Exploring the Intersections of Accounting and Management Research

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MANAGEMENT
ACCOUNTING

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
SECTION 1......................................................................................................................................1
1 Importance of management accounting in decision-making...............................................1
2 Different types of Management Accounting Methods........................................................2
3 Critical Evaluation of Management methods and their application ..................................3
4 Absorption and Marginal costing........................................................................................4
a) Comparative Income Statement ...............................................................................4
C) Reconciliation of Profit and Loss Statements..........................................................7
SECTION 2......................................................................................................................................8
PART A...........................................................................................................................................8
A budget is a forecast of which is expected to happen within the business during the next year
................................................................................................................................................8
Comparison and contrasting three planning tools used in management accounting .............9
Part B ............................................................................................................................................10
A...........................................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
ILLUSTRATION INDEX
Illustration 1: Table 1: Calculation of profits under Absorption Costing........................................5
Illustration 2: Table 2 : Calculation of cost per unit........................................................................5
Illustration 3: Table 3: Calculation of net profits as per Marginal Costing.....................................6
Illustration 4: Table 4 : Reconciliation under Marginal costing......................................................7
Illustration 5: Table 5 : Reconciliation as per Absorption costing..................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Management Accounting being one of the most crucial and critical functions of the organisation.
The decision-making process is highly supported by management accounting principles and
procedures further; there are various systems of management accounting. Systems are explained
with their merits and applications on the organisation. Further this report deals with the
comparison of profits under different methods and their interpretations. Moreover, budgeting
implications are discussed and compared with various planning tools. Various financial problems
can be assessed and solved with the help of management accounting.
SECTION 1
1 Importance of management accounting in decision-making
Management accounting is a process which provides data to take several decisions in the
business. It is a process helps to identify financial information's which leads to formulating better
plan and strategies to make the enterprise more profitable. The importance of the accounting
information's to take business decisions are as follows:
Analysing Growth: The management accounting information gives help to analyse business
performance as well as growth in the industry where the firm operates (Bowen, Call and
Rajgopal, 2010). If the firm is not growing in a better way and not profitable compared to a
previous year, then managers are making the proper strategies which lead to increase sales and
profit. Hence, the information is important to analyse growth and take corrective actions.
Make or Buy Analysis: the Primary importance of the management accounting information is
that components or raw material of products and services are whether to produce or buy from the
market. For example, in a small enterprise, a component of the product can be make and can buy.
From the Accounting, Information Company analyse that in making the component or in produce
the component, the high cost is incurred. Which strategy or which technique will incur less cost
that will be adopted in the production process. So, it helps to take decisions in the make or buy
component of goods and services.
Activity was Based Costing Technique: The technique is important to the business enterprise
to decide and appoint the best person who can sell the products and services effectively in the
business. As well as the accounting information's helpful for the firm to derive the cost incurred
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in every activity of production process. By the information, the firm can know that which
activity is having the high cost of the amount.
The method of Selling: It is very necessary for a business that on which basis the products and
services are to be sold in the market (Schaltegger, Gibassier and Zvezdov, 2013). The
accounting information gives the data related to various direct and indirect cost associated with
the products. By costs, the firm takes the decision that how much percentage of margin has to be
charged and which selling method is to be selected. If the advertisement strategy is being used
then, the cost is also incurred in the price. So, it can be said that management accounting is very
important to decide selling method for sale the products and services.
Cost Analysis: Cost is the very sensitive factor of a business entity. Higher the cost and low
production are unfavourable for the firm. In the accounting, all the costs are recorded which are
incurred to produce goods and services. From the accounting information's management able to
derive costs and analyse that whether the cost is high or low. If the cost is unfavourable then the
management able to take the decision and formulate the strategies to increase sales and revenue
(Contrafatto and Burns, 2013). From the information's company able to know that where the
problem is occurring and what the corrective actions should be taken to overcome the problem of
cost increase.
