THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Max M. Fisher College of Business
MBA 6211 – Accounting for Decision Making
Spring 2016
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor:
Office:
Office Phone:
Office Hours:
e-mail:
J. Richard (Dick) Dietrich
420 Fisher Hall
(614) 247-6299
Cell phone: (614) 657-2991
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:15 am – 11:30 am and by appointment
dietrich@fisher.osu.edu
CLASS INFORMATION:
Class
4438
Time
Wednesdays 6:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Room
GE 265
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:
Financial & Managerial Accounting for Decision Makers, by Thomas R. Dyckman, Robert P. Magee,
Glenn M. Pfeiffer, Al L. Hartgraves and Wayne J. Morse, Cambridge Business Publishers, 2nd edition,
2015, ISBN 978-1-61853-106-3. Available from OSU Barnes and Noble Bookstore. The book also is
available from the publisher (www.cambridgepub.com). OSU Barnes and Noble Bookstore also may
have a custom value edition (ISBN 978-1-61853-086-8) at a reduced price 1.
You also must have access to “myBusinessCourse”, an electronic learning support system produced by
Cambridge Business Publishers. The 2nd edition of the course textbook includes a license to use
myBusinessCourse; alternatively, you can purchase it separately at https://mybusinesscourse.com/
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND APPROACH:
Accounting for Decision Making helps you to acquire basic accounting knowledge that is useful in the
day-to-day practice of general management and other careers in business and non-business enterprises.
Accounting systems provide important information for all types of organizations throughout the world.
Despite their many differences, all accounting systems are built on a common foundation. Economic
concepts, such as assets, liabilities, and income are used to organize information into a fairly standard set
of financial statements. Bookkeeping mechanics compile financial information with the double entry
system of debits and credits. Accounting conventions help guide the application of the concepts through
the mechanics. This course outlines these accounting fundamentals. It then extends this knowledge by
examining how accounting information and financial statements can be used to make decisions for
planning, decision-making, performance evaluation and valuation.
1
This custom edition was used two years ago, but is quite similar to the current edition. Many other introductory
accounting textbooks are similar in coverage; check with me if you want to use a different textbook. Note that you
must have access to “myBusinessCourse”—see above.
MBA 6211 – Working Professional Syllabus Spring 2016
Updated January 10, 2016
1
This course is self-contained—students are not expected to have any prior knowledge of accounting; the
only prerequisite is that students must be enrolled in the structured MBA program. Because students have
different backgrounds, some students will possess significant knowledge of accounting; class discussions
will attempt to bridge the wide range of background knowledge; examinations will be developed so that
any student can demonstrate his or her proficiency with accounting based solely on materials used in this
class.
We will cover a considerable amount of material in this course. It is essential that you stay current with
all reading and problem assignments. The course material is cumulative, making it important to keep up
with the readings, complete homework assignments, and pay close attention to class discussions. Failure
to follow these practices often leaves students lost and confused when it comes time to apply the material.
You are expected to read all assignments and complete all assigned homework before the class
session when the topic will be discussed or the assignment is due.
HOMEWORK PRACTICE AND ASSIGNMENTS:
Learning accounting methods requires practice. Accounting is a language, and repeated, systematic
practice is essential. To learn effectively, students sometimes benefit from immediate feedback and
sometimes must complete problems without “a safety net”; that is, without having access to solutions
immediately.
Self-study problems: Learning is facilitated by solving homework problems individually or with other
students. The syllabus suggests self-study problems for each chapter. Both the problems and the
solutions for these self-study problems are available on myBusinessCourse. You may work on self-study
problems individually or collaboratively with other students. Access to the solutions is intended to
provide immediate feedback, not as a substitute for applying the concepts and techniques described in the
textbook. Remember, there will be no solutions manual provided during examinations!
Individual homework assignments: To assure that each student is developing an understanding of
accounting concepts and techniques and is practicing regularly, each student must submit assigned
homework problems individually. These problems provide individual practice and feedback on each
student’s learning. These problems must be completed individually. You must complete these problems
entirely on your own—you may not collaborate with anyone else. There are 9 sets of individual
homework problems; you may earn up to 10 points on each. (Scores shown on myBusinessCourse will be
scaled by a factor of 10.) The individual homework must be submitted via myBusinessCourse by the
deadline shown in the schedule. No late homework submissions will be accepted except for
circumstances that I deem to be extraordinary. The achieved score on all of your individual assignments
will be aggregated, with an upper limit of 70 points. If your total achieved score on individual homework
assignments exceeds 70 points, only 70 points will be entered into the grade calculation. This limitation
provides a “margin of error” in individual homework assignments.
