MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING Course Syllabus Course Code: ACC 230 Course Type: 135 hours/4 Months (120 Days) A. COURSE DESCRIPTION Are you interested in identifying, measuring, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating information for the pursuit of an organization s goals? Our Managerial Accounting course provides managers the tools needed to make the best decisions to achieve the goals of their organizations. Students will take a look at how relevant traditional and leadingedge topics integrate together with an outcome of understanding basic cost analysis, decision definitions, relevant information formatting, and how to make the decision itself. Our curriculum will encourage managers to not only use all quantitative tools and techniques available to them, but also logic, insight, judgment, and common sense. B. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION This course is self-paced, independent study, in an online environment. It takes a lot more discipline than an in person class. You are responsible for scheduling your study time and sticking to it regularly. This course will take approximately 135 hours to complete. This includes your reading, module activities, and module exams. The text for this course is an embedded PDF textbook. Each of your modules consists of reading materials, learning activities, videos, websites, and a module exam. Your module exams determine your grade in the course. The final module of the course involves a cumulative, timed, proctored exam. Your exams include questions from the reading only, however we encourage you to view all the videos and read the associated articles. These materials are an extension of your reading materials and will be great resources for you in the future. C. LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Define managerial accounting, cost concepts and the basics of cost/volume/profit relationships 2. Recognize the basics of attaching products to services, process costing and activity based costing 3. Recall how to budget efficiently and measure performance by analyzing standard costs 4. Identify joint allocation principles and effective decision making skills for accounting managers 5. Differentiate between various investment, transactions and performance measurements Managerial Accounting 1
D. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS Module # and Topics Module 1: Managerial Accounting and Cost Concepts Module 2: Cost Estimation and Cost- Volume-Profit Relationships Module Subtopics Module Objectives Assignments Outcomes The Dual Roles of Accounting Information Financial Accounting Role of the Accountant Certified Accountant The Nature of Cost Comparing Service, Merchandising, and Manufacturing Organizations Cost Behavior Variable Costs Cost Concepts for Planning and Controlling Contribution Margin and its Many Versions Significance of Cost Behavior to Decision Making and Control Cost - Volume - Profit (CVP) Analysis Graphical Analysis Analysis of Changes in CVP Variables Measures of Relationship Between Operating Levels and Break- Even Points The Sales Mix Cost Estimation Regression and Correlation Analyses Control Limits Identify the dual roles of accounting information Define financial accounting Recognize the primary ethical responsibilities of the management accountant Recall the role of the certified management accountant Define the nature of cost Differentiate between key cost concepts Differentiate between the behavior of variable and fixed costs Identify variable costs Recall cost concepts for planning and controlling Identify the many versions of contribution margin Identify the significance of cost behavior to decision making and control Identify the interacting elements of cost-volume-profit analysis Recall the basic design of graphical analysis Recall the analysis of change in CVP variables Define the relationship between operating levels and breakeven points Define the sales mix Identify the steps in figuring cost estimation Identify the differences between regression and correlation analyses Define control limits 1 PDF 2 PDF 1 1 Managerial Accounting 2
Multiple Regression Recall the basic underlying principles in multiple regression Module 3: Product Costing: Attaching Costs to Products and Services Budgeting: A Planning and Control System Responsibility Accounting Identifying Cost Centers Why Budget Behavioral Side of Budgeting Master-Budget-An Overview The Starting Point and Beyond Other Budgeting Techniques A Master Budget ple Impacts of Contemporary Manufacturing Approaches Recall how to budget using a planning and control system Define responsibility accounting Identify the main reasons for budgeting Recall various budgeting techniques Define the master budget Identify the starting point of creating a budget Recall the steps in creating a master budget Identify the impact of contemporary manufacturing approaches Identify why costs are attached to products and services Identify the main differences among alternative measures for the denominator in the overhead rate 3 PDF 2 Module 4: Process Costing Overview of Job and Process Costing Modified and Hybrid Systems The Job Cost System The Cost Elements in a Process Cost System The Equivalent Unit Concept s Use of Cost Production Reports Simplifications of JIT and Automation Weighted Average Cost Method Weighted Average Computational Steps Manufacturing Cost Environment Define Process Costing Differentiate among job, process, modified, and hybrid cost systems Identify the functions of the job cost system Identify the cost elements in a process cost system Define the basics of the equivalent unit concept Identify several ways in which management can use departmental unit costs as a tool in evaluating departmental performance Recall the simplifications of JIT and Automation Define the weighted average cost methods Identify ways in which management can use the weighted average computational steps 4 PDF 2 Managerial Accounting 3
