Learning objectives
a. Knowledge and Understanding: In the first module of the course, students will acquire knowledge related to the following topics: Decision-Making, Cost Behavior, Cost Volume Profit Analysis, Budgeting, and Cost Evaluation. In the second module of the course, students will gain knowledge about non-financial information disclosure.
b. Application of Knowledge and Understanding: Students will be able to interpret and apply production cost analysis and, more broadly, determine the value of a 'cost object.' Similarly, students will be capable of interpreting and applying budgeting techniques and analyzing the relationships between volume, costs, and profit. Furthermore, students will have developed the ability to apply and use software relevant to Management Accounting. Additionally, students will be able to interpret public documents on accounting sustainability.
c. Autonomy of Judgment: Students will proficiently address the interpretative logics of costing systems, budgeting, decision-making, and reporting, fostering the acquisition of a suitable interpretative model for potential in-depth exploration of the subject.
d. Communication Skills: By the end of the course, students will have acquired problem analysis skills (problem-solving aptitudes), interpersonal skills, and the ability to express themselves effectively in written and oral forms, using appropriate language to discuss the topics covered in the course with diverse stakeholders.
e. Learning Ability: Students will learn the aforementioned competencies through a proper approach to individual study and guided development of exercises and business cases.
Prerequisites
Course unit content
The course is structured into two modules.
The first module aims to introduce the study of "Strategic Management Accounting," covering specific topics in managerial accounting by the guidelines outlined by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
In particular, the first module addresses the following topics:
1) Management and Financial Accounting
2) Decision-Making, Cost Behavior, and CVP Analysis
3) Budgeting and Master Budget
4) Product Cost Evaluation
These topics are explored utilizing various software tools, such as Solver (an MS Excel add-in), Wolfram Alpha, and MathLab.
In particular, the second module addresses the following topics:
1)Introduction to Business Sustainability and Accountability Reporting;
2) Social Dimension of Sustainability
3) Ethical Dimensions of Sustainability
4) Environmental Dimensions of Sustainability
Full programme
Bibliography
First Module:
Cilloni A., Optimization and Economic Control, 2023, Giappichelli Editore.
Optional Readings
Horngren C. T. et alii, Introduction to Management Accounting, Global Edition, 17th edition, Pearson Publishing. Chapters 1-4, 7, 12 and 13
Williams J. R. et alii, Financial and Managerial Accounting, The Basis for Business Decisions, 20th edition, McGraw Hill Publishing, Chapters 1, 16, 19-21, and 23.
Second Module:
Brockett, A., & Rezaee, Z. (2012). Corporate sustainability: Integrating performance and reporting (Vol. 630). John Wiley & Sons.
Chapters 1 – 7 – 8 – 9.
Teaching methods
Acquisition of knowledge: lectures.
Acquisition of the ability to apply knowledge: exercises.
Acquisition of judgment: exercises and classroom discussions.
Acquisition of learning skills: development of guided exercises and case studies.
Acquisition of technical language: The meaning of commonly used terms is explained, and classroom discussions aim to encourage the correct use of terminology.
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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