Course Project:

Management Accounting and Control

System (MACS)

1 Project Overview
As part of your Management Accounting and Control Systems (MACS) course, you will be
undertaking a project where you will work with real companies to apply the concepts, tools, and
techniques you have learned in class. Your goal is to analyze and improve the organization's
existing management accounting and control systems to help them achieve strategic
organizational objectives.

The project involves writing a comprehensive report that outlines how the chosen organization
uses the costing and management accounting tools and techniques introduced in this course. The
report should critically analyze the existing system, suggest improvements, and evaluate how
these systems impact the organization 's ability to achieve its goals.

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2 Some Suggested Topics
Management Accounting and Control Systems (MACS) is a key subject in Executive MBA (EMBA)
programs because it provides managers with the tools and insights they need to make informed
decisions and optimize various aspects of organizational operations. MACS can help managers
achieve a variety of broad organizational objectives, including:

1. Strategic Planning and Decision-Making:

a. Provides data and insights for developing and implementing strategies.
b. Helps managers evaluate different strategic options and their financial
implications.
2. Cost Management and Optimization:
a. Assists in identifying and managing costs efficiently to maximize profitability.
b. Supports budgeting and variance analysis to control and reduce unnecessary
expenditures.
3. Profit Maximization:
a. Provides insights into profit drivers and how to optimize revenue streams.
b. Helps in analyzing product and customer profitability to focus on the most
profitable areas.
4. Performance Measurement and Control:
a. Supports the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor
organizational performance.
b. Helps set performance targets and evaluate progress towards achieving strategic
goals.
5. Operational Efficiency:
a. Aids in identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement in organizational
processes.
b. Supports process analysis and redesign to improve operational productivity and
reduce waste.
6. Resource Allocation and Utilization:
a. Provides data for efficient allocation of resources across different projects and
departments.
b. Helps in making informed decisions about operational strategies and resource
deployment.
7. Risk Management:
a. Offers tools for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with
operations and strategies.
b. Supports the development of contingency plans and risk-adjusted decision-
making.
8. Financial Planning and Control:
a. Assists in preparing and managing budgets, forecasts, and financial statements.
b. Supports effective cash flow management and liquidity planning.
9. Strategic Pricing and Market Analysis:

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 a. Aids in developing pricing strategies based on cost analysis, competition, and
market demand.
b. Supports product and service differentiation strategies through cost-based
analysis.
10. Organizational Alignment and Communication:
a. Helps align individual and departmental goals with overall organizational
objectives.
b. Provides a common language and set of tools for cross-functional collaboration
and decision-making.

The above list serves as a suggested guide for your project areas and is not meant to be
exhaustive or exclusive. You may explore additional topics that align with your course learning
objectives.

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3 Project Report Outline

3.1 Organization Overview

 Provide a brief introduction to the chosen organization, its industry, and its key
operations.
 Include relevant information such as the organization's size, structure, and market
position.
3.2 Situation Analysis
 Describe how the current system influences strategic and operational decisions in the
organization.
 Identify key decision-making processes that rely on management accounting tools.
3.3 Management Accounting & Control Practices under Review
 Provide a detailed description of the relevant organization's processes and their
approach.
 Analyse the current processes and tools used by the organization.
3.4 Critical Analysis and Suggestions for Improvement
 Critically evaluate the existing management accounting and control systems in the
organization.
 Identify potential areas for improvement and suggest practical recommendations.
 Discuss challenges faced by the organization in implementing these systems.
3.5 Impact on Organizational Objectives
 Describe how the existing and proposed systems contribute (or hinder) the organization's
ability to achieve its strategic objectives.
 Offer concrete examples illustrating how enhanced systems and controls influence pricing
strategies, profitability levels, and decision-making processes.

3.6 Word Limit, and Referencing

 The report should not exceed 2,500 words, excluding tables and appendices.
 You are required to use the APA (American Psychological Association) referencing style
for your report. Make sure to review and follow all the specific requirements of the APA
style for your project, as adhering to this format is essential for maintaining academic
integrity and presenting your work professionally.

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4 Project Timeline:
Interim Review: The interim review will occur during the last week of May. You are expected to
submit your project proposal, including a comprehensive table of contents by 5:00 PM, May 27,
2024. During the review, your proposal will be evaluated to confirm that it aligns with the course
learning objectives.

Final Report Submission: Your completed project reports must be uploaded to the Learning
Management System (LMS) by 5:00 PM on 06 June 2024. Please ensure that you submit your
report on time and follow all guidelines provided in the project instructions.

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