Louisiana Tech University
Managerial Cost Accounting (ACCT 308)
Fall 2015
Instructor: Dr. John Lauck
Office: 304 College of Business Building
Office Hours: T, W, R: 2:00
– 5:30 pm
Office Phone: (318) 257-4378
E-mail: lauckjr@latech.edu
Class Time and Location: TTh 10:00
– 11:50 am in 109 COBB
Moodle Website: ACCT 308 001 – Fall 2015
Textbook (required): Cost Management: Measuring, Monitoring and Motivating
Performance , 2 nd edition, by Leslie G. Eldenburg and Susan K. Wolcott. 2011. John
Wiley and Sons.
Ramblewood Practice set (required): PKL Software, Inc. http://www.pklsoftware.com
Simple, non-programmable calculator is required for exams
Course Objectives and Content
The primary focus of this course is on the use of internally generated information to operate, monitor and control business processes. Students will learn specific techniques for analyzing financial and non-financial accounting information to make effective decisions in a variety of settings. Topics covered include advanced costvolume-profit analysis, non-routine operating decisions, and the development of cost estimation functions. We will also discuss how to implement and analyze various costing methods, including job-order, variable, absorption, and activity based cost systems. Throughout the course, the development of critical thinking skills will be fostered by having students apply problem solving techniques in increasingly complex contexts. In particular, we will focus on situations involving uncertainty, ethical dilemmas, and the absence of one “correct” answer.
Class Sessions
You are expected to attend each class session. Each class session will consist of an integration of lecture, problem solving and class discussion. You do not need to bring the textbook to regular class sessions, but you may want to have it on days when inclass group problem sets are scheduled. Please print out and bring the course notes for each chapter contained on the Moodle site under “course notes.” The attached outline lists the chapter(s) we will cover each week.
During most class sessions you will have an opportunity to solve problems on your own or in a small group to which you will be assigned. These problems are intended to help you do homework assignments and to give you examples of potential exam questions.
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Please feel free to ask questions at any time during class! Everyone benefits from lively class discussions - please participate!
Please do not use laptops or tablets during class. If you use your computer for taking notes, please ask me for permission at the beginning of the term.
The use of cell phones or other communication devices is prohibited during class time.
Class lectures and activities may not be electronically recorded in any format.
Grading:
Your course grade will depend on your total score for the following items. The point distribution is as follows:
In-class group problems
Maximum points possible
80 points
Ramblewood Assignments
Midterm Exam 1 – Tuesday, Sept. 29
Midterm Exam 2 – Thursday, Oct. 27
Midterm Exam 3
– Tuesday, Nov. 17
Total
75 points
150 points
150 points
150 points
605 points
Final course grades will be determined based on the percentage of total points earned.
The following scale will be applied.
90% and above: A
80% - 89%:
70% - 79%:
60% - 69%:
Below 60%:
Group Problems
B
C
D
F
There will be five 20 point problem sets given in class throughout the term, and your four highest scores will count toward your grade. You will be randomly assigned to a group that you will work with throughout the term. On selected class days, you will work with your assigned group to answer questions and complete problems related to recently covered material. The format will be a set of questions similar to what you might expect on the midterms. You may also be asked questions related to the
Ramblewood Practice Set. Each group will turn in one solution, and all group members who were present will receive the same number of points for that set. If you are absent for a group problem set, you will not receive credit for it.
Also, if you are more than 10 minutes late from when we begin the group problem set, you will not receive credit. The purpose of these problems is to help ALL group members learn the material. If you are confident that you understand how to do a particular problem, help
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your fellow group members under stand it as well. Similarly, if you don’t understand how to do something on a group problem, ask for help.
The dates of the group problems are as follows:
Group Problem 1 Thursday, Sept. 24
Group Problem 2 Tuesday, Oct. 13
Group Problem 3 Tuesday, Oct. 20
Group Problem 4 Tuesday, Nov. 3
Group Problem 5 Thursday, Nov. 12
Homework
Reading and textbook homework problem assignments are contained in the attached course outline. Homework will not be collected, but it is suggested that you complete the assigned problems by the end of the week in which they are assigned or soon after we cover the related material in class.
