Research team

Expertise

My research interests are to be situated in the area of accounting and corporate governance. Within the domain of accounting, my focus is on the area of management accounting and management control as well as on the topic of international accounting standard setting (IFRS) and the use of IFRS worldwide. In the domain of corporate governance my research activities are concentrated on the functioning of the board of directors and the information flows between the board of directors and management. In the domain of corporate governance, I was promotor-coördinator of the SBO project "Effective Governance of private enterprises" between 2009-2014. The companies included in the different research activities, range from multinationals, listed companies, private firms to family firms. These research activities led to publications in Accounting, Organizations and Society; Entrepreneurship, Theory and Practice; Family Business Research; Human Relations; Accounting and Business Research; Accounting in Europe; Journal of Accounting and Public Policy;Accounting and Finance; Accounting in Europe; Journal of Small Business Management, Journal of Family Business Strategy; Corporate Governance: an international review; Management Decisions; Journal of International Management; Sustainability and Journal of Family Business Management. Current research activities are situated in the area of the Methusalem project DIGITAX, with a focus on tax disclosures and transfer prices, the SBO project "Strategic Change in Family Firms" and the use of IFRS for SMEs for private firms.

Navigating Big Data: Essential Infrastructure for Business and Economics Fields. 01/05/2024 - 30/04/2028

Abstract

There has been a growing emphasis on the significance of big data and business analytics. Academic institutions use large volumes of data to effectively address research questions that generate and capture value for individuals, businesses, communities, and governments. The Orbis Global and Belfirst data warehouses, encompassing financial, accounting, social balance and governance data, allow scholars to explore the promise and opportunities for new theories and practices resulting in topnotch research. The Orbis Global and Bel-first databases are used as the primary data in our field. When investigating firm behaviors and actions, scholars always need basic knowledge about their financial figures (profitability, growth, assets, liabilities, etc.). Therefore, these Orbis Global and Belfirst databases are always used as the primary data source to which scholars add more specific data (survey-based data, data collected from more specific databases such as investors data). The funding proposal seeks to address an urgent issue: the significant price hikes of these data warehouses. The requested funding would serve as a bridging budget, providing a temporary solution while a more sustainable long-term financing strategy is being developed. Several research groups in the field of business and economics cannot continue doing the research they are currently doing if they no longer have access to these databases. These databases function as essential tools and instruments.

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  • Research Project

Digitalisation and Tax (DigiTax). 03/07/2019 - 31/12/2024

Abstract

Digital transformation has caused changes in all aspects of human life. In the DigiTax project, we look at the tax implications of this process from two perspectives. First, we examine the challenges that digitalisation brings to the tax area. For example, in the digital economy multinationals have more opportunities to shift profits to low-tax countries. Where should these profits be taxed? Also, increasingly robots are entering the labor force market, from automated driving cars to chatbots. Should they be considered a separate taxable entity, and if so, how do these robots need to be taxed? More generally, we will look at: (a) which tax regimes come under pressure, (b) is there a need to change the traditional tax concepts and if so which new tax concepts can be developed to contribute to a fairer taxation, (c) who is legitimately authorized, and (d) how to implement the change? Second, and vice versa, we study the opportunities that digitalisation creates for the fairness of taxation and the efficiency and effectiveness of the tax authorities. For example, how can improved data mining algorithms or the inclusion of novel data sources help to develop more accurate, understandable and discrimination-free fraud detection systems that minimize tax non-compliance or tax-evasion? Or how can blockchain technology improve transparency, tax compliance and trust between authorities and taxpayers? We will specifically look at the opportunities that data mining, internet of things (IoT) and blockchain technology bring to the tax domain. This project explicitly calls for a multidisciplinary approach, studying the technological, legal, economical and societal implications of digitalisation and tax.

