From adoption to use of a management control tool : Case study evidence of a costing method

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the processes involved in implementing a full costing method – the unité de valeur ajoutée (UVA) (added value unit) method – as well as to explore the uses made of it. Design/methodology/approach – Firms that adopted the UVA method between 1995 and 2009 were studied by means of semi‐structured interviews with individuals concerned in the firm and with the external consultants. The interviews, which lasted two to three hours, were conducted both during the implementation process and several months later. Secondary data in the form of all the documentation regarding the initial setting up and updating of the method were also collected. Findings – The main advantages of the UVA method are the fine breakdown of costs, facilitating decision making, and its modest use of resources. Generally, it was adopted by small firms with a “defensive” strategic behaviour. The success of its implementation was largely a result of the strong involvement of management. Nevertheless, it found limited use as a management tool compared to the activity based costing (ABC) method, owing to the small size of the firms that adopted the UVA method. Originality/value – This research paper is the first to examine the various stages of setting up the UVA method of cost accounting method, by collecting data from users on two occasions, separated by an interval of eight years.