AC220-Further Management Accounting

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: AC107 Management Information
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: AC201 Management Accounting
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Mr Tony Graham
Email: a.graham@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module builds upon the foundations of management accounting established in AC107 Management Information by developing a critical understanding of the main concepts and ideas underlying management control systems. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading, University of Reading Malaysia and Beijing Institute of Technology. 

Aims:

To build upon the foundations of management accounting established in AC107 Management Information by developing a critical understanding of the main concepts and ideas underlying management control systems. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the techniques, principles and underlying concepts relating to the provision and use of financial information in organisational decision-making, planning and control. This involves understanding the theories, technical language, practices and their location within the organisational and business context together with developments in contemporary management accounting.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Module Learning Outcomes	Description	Mastery of discipline	Skills in research & enquiry	Personal effectiveness & self-awareness	Global engagement and multi-cultural awareness	Global engagement and multi-cultural awareness
1	Critically evaluate the relevance and practical application of contemporary management accounting practices.	6,7	3,4	4,5,6,7	2
2	Recommend relevant and effective solutions to practical decision-making, planning and control problems by analysing and interpreting information and then critically evaluating options using management accounting techniques and concepts.	6,7,8,9	3,4	4,6,7	2	2
3	Critically appraise the qualitative aspects of decision-making, planning and control and other management accounting problems.	7,8,9	3,4	4,6
4	Critically analyse selected academic, professional and other literature to demonstrate the ability to synthesise differing perspectives.	6	3,4	4,5	2
5	Organise and present information in a logical, reasoned and succinct manner in the required format.	6,7,8,9	3,4	4,5,6,7	2	2

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the students’ effectiveness in group situations. Structured activities are designed to develop independent learning, including reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning. Students are encouraged to develop additional IT skills through use of relevant web resources and electronic communication techniques, including Blackboard.

Outline content:

• Application of activity-based costing methods

• Critical evaluation of relevant costing for decision-making

• Introduction to linear programming

• Transfer pricing

• Advanced variances (mix, yield, planning and operating)

• More complex cost-volume-profit analysis

• Application and interpretation of investment appraisal techniques

• Introduction to capital rationing, with the effects of taxation and risk analysis

• Introduction to management control systems and budgetary control systems

Global context:

Collaborative working, appreciation of differing viewpoints and the use of global articles and research.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module uses a combination of interactive lectures to introduce topics areas, practical seminars where students will consolidate learning through guided question practice and discussion and independent self-study. Blackboard will be used to guide both dependent and independent study.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	4
Seminars		18
Guided independent study:
Exam revision/preparation			20
Advance preparation for classes		20
Preparation for seminars		10
Completion of formative assessment tasks		20
Revision and preparation			18
Essay preparation		30
Total hours by term	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Written assignment including essay	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour closed book unseen written exam in the Summer term.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written piece of group assessment task to be submitted in week 11 of Spring Term.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback from the group coursework may be used to improve performance in the final exam. Other opportunities for informal feedback is available throughout the course in lectures and seminars and may take the form of response to questions and activities and feedback from marked independent study. Exam style questions will be practised in seminars and additional material made available on Blackboard for independent study. Marking guides and feedback are provided where appropriate so that students can assess their own performance.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that 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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 exam only in the resit period of the same year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books - £60 Details to be confirmed

Calculator - £15 - Casio FX-83GTx or Casio FX-85GTx

Casio FX-83GTPLUS or Casio FX-85GTPLUS

Last updated: 22 September 2022