2 Different types of Management Accounting Methods
There are various methods of Management accounting based on different assumptions and
following various streamlined processes. However, some of the major methods followed by the
majority of the manufacturing units are explained below:
 Marginal System: Marginal costing is a method under which variable costs are only
associated with the units and fixed cost are not allocated. All the costs are classified into
fixed cost and variable cost. Marginal as the word depicts is an additional cost incurred
for every one unit produced additionally (Malmi, 2010). Therefore it shows the effect of
the change in volume on the profits of the firm. As per this method, fixed cost are
periodic cost and are charged directly to the profits for that period. The contribution is
arrived after deducting variable costs from the sales, and net profit is arrived after
deducting fixed costs from the contribution.
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 Budgeting System: Budgeting is the process by which pre-planned budgets are prepared
and compared with the actual performance of the business and variances are analysed,
and corrective measures are undertaken to improve the situation. This is the most popular
system, as it compares the data and has the scope for improvement. Also, it gives a clear
picture about future expenses and incomes and also increases profitability by reducing
waste. Various budgets are prepared for monthly, quarterly or annual basis and compared
with actual results.
 Activity Based System: As per activity based system all the costs are pooled, and cost
drivers are assigned and then by cost drivers all the costs are classified for different
products as per the resources utilised by the products (Caglio and Ditillo, 2012). Cost
objects are charged cost and it depicts clear picture based on the activities performed in
the context of particular products. Unlike traditional costing, it makes the cost allocation
more understandable and appropriate. This is best suited for complex scenarios where
many processes and techniques are applied for the production process.
3 Critical Evaluation of Management methods and their application
Every method has some merits and demerits attached to it. However, application and merits of
the system make it widely acceptable and appropriate. Benefits and applications of various
systems are explained here below:
Marginal system
Merits
 It depicts the interrelationship between cost, price and volume. As marginal costing is
based on calculating the contribution and arriving at profitability therefore clearly.
 A further contribution is used as an effective tool in decision making and helps in making
various transfer pricing decisions for internal pricing decisions.
 Marginal costing is simple and easy to understand and apply (Kachelmeier. and
Williamson, 2010). Since it involves no fixed cost and therefore absorption of fixed cost
is not performed under marginal costing.
Marginal costing is applicable for the above mentioned organisation since3 it works in various
departments. Therefore, fixed cost need not be apportioned separately and can be deducted from
contribution to arrive at net profit.
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Budgeting System
Merits
 It defines the targets and objectives to be attained by various departments which are
necessary for success and growth.
 Further, if the performance is detected below the targets controlling measures are adopted
for the same and therefore budget brings efficiency and effectiveness in management
(Papaspyropoulos and et.al., 2012).
 Moreover, Budget controls facilitate the controlling the organisations from a single
central point even in the case of decentralised functions.
Since the organisation is working in the department and is medium sized therefore for effective
utilisation of resources and removing the duplication budgeting is crucial.
Activity Based Budgeting
Merits
 Be effective controlling of cost fixed and variable costs can be reduced and controlled
easily.
 Activity based budgeting establishes cause and effect relationships between various
factors and therefore is very scientific and technical (Tucker and D. Lowe, 2014).
 Decision making is prospered by activity based system as it depicts clear profitability
devoted to the particular product.
Since the organisation is complex and have many departments, therefore, the allocation of costs
by activities will present clear picture about profitability.
4 Absorption and Marginal costing
a) Comparative Income Statement
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Illustration 1: Table 1: Calculation of profits under Absorption Costing
Illustration 2: Table 2 : Calculation of cost per unit

As per absorption costing method all the cost, both fixed and variable are apportioned to the
production units on a common basis. This shows the relationship between sales and all the
related costs. Further, it does not consider fixed and variable costs distinctly.
Marginal Costing refers to the system, of costing which reflects the profit volume
relationship and considers only variable cost in calculating the net profits (Håkansson, Kraus.
and Lind, 2010). It ignores the impact of fixed on product and considers it in whole.
