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ACCT 315: COST ACCOUNTING COURSE SYLLABUS

SUMMER 2017

INSTRUCTOR

Name: Dr. Andrew T. Dill Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting & Finance

Office: BE 2041

Phone: (812) 465-1632 Email: atdill@usi.edu Office Hours: Please email to make an appointment

COURSE INFORMATION

Credit Hours: 3

Day: Online

Time: Online

Location: Online

Pre-requisite and/or Co-requisite: ACCT 202

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The theory and practice of cost accounting with emphasis on its use for planning and control. It builds on concepts of budgeting, standards, and profitability analysis introduced in ACCT 202.

TEXTBOOK AND COURSE MATERIALS

Lanen, W., Anderson, S., & Maher, M. (2017). Fundamentals of cost accounting (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. McGraw-Hill’s online homework manager, Connect, will be used for the course.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Given a type of organization, students should be able to identify the different roles an

accountant can play in that organization.

2. Given a cost accounting situation, students should be able to calculate the variables

included in the cost-volume-profit (CVP) model and discuss how they affect the

profitability of the organization.

3. Discuss the topics of job costing and activity-based costing (ABC) and how these

techniques are utilized in a managerial capacity.

4. Calculate and use standard costing information to analyze direct material, direct labor

and overhead costs.

5. Use the four capital budgeting models to make appropriate investment decisions

regarding capital assets.

6. Utilize differential analysis in assisting with managerial decision making with regards

to make vs. buy decisions, elimination of a product or division, accepting a special

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order, etc.

7. Given cost data, students will be able to develop a master budget and discuss how the

budgets are used in managing the organization.

8. Given cost accounting data, discuss capacity utilization and issues related to capacity.

COURSE FORMAT

Course materials (i.e., lectures, lecture outlines, PowerPoint slides, and other items) will be

delivered online via Blackboard. Blackboard will also serve as the primary method of

communication between the instructor and the students, and among the students through the

site’s group discussion boards. Questions or issues of a personal nature should be communicated

through email. Please check Blackboard frequently (i.e., daily, Monday through Friday) for

updates and announcements. Please note that I will not consider any requests to either accelerate

or decelerate the publication of course materials.

Homework, unless stated otherwise, will be assigned through the textbook’s Connect website.

Exams may be administered through either Blackboard or Connect.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Computer and Operating System: A reliable computer with an updated operating system

such as Windows 7, or later, or Mac OSX (or a tablet with similar specifications)

High-speed Internet Connection: DSL or Cable

Supported Web Browser: Google Chrome (other browsers may work as well)

Software and Programs: Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Java

Skills: Students should have proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel

Knowledge of Blackboard: It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with the

mechanics of this system. This course may make use of file downloading, online quizzes and

examinations, document delivery using the digital dropbox feature, and communication via the

built-in discussion board system. Extensive Blackboard tutorials and help information is

available both within the Blackboard program and on the USI Distance Education

Website.

GRADING, ASSIGNMENTS & EXAM POLICIES

Grading: In total, there are three exams and four homework assignments in the course. Specific point values are:

Points

Exam I 100

Exam II 100

Final Exam 100

Assignments 200

Total 500

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Grades will be distributed STRICTLY based on the following scale. There are no extra credit assignments for the course. Furthermore, no grades will be “rounded;” exact percentages will be used based on the point equivalents as listed below:

Grade

A

B+

B

C+

C

D+

D

F

Points 500-

450

449 -

435

434 -

400

399 -

385

384 -

350

349 -

335

334 -

300

< 300

Assignments: Homework assignments will be given throughout the session. The homework will

be completed using an online program called Connect, which can be accessed by following:

http://connect.mheducation.com/class/a-dill-usi-summer-2017.

If you happen to buy a used version of the textbook that does not include a Connect access code,

you will need to purchase one. For help purchasing a code, please visit the following:

http://createwp.customer.mheducation.com/wordpress-mu/success-academy-student/buying-

access-to-a-course/#.VLweKqbeNpk

You will need to register within the first two weeks of the course. If you need assistance with

registration, then please visit the following:

http://createwp.customer.mheducation.com/wordpress-mu/success-academy-student/registering-

with-a-registration-or-access-code/#.VLwYp6beNpk.

