Arizona State

University
W. P. Carey School of
Business ACC 242:
Managerial Accounting
Fall 2015
Instructor
Nancy Cassidy
Ofice Location: BA 267D
Ofice Hours: M, W 1:00 3:00 p.m. & by appointment

E-mail Address: nancy.cassidy@asu.edu

Office Phone: 480-965-6679

Course Textbooks & Materials

Required Managerial Accounting by Braun/Tietz (3rd Custom edition for ASU). The access
code for MyAccountingLab is packaged with the text if purchased through the
bookstore. This text is a custom published, 3-hole punch version of the textbook
that excludes chapters we do not use. This textbook is also packaged with
MyAccountingLab software code (used for online homework) and free access to the
e-book if bought at the bookstore. Since the textbook is sold with a software code,
the bookstore will NOT buy it back unless it is unopened.
Required A calculator is required for all examinations. No cell phones or iWatches are
allowed during exams. (Bring calculator to all class sessions.)
Course Description
Principles of Managerial Accounting is designed to equip students with the skills to make effective and
efficient use of
accounting information in managerial decision making. The course focuses on techniques and analysis
methods used by business decision makers to evaluate and improve business operations and
profitability. It is a survey of many topics, including an introduction to cost behavior, budgeting,
responsibility accounting, cost control and product costing. This course provides students with the
necessary understanding of fundamental concepts and tools, while also emphasizing the analysis and
interpretation of information. ACC 242 is structured to help students meet many objectives that have
been identified as important to business professionals such as improving analytical and critical
thinking skills, teamwork and communication.
Course Objectives
This course is designed to introduce you to many aspects of managerial accounting. You will
become familiar with the overall objectives of strategic cost management how managers utilize
accounting data to improve the efficiencies and use of company resources in both manufacturing
and service industries. After completion of this course, you should:
Understand how to prepare formal profit plans through the use of budgets.
Have an understanding of how to control costs by comparing
actual results with planned objectives and standard costs.
Be able to evaluate capital investments for management decision making.
Have an understanding of the diferences between
manufacturing and non- manufacturing costs and how they
are reported in the financial statements.
Be able to compute the cost of providing a service or manufacturing a product.
Determine the behavior of costs and expenses as activity
levels change and analyzing cost-volume-profit relationships
within a company.

Understand the importance of standard costs and how they

are used in evaluating performance.

Classroom Etiquette

Turn off all cell phones when class begins. Text messaging during class will not be tolerated.

Required Homework
Assignments
To E1-12A
be completed through
S1-11,
S2-4,5,6,7,10,12,13

Week of
Chapters
Aug 24 1 Introduction to Managerial Accounting
skim
2 Building Blocks of Managerial Accounting:
Aug 31 Cost
Finish CH 2
3 Job Costing
E2-21A, 25A, 27A
S3-2,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,15
Mon., Sept 7 NO CLASSE3-18A,24A,28A
Sept 7 Labor Day
Finish CH 3
S4-2,4,5,6,10,
E4-17A,18A,19A,20A,23A,24A
Sept 14 4 Activity-Based Costing
Sept
Review for Exam 1
21&22
Sept
23
EXAM 1, Wed., Sept 23, Ch 1-4, Exam is given in your regular class room
and class
time. Sept 24, Ch 1-4, Exam is given in your regular classroom
Sept 24
EXAM
1, Thurs.,
S6-1,2,3,7,8,12,13,14,15,16,18,
Sept 28 6 Cost Behavior
E621A,23A,35A,39
A
P6-63A
S7-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
E7Oct 5
7 Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis
18A,19A,20A,21A,22A,26A,27A,28A
Oct 12- FALL BREAK No Class
13
Oct 148 Relevant Costs for Short-Term Decisions S8-1,2,3,5,10,12,13,14
15
Oct 19 8 Finish CH 8 & Review for Exam 2
E8-20A,21A,23A,25A,26A,27A,28A
Oct 26
Oct 27
Oct 2829
Nov 2
Nov 9

EXAM 2, Mon., Oct 26, Ch 6-8, Exam is given in your regular classroom at
your regular
class
EXAM
2, Tues.,
Octtime.
27, CH 6-8, Exam is given in your regular classroom and
time.
9 The Master Budget
S9-3,4,5,6,7

