Students

ACCG8308 – CPA - Strategic Management Accounting

2021 – Session 2, Special circumstance

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Leisa Henness
leisa.henness@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via email
Consultation hours to be advised via ilearn
Unit Moderator
Kevin Baird
kevin.baird@mq.edu.au
Unit Administration
Charmaine D'Souza
charmaine.dsouza@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(40cp at 6000 level and (ACCG921 or ACCG8121) and (ACCG923 or ACCG8123) and (ACCG926 or ACCG8126) and admission to MProfAcc or MProfAccgLead) or admission to MAdvProfAcc and 10cp at 8000 level
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit provides extended formal academic support to students concurrently enrolled in the Strategic Management Accounting unit of the CPA program. Specifically, the unit offers a strong theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of the strategic importance of management accounting. It emphasises the importance of correct understandings of environmental and organisation analysis. It stresses that management accounting must provide the correct knowledge that is critically important for effective decisions by management. In the increasingly competitive global business environment this knowledge includes not only financial issues but vitally important environmental and social concerns. The unit identifies the ‘strategic management accountant’ as a key member of organisation strategy development teams. It discusses the importance of the strategic management accountant acting as a moral compass within organisations being a key player involved in corporate social responsibility measurement and reporting and stakeholder recognition.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

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

  • ULO1: Investigate strategic management decision making in order to demonstrate how management accounting is essential to the creation, management and enhancement of value within entities and for societies.
  • ULO2: Integrate and apply the correct accounting tools and processes relevant to the selection, planning, implementation, control and monitoring of ongoing operations and of unique projects.
  • ULO3: Assess the characteristics of value chain analysis at both industry and organisational levels in order to ensure the design and construction of effective value adding strategies and activities and effective value drivers and value chains within an entity.
  • ULO4: Formulate ethical strategic and corporate social responsibility related performance measurement and controls systems within an entity and for the benefit of society generally.

General Assessment Information

1. Class Participation

Due : Various  Weighting: 15%

In class participation and attendance accounts for 15% of the final grade. Merely attending does not guarantee a pass mark. Attendance will be recorded for each seminar. Completion of CPA online learning quizzes are also a component of this assessment . See ilearn for further details

 

2. Class Test No 1

Due : Week 4   Weighting:  20%

This will be conducted as an online exam with a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes (90 minutes) and will consist of multiple choice and extended response questions. More details as to format will be provided on ilearn including time and window of the online exam. This test will cover Modules 1, 2 and 3 of the CPA materials as well as the assumed knowledge component of the the CPA materials.  The test will be open book.

Submission

Online through link on ilearn. Each multiple choice question will be marked on the basis of a correct response being one mark and an incorrect response zero. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

Extension

No extension will be granted, you must attempt the test during the designated time otherwise you will be awarded zero unless an application is approved under the Special Consideration Policy in accordance with the university rules. (see below Policies and Procedures). Approval based on Special Consideration Policy will resulting in  supplementary examination at date determined by the Unit Convenor. This will be communicated via email.

3. Class Test No 2

Due : Week 9   Weighting:  35%

This will be conducted as an online exam with a duration of  3 hours and 15 minutes and will consist of multiple choice and extended response questions. Class Test No 2 will mirror the format of the CPA examination which will consist of 52 marks for multiple choice and 22 marks extended response questions - total of 74 marks. More details as to format will be provided on ilearn including time and window of the online exam. This test will cover all modules (1 to 6 including case study and assumed knowledge materials). The test will be open book.

Submission

Online through link on ilearn. Each multiple choice question will be marked on the basis of a correct response being one mark and an incorrect response zero. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

Extension

No extension will be granted, you must attempt the test during the designated time otherwise you will be awarded zero unless an application is approved under the Special Consideration Policy in accordance with the university rules. (see below Policies and Procedures). Approval based on Special Consideration Policy will resulting in  supplementary examination at date determined by the Unit Convenor. This will be communicated via email.

