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
The assessment of learning will be conducted through a written examination, with the possibility of an oral assessment for all or some participating students if the results of the written test do not allow for an effective evaluation of individual preparedness. The written exam consists of two parts.
The first part pertains to the first module of the course and covers theory and applications (exercises) in Decision-Making, Cost Behavior, CVP Analysis, Budgeting, and Cost Evaluation. The second part concerns the second module of the course about Sustainability Accounting theory. The first part includes an open-ended question (requiring a comprehensive response, evaluated for 5 points), six short questions (MCQ, TFQ, or short essay), each valued at two points for a total of 12 points, and an exercise in Decision-Making, Cost Behavior, CVP Analysis, Budgeting, and/or Cost Evaluation, valued at 15 points. The time allocated for the first part is 60 minutes. The exam may involve the use of electronic devices.
The second part pertains to the second module of the course. It includes 3 questions (MCQ and/or TFQ) valued at 2 points each for a total of 6 points and 2 open questions valued at 12 points each for a total of 24 points. The time allocated for the second part is 45 minutes.
Knowledge and understanding (a) will be assessed through the open-ended question, evaluating the knowledge of the topics and the student's ability to make connections between them. The short questions (MCQs, T&FQs, and/or Short Essay) cover a broader range of content and aim to test knowledge of all the prescribed topics. The ability to apply knowledge and understanding (b), autonomy of judgment (c), and the ability to learn (e) will be assessed both through the open-ended question requiring the student to make connections between topics and through the exercise that applies the concepts of Decision-Making, Cost Behavior, CVP Analysis, Budgeting, and Cost Evaluation. Communication skills (d) will be assessed through the open-ended question, requiring appropriate language.
Both parts will be evaluated on a scale of thirty, and the final grade will be the weighted average (60% for the first module; 40% for the second module) of the grades obtained in the two parts. A passing grade is required in both parts of the exam. Honours will be awarded to particularly deserving students who, in addition to obtaining a full score on the exam, have demonstrated a comprehensive systematic knowledge of the subject, excellent application of acquired knowledge to specific issues, significant autonomy of judgment, and meticulous attention to formal writing.
Alternatively, the assessment of learning will be conducted through continuous evaluation tests conducted during the course. The three continuous assessment tests, replacing the final exam, will follow the published schedule on Elly (under the "Schedule" link).
The first and second continuous assessment tests consist of a theoretical and a practical part. The theoretical parts of the first and second continuous assessment tests each include 3 questions (MCQ and/or TFQ) valued at two points each for a total of 6 points. The practical parts of the first and second continuous assessment tests each include an exercise. The exercise of the first continuous assessment test is valued at 4 points. The exercise of the second continuous assessment test is valued at 5 points. The theoretical and practical parts of the first continuous assessment test pertain to Decision-Making, Cost Behavior, and CVP Analysis. The theoretical and practical parts of the second continuous assessment test pertain to Budgeting and Product Cost Evaluation.
The third continuous assessment test pertains to the second module of the course. The third continuous assessment test includes 3 questions (MCQ and/or TFQ) valued at one point each for a total of 3 points and 2 open questions valued at 4 points each for a total of 8 points.
To pass the exam it is necessary to achieve an overall score (relating to the first and second ongoing test) of 12 points and a grade of at least 6 in the third ongoing test.
The continuous assessment tests involve the use of electronic devices.
Final Exam grades will be communicated through the Esse3 platform, with any other information provided on the Elly platform.
Continuous Evaluation Scores will be communicated through the Elly platform of the Teaching.
Other information
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
This teaching contributes to the realization of the UN objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