You will have unlimited attempts to complete each assignment before the final exam. Late

assignments will not be accepted under any circumstances. To that end, if you wait until the last

minute and experience problems, then you will not be given additional opportunities to submit

incomplete work.

Because the course work is cumulative in nature, staying current with the homework is very

important. Working problems enhances your understanding of the material. As such, the more

problems you work correctly, the more prepared you will be for the exams. You should NOT

fully rely on the homework as your only preparation for the tests, however.

You may work on the homework at different times (the assignment does not have to be

completed in one sitting) and the software will show you what you have missed and what you

have correct after each attempt. I encourage you to work with other students on the homework. I

must warn you, however, against just copying your classmate’s answers. To do well on the

exams, you will need to UNDERSTAND how two work the problems.

Exam Policies: The exams may be administered either through Connect or Blackboard. The

exams may consist of multiple choice, short answer, essay, or calculation questions. The

frequency for each type of question may vary among the exams. For example, one or more

exams may be all multiple choice.

Once an exam is posted, you will be given a three-day window to take it. The time limits for

each exam may vary. Please note that you will not be allowed to save your answers, exit the

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exam, and then return to complete the exam at another time. The exams must be completed

in one session.

You will need a reliable and fast Internet connection. Note that the reliability of your connection

is especially important since exams cannot be reentered if your connection is lost. An unreliable

Internet connection is not grounds for a make-up. Student error, computer error or

inappropriate actions (e.g., attempting to print examinations, which will shut down your

only exam attempt) that result in an incomplete exam will be graded AS RECEIVED by

your instructor. Furthermore, the exam WILL NOT be reset by your instructor for any reason.

Also, please note that the university’s system is not perfect, so do not procrastinate and push the

time limits on assignments and exams.

If sick and unable to take an exam, the student will contact the instructor before the examination

is given, if physically possible to do so. A doctor’s note that indicates the student’s return date to

the University must be emailed or delivered to the instructor as soon as physically possible. The

student must arrange a make-up examination date within twenty-four hours after he or she can

return to campus.

Failure to take an examination without notification AND written documentation (e.g., doctor’s

note) will result in an exam grade of zero. Makeup exams will be given ONLY in the event of

a serious medical or personal tragedy, and after discussing the situation with the instructor.

Quizzes: Quizzes may occasionally be given through either the Blackboard or Connect websites.

Points earned on a quiz will count as extra credit towards the upcoming exam.

COURSE POLICIES

Academic Integrity: Those students found guilty of any form of plagiarism, cheating, or other

breach of academic integrity will receive a zero for the examination/assignment and possibly a

failing grade for the course, depending on the type and extent of dishonesty involved. The

instructor may also pursue the option of initiating proceedings to have the student expelled from

the University for academic dishonesty.

Email: Email is not answered on a 24/7 timeframe; rather, it is answered during standard business hours only. Additionally, it is answered in the order it is received. Please do not wait to the last minute to make requests or ask questions via email, as they may not be answered according to your time constraints. Email messages not composed in a professional manner (proper grammar, mechanics, formatting and professionalism) will be deleted without response.

Personal Communication: Professional etiquette dictates that you interact with your

classmates, advisors, and faculty in a respectful manner. Informal, inappropriate, or

unprofessional language or behavior will not be tolerated and may impact your overall grade.

This applies to online interactions as well. Learn about the Core Rules of Netiquette.

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Syllabus Revisions: Due to uncontrollable and unforeseen circumstances, the instructor reserves

the right to make changes to the syllabus, schedule, assignments, or other aspects of the course,

with advanced notice to the students.

STUDENT RESOURCES

Career Advising: Career advising is available through your academic advisor or any accounting

professor. Please take advantage of this opportunity to discuss the career paths open to

accounting graduates.

University Support Services: The University has several support services that are available for

students. If you are having issues with your email, Blackboard, or anything else related to

campus technology, then you can contact IT help. The Counseling Center located in the

University Division provides counseling services for students with learning, physical, or other

disabilities. Academic Skills offers academic coaching along with tutoring and writing assistance

for many lower level courses. Contact the Academic Skills office to determine the courses and

hours of tutoring services. If you are interested in an internship in your field, then you can

contact the Career Placement Center. The David L. Rice Library provides electronic equipment

(including printers, copiers, and scanners), databases, interlibrary loans, laptop or tablet rentals,

wireless access, workstations, group and individual study rooms, and distance learning support.