Analysis
As per Absorption costing method, the company is running in a loss in Quarter two only
whereas as per marginal costing company is earning the loss in both the quarters.
b) Justification for difference in profits
There is the difference in profits generated by both methods because of treatment of
Fixed costs differently. As per absorption costing fixed costs are apportioned to each unit of
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Illustration 3: Table 3: Calculation of net profits as per Marginal Costing

production whereas as marginal costing supports the deduction of total fixed costs from the
contribution derived (Zaleha Abdul Rasid. and et.al., 2011).
As per absorption costing if the closing stock increases the profitability also increases whereas in
marginal costing if the closing stock increases the profitability will reduce.
C) Reconciliation of Profit and Loss Statements
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Illustration 4: Table 4 : Reconciliation under Marginal costing
Illustration 5: Table 5 : Reconciliation as per Absorption costing

As per marginal costing difference in value comes to £144000 in quarter 1 in contrast to
£96000 in Quarter 2 whereas absorption costing lays the difference in quarter one as negative
£228000 and -£22000 in Quarter 2.
Reconciliation is an effective tool to reconcile and evaluate various items of the cost-
profit analysis and their relationships (Jansen, 2011). Further costs under marginal and
absorption costing are calculated differently. Since valuation of the stock is a matter of concern
under two different methods, therefore, reconciliation makes the clear line of difference between
them. Increase and decrease in a level of closing stock affect the profitability of the business.
SECTION 2
PART A
A budget is a forecast of which is expected to happen within the business during the next year
Budget is regarded as an important tool that is being used by the management in making
prediction of overall expenses so that plans can be developed in reducing the expenses and
increasing the revenues in an effective manner. A budget is regarded as a plan that offers
financial data to all the users of the firm in offering guidance to the existing business through
offering sufficient path within the organisation (Wu and Boateng, 2010). The present financial
resources are being tested on varied parameters for setting a specific plan for the future course of
time. The accuracy of all the transactions emerges within the organisation would get automated.
There is presence of main form of budgeting that assist the individual in setting structure of the
business to develop sound decisions in the present firm that are enumerated as under:
 Zero base budgeting: The particular budget is being developed for each year as it does
not carry out estimation by base year, so the as to carry out the organisational operations.
It takes into consideration all the components relates with the venture that is comprised of
income as well as expenditure (Jinga. and et.al., 2010). The specific element would be
analysed for the purpose of making a determination of its significance within the firm.
There is the presence of greater significance of each and every expenditure as there is the
lack of interdependency of any factor on other.
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 Incremental budgeting: The traditional approach is being complied with by varied
business who makes an analysis of the present efficiency of the firm by previous year
facts as well as figures. Such budget is in total dependent on another budget through
comparison of actual performance with the previous year so as to gain insight to the
increase as well as decrease that exists over the period (Coyne and et.al., 2010). The
budget is effective in making the forecast of the future expenses and losses to increase the
present performance. The accurate, as well as valid approach, would assist the statement
which presents that zero base budgeting has main motive towards seeking future business
opportunities through emphasising on present strength as well as weakness.
Comparison and contrasting three planning tools used in management accounting
There are several management accounting tools that are being utilized in planning
regarding increasing the current financial conditions of the firm that are enumerated in the
manner as under:
Throughput accounting: This is regarded as an important tool which is being utilised in
management accounting for the purpose of enhancing the power of decision making of all the
users within the firm (Harris and Durden, 2012). It is considered as the package of decision-
making that stress on several factors like dynamic, integration, principle based as well as a
comprehensive management tool for accounting.
Financial statement analysis: The financial statements are being prepared by the organisation
for the purpose of demonstrating the existing capabilities. The financial statement assists as
minor that demonstrates the image of the business in front of the external market for the purpose
of gaining an advantage over competitors (Faÿ, Introna and Puyou, 2010). The major emphasis
of such business is towards communication only financial performance through commenting on
the several streams like profitability, liquidity, and efficiency as well as investor ratio.
