Abstract:
To obtain the data necessary for this study, the author writes that two questionnaires were sent "to all converters of flexible packaging raw materials in the Republic". However, only fifteen companies were regarded as worthy of attention, of whom only twelve responded, all other packaging firms and jobbing printers "not considered significant from an industry point of view". Furthermore, the writer later points out that "some firms did not, for strategic and confidential reasons, answer all the questions", and in addition that "in many instances practices and procedures in firms vary in scope, so it has been necessary to generalise the practice". Despite his claim to having interviewed market players, these turned out to be representatives of five firms only "for reasons of cost, time and distance". The author writes: "The conclusions drawn from the results of the field study are summarised in Chapter VI of the thesis. These conclusions are dealt with under three major headings, namely: (1) Budgeting and Budgetary Control (2) Production Cost Control (3) Control of Research and Development Costs". He continues, "Certain basic difficulties faced by firms in applying flexible budgeting and standard costing are also referred to. "In addition, the conclusions also indicate the necessity for firms to innovate, in order to meet the changing demands of the market. The latter function gives rise to research and development costs in firms. This in turn poses certain problems with regard to the control, disposal and recovery of these costs."
