Managerial Accounting Course Research Articles

No pain, no gain: The structure and consequences of question difficulty in a management accounting course

An unrecognized choice made by accounting instructors is the degree of difficulty presented to students. Even if assessment is limited to multiple-choice materials, instructors can pick questions that vary from easy to very difficult. To do this, instructors depend on difficulty classifications provided by textbook authors and publishers. Using computer captured results from student efforts, this paper tests the integrity of these difficulty categories. This effort considers the impact of different grade consequences, different scoring systems, student aptitude and prior question exposure. The extent difficulty levels translate into student success variation is reported. The results generally support the publisher’s classifications. Nonetheless, interesting variations in the degree of these differences can be attributed to the context and consequences of question answering, as well as to the type of student asked to answer.

Adaptation and growth: a start-up’s resilience in the face of crisis and preparation for the future

Research methodology The case uses secondary data. The data was collected from the company’s founder. Case overview/synopsis ParisZigzag is a media-experiential company engaging in media-related activities, such as content creation on social networks, designing and producing books and magazines, with a distinct focus on lifestyle themes. Additionally, the company organizes tours and cultural events in Paris that resonate with and enhance specific lifestyle choices or cultural identities. The company uses both online media and events as tools for advertising, allowing brands and companies to enhance their visibility among audiences. During the global health crisis, the capacity to swiftly adapt and transform proved to be a critical factor for ParisZigzag. This case study shows how a fast-growing startup could cope with an uncertain and threatening economic and health environment, in particular: 1. entrepreneurs’ reactions to crisis and the crucial role of resilience in responding quickly and constructively to crises and ensuring a startup’s survival; and 2. the significance of proactive planning for future strategies and adapting the business model to tackle forthcoming challenges. Complexity academic level This instructional case can be used in financial and managerial accounting courses and entrepreneurship courses of the graduate or undergraduate level of business programs. This case requires fundamental knowledge in accounting and management.

Noble Chemical Agency – managing working capital in troubling times

Learning outcomes The primary objectives of the case study are to get the participants exposed to the issues of working capital which even profitable companies face on a day-to-day basis; give the participants an understanding of how to balance the, at times, conflicting objectives of increasing profits and sales through favorable credit terms; and expose them to the impact of increase in inventory levels and average collection period on margins in a period of slow growth. They will also learn about the concept of factoring and its uses. Case overview/synopsis The case study is about a group of companies engaged in education, steel fabrication and oil businesses owned by a single proprietor. The company was based in Fatehnagar which was part of Hyderabad district in the state of Telangana, India, and the case study traces the origins of the group from 1960s to 2021. The group was invested the surplus cash flows from the oil business to initiate and expand other businesses during this period. The economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic had hit the company, particularly its oldest business – Noble Chemical Agency. The oil business was facing issues related to its growth and profitability, and the uncertainty around COVID-19-related restrictions had only augmented the fears of the management. The case study looks at issues and the dilemma which the owner of the company faced. The case study highlights various issues related to working capital management, especially related to receivables management and inventory levels faced by businesses during the slow-growth phase. It demonstrates how working capital management issues, if not resolved in time, can lead to insolvency of even a successful company with a sound business model. Complexity academic level The case study is meant for teaching in postgraduate management programs (Master of Business Administration and Postgraduate Diploma in Management) in the following courses: corporate finance/financial management course in the first year (the case study should be taught towards the end of the course); and management accounting courses in first year (the case study should be positioned in the middle of these courses). The case study can also be used to highlight issues related to working capital and small business management in a Management Development Programme (MDP) course for “Finance fundamentals for non-finance executives”. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 1: Accounting and finance.

Is the Sky the Limit for Menteen Studios?*

ABSTRACTThis case exposes students to an intriguing industry: film production and distribution. The focus on relevant costing allows students to make recommendations about keeping, dropping, or expanding a distribution channel and about venturing into a new technology for film distribution. The analysis requires critical thinking. Because students are provided with relatively sparse financial information, they are less likely to be fixated on data and more likely to think critically about how to structure analyses to address strategic and operational issues being weighed by the studio. In addition, the case requires students to communicate their recommendations and the underlying assumptions effectively. This case is suitable for use in undergraduate and graduate managerial and cost accounting courses, introductory MBA courses in managerial accounting or strategic thinking, or undergraduate or graduate courses that are specific to the entertainment industry.

