The aim of this module is to achieve an understanding of the use of accounting information in the internal management of business organisations.

A    Knowledge and Understanding:

• display an understanding of the role of management accounting information in costing, including the different treatment of costs that occur under marginal and absorption costing;
• explain the role of management accounting information in short-term decision-making;
• demonstrate an understanding of the role of management accounting information in planning and control, including the operation and behavioural aspects of budgetary control systems;
• understand the techniques involved in standard costing and variance analysis.

B    Intellectual Skills:

• differentiate between the accounting information required for short and long-term decision-making.

C    Discipline Specific Skills:

• demonstrate the use of cost allocation and behaviour determination techniques and the impact of learning effects on organisations;
• use the techniques involved in standard costing and variance analysis.

D    Transferable Skills:

• work independently, exercise initiative and time management skills
• analytical skills (application, analysis, evaluation and synthesis);
• effective decision-making and writing;
• problem solving, critical thinking and enquiry skills;
• communication;
• teamworking through discussion and argument.

The module will be delivered through a mix of large & small group face-to-face sessions, including, where relevant, supporting digital learning activities and/or recordings

The continuous assessment draws on a range of skills, and focuses on a particular element of management accounting.  Students are expected to show evidence of reading in addition to the core text, to integrate this into their assignment, and to reference the material in a suitable manner.

The examination paper is in parts, each containing a choice of question. The first parts contain numerically-based questions, with additional sub-sections requiring some explanation or narrative.  Another part contains essay questions, requiring discussion of a core theme of the module.

The role of management accounting and strategic management accounting; product costing systems; the use of cost information in management decision making; pricing decisions, contribution and profitability analysis; the role of budgeting; variance analysis.