Management Accounting

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Management Accounting

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Accounting

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    10
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    6
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    8

  • Overview

    Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
    Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
    Level:5
    Terms in which taught: Spring term module
    Pre-requisites: AC104 Introductory Financial Accounting or AC101 Introduction to Accounting
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded: AC204 Finance for Managers or AC208 Management Information
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Summary module description:
    This module introduces the theory and practice of management accounting in relation to organisational decision-making, planning, control and performance evaluation.
    Aims:
    This 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 a consideration of the technical language and practices of management accounting, their location within the organisational and business context, and the theoretical and empirical evidence concerning the development and current practice of management accounting.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
    1. Explain the role of management accounting in providing information to managers for decision-making, planning and control.
    2. Describe and discuss the changes taking place in organisations and the business environment and their influence on management accounting systems and practices.
    3. Produce effective solutions to practical decision-making, planning and control problems by analysing and interpreting information and evaluating options using management accounting concepts and techniques including:
    a. CVP analysis, limiting factor analysis and other short term decision making techniques involving the use of relevant costs
    b. Full costing techniques, including ABC
    c. Consideration of the uses of marginal and absorption costing and reconciliation of profits using both methods
    d. Marginal, full cost and market based approaches to pricing
    e. Performance measures, including residual income and return on investment
    f. Budget preparation, including functional budgets
    g. Standard costing and variance analysis.
    4. Recognise the qualitative aspects of decision-making, planning and control and appraise these in relation to management accounting problems.
    5. Use selected academic and professional literature relevant to management accounting so as to demonstrate the ability to analyse, think critically and synthesise differing perspectives.
    6. Organise and present information clearly, succinctly and in the required format.
    Additional outcomes:
    Structured activities are designed to develop independent learning skills. Students are encouraged to develop additional IT skills by use of relevant web resources and communication techniques, including Blackboard.
    Outline content:
    Nature and purpose of cost and management accounting
    ? Cost classification and behaviour
    ? CVP and break-even analysis
    ? Relevant costs and contribution based decision-making, including pricing decisions
    ? Full costing and ABC, including pricing decisions
    ? Marginal and absorption costing and reconciliation of profits under both methods
    ? Approaches to budgeting and preparation of functional and master budgets
    ? Standard costing and variance analysis
    ? Performance management and measurement
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    The module is delivered through a combination of interactive lectures which will introduce students to topic areas and practical workshops where students will consolidate their understanding through guided question practice and discussion.
    Contact hours:
    Lectures 30
    Practicals classes and workshops 18
    Guided independent study 148
    Total hours by term 196.00
    Total hours for module 196.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method- Percentage
    Written exam 80
    Class test administered by School 20
    Other information on summative assessment:
    Two 45 minute closed book unseen objective tests attempted under exam conditions during the Spring term (each contributing 10% of the total module mark).
    Formative assessment methods:
    Formative assessments are available in the text book for all topics. In addition, exam style questions are available on Blackboard and students will practice exam style questions in workshops. Marking guides and feedback are provided where appropriate so that students can assess their own performance.
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener 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.
    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.
    Length of examination:
    One 2 hour closed book unseen written exam in the Summer term (contributing 80% of the total module mark).
    Requirements for a pass:
    A minimum mark of 40% is required for a University pass.
    Reassessment arrangements:
    Reassessment is through exam only in August / September of the same year.
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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