Introductory description

The module will cover technical aspects of performance measurement systems which will develop the technical skills of students. The module will also enhance students' understanding of the links between management accounting and strategy.

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 material will include some or all of the following topics:
Cost behaviour.
Financial management.
Short term decision making.
Product costing and pricing decisions.
Business performance measurement.
Strategic management accounting.

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of the main goal-oriented theories of human behaviour and relate them to the design of performance evaluation systems in organisations.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of various organisational structures and performance measurement designs, including unintended consequences of measuring certain behaviours.
• Critically evaluate different costing systems and predict the decisions (good and bad) which they may lead to under particular circumstances
• Critically appraise performance measurement systems and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Develop predictions regarding human responses to various performance measurement methods.
• Develop predictions relating to the firm-level outcomes of internal divisional reward systems.

Indicative reading list

Generic Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

Design effective reward systems in various contexts.
Set product prices and make product mix decisions in a multi-product environment.
Calculate product costs under different systems.

Transferable skills

Communication skills
Problem solving