Distance MSc in Operational Research - Accounting

Credit Value: 3
Tutors: Barry Koch

Class description/introduction

This class covers the basic principles and concepts used in financial reports through which the position and performance of organisations are evaluated. In addition, the techniques used by accountants to provide information to managers are discussed.

Class aims

The aim is to ensure that students will be able to communicate with accountants more effectively when working within organisations and understand the basic concepts involved.

Learning outcomes

Subject specific knowledge and skills

Students should be able to:

• understand the generally accepted principles used in preparing financial statements;
• interpret the information provided in such statements;
• appreciate the basics of management accounting, as regards short and long-term decisions;
• participate in the preparation of budgets, with an understanding of the nature of financial control and of the overall budgeting process.

Reading List

The following may be of use but are not required:

• Understanding Company Financial Statements R.H. Parker Penguin, ISBN: 0140279717, 1999 Available from Amazon (UK).
• An Insight into Management Accounting, J. Sizer, Penguin.

Assessment

Single exam.

Learning Outcomes

• understand generally accepted principles
• Interpret the information provided
• appreciate the basics of management accounting
• Participate in the preparation of budgets

management science DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE Graham Hills BUILDING 40 GEORGE STREET G1 1QE
t:0141 548 3613/3141 f:0141 552 6686
contact-mansci@strath.ac.uk