Learning objectives

Learning objective 1: To demonstrate an understanding of applied a research problems in management accounting, and prepare strategies for their solution

Learning objective 2: To demonstrate an understanding of applied research methods

Learning objective 3: To collect and analyse accounting research data using applied research methods

Learning objective 4: To design applied accounting research methods

Requirement

There are four (4) tasks and each task has requirements or questions.

All requirements or questions for these four (4) tasks must be answered within a total word limit of 2,000 words (excluding the reference list).

Note: marks are also awarded for appropriate referencing and professional communication and presentation (see the end of the assignment)

You should use the research articles or professional articles related to this course as the basis for the evidence or examples in the specific requirements of a question related to that topic.

You will find references within those articles that may also help you in answering the questions. It is expected you will use in text referencing in your answers to the requirements or questions for these four (4) tasks. Please remember to use the Harvard guide for a reference when you provide the source of your examples.

Task one - drafting a research proposal

You are a member of the health and safety committee at the Quick and Fast Courier Company. The company prides itself on its ability to deliver packages quickly throughout Australia. The company has offices in each state of Australia. Recently there has been a number of new staff employed, and changes have been made to the safety training for the new employees. At the same time there has been a significant increase in workplace accidents. The company wants to determine if the changes to training and the influx of new employees are related to the increases in workplace accidents. They ask you to carry out the research for them.

Requirements for task 1:

a) Explain, providing reasons, whether you believe, a qualitative or a quantitative approach is appropriate for this research. (While a mixed method might be a suitable option please choose only between a qualitative or a quantitative approach.)

b) Write a research proposal outlining how you will go about this task. In your proposal address the following:
- the objective of the research
- the type of data that will be collected
- how the data will be collected
- how data will be analysed.

Task two - analyzing data obtained from semi-structured interviews.

Twelve months ago your firm initiated a new procedure for booking business-related travel. There have been a number of complaints about the process. You have been given the task of interviewing 20 people who have recently used the travel system.

Requirements for task 2:

a) Provide three examples of questions you might ask in your interviews.

b) Once you have undertaken your interviews and transcribed them, explain the steps you will take to analyse the interviews to come to some conclusions.

Task three - mixed methods

Requirements for task 3:

a) Distinguish between explanatory sequential mixed methods and exploratory sequential mixed methods explaining when each type of research design might be appropriate.

b) Read the article by Freudenberg et al. (2014). What type of mixed method design has been used?

c) What justification do Freudenberg et al. (2014) give for the mixed method design they have chosen?

Task four - research in management accounting (Total 50 Marks -1,000 words)

It has been stated that "top level management accountants are now emerging as members of the most important business decision-making groups guiding major organisational, operational and strategic choices" (Sorensen 2009, p. 1271). Furthermore, in such a context management accountants need a range of skills and knowledge (Paulsson 2012). However, other research on the role of management accountants does not support the view that most management accountants are taking on a business partner role (Cooper & Dart 2013; Lambert & Sponem 2012).

Requirements for task 4:

Using the articles mentioned above and at least four other articles that you find, write an essay that answers the following questions:

a. If the role of management accountants has changed, how has it changed?

b. What factors have led to the changing role of management accountants?

c. To what extent is there support among accounting researchers that the role of management accountants has changed?