AF7023 - Financial Planning and control

What will I learn on this module?

Financial Planning and Control module consolidates current advances in theory and research into the field of management accounting. It will develop your analytical and interpretative skills concerning the practical concepts of financial planning and control and problem structuring, financial information and the practical issues surrounding the role of management accounting within an organisational context, critical examination of the role of accounting in the areas of managerial decision making, strategic cost management approaches, planning, control (including budgeting), transfer pricing, divisional performance measurement and behavioural implications.

How will I learn on this module?

The module will use a mixture of tutor-directed learning, group learning and independent learning. An interactive approach will draw upon the directed learning undertaken, and participants' own experiences in the taught sessions. 



You will undertake activities that facilitate applying theory to 'real-life' situations, critically evaluate, analyse, and make recommendations for appropriate ways for the organisation. 



Directed learning will focus on a range of activities, including pre-reading, interactive exercises, and engaging with the discussion board on the e-learning platform. Independent learning will focus on identifying and pursuing areas of interest about the subject and providing critical knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that will include extended reading, reflection, and research.



Critical reflection on knowledge, experience and practice underpins the learning and teaching philosophy along with the explicit development of competence. You are particularly encouraged to bring examples into the classroom to share. The module will also incorporate sessions delivered by external practice experts and academic experts in the field drawn from the Business School.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Financial Planning and Control module is delivered by an experienced teaching team who will provide ongoing advice and guidance on the module and your progress. You will be supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan, which outlines the formal sessions' structure and content and appropriate tutor-directed learning and independent reading. The module is also supported by an online Blackboard site which includes learning materials and additional resources (e.g., academic papers and recommended readings).

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

MLO1: Knowledgeable about theories and practices used in the areas of financial planning and control in an organisational context.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO2: Skilful in the use of professional and managerial techniques and processes



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO3: Aware of ethical issues impacting on business and professional practice

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment and feedback will take place throughout the module and take various forms including seminar activities, such as group tasks and discussions, group presentation, peer discussion and feedback tutor discussion and feedback, and self-reflection.



You will complete an individual assignment (3000 words), which will contribute 60% of the marks for the module. You will identify and critically discuss a contemporary issue of significance to the management accounting practice within an organisational context. You will conduct an academic critique of the topic/theories. You should apply the skills you have learned in the module, and other accounting and finance skills, to critically discuss and conduct an extensive literature review of the issue described. The second component of the summative assessment is a group briefing paper and presentation (20 minutes) on one of the contemporary management accounting issues, which will contribute 40% of the marks for the module. The 3,000 words individual assignment will cover MLO1 and MLO2 [PLOs 3.1, 3.2 and 4.1]. The group briefing paper presentation will cover MLO1, MLO2 and MLO3 [PLOs 2.1 and 3.1].

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Financial Planning and Control module consolidates current advances in theory and research into the field of management accounting. It will develop your analytical and interpretative skills concerning the practical concepts of financial planning and control and problem structuring, financial information and the practical issues surrounding the role of management accounting within an organisational context, critical examination of the role of accounting in the areas of managerial decision making, strategic cost management approaches, planning, control (including budgeting), transfer pricing, divisional performance measurement and behavioural implications.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
1 other options available

Department Newcastle Business School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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