Students

ACCG8308 – CPA - Strategic Management Accounting

2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lu Jiao
lu.jiao@mq.edu.au
Nandini Krishna Kumar
nandini.kumar@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

Unless an application for Special Consideration has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests, exams, performance assessments, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Class Test 1 20% No Week 4
CPA External Exam 30% Yes CPA Final Exam Period
Class Participation 15% No Ongoing
Class Test 2 35% No Week 9

Class Test 1

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 4
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.

CPA External Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: CPA Final Exam Period
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

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.

Class Participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13.5 hours
Due: Ongoing
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 2

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 9
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.

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. 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 required and used

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

Seminars

• Seminars: Times and Locations will be advised on iLearn - you will attend one three hour seminar each week.

• 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 contents.

Recommended Reading:

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 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 Details

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.

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.m q.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.

Unit Schedule

Week/Beginning

Class

Topic

Module

Week 1

30 Jan

Class 1

Introduction to Strategic Management Accounting

Review Unit Guide and Module 1

Week 2

6 Feb

Class 2

Information for Decision Making

Module 2

Week 2

 

Class 3

Critical Management Accounting Techniques

Assumed Knowledge Review

Week 3

13 Feb

Class 4

Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting

Module 3

Week 4

20 Feb

Class 5

Class Test 1

Test 1 (20%) will cover Module 1 - 3

Week 5

27 Feb

Class 6

Project Management

Module 4

Week 6

6 Mar

Class 7

Performance Management

Module 5

Week 7

13 Mar

Class 8

Tools for Creating and Managing Value-Part 1

Module 6

Week 7

 

Class 9

Tools for Creating and Managing Value-Part 2

Module 6 and Case Study

Week 8

20 Mar

Class 10

Practice Exam Review

 

Week 9

27 Mar

Class 11

Class Test 2

Test 2 (35%) will cover Module 1 – 6

Week 10

3 Apr

Class 12

Exam Technique Discussion

 

Week 11

10 Apr

 

Final Consultation

CPA Final Exam (30%)-Hurdle Exam. All exam details are published by 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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

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

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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 2023.01 of the Handbook