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  • Research Project

Research on the obligations of the federal government related to directive EU 2019/1937 and its transposition into Belgian Law 13/10/2020 - 30/04/2021

Abstract

This projects looks into the legal problems related to the transposition of the directive EU 2019/1937 (whistleblowing directive) into Belgian law. The contribution of the UAntwerp team to the entire project focuses on the implications of the transposition of the directive for tax law and for corporate governance

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  • Research Project

Strategic change in family firms: antecedents and consequences of strategic change from a change readiness perspective. 01/01/2019 - 31/12/2022

Abstract

In order to survive, closely held family firms face a mounting pressure to adapt to rapidly changing competitive environments. However, many of these organizations are often found to be strategically inert and conservative to changes. A key question is under which conditions family firms can overcome inertial forces and reach successful strategic changes. Hereby we make a distinction between the initiation of strategic change (antecedents) and the implementation of strategic change (consequences). This project aims to reach four central scientific objectives which emerged from four important gaps in the literature. These objectives are summarized as follows: • Cognition: we investigate how and when Management Control Systems (MCS) influence a family firm's knowledge management process in such a way that new strategies are discovered and initiated and subsequently successfully implemented. Main questions are: Do family businesses need different MCS in different stages of the strategy process (initiation vs. implementation)? Is the relationship between MCS characteristics, knowledge management, capacity building and strategic change context-dependent? Which combination of internal knowledge building and external knowledge sourcing leads to knowledge generation that is supportive of strategic change and stimulates change readiness? • Affect: we examine how Socioemotional Wealth preservation, learning frames, team psychological safety and organizational learning culture impacts upon readiness for strategic change in family firms. We focus on the affective dimension and take a multilevel perspective (individual, group, organization). Central questions are: How do actors in family firms develop readiness for strategic change and what are key influences and catalysts? How do learning frames influence individual cognitive and affective change readiness in a family firm setting? How does the framing of new situations by leaders influence other's framing activities and readiness for change? • Governance structures: we examine the interactions between family firm's ownership, management and board and the influence of these interrelated family governance mechanisms on strategic change in family firms. Key questions are: How do the interrelationships of Top Management Teams (TMT) and board composition influences strategic change initiation and implementation in family firms? What is the role of family governance mechanisms and how do they interact with firm governance structures (TMT and Board of directors) in facilitating strategic change in family firms? • Resources: we will investigate the role and impact of financing constraints in the strategic change process from a supply as well as demand side perspective. We will focus on alternative financing sources to initiate and implement strategic change and potential bottlenecks. We will also focus on intergenerational differences.

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  • Research Project

The relation between entrepreneurial performance of family firms and the moderating role of family involvement and governance characteristics 01/11/2014 - 28/02/2016

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand AMS. UA provides AMS research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Board diversity in family and non-famiy firms: a comparative analysis with a "true" diversity measure and the role of mediators. 01/10/2013 - 30/09/2015

Abstract

Although board diversity is often unconditionally considered to be a beneficial practice, its relationship with firm performance appears to be more nuanced. We study the impact diversity in family firms vs. non-family firms. In doing so, we propose to compute a diversity measure that takes into account directors‟ family membership and to study the mediating role of firm reputation and innovation in the board diversity – firm performance relationship. As opposed to extant research, we analyze the impact of board diversity on firm performance both in terms of both "innate" and "acquired" director characteristics and thus view it much broader than merely gender diversity.

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  • Research Project

The relation between entrepreneurial orientation and the performance of family firms taking into account the moderating role of family involvement and the mediating role of family essence. 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2014

Abstract

The research objective of this project is to examine the variables which influence the performance of family firms. Using data from a written survey as well as financial data from published financial statements different relationships between variables will be studied. The research results will provide additional insights into the heterogeneity within family firms and into the intention to transfer the company to the next generation.

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  • Research Project

Micro-economic analysis of the textile trade around 1500 in Bruges and Antwerp: the double-entry account ledgers of Wouter Ameide (1498-1507). 01/04/2011 - 31/03/2015

Abstract

This project will use methods from economic analysis (micro-economic analysis and accountancy) and social and economic history to assess the management of business in the first half of the 16th century and shed a new light on the introduction of new productivity enhancing techniques (more efficient methods of controlling information) in periods of great economic change (decline of the Bruges and growth of the Antwerp market).