The library also offers one-on-one consultations for those unfamiliar with its processes and

resources.

Student Handbook: All other academic and support services are located within the student

handbook. Please refer to student handbook at https://www.usi.edu/deanofstudents/code for

detailed information regarding advising, registration, financial aid, student and campus life,

counseling, career services, list of student organizations, and so on.

UNIVERSITY STATEMENTS

Diversity Issues: The classroom should be considered a safe space for all students. The pursuit of an intellectually open setting for class discussions is one of the goals of the course. Students should feel free to articulate respectfully different perceptions of the social world; however, belittling, abusive, and discriminatory language will not be tolerated under any circumstances. For more information about diversity resources at USI, please visit http://www.usi.edu/diversityresources/.

Disability Accommodations: If you have a disability for which you may require academic accommodations for this class, please contact Disability Resources at 812-464-1961 or email Ronda Stone at rfstone@usi.edu as soon as possible. Students who are approved for accommodations by Disability Resources should request their accommodation letter be sent to their online instructors. Due to the nature of online courses some accommodations approved for on campus courses may not apply. Please discuss this with Disability Resources to clarify as needed. Students who receive an accommodation letter from Disability Resources are encouraged to discuss the provisions of those accommodations with their professors before or during the first week of the semester. If you will be in an internship, field, clinical, student

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teaching, or other off-campus setting this semester please note that approved academic accommodations may not apply. Please contact Disability Resources as soon as possible to discuss accommodations needed for access while in this setting. For more information, please visit the Disability Resources website at www.usi.edu/disabilities.

Title IX Statement: USI does not tolerate acts of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence. If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, the University can help. It is important to know that federal regulations and University policy require faculty to promptly report incidences of potential sexual misconduct known to them to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and resources are made available. The University will work with you to protect your privacy by sharing information with only those who need to know to ensure we can respond and assist. If you are seeking help and would like to speak to someone confidentially, you can make an appointment with a counselor in the University Counseling Center. Find more information about sexual violence, including campus and community resources at www.usi.edu/stopsexualassault.

Class Withdrawal & Incomplete Policy: It is the student’s responsibility to officially

drop/withdraw from any courses before the deadline. The university does not withdraw students

from any classes. Please refer to the USI Academic Calendar

(https://www.usi.edu/registrar/academic-calendar) for specific dates. For more information,

please visit http://www.usi.edu/registrar.

Under special circumstances, students may petition for an incomplete grade. However, it is up to

the course instructor to decide if an incomplete will be granted. Students receiving an incomplete

grade will need to complete all course requirements by the agreed deadline to avoid an “F”

grade.

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SCHEDULE

Modules: Please note that the “Upload Date” column in the table below refers to the latest date I intend to upload the study materials that correspond to the adjacent topic. Depending on the pace of the course, I may upload materials earlier than the date listed. The course is divided into four modules, which are:

Module 1: Introduction and Overview of Cost Terms and Concepts

Upload Date

Topics

Relevant

Chapters

05/15/17 Class introduction -

05/16/17 Overview of Cost Accounting 1

05/17/17 Overview of Cost Terms and Concepts 2

Module 2: Cost Accounting Systems

Upload Date

Topics

Relevant

Chapters

05/22/17 Job Order Costing Systems 6 & 7

05/23/17 Variable Costing Systems and Cost Estimation 5

05/24/17 Activity-based Costing Systems 9

Exam Windows: Please note that the exams will be available per the following schedule:

Opens Ends Exam I 05/26/17, 12:00 am 05/28/17, 11:59 pm Exam II 06/02/17, 12:00 am 06/04/17, 11:59 pm Final 06/09/17, 12:00 am 06/11/17, 11:59 pm

Module 3: Applications of Cost Information (Part 1)

Upload Date

Topics

Relevant

Chapters

05/29/17 Cost-volume-profit Analysis 3

05/30/17 Short-term Decision-making 4

05/31/17 Activity-based Management and TQM 10

Module 4: Applications of Cost Information (Part 2)

Upload Date

Topics

Relevant

Chapters

06/01/17 Master Budgeting 13

06/01/17 Variance Analysis 16

06/05/17 Capital Budgeting Appendix