 

Where students do not attain at least 32 marks for the Macquarie University Assessment, an overall Fail grade will apply.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Class Participation 15% No Various - ongoing ( see ilearn for detailed information)
Class test 1 20% No Week 4 - Date and window to be advised on ilearn
Class Test 2 35% No Week 9- Date and window to be advised on ilearn
CPA External Exam 30% No CPA Exam period ( 23rd September to 10 October 2021)

Class Participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13.5 hours
Due: Various - ongoing ( see ilearn for detailed information)
Weighting: 15%

 

Students are required to prepare and submit homework submissions which are graded, and attend and actively participate in class. Class participation is designed to encourage and help students achieve the learning outcomes of this unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Investigate strategic management decision making in order to demonstrate how management accounting is essential to the creation, management and enhancement of value within entities and for societies.
  • Integrate and apply the correct accounting tools and processes relevant to the selection, planning, implementation, control and monitoring of ongoing operations and of unique projects.
  • Assess the characteristics of value chain analysis at both industry and organisational levels in order to ensure the design and construction of effective value adding strategies and activities and effective value drivers and value chains within an entity.
  • Formulate ethical strategic and corporate social responsibility related performance measurement and controls systems within an entity and for the benefit of society generally.

Class test 1

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 4 - Date and window to be advised on ilearn
Weighting: 20%

 

An online class test comprising multiple-choice questions and extended-response questions will be conducted during class time. This test is designed to provide feedback to students on their level of understanding of key topics and concepts covered, and to identify any particular learning challenges or areas of difficulty.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Investigate strategic management decision making in order to demonstrate how management accounting is essential to the creation, management and enhancement of value within entities and for societies.
  • Integrate and apply the correct accounting tools and processes relevant to the selection, planning, implementation, control and monitoring of ongoing operations and of unique projects.
  • Assess the characteristics of value chain analysis at both industry and organisational levels in order to ensure the design and construction of effective value adding strategies and activities and effective value drivers and value chains within an entity.
  • Formulate ethical strategic and corporate social responsibility related performance measurement and controls systems within an entity and for the benefit of society generally.

Class Test 2

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 9- Date and window to be advised on ilearn
Weighting: 35%

 

An online computer exam, mirroring the CPA exam conditions and length, will be conducted on line at home. This test is designed to provide feedback to students on their level of understanding of key topics and concepts covered and to identify any learning challenges or areas of difficulties.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Investigate strategic management decision making in order to demonstrate how management accounting is essential to the creation, management and enhancement of value within entities and for societies.
  • Integrate and apply the correct accounting tools and processes relevant to the selection, planning, implementation, control and monitoring of ongoing operations and of unique projects.
  • Assess the characteristics of value chain analysis at both industry and organisational levels in order to ensure the design and construction of effective value adding strategies and activities and effective value drivers and value chains within an entity.
  • Formulate ethical strategic and corporate social responsibility related performance measurement and controls systems within an entity and for the benefit of society generally.

CPA External Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: CPA Exam period ( 23rd September to 10 October 2021)
Weighting: 30%

 

Examination administered by CPA Australia. CPA Australia will advise on the format and topics included in the final exam. Students need to achieve at least a Pass mark in this CPA external examination. If students do not pass this CPA examination, students will not pass this unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Investigate strategic management decision making in order to demonstrate how management accounting is essential to the creation, management and enhancement of value within entities and for societies.
  • Integrate and apply the correct accounting tools and processes relevant to the selection, planning, implementation, control and monitoring of ongoing operations and of unique projects.
  • Assess the characteristics of value chain analysis at both industry and organisational levels in order to ensure the design and construction of effective value adding strategies and activities and effective value drivers and value chains within an entity.
  • Formulate ethical strategic and corporate social responsibility related performance measurement and controls systems within an entity and for the benefit of society generally.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Required Text: CPA Professional Program: CPA104 Strategic Management Accounting Study Guide, Deakin University and CPA Australia, Edition as provided by CPA Australia in S1 2020.  The CPA Australia Study Guide is provided to you by CPA Australia.  You may also find a full software version on the CPA MyOnline Learning website.
Unit Web Page:
  • Course information is available on (iLearn).
  • iLearn access is at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/
  • Advice for iLearn including login advice and relevant support is all available at the iLearn site.
  • The student web page for this unit is located on iLearn. This includes course material, announcements and results.
  • Each week you will find on iLearn Lecture Guidance Notes and In-Class Discussion Questions.  You will also find relevant reference materials on iLearn.
Technology Used and Required:
  • The principal technology used in this unit comprises web based access to resource materials (see above) and the learning management system called ‘iLearn’. 
  • Regular access to iLearn is strongly encouraged so that you have access to:
    • Resources developed for each class
    • Additional recommended reading and research resources
    • Additional information regarding assessment items that may be required
    • Any new information that may arise in relation to contingencies – including  any changes in dates, timetables or class details
    • iLearn communication and discussion tools as an effective means to enhance learning for all students and staff.
  • Please note that YOUR University email address must be used for both receiving and sending university emails.
Delivery Format and Other Details:

