The value of the controlling function during times of uncertainty. Supported by Bata Business Case.

Abstract

The objective of the thesis is to underline the value of managerial control during times of business uncertainty. In the past four years the world dealt with severe stress on societies, economies and national political interactions, with expected long-term effects on economic growth, inflation, consumer behavior and international trade agreements. The demand and supply chains are changing: consumer trends change in line with macro-economic and social factors, therefore depict the urgency for companies to react to new sales trends expectations due to new consumer spending availability and new choices of consumption locations between digital and physical buying. Indeed, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep track of a company's performance against previously set strategic goals, or to anticipate future results. The controlling function allows the organization to be monitored across all departmental levels depicting action plans, in line with the business strategy. Controllers set target results by predicting the overall company’s profits and eventually measure performance with the use of specific control systems. Several control systems are explained to give understanding of the value of such role and function in the company. Moreover, the business case of Bata Group (Global Footwear Retailer) will be discussed to support the thesis' aim.