This article investigates the importance of mergers in the public sector , analysing the case of T oscana Energia—a gas supplier in Italy. T oscana Energia was formed by merging three entities. There was no improvement in financial performance after the merger. Realistic merger benefits include competitive gains and, in this case, a better deal for consumers. P oliticians under pressure to merge should insist on the public sector being the majority owner in utilities. The best merger outcomes are of smaller municipal enterprises.

This paper defines and then observes processes of glocalization surrounding the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) for public sector financial reporting. Glocalization can be best understood using sociological institutionalism, because this theory focuses on the retention of identity, and processes of legitimacy, during adaptation (diffusion) of standards. The paper discusses the history of standard-setting for the public sector in New Zealand to explain why this theory has value. IMPACT This paper defines and describes the utility of the concept of glocalization in analysing the implementation of IPSAS, with a New Zealand focus. The value of the paper is in its combination of a jurisdiction-specific experience with an understanding of the broader issues of 'global versus local' and processes of sociological institutionalism. Such studies of IPSAS adoption can offer distinctive perspectives on global processes of isomorphism within neo-institutional theory. This paper explains the advantages of flexible strategies to standard-setters.

This paper shows how sustainable and smart strategies can be implemented in cities and how these strategies influence, and are influenced by, performance measurement systems. Drawing upon the Foucauldian notion of governmentality, the authors present the case of Gothenburg in Sweden, where they interviewed the key actors involved in a new sustainability strategy. Translating strategy into performance measurement systems requires collaboration across organizational boundaries and considerations of financial goals and social and human aspects.

The influence of external factors on local government finances, particularly bankruptcies, is much debated. This paper investigates the relationship between regional socioeconomic features and those Italian municipalities that have been declared ?financially destabilized? (i.e. bankrupt). Statistical evidence confirms that municipalities located in regions with particular socioeconomic features are less exposed to financial destabilization. An early model that attempts to predict local fiscal stress is presented.

This comparative empirical study on consolidated government accounting reforms in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Sweden reveals contextual differences affecting their adoption and usefulness. It can help policymakers, public managers, and academics understand the gap between claims associated with the adoption of accounting technologies and their usefulness, as well as provide insights into dichotomies between their global proliferation and localized adaptations.

This article analyses consolidated annual accounts in the public sector in six countries (Sweden, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia) highlighting the differences and similarities in approaches. The authors also examine international trends and take an in-depth look at the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB).

Performance measurement (PM) is now common in Western universities. This is also the case in Finland, where a new funding scheme was implemented to ensure that quality was included in universities' PM. However, this paper shows that the quality indicators in use are, in practice, quantitative. The paper is based on a large survey and has implications for university PM systems in Finland and internationally.

IMPACT The study highlights the benefits of a testing period for local government politicians and managers when important accounting reforms, such as implementing consolidated financial statements (CFS), are being introduced. A testing period can enhance knowledge on the accounting standards, as well as improving employees' skills and citizens' perception of local government performance. Central governments are encouraged to provide technical assistance to local governments through training or providing manuals to facilitate the implementation of CFS. Moreover, feedback from the testing period could support the revision of accounting rules and standards.

This article discusses the increasing importance of publication metrics in research. Four themes are addressed: the impact of journal metrics on issues like research funding and tenure; the unintended consequences of these metrics; whether the niche domain of public sector accounting journals is threatened by these metrics; and how researchers can best deal with the mania surrounding journal metrics. This article is part of an ongoing and larger research project about the identity shift of public sector accounting researchers due to an increasing importance of publication metrics.