Form C4 Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor 2. Course Title Management Accounting – Critical Analysis 1. Course Code C30MY 3. SCQF 10 4. Credits Level 6. Course Professor Ian Thomson Co-ordinator 15 5. School Management and Languages 7. Delivery: Location & Semester Edin SBC Orkney Dubai IDL Collaborative Partner Approved Learning Partner Sem…2 Sem……. Sem……….. Sem…2….. Sem…. Name…………………….....Sem..…... Name …………………………………Sem……….. 8. Pre-requisites 9. Linked Courses (specify if synoptic) 10. Excluded Courses 11. Replacement Courses Code: 12. Degrees for which this is a core course Date Of Replacement: 13. The course may be delivered to: UG only PG only UG & PG 14. Available as an Elective? Yes No 15. Aims This course provides an opportunity for students to study a range of contemporary developments in managerial accounting through the critical analysis of a series of cases, designed to produce a more informed understanding of management and management accountancy. Through the critical analysis of these cases, the diagnosis of organisational problems and the formulation of management accounting solutions the student will develop new insights into what constitutes effective management accounting systems. This course will facilitate students to develop their ability to understand the relationship between accounting and organisations’ strategic outcomes. Students will develop their problem solving skills by considering how they would have addressed organisational problems and offering their solutions in each case. 16. Syllabus Problem solving & management accounting Management accounting system design Evaluating management accounting processes and practices Risk & management accounting systems Value-based management accounting systems Forecasting & future oriented management accounting Management accounting and complex projects Accounting for the human factor 1/3 Form C4 Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor 17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness) Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills The course will focus on a range of cases that illustrate contemporary aspects of ‘real-life’ management accounting and management that are presented as examples of how managerial accounting could or should effectively contribute to the achievement of organisation’s strategic objectives. Students will develop skills in evaluating the contribution of management accounting systems to the strategic objectives of organisations Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning) This course is designed to encourage a student-centred approach to solving problems that is informed by the research literature The course will develop scholarship through student participation in analysing case studies, searching relevant literature, presenting and defending their problem diagnosis and solutions, seminar debate, and student reflection. Through the analysis of different case studies students will develop their understanding of the potential limitations of and problems caused by the use of accounting to solve organisational problems Students will develop a conceptual framework informed by theory to understand what makes an effective management accounting system Student will able better able to design management accounting systems that are useful in resolving organisational problems Students will develop an awareness of the range of organisational problems that management accounting can contribute to resolving. Students will develop their knowledge of a range of problem solving strategies and practices 2/3 Form C4 Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Personal Abilities Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice The contemporary foci of this course will provide students with insights that will be of value to them in securing employment within the accountancy profession and business organisations. Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others Students will pursue their own learning by being challenged to identify their own individual solutions to organisational problems. Communication, Numeracy & ICT The critical analysis of case studies will develop students intellectual and professional competencies by analysing and evaluating evidence, logical reasoning and practical applications. Students will develop skills in understanding of complex problems and recognising the importance of concepts and theories in different organisational contexts. This course will facilitate the development of communication skills, including explaining, listening, questioning, presenting and defending a position, giving feedback orally & in writing. As a course based on integrating academic research with practical problems, students will be required to develop a range of generic research skills. Students will gain self-confidence in problem solving skills. 18. Assessment Methods Method Through group working in seminars, students will have the opportunity to develop presentation skills, including the appropriate use of ICT. 19. Re-assessment Methods Duration of Exam Weighting (%) Synoptic courses? Method (if applicable) Coursework Examination 20. Date and Version Date of Proposal 2 hours Duration of Exam Diet(s) (if applicable) 30% 70% Date of Approval by School Committee Date of Implementation September 2014 Version Number 3/3 2.0