This module provides an overview of the nature, scope, and purpose of management accounting, highlighting its distinction from financial accounting and the ethical responsibilities of management accountants. Students explore cost classification and cost behaviour. The module covers planning and forecasting, focusing on budgeting techniques such as master budgets, flexible and rolling budgets, zero-based budgeting, and the link between budgeting and strategic objectives. Short-term decision-making techniques are introduced, including apply concept of opportunity cost in specific decisions, relevant costing, resolve issues surrounding make vs buy and outsource decisions, break-even and cost–volume–profit analysis and relevant costing principles in contexts of shutdown, one-off contracts and further processing of joint products. Also, this covers different costing systems within contemporary business environments.

The module then explores the evolution of performance management, transitioning from traditional financial metrics to integrated frameworks like the Balanced Scorecard and benchmarking. Students examine the behavioural implications of budgetary control and responsibility accounting, evaluating how performance targets and "Beyond Budgeting" concepts influence organizational culture and divisional autonomy. To ensure contemporary relevance at Level 5, the module investigates the intersection of strategic management accounting and digital transformation, specifically the impact of ERP systems and Big Data on the accuracy of forecasting. Furthermore, students assess the role of the management accountant in driving sustainability and value chain efficiency, ensuring they can navigate the ethical, environmental, and technological complexities of modern global business environments in line with professional standards.

Computer Based Class Test – 30% (1 hour)

A computerised (online) practical assignment in which students prepare to identify key management accounting techniques used in planning, decision making, performance evaluation, and control. The assessment is based on a simulated business scenario that requires students to apply management accounting techniques.

Alternative Formats: A paper-based version can be provided where digital participation is not feasible due to documented needs. Final Assessment: Unseen Written Exam – 70% (2 hours + 10 minutes reading time)

A two-hour written examination, with an additional 10-minute reading time, assessing students’ knowledge of core management accounting principles, their ability to apply integrated management accounting techniques that support strategic planning and operational control within business organisational context. The exam typically includes a mix of short-answer questions, structured problems, and scenario-based tasks.

Interactive lectures - Practice-Based Learning to encourage students to work through question banks. Case Study Analysis to use real-world scenarios to apply Performance Management techniques.

Tutorials: Break down problem-based scenarios through guided and tutor-led exercises (Formative Assessments and feedback - You will undertake ‘formative’ assessments as online question banks during the module to help you monitor your learning and provide you and us with ongoing feedback on your progress, which helps you prepare for the ‘summative assessment(s) during or at the end of the module.

1. Identify key management accounting techniques used in planning, decision making, performance evaluation, and control.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Utilise digital analytical tools and data visualisation to model cost behaviour and forecast revenue streams for organisational decision-support.

Digital Literacy

3. Analyse quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate research methods, to evaluate organisational performance and support evidence‑based managerial decisions.

Research Skills

4. Apply management accounting tools to solve budgeting and costing problems and support managerial decisions.

Application and Problem Solving

Blackboard

Linked-in Learning

https://hstalks.com/

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. (2024) Performance management (PM) : course book : for exams in September 2024, December 2024, March 2025 and June 2025. 5th ed. London: BPP Learning Media.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. (2023) P1 management accounting: course book: for exams from January 2024. 6th ed. London: BPP Learning Media.

Eldridge, M. (2025, March 31). Performance metrics and measuring forecast accuracy and bias [Video file]. In The Business & Management Collection, Henry Stewart Talks. Retrieved November 13, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.69645/SNEW9655.

Keating, B. (2024, July 31). Analytics: how data becomes information [Video file]. In The Business & Management Collection, Henry Stewart Talks. Retrieved November 13, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.69645/HJEU1520.

Rohde, C. et al. (2025) Management accounting. 7. edition / Carsten Rohde, Will Seal, Karen Mustard, Ray H. Garrison, Eric W. Noreen. London: McGraw-Hill.

Transform into a in global management consultant in this high-impact module, synthesizing advanced costing and budgetary theory to provide actionable intelligence for real-world business challenges. You will master relevant costing, CVP analysis, and the Balanced Scorecard to drive profit optimisation and strategic control. Engineered for future leaders, this module builds the agility and analytical confidence needed to navigate digital transformation and excel in global consultancy landscape.