9 Finish CH 9
S9-8,9,10,11,12
Wed, Nov 11 Veterans Day No Class
S10-6,7,8,9
10 Performance Evaluation
E10-19A,20A,21A,22A,
Nov 16 11 Standard Costs and Variances
S11-1,2,3,4,5
*Omit MOH Variances, pp 672-679
E11-17A,18A,19A,20A,21A
Wed. Nov 18 &Thurs., Nov. 20 Finish CH 11
&
Review
Nov 23 EXAM
3, Mon., Nov 23, CH 9-11. Exam is given in your regular classroom at
your
regular
class
Nov 24 EXAM 3, Tues.,
Novtime.
24, CH 9-11. Exam is given in your regular classroom
at your
Nov 25 No
Classregular class time.
Nov 26- THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY No Class
27Nov 30 12 Capital Investment Decisions & Time
S12-2,3,4,5,7,11,12,13
Value of
E12-27A,29A,32A,33A,34A
Money Final Exam (Comprehensive) Friday, Dec 11th, 7:30 9:20 a.m.
Dec 11 Common
Room to be determined

*NOTE: Changes in this syllabus may occur during the course of the semester.
Refer to additional information on Blackboard for a complete schedule of due dates for required Homework
assignments to be completed through MyAccountingLab. The closing time for all Homework assignments is
11:59 P.M.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Wed., Aug 26
Mon., Sept 7
Wed/Thurs., Sept 23
or 24
Mon-Tues,
Oct 12 &
13
Mon-Tues,
Oct 26 or
27
Wed., Nov 4
Wed., Nov 11
Mon & Tues, Nov 23
or 24
Wed-Thurs-Fri,
Nov
25-27
Fri.,
Dec 4
Fri, Dec 11

Last day for adding/dropping courses for Fall Semester C

Labor Day No Class
EXAM 1 Ch 1-4
Fall Break No Classes
EXAM 2 Ch 6-8
Last day for all students to withdraw from courses with no
penalty
Veterans
Day No Class
EXAM 3 Ch 9-11
Thanksgiving Holiday No Class
Last Class Day. Complete Session Withdrawal Deadline
Final Exam Ch 1-4, 6-12, 7:30 9:20 a.m. (Room to be
determined)

GRADING:
Grades will be determined from the following:
Exams I, II, III (100 points each)
300 points Final Exam Comprehensive (all
multiple choice)
100 points Quizzes (best 8 out
of 9 @ 5 points each)
40 points
Homework
40 points Group Project using Excel Creating a
Master Budget 20 points
500
points
At semesters end, the total points accumulated by each student will earn a letter grade based on the
following scale:
485
450
435
400
385
350
300
Less than

500 = A+
484 = A
449 = B+
434 = B
399 = C+
384 = C
349 = D
300 pts =
E

Exams
There are three (3) mid-term exams and a comprehensive final exam at 100 points each. You are
expected to take all exams as scheduled.

The mid-term exams will be 33 multiple-choice questions worth 3 points each. On these
exams you get one point for correctly putting your name and version number on the exam
grading sheet.

The final exam will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions at 2.5 points each.

Make-up exams are only allowed for a documented medical or university-approved

reason. You must make arrangements in advance with me in order to take a makeup
exam due to university-approved absences.

Examinations will consist of analytical problems and conceptual questions. The midterm and final
exams will be completely multiple choice. The fnal exam will be cumulative.

While memorization is basic to learning at the most elementary level, ones ability to analyze and
formulate a problem-solving approach will be necessary for to be successful on examinations. All
exams will be based on the material in the textbook, any supplementary materials assigned by your
professor, class discussions, and lectures. Assigned homework and quizzes are intended to provide
examples that allow students to develop their working skills, but they cannot represent all the
problem situations one may encounter on examinations.