Recall an ideal manufacturing cost environment Module 5: Activity-Based Costing and Just-In-Time Costing Global Competiveness Activity-Based Costing Issues Influencing Cost Systems Design A Comprehensive Activity-Based Costing ple Primary Stage Allocation Comparing ABC to Traditional Volume Based Costing ABC and Nonmanufacturing Activity-Based Nonvalue-Added Costs JIT Costing Define global competiveness Differentiate between the two stages of cost allocation in an activity-based cost system Recall the issues influencing cost management systems design Recall the positive features surrounding activity-based costing Define primary state allocation Differentiate between ABC and Traditional Volume based costing Identify how activity-based costing is extended to nonmanufacturing settings Differentiate between activitybased management and activity-based costing Identify the specifics of Nonvalue added costs Define JIT Costing 5 PDF 2 Module 6: Budgeting for Operations Budgeting: A Planning and Control System Responsibility Accounting Identifying Cost Centers Why Budget Behavioral Side of Budgeting Master-Budget-An Overview The Starting Point and Beyond Other Budgeting Techniques A Master Budget ple Impacts of Contemporary Manufacturing Approaches Define budgeting Define responsibility accounting, including cost, profit, and investment centers Identify the most common reasons for setting a budget Identify the major elements of a financial planning and control system Recall the basic principles in creating a master budget Identify the major human behavior factors that affect budgets and the budgeting process Identify independent and dependent budget variables Identify common budgeting techniques Define the components of a master budget 6 PDF 3 Managerial Accounting 4
Recall the impacts of contemporary manufacturing approaches Module 7: Cost Control through Standard Costs Profit Analysis The Use of Standards Standard Cost Sheet Standards for Materials Standards for Labor Standards for Overhead Capacity and Control Variances Standard Costs in Different Settings Ethical Considerations Define profit analysis Identify the pieces to use when creating standards Identify the major components of a standard cost sheet Recall the components of standards for materials Identify the main characteristics of standards for labor Recall the main components of standards for overhead Identify common variances in standards Recall the basic components of standard costs in different settings Differentiate between a budget variance and a capacity variance for overhead Identify the ethics to consider in cost control Define joint products Identify the quantifiable physical characteristics of output Define the relative sales value approach Recall the method that the net realizable value uses Identify the rationale behind the treatment of byproducts and scrap Define variable costing Recall the approach of variable costing to production Differentiate between the characteristics of variable and absorption costing Identify the steps involved in the reconciliation of variable and absorption costing 7 PDF 3 Module 8: Joint Cost Allocation and Variable Costing Joint Products Physical Measures of Output Relative Sales Value Net Realizable Value Byproducts and Scrap Variable Costing Characteristics of Variable Costing Comparing Variable Costing and Absorption Costing Reconciliation of Variable and Absorption Costing Arguments for Either Costing Method 8 PDF 4 Managerial Accounting 5
Module 9: Managerial Decisions: Analysis of Relevant Information The Decision- Making Process Differential Analysis Make or Buy Decisions Special Sales Pricing Decisions Use of Scarce Resources Decisions Sell or Process Further Decisions Add or Delete Segment Decisions Equipment Replacement Decisions Ethical Considerations Costs and Pricing Decisions Define the decision-making process Define differential analysis Recall the considerations managers use in make or buy decisions Recall the decision question in special sales pricing decisions Identify the guidelines for selecting the most profitable set of products or services Recall the basic guidelines for deciding to see or process further Identify the rules which assume that decision guidelines are set in place Identify the use of differential analysis in making basic decisions Identify and use relevant costs and revenues in decision making Define the characteristics that encourage certain pricing behaviors Identify capital investment decisions which attract managers interest for good reason Recall the capital investment decision process Identify the ratings involved with decision criteria Recall the basic evaluation methods Identify the issues surrounding the pressure of ethical issues in management positions Define the role of depreciation in a cash-flow-based capital investment analysis Define cost of capital Differentiate between inflation and other calculation issues Recall the basics of the time value of money Identify the present value 9 PDF 4 Module 10: Capital Investment Decisions The Importance of Capital Investment Decisions The Capital Investment Decision Decision Criteria The Evaluation Methods Ethical Issues and Pressures on Taxes and Depreciation Cost of Capital Calculation Issues The Time Value of Money The Present Value of a Series of Future Cash Flows 10 PDF 5 Managerial Accounting 6
