This module builds on the second-year module BA5803 Management Accounting and is designed to give undergraduate accounting students an advanced course exploring the provision and use of accounting information in management decision-making. Students will be involved in an active learning approach and will be expected to reflecton the purpose and uses of management accounting information, evaluate case study scenarios, discuss theoretical accounting concepts and utilise a range of practical techniques to solve advanced management accounting related issues.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
A. Specialist cost and management accounting techniques
1. Activity-based costing
2. Target costing
3. Life cycle costing
4. Throughput accounting
B. Decision-making techniques
1. Relevant cost analysis
2. Cost volume analysis
3. Pricing decision
4. Dealing with risk and uncertainity in decision-making
C. Budgeting and control
1. Budgetary system
2. Types of budgets
3. Quantitative analysis in budgeting
4. Material mix and yield variance
5. Sales mix and quantity variance
6. Planning and operational variance
7. Performance analysis and behavioural aspects
D. Performance measurement and control
1. Performance management information system
2. Source of management information
3. Management reports
4. Divisional performance and transfer pricing
5. Performance analysis in not-for-profit organisations.
Each three-hour session will be taught interactively. It will typically include an introductory lecture to the topic,followed by interactive exercises.These may include case studies, workshops, group discussions, debates, presentations, videos and multiple-choice questions. In addition, students are expected to engage in independent learning in their own time. This may include homework, reading, revision, and preparation activities. Students are also expected to read articles from relevant academic journals and critically analyse them in preparation for group discussion. In addition to this, interactive learning outside theclassroom by means of web-based communication via Canvas discussion boards and working in study groups is also encouraged.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | A combination of lectures and workshops | 66 |
| Guided independent study | 234 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
A combination of formative and summative assessment methods will be employed. Class discussions, case study analysis, mock examsand other group work, though not formally assessed, are essential feedforward strategies to support students in achieving the learning outcomes and preparing them for individual coursework and written examination.
Summative assessment will take the form of a case study coursework, a series of short in-class exercises and an exam. These will evaluate the learner's understanding of the module learning outcomes and require the application of theory, problem solving and the development of reasoned arguments and recommendations.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Use professional and academic knowledge of management accounting to solve practical business problems. | Coursework, in-class exercises and exam |
| 2) Use academic research to critique established concepts and consider emerging techniques in a rapidly changing business environment. | Coursework and exam |
| 3) Explore the role of the accountant with in the overall management function. | Coursework, in-class exercises and exam |
| 4) Integrate the subject matter studied on other courses, demonstrating the multi-disciplinary aspect of practical management problems. | Coursework, in-class exercises and exam |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Case study report | Coursework | 20% |
| In-class exercises | Coursework | 10% |
| Written closed-book exam | Written Exam | 70% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Seal, W., Rhode, C., Garrison, R. and Noreen, E.,2015. Management Accounting. 5th ed. McGraw Hill
Atkinson, A., Kaplan, R., Matsumura, E. and Young S., Management Accounting. Prentice Hall.
Atrill, P. and McLaney, E.,2015. Management Accounting for Decision Makers. Prentice Hall.
Bhimani, A., Horngren, C., Datar, S. and Foster, G.,Management and Cost Accounting. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Drury, C., Management and Cost Accounting. Thomson Learning.
Hilton, R., Maher, M. and Selto, F.,Cost Management: Strategies for Business Decisions. McGrawHill.
Weetman, P.,Management Accounting. Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
Accounting and Business Research
Critical Perspectives on Accounting
Financial Accountability & Management
International Journal of Accounting
Journal of Accounting Literature
Journal of Accounting Research
Journal of Business Finance & Accounting
Management Accounting Research
Review of Accounting Studies