AC302-Advanced Management Accounting

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: AC201 Management Accounting or AC208 Management Information or AC220 Further Management Accounting
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mr Edward Tew
Email: w.tew@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module builds on the concepts and techniques of management accounting introduced in AC107 and AC220 or AC 208. Management accounting may be seen as a way of providing information in three main areas: costing, decision-making, and planning and control. The emphasis of this module will mainly be on the last two areas (i.e., decision making and planning and control). In reality, however, it is often difficult to separate any one area from the other two. For example, standard costing provides costing information which is then used as a tool for planning and control.

Aims:

This module aims to further develop students’ critical understanding of the role of management accounting in organisational decision making and control. It seeks to provide students with a critical conceptual and technical understanding of management accounting tools and techniques relating to the provision and use of financial and managerial information in organisational decision-making, planning and control. An emphasis is placed on the strategically focused organisation in the modern business environment.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Discuss the requirements of accounting for managers in relation to planning, decision making and control in the modern business context;

2. Prepare or complete quantitative statements to provide a basis for effective management problem solving and decision-making;

3. Recognise and discuss the qualitative aspects, including behavioural aspects, of decision-makin g, planning and control and appraise these in relation to management accounting problems especially in relation to:

     a. the effects of using traditional management accounting systems in a modern business environment

     b. performance measurement and performance management

     c. organisational change

     d. effective remuneration and incentive (rewar d) systems.

4. Organise and communicate information clearly, succinctly and in the required format, both under timed conditions and in assessed work; and

5. Critically assess selected academic and professional literature

Additional outcomes:

Structured activities are designed to develop independent learning, including reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning. Students will be provided with opportunities to use information and communications technology for business applications through use of relevant web resources and electronic communication techniques, including Blackboard. An emphasis is placed on collaborative learning through use of Blackboard Wikis or the Discussion Board to develop solutions to case study problems.

Outline content:

• Contemporary issues in management accounting 


• Advanced Performance Measurement I: Management Control systems 


• Advanced Performance Measurement II: Divisional Performance Measurement and Management  


• Advanced Performance Measurement III: Balanced Scorecard 


• Strategic Cost and Management accounting 


• Strategic Costing Technique: Target costing and Throughput Accounting 


• Strategic Costing Technique: Learning Curve Theory 


• Strategic Pricing Techniques: Pricing theory/decisions and Profitability Analysis 

Global context:

The module is situated in an internationalised context. Relevant case studies will be drawn on where necessary, to explore and develop a practical understanding of aspects of the module.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A combination of lectures and practical classes/workshops will be used for the delivery of the module. Lectures will be used for the exposition of the main concepts, principles and techniques associated with the discipline. The workshops will focus on numerical practice and discussion of examination style and case study questions.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 150 minutes closed book unseen written exam in the Summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 2000-word written group coursework essay to be submitted by the end of week 7, Autumn term and a 500- word individual reflective account to be submitted by the end of week 8, Autumn term. The group coursework will contribute 25% to the overall module marks, whereas the individual reflective summary will contribute 5% to the overall module marks.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessments are available in the textbook for all topics. In addition, exam style questions are available on Blackboard and students will practice exam style questions and case studies in workshops. Marking guides and feedback are provided where appropriate so that students can assess their own performance.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy. 

•  where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

•  where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

 

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum mark of 40% is required for a University pass.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is through examination only in August / September of the same year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books - £47: Drury C., 2018.  Management and Cost Accounting, 10 ed., Cengage: London.

Calculator - £15: Casio FX-83GTPLUS or Casio FX-85GTPLUS

Last updated: 29 September 2021