Capitalizing and controlling development projects as joint translations. The mediating role of the information technology

Antonio Leotta

MANAGEMENT CONTROL, 2015, vol. 2015/2, issue 2, 101-134

Abstract: For internationally operating firms, development costs can be capitalized under specific conditions required by IAS 38. Some conditions refer to the "ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development". To verify those conditions, appropriate Information Technology (IT) and organizational procedures may be adopted within the organization. Introduced for translating IAS 38, IT may enable the control of development projects and processes. This occurs to the extent that IT has the power to attract different agencies. Drawing on ANT inspired literature, we translate Quattrone and Hopper?s (2006) conceptualization of IT as a heteromogeneous object, which relies on an object?s combination of being a ?fact? and an attractor. The theoretical arguments inform a case study on the control of development projects at STMicroelectronics, a multinational company operating in the semiconductor industry. The case evidences show how capitalizing and controlling development projects are jointly translated though the mediation of IT. Moreover, the case highlights how controls of development projects are systems of conjunctions among behaviour, accounting and personnel controls which mediate among the organizational actors involved in development projects.

Date: 2015
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