Advanced management accounting

This module sets out multi-dimensional planning and control approaches linked to performance measurement and management, and identifies methods of implementation. In so doing, it identifies a range of strategic cost management techniques, their usefulness, and their applications. This includes the application of skills using quantitative/financial techniques; the ability to interpret and explain the results of these calculations; the ability to critically evaluate the techniques; and a recognition that management accounting, particularly at the strategic level is context-dependent, and takes account of an organisation’s strategy, culture, and management style. 

Topics covered: 

Main topics of the module include: 

• The nature and purpose of strategic management accounting.
• Issues in and challenges to management control.
• Contemporary approaches to financial planning and cost measurement and management.
• Dividisionalised performance evaluation.
• Transfer pricing.
• Non-financial performance evaluation.
• Approaches to and issues in generating and monitoring quality. 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to:  

• Discuss the need for management and strategic planning. and control, and identify and evaluate the various forms of controls. 
• Discuss the use of and apply financial performance and non-financial performance measures. 
• Identify, evaluate and apply a range of financial planning and costing techniques.
• Assess performance within dividisionalised organisations.
• Understand the significance of quality within the internal and external activity of an organisation, and how to improve it. 
• Explain, apply and evaluate a range of various contemporary performance measurement and management frameworks.

Assessment:  

• Online open book test: 2 hours; weighted at 25%  

• Coursework: up to 3,000 words; weighted at 75%