Aim of the assignment
This third assignment is based around a published case study into the potential acquisition of a company by Hammonds Cards. It requires you to use your management accounting knowledge as well as your reading for the first assignment, and applying it to this case study.
We recommend that you use mostly the articles listed below together with the sources you selected in assignment 1. You may also select further sources from your research. This will involve evaluating a wide range of sources to select those which you judge to be most appropriate. You should limit your final selection to a maximum of 12 articles in total (including articles from the recommended reading list).
Learning Outcomes
This is designed to meet the following learning outcomes:
- Critically review various accounting techniques and concepts, introduced in prerequisite modules, through self-directed research
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of key issues presented in prerequisite modules and their relevance to the current practice of accounting through case study analysis
- Evaluate the implications of accounting practice, recognising its limitations, in a broader social and economic context
6. Express complex arguments logically, using supporting analysis and
evaluation with reference to current developments in accounting
Assignment
How can Strategic Management Accounting (SMA) techniques inform the decision-making of Hammonds Cards, in its acquisition of Creative Designs?
In addressing this question, you should consider and discuss:
- Use appropriate strategic models to consider the key issues facing Hammonds Cards in its acquisition of Creative Designs.
- Analyse the production capacity, quality management and cost structures of both companies, using traditional and strategic management accounting techniques
- Recommend a strategic plan of action, assuming that Hammonds Cards acquires Creative Designs, supported by a proposed post-acquisition Balanced Scorecard.
- Discuss how SMA techniques can contribute to Hammonds Cards’ strategic decision making.
Submission and deadlines
Your assignment should be a maximum of 4,000 words long. This word count limit includes the body of your essay and in text citations but excludes your title page, contents page and list of references. Use the format specified in the module guide.
This assignment carries 40% of the available marks for this module. The sample feedback sheet shows the marking criteria which are described in further detail in the module guide.
Your assignment should comprise one word document with a filename in the format 12345678-synoptic3 (where 12345678 is your student number). You must upload your assignment document to the turnitin drop box on the module’s moodle site before the deadline. Your assignment will be marked anonymously. Do not include your name in the filename or anywhere in the document.
When you submit an assignment using turnitin you are confirming that the work is your own.
Recommended reading list
Cescon, F., Costantini, A. and Grassetti, L. (2019) “Strategic Choices and Strategic Management Accounting in Large Manufacturing Firms,” Journal of Management and Governance, 23(3), pp. 605–636. doi: 10.1007/s10997-018-9431-y.
CIMA (2016) Management Accounting in support of the Strategic Management Process. Available at: https://www.cimaglobal.com/Research–Insight/Management-accounting-in-support-of-the-strategic-management-process/ (Accessed on 23 September 2022)
Hadid, W. and Al-Sayed, M. (2021) “Management Accountants and Strategic Management Accounting: The Role of Organizational Culture and Information Systems,” Management Accounting Research, 50. doi: 10.1016/j.mar.2020.100725.
.
Lord,B. (2007) Strategic Management Accounting in Hopper,T., Northcott ,D. and Scapens,R. 3rd ed Issues in Management Accounting Harlow: FT Prentice Hall
| Assessment Criteria | Refer 0-29% | Marginal Refer 30-39% | Threshold Pass 40-49% | Good 50-59% | Very Good 60-69% | Excellent 70-85% | Outstanding 85-100% |
| Use of literature 15% | Poor selection and use of literature | Some evidence of selection and use of literature that is relevant to the topic | Selection and use of appropriate literature, including some recommended literature | Selection and use of a relevant range of sources, including some high quality academic sources and recommended reading | Selection and use of a good range of sources including mainly relevant, high quality academic sources and recommended reading | Selection of relevant, high quality academic sources. Very good use of these sources, including the recommended reading | Selection of relevant, high quality academic sources. Comprehensive and detailed use of the sources, including the recommended reading. |
| Application of theory 25% | Little application of theory | Some application of theory | Selection of accounting tools and methods with limited application. | Selection of accounting tools and methods. Some application of management accounting techniques | Selection of relevant accounting tools and methods Appropriate application of management accounting techniques | Selection of relevant accounting tools and methods Comprehensive application of management accounting techniques | Selection of highly relevant accounting tools and methods. Imaginative application of the management accounting techniques |
| Problem solving, 40% | Little discussion related to the topic with lack of clarity in the introduction and conclusion | Some relevant discussion related to the topic with an introduction and conclusion | Coherent and relevant discussion related to the topic with a clear introduction and conclusion | Specific and appropriate evaluation, reflecting some of the key issues, supported by evidence. Clear introduction and conclusion. | Analysis of the relevant issues, some use of evidence, clarity of argument and reasoning appropriate evaluation. Clear introduction and relevant conclusions drawn | Very good analysis of the key issues, detailed use of evidence, clarity of argument and reasoning with appropriate evaluation. Clear introduction and relevant conclusions drawn | Discerning, specific analysis of the key issues, detailed use of evidence, clarity of argument and reasoning with appropriate evaluation. Clear introduction and conclusions drawn from arguments presented |
| Presentation 12.5% | Lacking clear structure. Lack of clarity in language. | Some structure. Lack of clarity in language. | Clear structure. Fluency, grammar, spellings, not always accurate but clarity of meaning. | Clear and appropriate structure. Fluency, grammar, spellings, not always accurate but clarity of meaning. | Clear and appropriate structure. Fluent, accurate academic style. Well written with clarity and fluency. | Clear and appropriate structure Fluent, accurate academic style. Well written with clarity and fluency. | Polished imaginative approach. Clear and appropriate structure Fluent, accurate academic style. |
| Referencing 12.5% | Incorrect referencing | Incorrect referencing | Couple of major and repeated minor referencing errors | One major and few minor referencing errors | One major and couple of minor referencing errors | One minor referencing error | Correct referencing |