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  • Research Project

Effective Governance in private organisations: the influence of multiple stakeholders' incentives on organizational outcome and the mediating role of governance. 01/10/2009 - 31/01/2014

Abstract

The aim of this research project is to study governance practices from a holistic perspective, in contrast to the piecemeal approach of the extant literature and to develop a contingency model of governance. Taking into account that universal remedies are counterproductive (Ostrom, 2007), we develop a contingency perspective that diagnoses the specific conditions needed to make specific governance practices contribute to organizational outcome (e.g. success or failure measured by multi-attributes). The specific conditions relate to actor characteristics (owners, directors, managers and employees), to the institutional environment, to the organizational form and to other intervening variables (e.g. life cycle of the company, industry antecedents, etcetera). Besides the development of the contingency model for governance, individual research themes in the individual workpackages will be addressed too. (e.g. changes in governance practices over the life cycle of an organization, the introduction of family heterogeneity in family governance research, the impact of works council's demographic variables on organizational outcome).

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  • Research Project

Effective Governance in private organizations: the influence of multiple stakeholders' incentives on organizational success and the mediating role of governance. 01/10/2008 - 30/09/2009

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  • Research Project

Study into irregularities in the accounting systems of the Sabena Group and the SWISSAIR/SAIRgroup. 18/01/2006 - 30/09/2009

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  • Research Project

A study of the financial reporting quality of the financial reporting system of Sabena and The Sairgroup. 01/10/2003 - 28/02/2006

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  • Research Project

Voluntary disclosure of sales in the abridged format of the financial statements: an analytical and empirical evaluation of accounting and disclosure requirements for small and medium sized enterprises. 01/10/2001 - 30/09/2003

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    • Research Project

    Activity and pathology scores in intensive care (on behalf of the University hospital in Antwerp) 01/04/2000 - 31/12/2000

    Abstract

    The project will calculkate the real cost per patient for a mix of pathologies of patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit of The University Hospital of Antwerp. The methology of Activity Based Costing will be used and carefully evaluated. It will be analysed to which degree the cost of an anctivity is pathology-specific. For this comparison, data collected for project P105/p00508 will be analysed. Finally, it will be analysed whether scores of severity of illness can be sused for the toal cost per patient.

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      • Research Project

      Growth in Belgian Companies: the role of ownership, management structure, financing constranints and planning and control systems 01/01/2000 - 31/12/2002

      Abstract

      In this research project we will study the growth profile of Belgian companies. Using quantitative and qualitative information we will study if the growth profile of family versus non-family companies is different and which factors are responsible for these differences (e.g. the management structure, financing constraints and other company characteristics). We also take into account the interaction between growth and changes in planning and control systems. An international comparision of the obtained results for companies in Belgium and some other countries (e.g. France and Germany) will finish our study. //..I this project we will apply several multivariate data analysis techniques as well as data mining techniques. Besides using published information in the financial statements of companies, information is gathered by a large-scale questionnaire as well as by the technique of case study research as proposed by Eisenhardt(1989)

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        • Research Project

        The analysis of cost behaviour in ICU: the relationship between costs, expenditures and capacity decisions and the impact of case mix. 01/01/2000 - 31/12/2000

        Abstract

        Insight in the real cost of treatment of patient is important when developing a fincancing system and also as internal policy in the hospital. The project will calculate the real cost per patient for cardiosurgery patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Antwerp. Activity Based Costing is strongly recommended as cost methodology for cost assignment, also in the hospital setting. Still this method can be problematic when confronted with joint use of resources and indivisibility. In addition, there is a practial problem with respect to the unit of measurement: is it possible to determine the cost per activity in general, or is the cost per activity pathology-specific. The study will pay attention to both problems. First, the real cost per patient will be calculated on the basis of different cost methodologies. Second, a comparison will be made between the cost per patient for one pathology (cardiosurgery) with the cost for a mix of pathologies.