Quizzes
Students are expected to attend all class sessions, complete all homework and take all quizzes. The
best 8 out of 9 quizzes
apply towards your grade. Quizzes are 5 points each and given at the conclusion of almost every
chapter. These quizzes will be announced and given primarily through Blackboard, but I reserve the
right to have in-class quizzes. All in-class quizzes will be given at the beginning of the class period. No
make-up quizzes will be allowed. If you arrive late to class and miss the quiz or do not have sufficient
time to complete it, you will be awarded only the points that you earned on that quiz (which may be
zero). Since quizzes are based on the homework and they represent nearly 10% of your grade, it
should be quite clear how important keeping up with the material is in this course. Quizzes reward
preparation and attendance.
Homework
Accounting 242 is a problems class. To be successful, it is very important to keep up with the
homework problems as outlined on the syllabus. The more problems and wider variety of problems
that you work, the better off you will be. Homework problems will be completed through
MyAccountingLab and graded. The purpose is to give you an opportunity to ask questions and make
mistakes in a risk-free environment where you can truly learn the material in preparation for the
quizzes and exams. The midterm and final exams will include similar questions from the required
homework listing.
All assigned homework must be completed in MyAccountingLab before 11:59 p.m. on the day due.
(The Homework Schedule and due dates are posted on Blackboard.) No late homework will be
accepted. There are nine (9) homework assignments worth 40 points total. Each individual
assignment is worth essentially 4 or 5 points, depending on length and level of dificulty, and consists
of several short exercises or exercises. Homework will be graded for completion and accuracy. If at
the end of the semester you have completed and have achieved at least a 75% average on ALL of the
combined homework assignments, you will receive full credit for Homework, or 40 points. If you have
less than a 75% average on all homework assignments at the end of the semester, you will receive
points for homework equivalent to your percentage average based on 40 points (i.e. If you have a 70%
average on all homework, you will receive 28 points for your Homework Grade). Only at the end of the
semester will I update your homework grades from MyAccountingLab into the Blackboard Grade Book.
My Accounting Lab
You will use MyAccountingLab to complete your homework assignments. Each student needs to create
their own account. You
will need the access code that came packaged with your text book and the Course I.D. You will also
need the following information to set up this course:
Your Course Name: Managerial Accounting, Fall 2015
Your Course ID: Cassidy13219
More detailed instructions are posted on Blackboard to assist you in setting up MyAccountingLab.
Blackboard
You will use Blackboard to access the syllabus, assignment schedule, class notes, handouts,
announcements, grade book, etc. It is your responsibility to check Blackboard regularly. I will use it to
communicate course updates such as quiz solutions, practice exams, and exam solutions. If I need to
reach you, I will likely use the blackboard e-mail function, so please be sure that your e- mail address
is updated to your preferred e-mail account.
Participation
Student participation will be considered in assigning final grades. Active student participation is the
key to an interesting and informative class. Students are expected to come to class prepared and
contribute meaningfully to class discussions. The professor will subjectively evaluate class
participation. Class attendance and quality of class input may each be considered in determining the
impact of participation (positive, neutral, or negative) on the final course grade.

Absences
You are strongly encouraged to attend class. Regular attendance is extremely important.
Unexcused absences can
substantially afect your grade and your overall performance in the class. Further, your
comprehension of the material will be greatly enhanced through your active and regular involvement
in class activity. Students are solely responsible for all material, announcements, or other
issues covered in their absence. If you miss a class, please be sure to contact someone in the
class for notes and other important information.

ETHICS AND SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY

The accounting profession has a long-established reputation for its high level of ethical
conduct. This reputation reaches into the academic arena where the professions future
leaders are being prepared. It follows that accounting students are expected to conduct
themselves in a manner that is above reproach in their own course-related actions. Students
should be familiar with the Academic Integrity Policy available on-line at
https://provost.asu.edu/academicintegrity/policy/StudentObligations This section provides a
clear and concise guide of matters involving scholastic dishonesty and the Department of
Accounting fully supports and complies with those guidelines. Dishonest acts include, but are
not limited to, copying, sharing, or obtaining information from any unauthorized source during
examinations, quizzes, or other assignments; attempting to take credit for the intellectual
creation of another person; falsifying information; giving information about a test, quiz or
assignment to students in the same or other sections of the course.
Students will be required to state their commitment to academic integrity on examinations.
Any violation to the Policy on Academic Integrity will not be tolerated. Any student
found guilty of academic dishonesty will be subject to both academic and disciplinary
sanctions. In any case where I find that a student has committed an act of academic
dishonesty, I may impose
an academic sanction as severe as giving the student a failing grade in the course and
bringing the matter to the attention of the accounting department chairperson and the Dean
of the college. The Arizona State University Policy on Academic Integrity can be found at:
https://provost.asu.edu/academicintegrity/policy.
On all examinations this statement of academic integrity will be
preprinted and signed by the student: On my honor, I have
neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic
work.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you feel you are entitled to special accommodations because of a disability, please see
your instructor within the first two days of the semester.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that
provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other
things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning
environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe
you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Resource
Center or visit: http://www.asu.edu/studentafairs/ed/drc/.

Suggestions for Successful Completion of this Course

Keep up Dont cram. There is no time to catch up if you fall behind in this
accelerated course. You must make a commitment to yourself on day one that you
will carefully read each chapter and work through the homework problems. Doing
this will allow you to pick up on the intricacies of the material, rather than just
struggling to follow along.
Think Dont memorize. Very few accounting rules (besides the basics of debits
and credits) can be memorized. You must strive to reach a thorough understanding of
the material in order to see how the numbers fit together for the purpose of aiding
managers in making decisions to improve efficiencies and profitability.
Prepare before coming to class. Understanding the language of accounting is
critical. To help familiarize you with the topics to be covered, I encourage you to
briefly read through the Learning Objectives at the beginning of each chapter and
skim through the chapter to identify key terms. This will give you an overview of our
key discussion points and enable you to more quickly grasp some of the finer details.

 Keep practicing. Dont give up. It may take a few tries, but you can do it, especially
if you seek help early. Ask for help if you need it!