Seminars

  • Seminars:  Times and Locations will be advised on iLearn - you will attend one three hour seminar each week. At this stage it is likely there will be only an online seminar
  • To complete the unit successfully, you should attend one three hour seminar per week, attendance is recorded each week. 
  • Please refer to the class diary at the end of this unit guide for detailed weekly class content.
  • The University web site shows timetables:  https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2021/
Recommended Readings:
  • Langfield-Smith, K, Thorne, H and Hilton, R Management Accounting, McGraw Hill, North Ryde.  Any recent edition will provide useful background reading and also support for CPA Australia’s “assumed knowledge” protocols.
  • The CPA Australia CPA104 Strategic Management Accounting Study Guide ( 3rd Edition) provides a comprehensive reference list at the end of each module containing all references cited by the authors.  These references provide research sources for assignments and further reading on topics. 
  • Additional materials and research references will be made available or advised on iLearn.  Please note you MUST refer to iLearn regularly in order to gain current materials and relevant administrative advice.
Other Course Materials: 

Preparation for seminars

It is essential that you prepare for each seminar by reading all materials and references carefully.  This will include working through the relevant CPA Study Guide Modules carefully, noting any issues which you might like to discuss in class and, of course, contributing to in-class discussions and overall ‘group learning’.

You may download additional relevant class materials required each week from iLearn – login at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/  These class materials will be placed on iLearn prior to class time.  It is your responsibility to ensure that you access and have copies of relevant material prior to classes. You should allow time for thorough reading of all materials before each class.

​Learning and Teaching Activities

Each 3 hour seminar will consist of a combination of activities including seminar presentations by the lecturer, discussions and activities which will review key concepts. You are encouraged to engage in class discussion relating to questions raised, case studies and their analysis, current events/issues and practical, problem solving exercises. 

The material to be covered each week is shown in the Class Schedule (part of this Unit Guide) –additional information will be noted on the ilearn page which adds detailed date information to that shown in the Unit Guide.

A seminar that includes revision will be held prior to the external CPA Program exam.  This class will include analysis, questions and cases designed to explore the entire course.

Unit Schedule

UNIT SCHEDULE   ACCG8308 CPA – Strategic Management Accounting – Session 2 2021

Week

Class/Date

Topic

Module

Other information

W1

 

Class 1

Week start

19th July

 

 

Introduction to Strategic Management Accounting

 

 

Module 1

Introduction

Review of Unit Guide

W2

 

Class 2

Week start

26th July

Information for Decision Making

 

Module 2

 

W2

 

Class 3

Week start

26th July

Critical Management Accounting Technique workshop

(Saturday 31st  July -recorded lecture)

 

Assumed Knowledge Review

 

 

W3

 

Class 4

Week start

2nd August

 

Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

 

 

Module 3

 

 

  

W4

 

Class 5

Week start

9th August

 

 

Class Test 1 (online)

 

 

 

 

Class Test 1

 

 

In Class Test 1 (20%) will cover modules 1-3 and assumed knowledge

W5

 

Class 6

Week start

16th August

 

Project Management

Module 4

 

W6

 

Class 7

Week start

23rd August

Performance Management

Module 5

 

W7

 

Class 8

Week start

30th August

Tools for creating & managing value  

 

Module 6

 

 

 
W7

Week start

30th August

Tools for creating & Managing Value

(Friday 3rd September or Saturday 4th September - live zoom session - time TBA

Module 6 & Case study

 

W9

 

Class 10

Week start

6th September

 

Practice Examination Review Class

 

  

W10

 

Class 11

Week start

13th September

 

Class Test 2 (online)– 35% of marks – test is compulsory.  This test will mirror the CPA exam (to be advised when details are released by CPA) – covers all Modules. 

 

Class Test 2

 

35% of total marks covering modules 1-6.

 

 

W11

Class 12

Week start

20th September

 

Class  review.  Exam techniques discussion.

MQ Exam review & revision

 

 

 

W13

 

 

 

No Classes

 

 

Final (CPA Australia) Exam – CPA Exam period commences 23 September - 10th October 2021

 

 

 

CPA Australia EXAM

30% of total marks

You must check ALL exam details with CPA Australia

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook