Introductory description

This is an elective module available for WBS and non-WBS students. To find detailed availability and to apply for this module, log in to my.wbs.ac.uk using your normal IT login details and apply via the my.wbs module application system. Once you’ve secured a place on my.wbs you should apply via your home department’s usual process, which usually takes place via eVision. Note that you do not require the module leader’s permission to study a WBS module, so please do not contact them to request it.

This module is an advanced level management accounting module which builds on previous modules in this subject area. The module revisits and evaluates the traditional tools of management accounting and introduces new tools and ideas which support modern businesses and the strategy of organisations. Key topic areas include strategic cost and revenue management as well as the effects of digitisation and sustainability.

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.

• Developments in management accounting
• Strategic management accounting and strategic cost management
• Performance evaluation
• Organisational and social aspects of management accounting

Learning outcomes

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

• Critically evaluate the use of accounting information for decision making and strategic management within business organisations.
• Utilise management accounting tools and techniques to aid strategic management within an organisational context.
• Critically evaluate alternative management accounting tools and techniques in different organisational settings;=.
• Critically discuss academic papers to understand the evolution of management accounting techniques.
• Analyse case material to understand the application of management accounting techniques.

Indicative reading list

The course is underpinned by chapters from the following text:
Drury, Colin, (2024) Management and Cost Accounting (12th Edition) Cengage
The following texts may also be recommended for additional reading and support for sessions which are not covered by the core
book above:
Kaplan, R. and Atkinson, Advanced Management Accounting (3rd edition), Prentice Hall.
W. Seal, R.H. Garrison and E.W. Noreen (2015) Management Accounting, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill.
Hopper, T., Northcott, D. and Scapens, R (2007) Issues in Management Accounting, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall.
Hoque, D. (2003) Strategic Management Accounting, 2nd Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall.
Current research may also be found in such journals as Management Accounting Research (MAR, UK); Journal of Management
Accounting Research (JMAR, US); Journal of Cost Management (JCM, US); Accounting Organisations and Society (AOS);
Critical Perspectives in Accounting (CPA); Harvard Business Review (HBR), Information and Organization (IO) and Accounting
Auditing and Accountability Journal (AAAJ). Accounting Historians Journal (AHJ), Practitioner's articles may also be found in the
CIMA journal Financial Management and in the US journal Management Accounting.

Subject specific skills

Utilise management accounting tools and techniques to aid strategic management within an organisational context.

Transferable skills

Apply analytic, problem-solving and critical evaluation skills.