Management accounting and data analytics: technology acceptance from the educational perspective

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to identify strategies for integrating data analytics into teaching management accounting. We conducted a literature review and evaluated students’ perceptions of the introduction of data analytics in teaching management accounting courses. This research is based on the application of the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (ETAM) in management accounting education. We link the findings to the existing theory and practice by providing a foundation for the implementation of data analytics in management accounting subjects and the development of educational resources at both, national and international levels. Thus, the results will be of interest to global readership revealing that data analytics is considered by students both useful and easy to use and concluding that students would benefit from integrating data analytics into management accounting courses across the areas identified in this study. From our analysis of the results, we conclude that a high level of appreciation of such inclusion across perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of data analytics leads to a positive attitude towards using and potentially high actual use of data analytics.

Assuring Academic Integrity of Online Testing in Fundamentals of Accounting Courses

Demand for online courses continues to grow. To remain competitive, higher education institutions must accede to this demand while ensuring that academic rigor and integrity are maintained. The authors teach introductory Fundamentals of Financial and Managerial Accounting courses online. Previously, there was no proctoring of the exams. Prior experience teaching these courses led the professors to suspect a high likelihood that academic integrity on these tests was low and that cheating was high. To address academic integrity concerns, the professors utilized a remote proctoring service employing a lockdown browser with screen and webcam monitoring. The program monitors the students remotely, recording sound, video and the information appearing on the students’ screens. The videos are reviewed for detectable instances of breach of academic integrity prior to releasing the grades. Data was collected and analyzed for the average exam scores prior to and after the implementation of the remote proctoring software. The data analysis reveals a significant difference in the two sets of scores, with the average exam scores after the implementation of the remote proctoring being significantly lower than the ones before implementation. These results indicate that concern about academic integrity in online test taking in the accounting curriculum is valid.

Effectiveness of Interactive E-Module Based on Mobile Learning in Management Accounting Course: Profit Planning and Performance Evaluation

The need for electronic modules to support effective learning and adapt to the development of the digital space. The current generation is starting to abandon printed books which are considered the traditional way of acquiring knowledge. The purpose of developing this E-module product is to assist students in understanding lecture material that is easy to understand, fun, and under current trends. The development product specifications are using RAD models and questionnaire to collect the response from the users. By presenting visuals in the form of image creations from students with the theme “Daily College Life”. The development method uses the model prototype, which triggers the developer to only create an example resolution to officially show the user the functional essence of the product. The developer will make various necessary changes according to user requests. The result of the E-module usage in the management accounting course can increase effectiveness and expand student material mastery to improve the quality of learning. Not only good reviews were obtained during the preparation of the module, but negative opinions regarding the packaging of the material contained in the module needed to be revised and readjusted. For the next stage, this product still needs some improvement as well as refinement at the system.
 Keywords: E-Module, performance evaluation, profit planning

Engage and equip: Transformative class activities for the modern accounting semester

Managerial accounting courses struggle with student engagement, often more than other courses, mainly, due to its course content, which differs significantly from the financial accounting courses. This article provides a list of class activities developed and adapted primarily for managerial accounting courses. The purpose of these class activities is twofold. First, they aim to increase student engagement and promote active learning in class. Second, they help students apply acquired knowledge to real-world examples and develop workplace skills that are vital for a successful business career. The activities are designed to be completed within the class time. We have collected and adapted some of these activities from pedagogical training, while the rest were developed based on our teaching experience. Some of these activities incorporate teaching techniques developed while teaching remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learning Outcomes Achievement of Management Accounting Course

Learning Outcomes Achievement of Management Accounting Course

Dialogic approach to teaching and learning environmental management accounting (EMA) in tertiary education

ABSTRACT This study focuses on an environmental management accounting (EMA) course and explores how a pedagogical project, incorporating dialogic environmental and sustainability elements, transforms students’ perspectives and educational experiences. The findings support the shift towards a dialogic approach to enhance the educational experiences of tertiary accounting students, encouraging them to think creatively and critically and to aspire to become engaged citizens. Students’ experiences with the dialogic approach were generally positive, with noticeable development of soft skills. They also expressed their aspirations as to what the future of accounting education should look like, including the structure, content, and delivery. However, both educators and some students reported a loss of control compared to the previously favoured monologic approach to teaching and learning. Lessons learned from this study highlight the potential of pedagogical interventions to improve teaching and learning outcomes, fostering a cycle of mutual learning that generates actions based on dialogical encounters.