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          • Research Project

          Corporate archives in the province of Antwerp.//..(continuing P105/CBG/11) 01/01/1999 - 31/12/2002

          Abstract

          - Introductory study on different economic sectors; //..- Registration and inventory of corporate archives 19th and 20th century//..- Social aspects of different economic sectors in Antwerp

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            • Research Project

            Publication 'Accounting for Derivates' 01/06/1998 - 31/12/1998

            Abstract

            Until today, accounting regulation on derivates is very limited in Belgium. However, an increasing number of companies use derivates for hedging purposes. In this publication we use examples to present possible accounting methods for options, forwards, futures and swaps. We also refer to the difference between hedging and trading, disclosure and international accounting standards on accounting for financial instruments.

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              • Research Project

              Chair Bank J. Van Breda: Research Project 'Growth: Opportunity or Threat'. 01/01/1998 - 31/12/1999

              Abstract

              This project investigates the growth issue in trading-SME's through the method of grounded theory. Motives, necessary prerequisites, and strategies for growth are tracked in trading companies. Strategic characteristics of growing companies can show the way to succesful growth.

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                • Research Project

                Te Euro and its impact on the Belgian enterprises. 01/06/1997 - 30/09/1997

                Abstract

                In this project the consequences of changing from local currencies into the use of Euro is studied from the point of view of Belgian firms. The impact of the Euro on the following domains of the business world is analyzed: financila impact, legal impact, texation consequences, administrative impact and the impact of financial reporting. This last impact is analyzed in detail.

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                  • Research Project

                  Publication 'The Social Balance Sheet' 01/11/1996 - 31/01/1997

                  Abstract

                  From the financial period 1996 , Belgian companies have to prepare and disclose a 'Social Balance Sheet' which is a part of the financial statements. This new obligation was imposed by the Royal Decree concerning the Social Balance of 4 August 1996 (Official Gazette of Belgium 30/08/1996). By order of FPMG, we have written a book of about 50 pages that deals with the purpose and contents of this Social Balance Sheet;

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                    • Research Project

                    Financial planning and control: critical successfactors for SME's? 01/09/1995 - 31/08/1996

                    Abstract

                    The objective of this project is to examine to what extent SME's dispose of a system of short term financial planning and to what extent they employ financial control techniques. Regarding the short term financial planning, we will deal with the way budget information is gathered, the involvement of the company in this process and the level of detail of the budget. Financial control entails the systems of financial and operational performance measurement.

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                      • Research Project

                      Corporate archives in the province of Antwerp. 01/01/1994 - 31/12/1998

                      Abstract

                      - Introductory study on different economic sectors; - Registration and inventory of corporate archives 19th and 20th century

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                        • Research Project

                        An ABC-study for the motor car assessment service. 01/11/1993 - 31/05/1994

                        Abstract

                        By order of royal association of motor car assessors in Belgium a product costing analysis is undertaken in order to determine the cost drivers which influence the cost of a motor car assessment. With the use of overhead value analysis, the different cost and activity drivers are identified.

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                          • Research Project

                          Accounting research. 01/10/1992 - 31/01/2000

                          Abstract

                          The purpose of this project is: 1) to make accounting more relevant for decision-making (by integration -if possible and usefull- of financing concepts), and 2) to examine the possibilities to extend the range of application of financing theory by a selective and controled use of accounting data. Theoretical accounting literature sketches timeliness as one of the basic characteristics of annual accounts. From an empirical assessment however, we point at the lack of interest on behalf of Belgian companies. The distribution of various timeliness measures is very stable over time, indicating that companies do not make any effort to improve reporting speed. The two main determinants of timeliness were found to be profitability and the time of the balance sheet date. The explanating power of the suggested models remains rather poor.

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                            Assessment of the variables determining the delivery price of orthopedic footwear. 01/10/1992 - 30/11/1992

                            Abstract

                            This project analyses the different factors which determine the price of orthopedic footwear in Belgium. The main accent is on the degree to which the multiplicator used by the RIZIV (National Institute for Social Security) reflects the real cost price of orthopedic footwear, taking into account the price increases of the different cost drivers.

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                              • Research Project

                              Evalution of the Dutch Commodity Transport Models 01/06/1991 - 30/11/1991

                              Abstract

                              Purpose of this study is to give the principal an idea about the improvement of the Dutch commodity transport models. Which models must be further supported? What has to be modified?

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                                • Research Project