The Role of Strategic Management Accounting in Enhancing Competitive Advantage: A Study of the Manufacturing Sector in Bangladesh

In an increasingly competitive global economy, manufacturing firms in emerging markets like Bangladesh face intense pressure to improve efficiency and strategic decision-making. Strategic Management Accounting (SMA), which extends traditional accounting to include competitor analysis, market trends, and long-term strategic insights, has been posited as a valuable tool in this context. However, its application and effectiveness in Bangladeshi manufacturing firms remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate how SMA practices contribute to enhancing competitive advantage within the manufacturing sector in Bangladesh. A mixed-methods approach will be used, involving a survey of 120 accounting and finance professionals from medium-to-large manufacturing firms, followed by in-depth interviews with 15 senior managers to gain qualitative insights. The study will identify which SMA tools are most frequently used, assess their influence on strategic positioning, and explore how organizational context affects their implementation. The findings will offer data-driven recommendations for managers and policymakers, contributing to more effective strategic accounting practices.