The Impact of Investment in Accounting Information Systems on Business Performance: The Case of the Libyan Commercial Banks

This study aimed to explore investment in accounting information system (AIS) in the commercial banks in Libya. It focuses on the extent and nature of AIS investment in the Libyan commercial banks, resultant changes in business processes and the significance of training and up-skilling of the workforce in delivering systems benefits. Following an initial literature review, the research reviewed AIS investment in all Libyan commercial banks and established top line profiles of nine of the thirteen existing banks (the other four being close to merger with, or acquisition by, other banks). Three banks were selected for detailed case study analysis, representing a cross-section in terms of size, staff, age profile, and ownership of the banks. Three methods were adopted to collect data - individual questionnaires with key bank personnel, semi-structured interviews and review and analysis of pertinent bank documents. The study researched and analysed the recent investment in advanced IT in the case study banks, where AIS packaged software and communications infrastructure had been implemented. The banks that use developed global systems have more efficient and effective systems than the banks that use local systems, and in general there are no adequate policies or plans in place for training and up-skilling of staff using these new systems. The study also found that investment in AIS and associated technological infrastructure had impacted on all main business processes, bringing about significant process improvement in some cases. Contributions to knowledge include a qualitative assessment of AIS in Libyan banks, which has not been done before, and the identification of some of the benefits and problems that result from major systems deployment. The study has also shown that models formulated for application in the developed world can be adapted and applied to assess information systems in a developing world commercial environment