Accounting for Decision Making

The objectives of the unit are to provide a basis for further accounting studies, yet meet the needs of students from other areas of business studies; to introduce students to basic accounting concepts and selected accounting practices; and to introduce students to the role of, and the processes involved in, planning and decision making within the business environment. Students will examine the roles of accounting and management planning for substantiating organisational decision making. To undertake this examination, students will synthesise principles and key professional practices of: accounting concepts; cash and accrual accounting; preparation of financial statements; forms of business ownership, and effect on financial statements. Following an introduction to budgeting, students will critically assess: the use of budgets for control and performance reports; analysis and interpretation; evaluation of performance; the operating cycle; and short term decision making and cost behaviour.