We’re only in it for the money? Developing sustainable literacy through management accounting curriculum

ABSTRACT This article addresses how and why introductory management accounting courses could contribute to sustainable literacy. Drawing on pragmatic constructivism we develop a course design. We base our discussions on teaching experience from two Business Schools. The proposed course design discusses sustainability around five common themes; (i) fundamental concepts, (ii) what are ‘net income’ and ‘value creation’, (iii) product costing and short-term decision-making, (iv) capital budgeting decisions, and (v) performance measurement. We demonstrate that it is possible to introduce sustainability and how it also allows for a better understanding of management accounting as such. Fundamentally, it is illustrated that critical thinking can be integrated at an introductory level in a management accounting course. As such, this study helps develop students’ sustainable literacy. By allowing sustainability to be a natural part of the standard subjects, the article claims that the subject area contributes to the future demands on management accountants as well.

Digital transformation for teaching management accounting: training with a simulation in an authentic professional environment

ABSTRACT This study investigates the use of digital transformation for teaching management accounting through the implementation of training with a simulation in an authentic professional environment. Technology makes it possible to bring professional reality into the classroom, thereby enhancing the work-integrated experience of students. The authors present the training developed for third year undergraduates in Management Accounting course and the analysis of how students perceive the learning outcomes of this experiential activity. The study used quantitative and qualitative analysis from a survey of 254 respondents. The findings suggest that learning through tasks simulated in a real workplace positively influences students’ perceptions of their readiness for professional activity in terms of their technical, intellectual, organisational, personal, and interpersonal skills.

Analysis Of Level Understanding Of The Accounting Students Towards The Management Accounting Course

This research was conducted at Darussalam Polytechnic on third semester students. For data collection using questionnaires, the questionnaire used must be valid and reliable to answer the understanding of accounting students towards the Management Accounting course. Validity is an index that indicates that the measuring instrument is measuring data correctly. The validity test can use the Pearson correlation technique for each number of the questionnaire score with the total score of the questionnaire. A questionnaire instrument is said to be valid if the correlation value is positive, and the probability value is less than the significant value (α 0.05). Cronbach's Alpha method is used to measure reliability in demonstrating that a questionnaire is maintainable and consistent, assuming that a questionnaire is said to be reliable if Cronbach's Alpha value is more than the r value of the table. Based on the results of the validity test related to accounting students' understanding of management accounting courses, it is explained that questionnaire instruments related to assets, liabilities, and equity are proven valid because they have a significant value on the validity test smaller than 0.05, while question instruments related to liabilities are not reliable.

Segment Reporting and Segment Profitability: A Case Study on General Electric

ABSTRACT This case study uses segment data from General Electric’s SEC filings to provide students in managerial and cost accounting courses the opportunity to see how a variety of classroom topics apply to a real-world company. Students are required to find relevant segment-related data in 10-Ks. By using financial accounting data to make managerial accounting decisions, the case serves as a link between financial and managerial accounting. This case has four independent requirements that focus on a different topic related to segment reporting: (1) segment performance measures, (2) segment profitability, (3) segment decision-making, and (4) segment reporting changes as connected to corporate structure and strategy. In each requirement, students are asked to prepare a memo and supporting analysis based on the relevant segment-related data. The modular nature of the case provides instructors with flexibility for implementation in a variety of managerial and cost accounting courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. JEL Classifications: M40; M41.