EXAMINATIONS:
Two mid-term examinations and a final examination will be administered to assess each student’s
knowledge of the concepts and techniques presented in the textbooks, in homework problems and cases,
and in class lectures and discussions.
The exams will be closed book. You may use one double-sided sheet of paper (8½” x 11” maximum)
containing notes during each examination. You may use a calculator, but you may not use a computer.
MBA 6211 – Working Professional Syllabus Spring 2016
Updated January 10, 2016
2
Problems must be solved and presented utilizing appropriate formats as discussed in class or in the
textbooks. You will have only a fixed amount of time to complete each examination.
The examination dates are shown in the schedule. If you know in advance that you will be unable to take
an examination on the scheduled examination date, please arrange with an instructor for an arranged
administration at least one week prior to the scheduled examination date.
I expect you to take each examination at the scheduled or arranged time. Otherwise, you will receive a
score of 0 unless you are ill or have an unforeseeable conflicting activity, such as a business or family
emergency. You must provide evidence to support your assertion, e.g., a note from an employer or a
statement from a physician. In the event of an unforeseeable conflicting activity, you should contact me
prior to the exam, if practicable. A make-up exam may be scheduled; alternatively, the weight of future
exams may be adjusted. The choice rests with the instructor.
CASHMERE CONNECTION CASE:
The Cashmere Connection case is to be prepared as a team. You may choose your team mates. Teams are
limited to 4 members unless an exception is approved by the instructor. Each team member can receive
up to 30 points for this case. The case is due at the beginning of class on the date shown on the schedule.
Grading team assignments: In general, each member of the team will receive the same grade for team
assignments. However, there may be times when one or more members of a team will “free ride” on the
work of other members. The score of a free rider may be substantially reduced. To discover free riding,
any member of a team may submit an individual Team Evaluation Form at any time prior to Wednesday,
April 20. A student is not require to submit a team evaluation form; If a form is not submitted, I will
assume that, from this student’s perspective at least, no free riding problem exists.
GRADING:
Components that will determine the course grade are:
Individual Homework Assignments (achieved score; 70 maximum)
Cashmere Connection Case
Mid-term Examinations (2 @ 100)
Final Examination
Total Possible
70 points
30 points
200 points
100 points
400 points
Students who possess significant prior knowledge of accounting may elect to eliminate the individual
homework assignments from the weighting scheme and instead increase the weight on the examinations.
Students who choose this option must complete an “Election of Alternate Weighting Scheme for MBA
6211—Spring 2016” form and submit it via e-mail (to dietrich@fisher.osu.edu) by Tuesday, January 26
at 11:59 pm. This form is available on Carmen.
Expected Grade Distribution: Grades will be determined based on the overall achievement of the class.
By policy, “all MBA courses will have, at maximum, an assigned grade average of 3.6.” Students will be
ranked by their overall percentage score for the required assignments and exams. The following grade
distribution is an ex-ante approximation of the final grades to be assigned:
MBA 6211 – Working Professional Syllabus Spring 2016
Updated January 10, 2016
3
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+/D/E
Characterization
Exemplary performance
Strong performance
Good performance
Adequate performance
Adequate performance but demonstrating some deficiencies
Weak performance, demonstrating serious deficiencies
Poor performance, demonstrating pervasive serious deficiencies
Exceptionally poor performance demonstrating pervasive and acute
serious deficiencies
Chronic lack of commitment and effort
Approximate
Distribution
20%
30%
35%
10%
B- or below
5% across all
grades
The final grade distribution may differ from this ex-ante distribution because of variations in
performance within the class or because of the overall achievement level of the entire class.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should
contact the instructor privately to discuss your specific needs. Please contact the Office for Disability
Services at (614) 292-3307 in Pomerene Hall Room 150 to coordinate reasonable accommodations for
students with documented disabilities. Also see www.ods.ohio-state.edu for more information about the
Office for Disability Services.
STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND CONDUCT:
Academic integrity is essential to maintaining an environment that fosters excellence in teaching,
research, and other educational and scholarly activities. The Ohio State University and the Committee on
Academic Misconduct (COAM) expect that all students have read and understand the University’s Code
of Student Conduct, and that all students will complete all academic and scholarly assignments with
fairness and honesty. Students must recognize that failure to follow the rules and guidelines established
in the University’s Code of Student Conduct and this syllabus may constitute “Academic Misconduct.”
