BUKO-D 542
Advanced Managerial Accounting
Indiana University Kokomo
Dr. Steven Cox
Spring 2010

Course Goals:
This course emphasizes the use of accounting data by managers in directing the affairs of business organizations. Managers need information to carry out three essential functions in an organization: (1) decision making; (2) planning; and (3) controlling activities. In this class, students will learn what information is useful, where to obtain the information, and how the information can be structured to aid managers in their planning, control, and decision-making responsibilities.

Objectives:

·         Understand alternative cost methods and systems

·         Understand the managerial uses of accounting information

·         Be familiar with managerial decision-making concepts

·         Understand managerial planning (budgeting) and performance analysis

·         Develop a framework for evaluating managerial information systems’ abilities to enhance a firm’s long-term profitability.

·         Develop a framework for utilizing information generated by managerial information systems for tactical and strategic decisions.

·         Evaluate various cost-management systems’ capabilities to guide continuous improvement, cost control, and reengineering efforts.

·         Consider the current and emerging practices in cost management.

·         Evaluate the many methods developed by firms for decentralizing and controlling large organizations.

 

The School of Business Mission Statement:

 

http://www.iuk.edu/~kobus/Mission.shtml

 

Grading:

Grading Scale:

 

Exams:
Unexcused absences will result in zeros on exams. The first exam will be on January 27^th. The second exam will be on February 17^th. The final exam will be on March 3^rd.

Presentation/Executive Summary:
On February 8^th, students working (and graded) individually, but presenting in groups, will make a coordinated thirty-minute presentation. The presentation will be a three-year analysis (ratios, cash flow, etc.) of three publicly traded companies from the same industry. Each student will be responsible for assessing the health and prospects of one firm. Special attention should be placed on trends and the impact of the recent financial crisis. A three page executive summary of each student’s findings is also due on February 8. This presentation is worth 25 points and the executive summary is worth 25 points.

Computer Usage:
This syllabus is available on my web site and the answers to the assigned problems can be found in the Resources section on Oncourse. IU Kokomo also offers a variety of computer resources for course assignments and projects (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, database management, and statistical analysis packages). 

Library Usage:
The IUK library system offers a large number and variety of resources for the student to use in this course.  Examples include current newspapers (Wall Street Journal), magazines (Business Week), databases (ABI Inform), and access to the Internet.

Disability Issues:
Indiana University Kokomo provides equal access and support services to students with special needs. Students with documented disabilities should contact the Career Services Office (455-9301) to discuss any necessary support services or accommodation with the instructor. 

Class Schedule: