BUAD 5111 - Course Syllabus
Accounting for Decision Making
Spring2023
SYLLABUS CONTENTS
Instructor Contact Information; Course Materials
1
Introduction
1
Course Objectives & Course Organization
2
Online Resources
3
Assessment:
Policy on Scholastic Dishonesty
Course Calendar
3-4
5
6-7
Instructor Contact Information
Kenneth Njoroge, Ph.D.
Office: Miller Hall, 3007
Phone:
757-221-2045
Office Hours: Let’s set up appointments based on your schedule
Email:
knjoroge@wm.edu
Course Materials
Required Coursepack (CP):

All cases are in the CP, which can be purchased at the Harvard Business Publishing website:
https://hbsp.harvard.edu/import/995812

If you would like to use a textbook as an additional resource to help you learn the material, there is an
“optional” FREE online textbook at the link below. Note that I have also provided relevant links for each
topic on the course calendar:
https://maaw.info/MAAWTextbookMain.htm
Introduction
This document outlines the requirements for BUAD 5111. Managerial accounting is concerned with the
internal generation, communication and interpretation of information for both operational and strategic
decision-making purposes. Note that this definition and this course both focus on information internal to the
firm. We will not be directly concerned here with published or external financial statements or the impact of
accounting information in financial markets. Note also that information is relevant for two types of internal
decision-making: operational decision-making, which can include all aspects of planning and controlling an
organization’s day-to-day operations; and strategic decision-making, which relates information to the planning
and control of an organization’s strategy. The scope of BUAD 5111 embraces the planning and control of
information used for both internal operational and strategic decision-making.
BUAD 5111 Accounting for Decision Making, Course Syllabus, Spring 2023
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Course Objectives
The objective of BUAD 5111 is to develop your ability to prepare and interpret decision-useful accounting
information. This course differs from traditional introductory courses in managerial accounting in several
ways. First, the content is more contemporary than traditional introductory managerial accounting courses.
This means there will be less emphasis on traditional accounting techniques and double-entry bookkeeping
and more emphasis on modern cost management and performance measurement techniques. Second, most
of the content is less “procedural” and more conceptually advanced than traditional introductory managerial
accounting courses. Finally, the course will explore theories that underpin the discipline of managerial
accounting. By the end of this course you should be able to:



Identify, understand and discuss the nature, purpose and importance of different types of decisionuseful managerial accounting information.
Identify, understand and apply fundamental quantitative tools and techniques used to generate
decision-useful managerial accounting information.
Make informed strategic and operational business decisions based on your development/evaluation
of supporting managerial accounting information.
Collectively, this course will develop your critical thinking skills, improve your ability to confidently approach
new and uncertain situations, enhance your propensity to carefully analyze problems and evaluate alternative
solutions, and enable you to effectively make and support your decisions.
Course Organization
This is a case-based course, which means most of our learning will come from working and trying to solve
cases. Cases often do not have a single correct solution, which means that the rationale used to make draw
conclusions is usually more important than the conclusion itself. Uncertainty is usually an integral part of
cases, so you can be certain that you will be doused in uncertain situations in this course. Being immersed
in uncertainty does not mean we should cower in fear, but instead, use the opportunity to develop and
enhance our ability to deal with uncertainty!
To give you a better feel for the course, the following will be typical for each class topic:
Introduction to topic – I will (usually briefly) introduce the topic of a module. This introduction will convey the
purpose of studying the topic, provide information about why it is important and how it is relevant, and help
you to begin understanding it. I will also (usually) introduce and solve a simple problem about the topic.
Practice problem(s) – We learn by doing. Therefore, following the introduction, you will individually solve
progressively more complex problems on the topic to build expertise.
Case – After building some expertise, I will ask you to complete a case on your own. Cases embed the topic
into a real-world context, and thus show us how a concept applies in a real setting. Cases are more difficult
than “practice problems” because they—like the real world—are usually replete with uncertainty. However,
this is where a lot of learning happens. The cases will challenge you, and you will grow as a result.
You may not be able to solve a case to your satisfaction with 100% certainty that you have completed it
correctly. I fully expect each one of you to run into this “situation” at least once. Do your best!
Using the “Heads up” document (see below), you will try to solve the case by answering the questions on the
“Heads up” document. We will then discuss each case together after you’ve spent some time trying to solve
it and answer the questions I’ve given you. During our discussion, I will also usually try to bring in “extra”
information that was not required for you to solve the case but should also enhance your learning.
Case Debrief -- Following your best attempt at solving the case, I will post a Case Debrief to Blackboard. This
Debrief will provide my perspective on the learning objectives (takeaways) from the case. After reviewing the
Debrief, you should be ready to take a “test” on the concepts covered in each case.
BUAD 5111 Accounting for Decision Making, Course Syllabus, Spring 2023
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Online Resources
The following resources will be on Blackboard:

