22903 Contemporary Issues in Management Accounting Research

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

This subject introduces students to the current developments in management accounting research. Various roles of management accounting in organisations and society are considered. Students acquire the knowledge base essential for conducting independent management accounting research.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. understand the current scope and nature of management accounting theory and research
2. understand the relationship between management accounting theory and practice
3. critically apply knowledge of one approach to management accounting theory and research to the design of a research proposal.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject provides an in depth study of management accounting theory and research at an advanced level, which is one of the core streams in the study of accounting. It therefore provides an essential set of concepts, skills and techniques for those willing to conduct research in this field, or wishing to draw on the results of such research.

Teaching and learning strategies

The teaching methods include formal lectures, computer-based assignments, discussion groups and presentations by the students.

Content

• Introduction to the subject including its aims and rationale.
• Accounting in theory and practice.
• Accounting theory construction.
• Historical cost and accounting practice.
• Current cost and exit price accounting systems.
• Social and environmental reporting.
• Positive accounting theory.
• Role of the individual in accounting functions and corporate reports.
• The political environment of accounting standard setting.
• The conceptual framework in accounting.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Paper presentations (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Exam (Individual)