Introductory description

The module provides an in-depth analysis of the major techniques and processes involved in modern management accounting.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module will include some or all of the following topics:
Management accounting and control: framework and perspectives in a modern business environment
Performance measurement and management
Budgeting for planning and control purposes
Traditional Costing Systems
Strategic Management Accounting tools

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Develop an understanding and critically assess the role of management accounting information in the modern business environment
• Develop an understanding of the tools and techniques used by management accountants
• Develop an understanding of how management accounting has responded to changes in the business environment
• Critically evaluate the usefulness of management accounting tools in aiding decision making and control and evaluating performance.
• Critically discuss academic papers to understand the evolution of management accounting techniques;
• Analyse case material to critique the application of management accounting techniques
• Develop and apply higher level cognitive skills, e.g. analysis, evaluation, synthesis

Indicative reading list

Drury, Colin, (2017) Management and Cost Accounting (10th Edition) Cengage
Merchant, K. and Van der Stede, W. (2007) Management control systems: performance measurement, evaluation and incentives (2nd edition), Prentice Hall
Emmanuel, C., Otley, D. and Merchant, K. (1990) Accounting for management control (2nd edition), Thompson Learning.
Kaplan, R. and Atkinson, Advanced Management Accounting (3rd edition), Prentice Hall.

Subject specific skills

Utilise management accounting tools and techniques to solve problems of a management control/ performance measurement nature within a modern organisational context
Apply a wide range of management accounting tools to a range of organisational contexts.

Transferable skills

Written communication
Problem solving, reasoning and logical analysis