Course syllabus

Case Heads-up! - For each case, I will provide a “Heads up!” document with:
(i) a “to do” list with a specific sequence of steps to follow,
(ii) a brief overview of the case objective,
(iii) case discussion questions to be addressed,
(iv) helpful hints on how to prepare the quantitative analyses, and/or
(v) frequently asked questions.
Consult the Heads up! document before beginning your case preparation because it will identify specific
requirements for each case. Please ignore any questions that are included in the printed copy of your
case. When appropriate, I will provide an Excel template worksheet with case data to aid your analyses.



Case “Debrief” – I will post a case “Debrief” on Blackboard following our discussion of each case. The
Debrief will provide my perspective and summarize the major takeaways of each case.
Practice Problems
Tests on each concept/topic
Assessment Overview
Course engagement (30%)
Cases take the concept we are learning and embed them in an organizational context. As a result, cases
are challenging. Feel free to work with classmates on trying to solve cases, or feel free to work on them
individually. On Thursdays at the end of class, I will assign a case and provide the materials you need to
solve the case on blackboard. On Mondays, we will hold a class discussion of each case. You will be able
to engage in case discussions only if you have adequately prepared for them. I will assess your
engagement in the course by assessing your preparation for the cases and your contribution to the case
discussion. Actively sharing comments, personal experiences, knowledge, and insightful thoughts related to
the topics covered contributes to everyone else’s learning in this course. In addition, when you begin your
careers, the majority of your interactions with others will be oral. Thus, actively participating will also
develop your ability to orally communicate your analyses, thoughts, and ideas. I encourage you to consider
our case discussions as an ideal, relaxed environment in which you can improve your ability to convince
your peers of the validity of your approach.
Being actively engaged also includes asking questions and making comments that contribute to class
discussion. It includes paying attention and listening carefully. Sometimes the issue is one of quality not
quantity or frequency. To earn the maximum points, you should contribute to classroom discussion with
insights, comments, and questions. Although my assessment of your engagement will necessarily be
subjective, the following are some general criteria I will follow:
Score
24-30%
Criteria
Reserved for the few students who are consistently engaged in class discussion;
comments are extremely insightful/thoughtful, and show a high level of advance
preparation.
18-24%
Students who frequently contribute to class discussion; comments are good and
show a reasonable level of advance preparation.
12-18%
Students who are engaged in, and who occasionally contribute to, class discussion
(most students will fall into this category).
BUAD 5111 Accounting for Decision Making, Course Syllabus, Spring 2023
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0-12%
Students who rarely engage in, and/or are unprepared for, class discussion.
Practice problems (30%)
After our case discussion on Mondays, I will post the case debrief on Blackboard that summarizes the main
takeaways from the case. Please review the debrief. It will provide my version of the analyses required by
each case, and it will detail the learning objectives and summarize the major takeaways of each case. On
Tuesdays, we will jointly solve class problems in class to further solidify your understanding of underlying
concepts. I will then assign you similar practice problems to solve out of class, so that you can better grasp
the material and build some expertise. The purpose here is to have you practice, and practice involves
confusion, failing and making mistakes. So, the intention here is NOT to assess you on your expertise but to
hold you accountable for building expertise. Thus, you are allowed two attempts at solving practice problems.
If you get some problems wrong, you will know you got them wrong and will have the opportunity to correct
them on a second attempt if you so choose.
Tests (40%)
On Thursdays, a weekly in-class test will be available on Blackboard that assesses your mastery of the
concepts covered by each case. Tests are open book and open note. The test will be similar to the in-class