Decision accounting: This is a form of management accounting tools assisting in making
decisions to offers benefits of the firm. This form of accounting tool is being utilised in
enhancing the firm as it emphasises on a recording of the decisions that are being taken by the
owner in general course of business. The present approach would offer decision support system
that offers owner to make the selection of the appropriate option.
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Part B
A
Varied management accounting methods that are applied and their effectiveness in dealing
with the financial problem are given below. Variance analysis: It is the one of the most important tool of the management accounting
that is used by the managers at the workplace. By using this tool firm performance is
measured and areas, where it is not good, are identified (Hansen, 2011). To apply
variance analysis method at the workplace first of all standards are determined and then
actual performance of the firm is measured. By comparing both firm performances is
accessed and areas where there is a need to deal with financial problems are identified. Ratio analysis: In the present era, companies have to examine and evaluate their
performance regularly to examine their operational performance as well as financial
strength. Ratio analysis is one of the best and effective tools that assist Nero Ltd and
other business organisations to analyse their effectiveness of operations. There is a
different kind of ratios that can be used by the firm such as profitability, liquidity,
solvency and efficiency ratios (Ratio analysis, 2016). Every ratio quantifies a relationship
between two monetary elements which helps Nero Ltd to determine their performance. It
is considered as an effective way which can be incorporated by Nero Ltd to examine their
performance excellence and financial position. This technique aware company about their
threats and monetary challenges due to which, the company has not reported excellent
performance. In such respect, profitability ratios enable Nero Ltd to determine that
whether the company has generated enough profit or yield or not on their turnover.
Liquidity ratios guide firm about their capabilities to repay their deferral payments to
suppliers by identifying the relationship between current assets and current liabilities. On
the other hand, efficiency ratio reveals that how effectively managers of the firm had
utilised corporate assets to generate a greater amount of revenues. However, solvency
ratios reveal information about the corporate ability to manage financial risk by the
optimum and effective mix of debt and equity capital. Through all the ratios, Nero Ltd
can determine their financial difficulties and challenges and take appropriate decisions to
overcome the same and drive success.
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 Capital Budgeting: Capital budgeting is one of the most effectual techniques which in
turn help in resolving the financials problem or issues more efficiently. In this regard, by
applying the tools and techniques of capital budgeting such as payback period, ARR,
IRR, NPV, etc. business organisation can assess the viability of the project in monetary
terms. Moreover, such tool provides deeper insight into the business organisation about
the return which will be generated by it after the specified time frame. Along with this, it
also helps in assessing the period within which company will recoup the initial
investment. Hence, by considering this business entity can select the best proposal out of
several available alternatives. In this way, investment appraisal tools and techniques
provide clear direction to the firm about the project in which they need to invest money.
Thus, by evaluating the financial viability and profitability of proposed investment can be
assessed to a large extent. Such tools and techniques help the business unit in making
suitable decision in line with the dynamic business environment. Moreover, IRR and
NPV technique offers the solution by taking into consideration the time value of money
concept. Hence, the suitable and profitable decision can be made by the firm through the
means of investment appraisal which directly aid in the profit margin of it.
CONCLUSION
From the study and analysis of the topics of the report, it can be concluded that
management accounting plays the major role in decision making and is a very critical process.
Further marginal costing is the most appropriate method to calculate cost as fixed cost remains
unchanged on change in volumes. Further unlike traditional costing activity based system is
more appropriate and allocate cost on more scientific and technical manner as per the cost
drivers. Reconciliation between marginal and absorption costing is conducted to know the
differences in valuation of stock. Further budgeting is effective financial planning tool and helps
in coordination and cooperation of various resources. Comparison between various financial
tools I conducted to know their contribution towards management accounting. It can be further
concluded that financial problems can be easily solved by adopting the financial tools.
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Online
Ratio analysis, 2016. [Online]. Available through :<
http://www.zenwealth.com/businessfinanceonline/RA/RatioAnalysis.html> . [Accessed on
27th December 2016].
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