Management Control Systems

This best-selling and market-leading text gives students a thorough understanding of the core concepts and key topics of management control and related performance measurement and incentive systems, processes, and critical trade-offs in their design and use, employing a wide range of international case studies and real life examples.

Management Control Systems

Performance Measurement, Evaluation and Incentives

Fourth Edition

Kenneth A. Merchant and Wim A. Van der Stede

“If this book were fiction, I would refer to it as a real page-turner” Eddy Vaassen, Tilburg University

“The book provides a comprehensive view of management control systems and is written in a very engaging style” Paul Summers, Summit Accountancy Training / University of Liverpool

This best-selling and market-leading text gives students a thorough understanding of the core concepts and key topics of management control and related performance measurement and incentive systems, processes, and critical trade-offs in their design and use, employing a wide range of international case studies and real life examples.

With its unique blend of theory and practice, concepts and applications, Management Control Systems is the ideal guide to this more than ever relevant, complex and fascinating subject.

New to this edition:

· Updated text, examples, references and cases throughout

· Various new cases, including ones on project management, ethics, and sustainability

· New engaging design

Resources for Lecturers:

• Updated PowerPoint slides to aid in your lectures
• Comprehensive Instructor’s Manual, including case study debriefs and a case matrix that helps to bring real world examples to your students
• Available for download at

Kenneth A. Merchant is the Deloitte & Touche LLP Chair of Accountancy at the University of Southern California. He is well-known internationally in the field of management accounting.

Wim A. Van der Stede is the CIMA Professor of Accounting and Financial Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science. An author and teacher, he brings a European perspective and a wealth of experience to this book.

Get to the heart of Management Control Systems with this acclaimed text.

Management Control Systems, 4th edition, by Kenneth A. Merchant, and Wim A. Van der Stede, is the market-leading text for management control and performance management studies. Using real-life examples and a range of international case studies, the book offers you a thorough understanding of the core concepts and key topics of the subject.

The text's clear and structured chapters ensure logical progression and understanding through topics such as the control function of management, alternative methods of management control, and how to apply your knowledge beyond theory.

Considering all areas of Management Control Systems, from implementation to ethical questions, the 4th edition serves as the ultimate guide to the subject, excellent for students and practitioners alike.