QUEENS COLLEGE OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

ACCOUNTING 306
Quantitative Techniques in Planning, Controlling, and Decision Making
Prof. Michael Stevens
Office: Powdermaker HallRoom 215 K
Office Hours: Mon. 1pm-2pm & 6:50pm-7:50 pm (call 997-5085 if door is locked)
E-mail: profmstevens@aol.com
Fall 2015
REQUIRED TEXTS: Managerial Accounting, 15th edition, Garrison, Noreen,
Brewer; McGraw-Hill, 2015, ISBN # 978-1-308-519746, (published in a custom
edition for Queens College, for Accounting 305 and 306).
Philosophy: This problem-solving, applications-oriented course is to provide you with a
sound conceptual understanding of the role that abstract and quantitative reasoning plays
within managerial accounting. Accounting 306 is primarily concerned with the
accumulation and analysis of relevant information for internal use by an economic
entitys management. It introduces various quantitative techniques from management
science along with topics from accounting and finance, some of which can be applied in
computerized spreadsheet models, to assist in planning, controlling and decision making.
Projects: [3] (10%): There are three required computer projects involving Excel
that will be discussed in class. In addition to a penalty of 50% for lateness, none of
these projects will be accepted after the last class meeting, resulting in zero credit
for the missed project(s). The projects will relate to linear programming (4%), time
series analysis (3%), and regression analysis (3%). These projects must be completed and
submitted individually. Dont staple different projects together when submitting them.
Make sure that your name is on each project.
Tests: [3] (90%): There will be three (3) equally weighted non-cumulative tests
(including the final).
Class participation: The tests will emphasize what is covered in class so consistent
attendance is strongly recommended. Note: If any student has special
considerations regarding taking tests, please let me know as soon as possible. (See
note below regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.) Each class combines lectures
with probing questions to encourage a lively class discussion and to enhance student
learning. Participation is encouraged and, if consistent and ongoing throughout the
semester, may improve a students final grade depending upon the individual
circumstances of each student.
Academic integrity: Academic dishonesty in any form including plagiarism,
attempting to pass off other students work as your own, cheating or attempting to

cheat during an exam can lead to severe penalties. Academic dishonesty is

prohibited in The City University of New York and may result in such penalties as
failing grades, suspension, and/or expulsion as provided at:
http://web.cuny.edu/academics/infocentral/policies.html.
Americans With Disabilities Act:
Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should: (1) register with
and provide documentation to the Special Services Office, Kiely 171; (2) bring a
letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This
should be done during the first week of classes. For more information about services
available to Queens College students contact: Mirian Detres-Hickey, Ph.D., Special
Services Office; 171 Kiely Hall; 718-997-5870 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Email
address: mirian.detreshickey@qc.cuny.edu More information is available on this
website: http://sl.qc.cuny.edu
The syllabus is on Blackboard under course information. Homework assignments, not
detailed here, will appear under assignments on Blackboard. Any modifications to
syllabus topics or assignments will be announced in class and on Blackboard.
I / Introduction to Decision Making, Cost Classification and Mathematical
Modeling
Chapt. 2: pp. 33-38.
One problem on Blackboard.
II/ Variable Costing
Chapt. 2: pp. 44-45; Chapt. 6: pp. 233-243.
Questions: 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, 6-5, 6-6 & 6-7. Exercises: 6-6 & 6-9.
III/ Segmented Reporting and Performance Evaluation
Chapt. 6: pp. 244-254.
Questions: 6-11, -12, -13, -14, & -15. Exercises: 6-4 and 6-7.
IV/ Cost-Volume-Profit Relationships
Chapt. 5.
Questions: 5-3, -4 & -7. Exercises: 5-5, -6, & -8.
4 problems on Blackboard.
V/ Tactical (Differential) Decision Analysis
Chapt. 12.
Questions: 12-1, -2, -3, & -6. Exercises: 12-2 (part one only), -3, -4, & -7.
One problem on Blackboard.
***TEST 1***

VI/ Linear Programming

Print diagram of my class examples feasible region from Blackboard and
bring it to class.
Two problems on Blackboard. Also, there is a cost minimization example on
Blackboard. Please print for class discussion.
VII/ Linear Programming (Spreadsheet focus)
Application of Excels Solver add-in and a computer project will be discussed
in class. Bring to class the computer demo example placed on Blackboard.
VIII/ Decentralization: ROI, RI, EVA, and Transfer Pricing
Chapter 11: pp. 477-486; Appendix 11A: pp. 512-519.
Questions: 11-4, -5 & -6. Exercises: 11-1, -2, -6, & -13.
Three problems on Blackboard.
IX/ Time Series Forecasting
Application of Excels Solver and a computer homework project will be
discussed in class. Please print from Blackboard and bring to class data for
the lectures example.
X/ Regression Analysis
Chapt. 2: pp. 38-43; Appendix 2A: pp. 67-69.
Application of Excels Regression tool and a computer
homework project will be discussed in class.
***TEST 2***
XI/ Capital Investment Decisions
Chapt. 13 and Appendixes 13A, B & C (pp. 621-631).
Problems and solutions will be posted on Blackboard.
XII/ Decision Analysis I (Discrete probability; expected value criterion)
Homework problems to be distributed via Blackboard.
XIII/ Decision Analysis II (Non-probabilistic decision making theory)
XIV/ Inventory Management (EOQ and Reorder Point)
Homework problems to be distributed via Blackboard.
***FINAL EXAM***