Evaluating The Performance Of The Economic Unit Using The EVA Index

Abstract

Abstract

The research aims to study the economic value-added index (EVA) as an innovative way to measure the value of the economic unit and its performance based on its economic position and not according to accounting figures produced using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as each economic unit must be very careful in choosing its measurement tools because it will greatly affect the resources of the administration and every section of the economic unit, the economic unit must create value for the shareholders. Due to developments in the past decade in the world of economic units, managers and investors are looking for an economic framework that better reflects the value and profitability of the economic unit, so the accounting tools used to date are not sufficient and unlikely to face the challenge arising from capital markets and owners. A new economic dimension is required to be used as a value-based measurement framework, which can better reflect the opportunities and downsides. One of the measures based on a value in the economic context is Economic Value Added (EVA).

To achieve this, the researcher relied on the deductive approach in writing the theoretical framework of the research based on that on foreign sources as well as letters, university releases, research, periodicals and articles related to the research topic, while the descriptive and analytical approach was relied upon in writing the applied side of the research based on a set of means, including financial data, cost data, and personal interviews with managers, technical engineers, and factory administrations, as well as the field experience for each of the General Administration of the General Company for Vegetable Oils and its factories (Al-Rasheed Factory, Al-Mamoun Factory, Al-Amin Factory, Al-Moatasem Factory) in the application of the economic value-added index (EVA). The researcher reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is that the use of the EVA index is one of the methods that can be used as well as the proper use of investment opportunities and the prevention of waste of resources, as economic units can be informed about their future performance by providing the necessary warnings so that they can take appropriate measures through these warnings: Investors can identify the optimal investment opportunities from unwanted opportunities and invest their resources in the appropriate opportunities and places.

In light of these conclusions, a set of recommendations was reached, the most important of which is the suggestion to use the EVA index, as the cost of capital cannot be ignored in its calculation and evaluation, and to meet the expectations of shareholders in the country, the EVA account should be mandatory for financial reporting and disclosure, and to expand its use. In other major industries, it should be studied as well, as a source of reliable financial performance measurement.