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2025/2026  BA-BHAAV1058U  Management Accounting and Control Systems

English Title
Management Accounting and Control Systems

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn, Third Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 70
Study board
Study Board of General Management
Course coordinator
  • Melanie Lucia Feldhues - Department of Accounting (AA)
Main academic disciplines
  • Managerial economics
  • Accounting
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 30-01-2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
This course develops the student’s ability to participate in a professional debate concerning the solution to a business issue. This involves structured thinking and presentation of arguments, the ability to analyze counter-arguments in a timely fashion and relate constructively to other people’s suggestions.
  • Describe the theories and models that are taught in the course
  • Apply the theories and models of the course in case study settings
  • Identify and analyze management accounting issues and management control issues
  • Evaluate management control systems and management accounting practices
  • Recommend courses of action for management with respect to their management accounting practices and control systems
Course prerequisites
The students should have knowledge of basic concepts of Financial Accounting

Please note that the elective course gives priority to HA students who wish to write their bachelor project in this elective course, but is open to others if capacity allows it.
Examination
Management Accounting and Control Systems:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 5 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Release of assignment The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
Duration 24 hours to prepare
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter and Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The aim of the course is to provide the student with both theoretical understanding and practical skills of management control systems and management accounting practices.

 

The course covers the following topics:

 

*Introduction to Management and Control

*Management Control Alternatives (Result controls, action controls, and people controls)

*Control System Tightness and Costs

*Financial Result Control Systems

*Performance Measurement Issues

*Financial Result Controls in the Presence of Uncontrollable Factors

*Stakeholder Welfare Maximization & CSR

*Corporate Governance

*Control-Related Roles

*Management Control-Related Ethical Issues

*Management Control in Not-For-Profit Organizations
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
Research-like activities
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Peer review including Peer-to-peer
Description of the teaching methods
The course follows a blended format with:

- Classical lectures
- Exercises based on real life examples of management controls systems
- Exercises based on the research articles in the reading list
- Case presentations and discussions in student groups
- One case workshop with video presentation and peer feedback

All elements are linked to the learning objectives and emphasize different forms of learning, reflecting, and applying theory.
Overall, the class is very interactive and focuses on both theory and problem-solving skills. Each student will be assigned to a group and is going to a) present one case study and b) discuss (and challenge) one case study solution throughout the course. Each group receives their own group homepage on Canvas to work on their presentation and discussion. All case study solutions will be shared with all students.
Groups and dates will be published on Canvas after the first session.
Feedback during the teaching period
The blended course format offers ample possibilities for feedback:
During lectures and exercises, students are provided with overall feedback relevant to every student.
During case presentations and discussions, students receive both group feedback and individual feedback (optional) to improve the content of their solutions and their individual presentation style.
During and after the workshop with video presentation, students will receive peer feedback on both the content as well as the format of their presentation. Peer feedback is further emphasized in classroom discussions and case discussions.


Student workload
Lectures 39 hours
Preparation 140 hours
Exam 30 hours
Expected literature

TEXTBOOK

  • Merchant, K. A.; Van der Stede, W. A. (2023): Management Control Systems. Performance Measurement, Evaluation and Incentives. 5th edition, Prentice Hall, Harlow.

 

ACADEMIC ARTICLES

  • Abernethy, M. A. (1996). Physicians and resource management: The role of accounting and non-accounting controls. Financial Accountability & Management, 12(2): 141–156.
  • Bellora-Bienengräber, L.; Radtke, R.R.; Widener, S. K. (2022), Counterproductive work behaviors and work climate: The role of an ethically focused management control system and peers' self-focused behavior. Accounting, Organizations and Society 96, 101275
  • Dechow, P.M. (2023). Understanding the sustainability reporting landscape and research opportunities in accounting. The Accounting Review (98) 5: 481-493.
  • Kaplan, R.; Norton, D. P. (2001): Transforming the Balanced Scorecard from Performance Measurement to Strategic Management: Part I. In Accounting Horizons 15 (1): 87-104.
  • Kaplan, R. S.; Norton, D. P. (2008) : Mastering the Management System. Harvard Business Review January: 1- 16.
  • Kvaløy, O.; Olsen, T. E. (2023): Balanced Scorecards: A Relational Contract Approach. In Journal of Accounting Research, 619-652.
  • Maas, V. S., and M. Matejka. 2009. Balancing the Dual Responsibilities of Business Unit Controllers: Field and Survey Evidence. The Accounting Review 84 (4): 1233–53.
Last updated on 30-01-2025