Accounting 1B
Managerial Accounting

Instructor: Cheryl Furbee
Spring 2012
Revised 1/13/2012

Tentative Schedule
Blackboard
Publisher's Site

Course Description

Teaches the selection, use, and analysis of accounting information by managers. Covers cost accounting for manufacturing organizations, decision-making based upon accounting information, the evaluation of business segments, cost-volume-profit analysis, responsibility accounting, standard cost systems, and variance analysis.

Textbooks and Supplies

14 ed Managerial Accounting, 14th Edition, Garrison, Noreen, & Brewer, McGraw-Hill Irwin ©2012. The 13th edition is VERY different so it is not recommended that you try to use it.

In addition to the text, it is required that all students obtain an access code to Connect which is McGraw-Hill software used for online homework submission and grading. This program automatically grades assignments and provides immediate feedback so you know if you are doing the work accurately. If you purchase a new text from the Cabrillo Bookstore, it will be bundled with an access code to Connect Plus. Otherwise, you can purchase it online from McGraw-Hill via the Blackboard system. This creates a link between Blackboard and Connect so you don't have to log into both places. Purchasing it from McGraw-Hill requires a credit or debit card. Another option is to purchase Connect Plus which gives you access to the homework assignments as well as the ebook, narrated slides, and iPod content. You can also purchase this from McGraw-Hill via Blackboard.

NOTE: The publisher allows you to use the Connect Plus software for a 21-day free trial period. Once you purchase or register your access code for either of these programs, you will not be refunded for the cost. It is recommended, therefore, that you NOT buy or register your access code until after the add/drop period (two weeks). This allows for the possibility that, in the event you change your mind about the class, change class sections, purchase the wrong text, or personal events prevent you from continuing in the class, you can return a new text and code to the bookstore for a full refund, use it for a different section of the class or for a future semester. Also, this allows you to experiment with the ebook to see if this is something you would prefer to use rather than the hard copy of the text. Thirdly, if you have ordered a text online and not received it or you have financial aid that is not available on the first few weeks, you can use the ebook to get started. If you purchase the text before class begins, treat it well so it can be returned, if necessary.

BEWARE: Connect/Connect Plus is good for 5 months 27 days; after this your access will expire. Therefore, do not purchase/register it too long before the semester begins. If you purchase a new text online, check with the vendor to determine if this code will come with the text. Again, it is better to do all the registration via Blackboard after the semester begins.

The following is a list of the ways to purchase the text and Connect access code:

Access to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Also Acrobat Reader and iTunes which can be downloaded free (see links on the Online Orientation page).

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Create a basic costing system for a manufacturing or service organization.
  2. Develop product costs for a manufacturing or service organization.
  3. Apply various costing methods to develop a master budget.
  4. Evaluate the effectiveness of segments and responsibility centers.

Course Objectives

  1. Identify the cost components of a manufactured product and how product costing differs in service, merchandising, and manufacturing companies.
  2. Apply the concepts of cost behaviors and cost drivers used for predictions and decision making.
  3. Compare and contrast the various forms of budgets and interpretation of variances.
  4. Apply the time value of money concept to capital investment decisions
  5. Compare and contrast job-order and process cost systems.
  6. Compute and interpret various methods of financial statement analysis.
  7. Analyze ethical issues and their impact on accounting/business decisions.

Course Requirements

Please NOTE: The following is what has been "planned" for this course - there may be changes. All course activities and assignments are available on the weekly Learning Modules within the Blackboard system.

Attendance and participation in any class is essential. The only difference in this class is that you attend and participate online. Excessive absences (not logging in to Blackboard) and/or failure to accurately complete five or more weekly assignments throughout the semester may result in being denied access to Blackboard. This denial may be followed by a drop from the course at the instructor's discretion. However, if the instructor does not initiate a drop, it is your responsibility to withdraw or receive an F grade.

Blackboard is the class management system that will be used for communication, internet assignments, discussions, questions, quizzes, exams, etc. See the Online Orientation page for more information.

Homework - It is imperative to complete the Learn Smart questions, Excel work, exercises, and problems following each chapter since accounting is a "hands on" subject. You cannot learn the concepts by merely reading the book. Believe me, I have tried - it doesn't work!! The process of reading, writing, and calculating helps you master the concepts and theories. Additionally, accounting builds on each chapter. You will NOT understand Chapter 8 if you don't master Chapters 1-7. The text provides exercises that are designed to be short and related to specific objectives. There are also problems designed to be more comprehensive. You will use Connect to enter your answers. When finished simply submit and you will have immediate feedback. Complete the exercises, see how you did, learn where you need more work. You are given three attempts to earn the maximum points. Then do the same with the chapter problems. Again you have three attempts to earn maximum credit; the exercises/problems will differ with each attempt. Each chapter is worth between 35-40 points. You have fourteen days to complete each chapter. Requirements may change, if necessary.

starfishResearch and Discussions of various topics and of a corporation you select will be assigned, subject to change.

  Self quizzes and Practice Exams as well as supplementary materials such as Check Figures, Videos, PowerPoint Presentations, and Excel Templates are provided by the publisher. These are designed, of course, to help your understanding, provide a review of the text material, and prepare you for the exams.

Quizzes - there will be a weekly quiz . All quizzes will be taken online via Blackboard and will consist of multiple choice questions worth two points each and a some problems. You are allowed one hour to complete each quiz - if more time is needed, please contact the instructor. One week will be available to take the quizzes, generally from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. You will be given two attempts to take each chapter quiz. Each attempt will be created from randomly selected algorithmic questions from the Connect database so the questions will be different. The higher score will be recorded as your grade. There will be NO make-up exams.

Starfish Final Project - There may be a final project based on a selected corporation.

Grading

The following table contains the estimated number of points for each requirement. It is, however, subject to change. The actual number of points that will be assigned to each item will be available via Blackboard. It is expected that each person will complete their OWN work. If it is determined that you "cheated" (as defined by generally accepted college standards in the U.S.) on any quiz or assignment, you will receive zero points credit for that quiz and/or assignment. "Cheating" is justification for removal from the class at the instructor's discretion. You are encouraged to work together for many assignments but NOT on the exams.

Requirement
Possible Points
Connect
425
12 Quizzes @ 50 points
600
Internet Research Topics
120
Final Project
50
Misc. (approx and subject to change)
30
Total (approx and subject to change)
1,225

Grading Scale will be as follows:
 

Grade
Percentage of Total Possible Points
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
Below 60%
Withdrawal from this course is YOUR responsibility if you want to avoid a letter grade. Pass/No Pass (P/NP) is also an option if you inform the instructor. Be aware that often universities do not accept P for transfer; they require a grade.

Disabilities/Special Needs/Accommodations:
All students needing accommodations should inform the instructor ASAP. Veterans may qualify for accommodations. Wounded Warriors may have acquired injuries which, through the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), entitles the use of accommodations to ensure equal opportunity for students with verified disabilities. To determine if you qualify or need assistance with an accommodation, please contact Disabled Student Services, Room 810 479-6379, or the Learning Skills Program, Room 1073, 479-6220.