As time permits, we will go over questions related to assigned homework problems.
Detailed solutions to the homework problems will be posted to the Moodle website. Use the solutions as a learning tool by trying the problems on your own first , and then referring to the solutions when you get stuck or to check your answer. Please DO NOT simply read over the solutions and/or copy them. This will hinder your learning how to solve problems on your own without “hints.” In general, homework problems are for your benefit and doing them on your own (or in a small group) will greatly improve your exam scores.
Ramblewood Practice Set
Throughout the term we will be working with a comprehensive, web-based practice set that can be purchased through PKL software. Follow the directions on the handout entitled “To Purchase the Ramblewood Practice Set” to purchase and obtain a registration code. The cost is $19.95. There will be five assignments (i.e. modules), each worth 15 points. Specific instructions and “hints” for each assignment will be discussed in class and/or posted on Moodle. For each Module, you will need to turn in a printed portion of the Module (in parentheses below) on the date it is due. The due dates are as follows:
Module 1: Thursday, Sept. 24 (trial balance after all entries have been made)
Module 2: Thursday, Oct. 8 (trial balance and journal entries for Module 2)
Module 3: Thursday, Oct. 15 (trial balance and journal entries for Module 3)
Module 4: Thursday, Oct. 29 (trial balance after all entries have been made)
Module 5: Thursday, Nov. 5 (Income Statement and Balance Sheet after closing)
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Note: You do not have to complete the “mid-project evaluation” questions or the
“final project evaluation” questions.
I encourage you to work together on the Ramblewood modules, but each student is responsible for turning in their own work for each assignment.
Students who do not complete at least half of the module will receive a grade of 0 for that module. NOTE:
You must correct any mistakes in previous modules before you can move on to subsequent modules. If your “check figures” are not correct, print out your journal and work with others to identify the error, reverse any incorrect entries and make corrections.
Exams
All exams will consist of a mix of problems, true/false, multiple-choice and essay questions. There will be a combination of both conceptual and calculation type questions. Essay questions will comprise 10 – 20% of all exams such that at least 10% of your overall grade will be based on effective writing skills. Note: Midterm exam 1 will cover all material covered through Thursday, Sept. 24. Midterm 2 will include primarily material covered from Oct. 1 through Oct. 22. However, selected topics from the first part of the course may be included and you will be informed of these topics at least one week prior to the exam. Similarly, Midterm 3 will include primarily material covered from
Oct. 29 through Nov. 12, plus selected topics from earlier in the course.
Students will not be allowed to use notes or other class materials during any of the exams. A basic calculator and pencil(s) are the only materials you may use during exams. Note: no cell phones, PDA’s or programmable calculators will be allowed during exams. If you have a problem with any of the exam dates, please see me as soon as possible. In general, I do not give make-up exams. However, serious (and documented) emergencies will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Note :
Vacations, interviews, and work schedule conflicts do not count as "emergencies."
Cheating, in any form, on any examination will result in a grade of F for the course. This includes, but is not limited to:
*Looking at another student’s exam during the exam
*Allowing your exam to be looked at by another student during the exam
*Talking/writing/texting about exam content after taking it
*Using/sharing past ACCT 308 course examinations
*Electronic or manual copying of an exam, in any form
Note: I encourage students to collaborate on homework and Ramblewood assignments. Other instructors may require you to do your own work exclusively on similar types of assignments. Follow the policies established in each course to avoid academic misconduct.
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Academic Honor Code
In accordance with the Academic Honor Code, students pledge the following: Being a student of higher standards, I pledge to embody the principles of academic integrity.
The Academic Honor Code can be accessed at: http://www.latech.edu/documents/honor-code.pdf
Accommodations for students with disabilities
Qualified students needing accommodations based on a disability are encouraged to make their requests to me at the beginning of the quarter via e-mail. Note: prior to receiving disability accommodations, verification of eligibility from the Testing and
Disability Services Office is needed. Disability information is confidential. Information for Testing and Disability Services may be obtained in Wyly Tower 318 or www.latech.edu/ods .