Module 11: Analysis of Decentralized Operations Review of Responsibility Centers Advantages of Decentralization Measurement of Financial Performance Return on Investment Residual Income Economic Value Added Ethical Concerns Relating to Performance Measures Performance Evaluation Systems in Service Organizations Intracompany Transactions and Transfer Pricing Problems Maximizing International Profits: The Role of Transfer Prices Costs of Quality Cost Categories Cost in Design and Production Stages Activity Analysis Nonfinancial Performance Measures Measures of Manufacturing Productivity Nonfinancial Measures for the Multinational Company Balanced Scorecard Benchmarking Identify the types of responsibility centers Recall the advantages of decentralization Define the measurement of financial performance Identify the steps for the return on investment Define residual income Identify the economic value added approach in evaluating performance Identify the criteria for developing and evaluating transfer pricing policies Recall how managers increase short-run profits of divisions to the detriment of the company as a whole Identify the factors involved in designating a performance evaluation system Identify transfer pricing issues in the international arena Define the components of division net income, division direct profit, division controllable profit, and division contribution margin Identify four categories of costs of quality Identify the Cost categories commonly identified Recall the process of target costing Define the activity analysis technique Recall the traditional and present measures adopted in nonfinancial performance Define the most common measures of productivity Identify common performance measures in evaluations for international operating units Recall the concepts of target costing and kaizen costing Define benchmarking 11 PDF 5 Module 12: Costs of Quality and Other Cost Issues 12 PDF 5 Managerial Accounting 7
Strategies to Enhance Productivity Differentiate between valueadded and nonvalue-added activities Module 13: Steps to Course Completion Final Course Survey Certificate of Completion N/A 1. Take the Optional Cumulative Practice Final 2. Review the Proctored Information 3. Create an Account with Proctor U 4. Schedule an Time Cumulative Proctored Final 6. Submit the Course Survey 7. Print Your Certificate of Completion 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 E. TEXTBOOK(S) AND REQUIRED MATERIALS Managerial Accounting: Decision Making for the Service and Manufacturing Sectors by Arnold Schneider (All required materials are included in your tuition, there are no additional fees.) F. GRADING RUBRIC We use a percentage system for grading quizzes. A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 0-59% Total Points Percentage Average Letter Grade 1170-1300 90 100 % A 1040-1169 80 89 % B 910-1039 70 79 % C 780-909 60 69 % D 0-779 0 59 % F Managerial Accounting 8
G: PROCTORED FINAL EXAM The final module of this course consists of a one hour, 50 question, cumulative proctored exam proctored by ProctorU. You will need to have access to a webcam, microphone and a computer in order to take the proctored final exam. You will need to create an account at https://go.proctoru.com prior to scheduling your final exam. From there, you can select your exam and create an appointment. Possible dates for the exam will appear in a calendar. All exams need to be scheduled 72 hours in advance in order to not incur any additional cost. The normal fee for proctoring is covered in your tuition. If you need to take an exam sooner than 72 hours there will be an additional fee. Once you are logged in to take the exam, you will be introduced to your proctor who will walk you through the proctoring process. You will need to hold up your government issued photo ID to help the proctor authenticate your identity. Then, the proctor will have you pan the webcam 360 degrees around the room so they can see the surroundings. This step is followed to ensure there are no unauthorized materials in the workspace. During the exam, the proctor is using screen-sharing and audible programs to monitor your surroundings to ensure academic integrity. To learn more about the proctoring process, go to: http://proctoru.com/portal/ed4online. H: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Internet Connection Broadband or High-Speed - DSL, Cable, and Wireless Connections *Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Classroom pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible. Hardware Requirements Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended *While our courses are accessible through multiple mobile learning platforms, some courses may include a CD or DVD with the Textbook, so you may need access to a computer with CD-ROM or DVD Drive. PC Software Requirements Operating Systems - Windows 7 or higher Microsoft Office 2007 or higher. Also, you could use a general Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc,.docx,.xls,.xlsx,.ppt,.pptx) Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended o Cookies MUST be enabled o Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled) Kindle Reader App is needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.) Managerial Accounting 9
PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint) Adobe PDF Reader QuickTime, Windows Media Player &/or Real Player MAC Software Requirements Operating Systems - Mac OS x 10 or higher with Windows Mac office programs or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc,.docx,.xls,.xlsx,.ppt,.pptx) Internet Browsers- Google Chrome is highly recommended o Cookies MUST be enabled o Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled) Kindle Reader App is needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.) PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint) Adobe PDF Reader Apple QuickTime Media Player Courses that include a CD-ROM or DVD may require an external drive and Parallels software to view. I: INFORMATION, POLICIES AND GUIDELINES College Credit Recommendation Courses offered by Ed4Online that are included in the Alternative Credit Project have undergone ACE s credit recommendation process and have been granted an ACE CREDIT recommendation. This class has been recommended for three (3) college credits. ACE CREDIT has been recommending college credit for non-classroom learning for over 30 years and ACE s credit recommendations are considered by over 2,000 colleges and universities across the United States. Accommodations of Disability Policy It is the policy of Ed4Online, LLC, (Ed4Online.com) to provide an appropriate environment to optimize learning of educational materials. Anyone that needs additional assistance for a disability can contact Ed4Online to make additional accommodations, when available. Ed4Online can be contacted by emailing info@ed4online.com or by calling 800-939- 0734. Online Etiquette & Courtesy Managerial Accounting 10
Online communications need to be composed with fairness, honesty and tact. Spelling and grammar are very important in an online course. What you put into an online course reflects on your level of professionalism. It is important not to take disagreement personally. Responses to different ideas and observations need to be objective. Being objective means maintaining boundaries and not making personal attacks on the ability of others or making statements that have the potential to be taken personally. An important part of online learning is discussion. Differences in thinking are good because our knowledge is broadened. Because we have differences, we will have conflict. The important thing is to handle conflict in a way that does not create defensiveness which blocks learning. Here are online references that discuss online netiquette http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html Academic Integrity Ed4Online expects students to exhibit academic integrity through their educational experiences and to avoid all forms of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonestly, which includes but is not limited to plagiarism, collusion, abuse of resource materials, cheating on an examination, or other academic work to be submitted, is subject to disciplinary action. Students are allowed to reference course materials while taking quizzes and tests due to their emphasis on application; however, exams must be taken independently. Students found responsible for an act or acts of academic dishonestly will be subject to academic and disciplinary sanctions. Academic sanctions may include withdrawal from the course with a grade of F and/or a reduction of a grade in the course. Disciplinary sanctions may include suspension for a specified period of time, permanent separation from the program, and/or filing of criminal charges. No certificate of completion will be given if the course is completed by anyone other than you. When you enroll in the course you are stating under penalty of perjury that you, and not another person, studied the material in its entirety and completed all requirements. By registering for this course, you understand that it may be a crime to make false statements or to falsify documents submitted. Best Practices for Online Ed4Online provides instruction in an online learning environment. An online learning environment needs structure for effective communication to occur. Below is a list of guidelines for effective online communication: Stay engaged and on-task in your course. Utilize good time management skills. Read your messages in the message system. Communicate with a respectful, professional tone in discussion threads (collaborative learning). Uphold the standards of Academic Integrity set forth by this company. Avoid typing in all caps. Typing in all caps in the online environment is viewed as SHOUTING and should not be used. If you wish to place emphasis on an important passage, use bold. Recognize that you are participating in an online dialogue. Use correct spelling and grammar in all forms of your writing. Utilize Netiquette standards in all forms of communication. Managerial Accounting 11