Crossroads Car Wash: When Family and Finances Collide

ABSTRACT This case allows students to apply managerial accounting knowledge in a practical, real-world setting. Integrating both financial and nonfinancial considerations, students are charged with making a recommendation to the Garcias, the owners of a family-owned and operated car wash (Crossroads), who are forced to make a difficult decision between a financially secure retirement or continuing to operate the business that supports their children and at-risk employees. This case can be used as is or modified for use in undergraduate/graduate managerial accounting courses and is intended to challenge students (1) to use managerial accounting knowledge and concepts to identify issues and relevant costs, (2) to understand the challenges and risks associated with selling a family-owned business, (3) to apply managerial accounting skills to the decision-making process, and (4) to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate financial and nonfinancial considerations to make a recommendation on selling or continuing to operate a family-owned small business.

Factors Influencing Student Performance in The Introductory Cost and Management Accounting Course

Factors Influencing Student Performance in The Introductory Cost and Management Accounting Course

Self Regulated Learning Mahasiswa pada Mata Kuliah Akuntansi Manajemen dan Biaya

This research is to see the description of Self regulated learning Students of the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung in the Management and Cost Accounting courses. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. This study shows that self-regulated learning if it is divided into 3 indicators, namely planning, implementation, and evaluation is good. As many as 61.35% of students have Self regulated learning seen in the questionnaire responses to the choices strongly agree and agree. Meanwhile 38.65% of students have not implemented Self regulated learning in Management and Cost Accounting courses. A total of 67.45% of students do planning (forethought), 62.20% carry out implementation (performance/valitional control), and 48.77% of students evaluate learning in Management and Cost Accounting courses.

Moving beyond experts’ answers: unmasking silences of the social in management accounting courses

ABSTRACT Two U.S. accounting educators reflect on their experiences deploying resources in a manner that highlights human elements that have traditionally been downplayed in cost/management accounting pedagogy. Structured as a critical essay and a field report, the authors ground their discussion in perspectives from Freirean (1972) pedagogy and Hirschauer’s (2006) work on the “silences of the social.” Conventional assurance of learning protocols, content specification guidelines for certification programs, and statements from accounting professional bodies influence accounting educators to deliver “appropriate”, objectively measurable, and seemingly neutral information based on current rules and best practices. A limitation of this approach is that the most important issues in a society may be those where either (1) a consensus on best practice has not yet been determined or (2) positions favored by authorities are less than optimal for some members of society. The primary contribution of the paper is to render visible “silences of the social” that mask subjective human aspects embedded in management accounting pedagogy. The authors’ tentative recommendation is that critical thinking elements should be introduced early in the curriculum and not reserved for the masters’ level.

Students’ Perceptions of Management Accounting and the Accounting Profession

Purpose: Strategic Management accounting includes activity-based costing, target costing, the balanced scorecard, Kaizen costing, throughput costing, and other new management accounting approaches. Management accounting reviews changes in performance measurement of information requirements and the use of novel communication, including management information system reports, forms, channels, and the implications of varying organizational structures to aid the management accounting professionals in a new environment. Hence this paper aims to know Students’ perceptions of management accounting (course and field) and the accounting profession. Design/Methodology/Approach: The data for this study were collected using a quantitative approach. The researchers created a questionnaire with questions delivered over Google form to the students who study management accounting from various universities in Oman. Then the researchers analyzed the data using Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) software. Findings: The result revealed that students’ perceptions of management accounting courses have a significant influence on the accounting profession where it was p<0.001, t=12.758, and student’s perception of the management accounting field also has a significant impact on the accounting profession where it was p<0.05, t=2.126. This result indicates that the Students' Perception of management accounting courses and students' perception of the management accounting field significantly impact the accounting profession. Recommendations: Improving management accounting curricula, providing faculty development programs, promoting industry collaboration and internships, providing career counselling, encouraging industry-relevant research, and cooperating with professional accounting bodies are especially important in higher education institutions' activities. With these methods, higher education institutions may guarantee that their students are given practical training, match their academic programs to market demands, and increase their employability in accounting.

Exploration and Practice of Ideological and Political Education in Management Accounting Course from the Perspective of Moral Education and Talent Cultivation

Exploration and Practice of Ideological and Political Education in Management Accounting Course from the Perspective of Moral Education and Talent Cultivation