problems we solve together and to your assigned practice problems. So, to do well in the test, it is in your
best interest to be fully engaged in class and to complete the assigned practice problems. Ask for assistance
early if you struggle. These are individual tests, which means if you give or receive help from others, you
have violated the honor code.
The following charts summarize how your grade will be determined:
Points
%
Practice Problems
300
30%
Engagement
300
30%
Tests following Case Discussions
400
40%
1,000
100%
TOTALS
I will calculate your final point total based on a weighted average of your scores (using the chart above)
throughout the course on the various elements. I will then convert point totals to a letter grade based on the
following scale:
Grade
A=
A- =
B+ =
B=
B- =
C+ =
C=
C- =
D+ =
D=
D- =
F=
Points
930 – 1,000
890 – 929
850 – 889
810 – 849
770 – 809
730 – 769
690 – 729
650 – 689
610 – 649
570 – 609
530 – 569
Below 530
BUAD 5111 Accounting for Decision Making, Course Syllabus, Spring 2023
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If necessary, I will curve final grades.
Policy on Scholastic Dishonesty
The Honor Code at William and Mary requires you to not lie or cheat. For my class, that means take tests
on your own, without giving or receiving assistance. I encourage you to discuss cases and concepts
with classmates. But, take tests on your own. More information about the honor code can be found at the
link below:
https://www.wm.edu/offices/deanofstudents/services/communityvalues/studenthandbook/honor_system/ind
ex.php
BUAD 5111 Accounting for Decision Making, Course Syllabus, Spring 2023
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Course Calendar (TENTATIVE)
*Cases are available in the Harvard Course Pack. Read the Heads up! document before beginning each case/topic.
Date
Day
Delivery
Item*
Reading
Introduction
23-Jan
Mon
See Blackboard
In class
Introduction
Topic: Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) Analysis
25--Jan
Tue
In class
Work class problems together
27-Sep
Thu
In class
CASE DISCUSSION: Forrest Gump
Topic: Accounting Data Analytics: Cost Estimation
30-Jan
Mon
In class
CASE DISCUSSION: Delta Airlines
31-Jan
Tue
In class
Class Problems
01-Feb
Wed
Blackboard
Assigned Practice Problems due by 11:59pm
02-Feb
Thu
In class
Test on Blackboard
Topic: Relevant Costing and Strategic Decision-Making
06-Feb
Mon
In class
CASE DISCUSSION: RegionFly
07-Feb
Tue
In class
Class Problems
08-Feb
Wed
Blackboard
Assigned Practice Problems due by 11:59pm
09-Feb
Thu
In class
Test on Blackboard
Topic: Cost Allocation: Activity Based Costing (ABC) and Product Profitability
13-Feb
Mon
In class
CASE DISCUSSION: Wilkerson
14-Feb
Tue
In class
Class Problems
15-Feb
Wed
Blackboard
Assigned Practice Problems due by 11:59pm
16-Feb
Thu
In class
Test on Blackboard
Topic: Performance Measurement: The Balanced Scorecard
20-Feb
Mon
In class
CASE DISCUSSION: Citibank
21-Feb
Tue
In class
Class Problems
22-Feb
Wed
Blackboard
Assigned Practice Problems due by 11:59pm
23-Feb
Thu
In class
Test on Blackboard
https://maaw.info/Chapter11.htm
https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_managerialaccounting/s09-02-cost-estimation-methods.html
http://denniscaplan.fatcow.com/Chapter03.htm
https://maaw.info/Chapter7.htm
https://maaw.info/LearningCurveSummary.htm
*Note: Feedback is immediately provided as quizzes and practice problems are completed. Feedback for tests is provided
immediately after the due date/time has been reached.
(CONTINUES ON PAGE 7)
BUAD 5111 Accounting for Decision Making, Course Syllabus, Spring 2023
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Topic: Flexible Budgeting and Variance Analysis
27-Feb
Mon
In class
CASE DISCUSSION: Berkshire Toy Company
28-Feb
Tue
In class
Class Problems
01-Feb
Wed
In class
Assigned Practice Problems due by 11:59pm
2-Mar
Thu
In class
Test on Blackboard
Topic: Cost Allocation: Support Department Allocations
06-Mar
Mon
In class
Lecture
07-Mar
Tue
In class
Class Problems
08-Mar
Wed
Blackboard
Assigned Practice Problems due by 11:59pm
09-Mar
Thu
In class
Test on Blackboard
https://maaw.info/Chapter10.htm#SummaryofContro
versy
https://maaw.info/Chapter6.htm#AllocatingServiceD
epartmentCosts
*Note: Feedback is immediately provided as quizzes and practice problems are completed. Feedback for tests is provided
immediately after the due date/time has been reached.
BUAD 5111 Accounting for Decision Making, Course Syllabus, Spring 2023
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