraud.

Is it suitable for your local governments?

Purpose The purpose of this study is to extend existing theory by developing a contingency theory for the public sector and to provide a landscape for local government to deal with white-collar crime. In recent years, the theme of risk management and internal controls, which is popular in the industry and private sector, has been mirrored by public sector organisations. Of course, it is to improve fraud risk control systems. We have to accept that public sector organisations have a growing need to control the (fraud) risks in a rapidly changing economic environment. Within this situation an effective internal control is becoming strategically important in many organisations, as it is proving to be a cost-efficient way to manage these risks in everyday operations. Here, the authors conducted a case study on the risk management control system at an Indonesian local government. Design/methodology/approach This study uses mixed methods, integrating quantitative and qualitative data – in-depth interviews and questionnaires were required to address the social phenomenon being investigated. Findings This study found that the structure of the control system fits a generic model, in which control systems are fundamental factors to all departments. It shows that control systems can support managers to align employee capabilities, activities and performance with the organisation’s goals and missions. In addition, the authors could identify, risk assessment and monitoring activities are effective measures of controlling organisation’s activities, and potentially could diagnose potential (fraud) risks, deterring to the achievement of organisational aims. Ideally, those aspects should be performed on a continuous basis if organisations want to prevent the spread of numerous potential menaces. In other words, if an organisation fails to carry out risk assessment correctly, it will result in unidentified possibility of fraud risks. The more explicit the risk assessment, the more effective the detection of fraud. Practical implications It can be alternative to consider Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s internal control as fraud mitigation in local government. Originality/value This study offers new directive discussion about internal controls as notion of fraud mitigation.

Risk management, top management support, internal audit activities and fraud mitigation

Purpose This paper aims to examine the effect of top management support (TMS) and risk management (RM) on the internal audit activities (IAA) and fraud mitigation (FM) in the Libyan banking sector. Design/methodology/approach The data is collected using a survey questionnaire of 16 commercial banks in Libya and analysed using a structural equation modeling. Findings The study shows positive and significant relationships between RM and employees’ FM and TMS and employees’ FM. The study also demonstrates a significant mediating effect on the relationship between RM, TMS and FM. Research limitations/implications The study is conducted in the Libyan banking sector. Further research is needed in other contexts and sectors to understand the contribution of the RM and TMS on FM, including the impact of technology and internal audit characteristics in terms of experience, education and professional certificates on FM. Originality/value The study is the first attempt to explore FM in an emerging economy, particularly Libya, by introducing IAA as a mediator. The study provides implications for regulators and top management in the banking sector.