The Ohio State University’s Code of Student Conduct (Section 3335-23-04) 2 defines academic
misconduct as: “Any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the University, or
subvert the educational process.” Examples of academic misconduct include (but are not limited to)
plagiarism, collusion (unauthorized collaboration), copying the work of another student, and possession
of unauthorized materials during an examination. Ignorance of the University’s Code of Student Conduct
is never considered an “excuse” for academic misconduct; I recommend that you review the Code of
Student Conduct and, specifically, the sections dealing with academic misconduct. While I expect all
students to have high standards and behave honorably, like every academic institution, sometimes cases
of academic misconduct occur. It is expected that students will report suspected cases of academic and
student misconduct; faculty members are obligated by University Rules to report suspicions to the
Committee on Academic Misconduct. If COAM determines that a student has violated the University’s
Code of Student Conduct (i.e., committed academic misconduct), the sanctions for the misconduct could
include a failing grade in this course and suspension or dismissal from the University.
2
See: http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/resource_csc.asp
MBA 6211 – Working Professional Syllabus Spring 2016
Updated January 10, 2016
4
We also expect that each student will behave in a manner that is consistent with the Fisher Honor
Statement, which reads as follows:
As a member of the Fisher College of Business Community, I am personally
committed to the highest standards of behavior. Honesty and integrity are the
foundations from which I will measure my actions. I will hold myself accountable to
adhere to those standards. As a future leader in the community and business
environment, I pledge to live by these principles and celebrate those who share these
ideals.
If you have any questions about these policies or what constitutes academic misconduct in this course,
please contact either of us.
Other sources of information on academic misconduct (integrity) to which you can refer include:
•
The Committee on Academic Misconduct web pages (http://oaa.osu.edu/coam.html)
•
Ten Suggestions for Preserving Academic Integrity (http://oaa.osu.edu/coamtensuggestions.html)
•
Eight Cardinal Rules of Academic Integrity (www.northwestern.edu/uacc/8cards.html)
Permitted study materials: Use of inappropriate study materials, including previously prepared
solutions to required homework problems and files containing tests used during previous terms,
compromises the concept of equal opportunity for all students and therefore is prohibited. You may use
materials that generally are available to all students provided that they maintain the spirit of the learning
objectives.
If I distribute any homework solutions during the semester, these materials may be used only by students
enrolled in MBA 6211 this semester. You may not distribute any of these materials to others, including
other students enrolled in MBA 6211 without my permission and permission of the copyright holder,
Cambridge Business Publishers.
MBA 6211 – Working Professional Syllabus Spring 2016
Updated January 10, 2016
5
MBA 6211 – Working Professional Schedule: Spring 2016
Note: This is a combined schedule for all sections. You must comply with submission deadlines for your
section; if you are unable to attend class at your scheduled time, you can determine the dates that the other
sections will discuss the material and attend on an alternate date.
Wed. Jan. 13
6:00 pm
(1)
Topic:
Class Activities:
Why Learn Accounting & Learning How to Learn Accounting
A whole lot of talking by me with some demonstrations
Wed. Jan. 13
7:45 pm
(2)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Individual HW:
HW Due Date:
Financial Accounting Overview & Constructing Financial Statements
Chapters 1 & 2
1: 27, 32, 35, 38, 40; 2: 14, 19, 29, 30, 31, 34
1: 28, 30, 36, 42; 2: 28, 37, 43
Tuesday, January 19, 11:59 pm
Wed. Jan. 20
6:00 pm
(3)
Topic:
Class Activities:
Financial Accounting Overview & Constructing Financial Statements
You Make the Call (Chapter 1)
You Make the Call (Chapter 2)
C1-45; 2-56, 2-65, 2-66, C2-69
