Students

ACCG8028 – Management Control Systems

2025 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor
Nandini Krishna Kumar
nandini.kumar@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
Level 3 Room 310,4ER Building
Tuesday 5pm- 6pm
Moderator
Nuraddeen Nuhu
nuraddeen.nuhu@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(Admission to GradCertResBus or GradDipResBus) or ACCG8121
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit adopts a technical and behavioural emphasis, and integrates research, best practice and theory to inform the design and operational aspects of MCS that effectively and efficiently serves an organisation’s best interests. This unit develops student theoretical and practical understanding of key MCS concepts, principles and frameworks, underpinned by research findings, to design, implement and use MCS in organisations. Students learn how to critically analyse, evaluate, and solve MCS problems using case studies. Students develop qualitative research capabilities by conducting qualitative research on a real-world organisation’s MCS. In this unit, students learn how to work in teams and develop teamwork skills to support “Teamwork Capable” student employability.  

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: Explain and evaluate the design and operational aspects of Management Control Systems (MCS) in organisations. 
  • ULO2: Critically analyse and solve management control problems in real-world organisations. 
  • ULO3: Apply the principles of qualitative research in management accounting to conduct secondary qualitative research. 
  • ULO4: Critically examine an organisation’s strategic and operational activities using qualitative research findings to design an effective management control system in a real-world organisation. 
  • ULO5: Employ interpersonal communication, collaborative problem-solving and conflict management teamwork skills, and reflective practice to work effectively in teams. 

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission Penalty

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
Formal and observed learning: Test 20% No 08/04/2025
Skills development: Case Analysis 40% No 05/06/2025
Professional practice: Research Project 40% No 16/05/2025

Formal and observed learning: Test

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 08/04/2025
Weighting: 20%

 

The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of key topics from the unit.   You will participate in a formal test.   Deliverable: Test Individual assessment

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain and evaluate the design and operational aspects of Management Control Systems (MCS) in organisations. 
  • Critically analyse and solve management control problems in real-world organisations. 

Skills development: Case Analysis

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 05/06/2025
Weighting: 40%

 

The purpose of this assessment is for you to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations through case analysis and address key topics covered in the unit.   You will analyse a case and address different requirements related to the unit topics. Demonstrate the integration of course knowledge and its transfer to practical scenarios.   Skills in focus: - Critical thinking - Problem-solving     Deliverable: Case report [max: 2,000 words] Individual assessment

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain and evaluate the design and operational aspects of Management Control Systems (MCS) in organisations. 
  • Critically analyse and solve management control problems in real-world organisations. 
  • Critically examine an organisation’s strategic and operational activities using qualitative research findings to design an effective management control system in a real-world organisation. 

Professional practice: Research Project

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 16/05/2025
Weighting: 40%

 

The purpose of this assessment is for you to apply and integrate theoretical Management Control Systems (MCS) to a real-world organization while reflecting on and evaluating your teamwork skills based on your experiences working in teams.   You will select a real-world organization as a team and apply theoretical frameworks of Management Control Systems (MCS) to analyse the organization. You will evaluate key aspects such as control tightness and control costs. Self-evaluate and reflect on your interpersonal communication, collaborative problem-solving, and conflict management skills.   Skills in focus: - Communication - Collaboration - Problem-solving - Work Readiness   Deliverable: Project Report and Reflection [max: 1,500 words] Individual and group assessment

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain and evaluate the design and operational aspects of Management Control Systems (MCS) in organisations. 
  • Critically analyse and solve management control problems in real-world organisations. 
  • Apply the principles of qualitative research in management accounting to conduct secondary qualitative research. 
  • Critically examine an organisation’s strategic and operational activities using qualitative research findings to design an effective management control system in a real-world organisation. 
  • Employ interpersonal communication, collaborative problem-solving and conflict management teamwork skills, and reflective practice to work effectively in teams. 

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

Unit Web Page

  1. All course material is available on the learning management system (iLearn).
  2. iLearn can be easily accessed via the university's student webpage or at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

You are expected to regularly consult this unit's web page. You will find administrative updates (announcements), lecture notes, assessed coursework activities, grading rubrics, helpful resources and the assessment guide posted there.

Delivery Format: This unit comprises three hours of teaching per week, consisting of a weekly three-hour seminar.

All classes commence in week 1 and continue through until week 13. The timetable for the weekly seminar can be found at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au.

Unit Schedule

Unit Schedule

Week

Topic

Chapter textbook* Readings

 

Week 1

24 Feb

The Control Function of management

Chapter 1 Management and Control (pp.3-19)

 

Week 2

3 Mar

Qualitative Research: An Introduction

 Reading: Bowen (2009); Vaivio (2008); and Ahrens and Chapman (2006): As students are required to read specific sections from each of these readings, please see Leganto for specific pages.

Critical Thinking: See Lecture Notes

 

Week 3

10 Mar

An MCS Framework: Results Controls                                                   

Chapter 2 Results Control (pp. 33-46)

Chapter 6 MCS Design (pp.227-229, see Seminar Slides) Reading: Mohd Amir (2014: pp.729-732)

Case Study: Philip Andersen

 

Week 4

17 Mar

An MCS Framework: Action Controls                             

Chapter 3 Action Controls (pp. 86-95)

Chapter 6 MCS Design (pp.224-227, see Seminar Slides)

Case Study: Controls at the Bellagio Casino Resort

 

Week 5

 

24 Mar

An MCS Framework: Personnel and

Cultural Controls                                              

Chapter 3 Personnel and Cultural Controls (pp.95-103) Chapter 6 MCS Design (pp.222-224; Table 6.1 p.222)

Case Study: Controls at the Bellagio Casino Resort

 

Week 6

31 Mar

Management Control Effects                                                   

Chapter 4 Control System Tightness (pp.128-140) Chapter 6 MCS Design (pp.229-230, see Seminar Slides) Case Study: Controls at the Bellagio Casino Division

 

Week 7

7 April

Management Control Effects

Chapter 5 Control System Costs (pp.173-187)

 
    Mid Session Break 14th-24th April  

Week 8

28 April

Technology and MCS

A Contingent Framework for MCS Design (Week 8 to Week 13)

Readings: Chenhall (2003: pp.139-141; Table 1); Ylinen and Gullkvist (2014: pp.93-99 and 106-107)

 

Week 9

5 May

Environment and MCS

Readings: Chenhall (2003: pp.137-138); Janke, Mahlendorf & Weber (2014: pp.251-255 and 264-266)

 

Week 10

12 May

Environment, Size, Structure and MCS

Self-Study Activity (No classes in Week 10)

Reading: Chenhall (2003: pp.144-146 and 148-149); King, Clarkson & Wallace (2010: pp.40-47; 54); Mohd Amir (2014: pp.732-733, Firm Size Only)

 

Week 11

19 May

Strategy and MCS

Reading: Miles et al. (1978: pp.548 - 558); Bedford et al. (2016: please see Leganto for specific pages)

 

 

Week 12

26 May

Organizational Culture and MCS

Self-Study Activity (No classes in Week 12)

Reading: Henri (2006: pp.79-80); Heinecke, Guenther & Widener (2016: pp. 25-29, Table 2 on page 32 and Section 5 page 39)

 

Week 13

2 Jun

No class in Week 13

Students are to finalise and submit work on Case Study Analysis

 

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 connect.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 the Service Connect Portal, 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 2025.03 of the Handbook