Strategic Cost Management

Subject 306-670 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 3-hour seminar per week (Semester 1, Semester 2).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 306-660 Accounting for Decision Making or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof A Schulz
Subject Overview: Strategic Cost Management introduces students to the techniques and processes available to assist managers in planning and controlling organisational activities. It deals in depth with the process of identifying, measuring, analysing, interpreting and communicating information to managers in pursuit of the organisations goals. Costs are a primary building block, which students were introduced to in Accounting for Decision Making. This subject takes students beyond the simple context to a far more complex level and provides the technical competence necessary for students to understand the role of cost information in organisations. This course will specifically cover the linkage between cost data and systems and the organisation of activities in a range of manufacturing and service industries; how to match cost systems with activities and resource flows in a range of manufacturing and service activities; how to apply appropriate cost allocation techniques to a variety of costing problems; the development of strategies for managing costs as well as an explanation of the role of cost data in pricing decisions.
Assessment: One 3-hour end-of-semester examination (75%), one assignment of not more than 2000 words (20%), and class participation/presentation (5%). Successful completion of this subject requires a pass (50%) on the end of semester exam.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Describe some of the techniques and process which are available to assist managers in planning and controlling organisational activities;
  • Analyse the processes involved in identifying, measuring, analysing, interpreting and communicating information to managers in pursuit of the organisation's goals;
  • Explain the role of cost information in organisations;
  • Analyse the linkage between cost data and systems and the organisation of activities and resource flows in a range of manufacturing and service activities;
  • Apply appropriate cost allocation techniques to a variety of costing problems;
  • Develop strategies for managing costs;
  • Explain the role of cost data in pricing decisions.
On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:
  • Evaluation of data;
  • Synthesis of data and theory;
  • Using computer programmes, including web-based software;
  • Problem solving;
  • Oral and written communication;
  • Listening to other students with tolerance and engaging in discussion when appropriate.
Related Course(s): Master of Applied Commerce (Accounting)
Master of Applied Commerce (Accounting)
Master of Applied Commerce (Business Analysis and Systems)
Master of Applied Commerce (Business Analysis and Systems)
Master of Business and Information Technology
Master of Business and Information Technology

Download PDF version.