Emergency Notification System
All Louisiana Tech students are strongly encouraged to enroll and update their contact information in the Emergency Notification System. It takes just a few seconds to ensure you’re able to receive important text and voice alerts in the event of a campus emergency. For more information on the Emergency Notification System, please visit http://www.latech.edu/administration/ens.shtml
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Class Continuance During Emergency Closure of the University
In the unlikely occurrence of a major natural disaster or other catastrophic event, we will continue to conduct class via Moodle. You will need to find a location where you have computer access, and we will continue with our class through this media. Go to the website: http://www.moodle.latech.edu
for instructions should a catastrophic event occur.
The last day to drop the class and receive a “W” is Friday, October 30.
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Managerial Cost Accounting
Fall 2015
Course Outline
Listed below are the reading and problem assignments for each week. We will cover chapters roughly in the order listed. It is recommended that you do the reading before class and the related homework problems soon after we cover the topic in class.
NOTE: this outline is subject to change. Any content additions or deletions will be announced in class and/or posted to the Moodle website.
Week
Week 1
Sept. 10
Chapter 1
Week 2
Sept. 15, 17
Chapters 2 and 3
Week 3
Sept. 22, 24
Chapters 3 and 4
Week 4
Sept. 29, Oct. 1
Chapter 4
Week 5
Oct.6, Oct. 8
Chapter 5
Reading Assignment Homework Problems, Group Problems,
Ramblewood and Exam Schedule
Textbook: Chapter 1, p. 2
– 23
“Iridium” article
“Ethics” articles
Textbook: Chapter 2, p. 38 – 62
Textbook: Chapter 3, p. 88-107
1.18, 1.43
Article questions for discussion on
Tuesday, Sept. 15 (in course notes)
2.28, 2.29, 2.31, 2.32
2.34, 3.22, 3.23
Bring the Introduction and Module 1 for
Ramblewood on Thursday, 9/17
Textbook: Chapter 4, p. 128 – 155, including Appendix
4A)
Textbook: Chapter 5, p. 176 - 197
3.29, 3.35
Group Problem 1 – Thursday, 9/24
Rwood – Mod. 1 – Thursday, 9/24
Midterm 1 – Tuesday, 9/29
4.16, 4.23, 4.24, 4.36
Rwood – Mod. 2 – Thursday, 10/8
5.18, 5.19, 5.26, 5.31, 5.32
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Week 6
Oct. 13, 15
Chapter 7
Week 7
Oct. 20, 22
Chapter 8
Week 8
Oct. 27, 29
Week 9
Nov. 3, 5
Chapters 9 & 10
Week 10
Nov. 10, 12
Chapters 11 & 14
Textbook: Chapter 7, p. 256-282
Textbook: Chapter 8, p. 300-321
Textbook: Chapter 9, p. 342-358
Textbook: Chapter
10, p. 376-396
Textbook: Chapter
11, p. 414-438
Chapter 14, p. 548-
565
Group problem 2
– Tuesday, 10/13
Rwood Mod. 3 – Thursday, 10/15
7.17, 7.20, 7.21
Q8.1, Q8.2, Q8.7, Q8.13
E8.22, E8.23, E8.26
Group problem 3 – Tuesday, 10/20
Rwood work day and Exam preparation
– Thursday, 10/22
Midterm 2 – Tuesday, 10/27
Rwood Mod. 4
– Thursday, 10/29
Q9.3, Q9.14, E9.21, E9.23, E9.24
Group Problem 4
– Tuesday, 11/3
Q10.3, E10.27, E10.29, E10.32
Rwood Mod 5
– Thursday, 11/5
E11.23, E11.21
E14.20, E14.22
Group Problem 5 – Thursday, 11/12
Midterm Exam 3 – Tuesday, 11/17
Course Wrap-up
– Thursday 11/19
Week 11
Nov. 17, 19
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