Wed. Jan. 20
7:45 pm
(4)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Individual HW:
HW Due Date:
Adjusting Accounts
Chapter 3
3: 21, 26, 29, 31, 41, 54
3: 28, 32, 38, 53
Tuesday, January 26, 11:59 pm
Wed. Jan. 27
6:00 pm
(5)
Topic:
Class Activities:
Adjusting Accounts
You Make the Call (Chapter 3)
C3-55, 3-56, 3-57
Wed. Jan. 27
7:45 pm
(6)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Individual HW:
HW Due Date:
Cash Flows
Chapter 4
4: 21, 22, 25, 36, 38
4: 28, 30, 34, 35, 39
Tuesday, February 2, 11:59 pm
Wed. Feb. 3
6:00 pm
(7)
Topic:
Class Activities::
Cash Flows
You Make the Call (chapter 4)
Peabody Inc. (see Carmen); C4-56
Wed. Feb. 3
7:45 pm
(8)
Topic:
Review Session
Wed. Feb. 10
(9)
(10)
Topic:
6:00 pm: Review Session
7:00 pm: Examination I
Wed. Feb. 17
6:00 pm
(11)
Topic:
Class Activities:
Accounting judgment (Phar-Mor)
Video and class discussion
Wed. Feb. 17
7:45 pm
(12)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Individual HW:
HW Due Date:
Revenues & Receivables
Chapter 6
6: 16, 24, 33
6: 23, 29, 34
Tuesday, February 23, 11:59 pm
Wed. Feb. 24
6:00 pm
(13)
Topic:
Class Activities:
Revenues & Receivables
You Make the Call (Chapter 6)
C6-47, C6-49
MBA 6211 – Working Professional Syllabus Spring 2016
Updated January 10, 2016
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Wed. Feb. 24
7:45 pm
(14)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Individual HW:
HW Due Date:
Inventory, Long-term Operating Assets, Time Value of Money
Chapters 7 & 8; Appendix A (pages 614-634)
7: 19, 35; 8: 13, 22; Appendix A: 3, 5, 19
7: 26; 8: 15, 16, 24; Appendix A: 4, 7, 20
Tuesday, March 1, 11:59 pm
Cashmere Connection (see Carmen)
Team Project:
Project Due Date: Wednesday, April 6 (submit at 6:00 pm in class)
Wed. Mar. 2
6:00 pm
(15)
Topic:
Class Activities:
Inventory, Long-term Operating Assets, Time Value of Money
You Make the Call (Chapter 7)
You Make the Call (Chapter 8)
7-30, 7-37, 8-31, 8-35, C8-42
Inventory is a Liability—Really? (see Carmen)
Deciding How Much to Pay for an Operating Asset (see Carmen)
Wed. Mar. 2
7:45 pm
(16)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Individual HW:
HW Due Date:
Liabilities & Leases
Chapters 9 & 10 (pages 454-466 only)
9: 23, 27, 31, 32, 45
9: 28, 29, 38, 41
Tuesday, March 8, 11:59 pm
Wed. Mar. 9
6:00 pm
(17)
Topic:
Class Activities
Liabilities & Leases
You Make the Call (Chapter 9)
9-45, 9-57, C9-60, C9-61, 10-13, C10-45
Wed. Mar. 9
7:45 pm
(18)
Topic:
Review Session
Wed. Mar. 23
(19)
(20)
Topic:
6:00 pm: Review
7:00 pm: Examination II
Wed. Mar. 30
6:00 pm
(21)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Individual HW:
HW Due Date:
Managerial Accounting; Cost Behavior, Activity Analysis
Chapters 13 & 14
13: 18; 14: 11, 16, 26
13: 19, 25; 14: 15, 17
Tuesday, April 6, 11:59 pm
Wed. Mar. 30
7:45 pm
(22)
Topic:
Class Activities:
Managerial Accounting; Cost Behavior, Activity Analysis
You Make the Call (Chapter 13)
13-27, 13-30, 14-27, 14-31, 14-33, 14-34
Wed. Apr. 6
6:00 pm
(23)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Individual HW:
HW Due Date:
CVP Analysis & Relevant Costs and Benefits for Decision-making
Chapters 15 & 16
15: 11, 19, 29; 16: 16, 18, 22
15: 16, 22, 31; 16: 17, 23
Tuesday, April 12, 11:59 pm
Wed. Apr. 6
7:45 pm
(24)
Topic:
Class Activities:
CVP Analysis & Relevant Costs and Benefits for Decision-making
You Make the Call (Chapters 15 & 16)
15-32, 16-25, 16-26
Wed. Apr. 13
6:00 pm
(25)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Individual HW:
HW Due Date:
Product Costing and Activity Based Costing
Chapters 17 & 18
17: 15, 21, 31; 18: 15, 20
17: 26; 18: 16, 21
Tuesday, April 19, 11:59 pm
MBA 6211 – Working Professional Syllabus Spring 2016
Updated January 10, 2016
7
Wed. Apr. 13
7:45 pm
(26)
Topic:
Class Activities:
Product Costing and Activity Based Costing
You Make the Call (Chapters 17 & 18)
17-27, 17-32, 17-45, 18-18, 18-30, 18-32
Wed. Apr. 20
(27)
Topic:
Reading:
Self-Study:
Additional Product Costing; Pricing and Other Product Decisions
Chapters 19 & 20
19: 18; 19 20: 21, 22, 23, 26
Wed. Apr. 20
7:45 pm
(28)
Topic:
Review Session
Wed. Apr. 27
6:00 pm
Final Examination
Location: 265 Gerlach
MBA 6211 – Working Professional Syllabus Spring 2016
Updated January 10, 2016
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