ACCT 6350 Acct Strategies for Achieving Profit Goals

ACCT 6350: Course Embedded Assessment

Course Objective: The objective of this course is to improve the student's ability to use accounting information in making managerial decisions to foster the success and profitability of an enterprise. In doing so, the four objectives of the MBA program are addressed in accomplishing the course objective. The four MBA objectives deal with (1) learning to solve complex business problems, (2) using quantitative and qualitative analytical business tools and techniques, (3) presenting persuasive analyses in both written and oral forms, and (4) manage, lead, and change organizations.

The four overreaching MBA program objectives are addressed in the context of learning what accountants do and why they do it. This course focuses on how managers can effectively and appropriately use accounting reports, systems, and information in the strategic planning and decision process. Each class member should strive to improve his or her ability to approach, analyze, and reach conclusions regarding business decisions and issues that involve accounting information. The course objective is achieved through a variety of activities and assignments. Major activities and how they support the objective are:

Case studies, requiring oral and written analysis, are used to illustrate and describe what accountants do and provide a basis for discussion about alternatives and implications of accounting standards, procedures, and reports.
Problems are assigned to review and assure understanding and application of basic concepts, tools, and techniques in management accounting.
International accounting issues are addressed to help students interpret accounting applications in a global context.
Current regulation impacting financial reporting and control is discussed to assure student exposure to contemporary relevant issues.
Ethical issues and behavior is discussed to help students formulate appropriate philosophies of professional conduct.
Reading and discussion of contemporary thought and applications of management accounting in support of "lean" manufacturing and "lean" organizations.

Spring 2007
Course Learning Objectives	Pre-Test Average	Post-Test Average	Pre/Post Improvement
International Accounting	35%	57%	52%
Accounting Theory	52%	51%	-1%
Accounting Regulation	39%	69%	30%
Ethical Conduct	67%	76%	9%
Management Accounting Applications
ABC	32%	88%	56%
Relevant Cost	36%	72%	36%
CVP	64%	92%	28%
Cash Flow	16%	84%	68%
Total Test	43%	77%	35%

Analysis of Results Spring 2007

Demonstrated knowledge increased 35 percent from the pre-test to post-test. Overall this is satisfying achievement. The overall average on the post-test (77 percent) was very close to the overall average on the course final examination (80 percent). All areas had satisfactory results and improvement except for Accounting Theory.

Relevant Cost analysis resulted in 72 percent post-test results, a 36 percent increase in understanding. More emphasis was successfully placed on this topic as a result of a previous course assessment. Understanding of Cash Flow increased the most. From previous course post-test of 67 percent, greater emphasis was put on this area to accomplish satisfactory post test results of 84 percent.

Fall 2006
Course Learning Objectives	Pre-Test Average	Post-Test Average	Pre/Post Improvement
International Accounting	36%	93%	57%
Accounting Theory	38%	79%	41%
Accounting Regulation	30%	77%	47%
Ethical Conduct	63%	80%	17%
Management Accounting Applications
ABC	13%	80%	67%
Relevant Cost	40%	60%	20%
CVP	73%	73%	0%
Cash Flow	7%	67%	60%
Total Test	37%	46%	39%

Analysis of Results Fall 2006

Demonstrated knowledge increased 39 percent from the pre-test to post-test. All objectives measured had satisfactory results. The overall average on the post-test (76 percent) was very close to the overall average of the course final examination (78 percent). Satisfactory or excellent progress was made in achieving all objectives measured except Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) analysis. Students' pre-test results showed that they had a good understanding of CVP concepts (73 percent) when starting the course. There was no measured improvement by the end of the course. Consideration to discontinuing time spent on this subject will be considered. Relevant Cost analysis resulted in 60 percent post-test results, a 20 percent increase in understanding. More emphasis will be placed on this topic to try to improve student understanding. Understanding of Cash Flow increased the most. Continued emphasis will be put on this area to try to further increase student understanding.