Module: BM7013-15 Financial and Management Accounting

Level: 7

Credit Value: 15

Module Tutor: Zhiqi Wang

Module Tutor Contact Details: z.wang@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

The main aim of this module is to equip students with the knowledge and skills that would be expected from a finance manager responsible for the finance function of a business, in relation to investment, financing, and dividend policy decisions.

Management Accounting builds on the insights about costs and their drivers to provide the competencies needed to analyse, plan and manage costs to support the implementation of the organisation’s strategy in a variety of business context.

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following Graduate Attribute:

• Internationally networked: studying abroad for part of their programme, or studying alongside students from overseas;
• Critical thinkers: able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy;
• Ethically aware: prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context.

2.Outline syllabus

The module commences by introducing the role and purpose of the financial management function within a business. Before looking at the three key financial management decisions of investing, financing, and dividend policy, the syllabus explores the economic environment in which such decisions are made. This is followed by investment in (and the management of) working capital and the appraisal of long-term investments.

The next area introduced is financing decisions - examining the various sources of business finance, including dividend policy and how much finance can be raised from within the business. It also looks at the cost of capital and other factors that influence the choice of the type of capital a business will raise. Purpose of cost accounting and the costing techniques used in business will be covered which are essential for any management accountant. It will also include preparation and use of budgeting and standard costing, Target costing, TQM, variance analysis and sensitivity analysis as essential tools for planning and controlling business costs. It shows how to manage and control the performance of various units of the organisation in line with both short-term budgets and long-term strategy.

Finally, the module covers investment decision-making and the risks associated with such decisions. It provides the basis for developing deeper understanding of various types of risk affecting the strategy and operations of organisations.

3.Teaching and learning activities

The module will include a mix of tutor input, lectures, case studies, group work and discussions. The style will be interactive but there will be an emphasis on the application of key skills, namely the ability to acquire analytical and reporting skills that will be highly valued by their future employers. Where appropriate additional selected readings designed to support learning and understanding will be presented as the module develops. All teaching and learning activities will aim to develop student autonomy, engagement, communication skills, decision making ability and become ethically aware global citizens.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description:Analytical Report (2,000 words)
• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: EXAM
• Description: Exam (3 hrs)
• % Weighting: 60%