A work based assignment examining aspects of the use of accounting and financial information (1750 words) (80%) (Learning Outcomes 1 - 3)
A Reflective Journal, relating learning and the development of skills (20%) (Learning Outcome 4)

Atrill, P. and E. McLaney (2004) Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists, Fourth Edition, FT: Prentice Hall.
Gowthorp, C. (2003) Business Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists, First Edition, Thomson Publishing.

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment) of this there will be 24 hours of class support and 126 hours of independent and self directed study. Students will be encouraged to integrate their work based experiences with new knowledge and skills as the module progresses. Learning support material will be provided for the module.

The lecture / tutorial pattern may vary with some activities taking place in medium sized workshop groups. There will be formative assessment to monitor progress during the module, in addition to the summative assessment.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
The module website

Using accounting records to prepare financial information, you will be introduced accounting for management decision-making:

- Understanding the profit and loss account and balance sheet
- Cost classification and break-even analysis
- Costing techniques and their relevance to short-term and long-term decision making
- The importance of cash
- Working capital management
- Investment appraisal and strategic investment decision making
- Budgeting and planning

The module will conclude with a consideration of appropriate accounting techniques for short, medium and long-term planning and control.