SBLACCA Paper SBL exam was - March 2021 Exam - Instant Poll and comments

I have the same issue, what kind of computer did you use? I used a macbook, i don't know if it only happened to macbook. it was so frustrating, ACCA should take those system issues seriously, we spent whole lot of time on preparing exams. They should use software has minimum issues, it looks like a lot of students have issues with Onvue. The last 15 mins is very important for us.

poppy13 wrote:

cherine wrote:My exam froze in the last 15 mins too, the 15 min pop came in and that was it, I couldn’t close it to continue.

Exactly the same for me and I lost 5 minutes down to it. They definitely need to change that

I also lost 5 minutes too. It still was frustrating.

Yes question 1 about the performance took up a lot of my time but I managed to write about the customer order per employee dropping and the usual ratios as well. I included that the trade payable days are less than the receivable days and spoke a bit about the liquidity issues too. But could anyone let me know what controls you suggested for the issues identified by the auditors?

I got the exact same questions as pfostiras. As someone mentioned above, the exam seemed too straightforward and it feels like the answers are in the exhibits and all we need to do is just extract the relevant bits and slightly tailor the answers. On the risk register question - my approach was to analyse each risk in the risk register in turn and note whether or not this risk should be accepted or modified. For this question i Used the PESTEL analysis. The PESTEL analysis was already done for us and all info was there and applicable to various questions throughout the exam. On the press release question i talked about stakeholder claims and corporate citizenship and i quoted the statement from the Director i think r production manager.

kenttan4320 wrote:Anyone has also find the financial & operations performance question weird whereas the F/S for 20X1 & 20X2 has such a small difference?

Yes there wasnt much of a difference. I mentioned the ratios were expected to change once the payroll expenses have been adjusted as they were understated. Dunno how great of a point that was but felt that it would be a matter of discussion in the board meeting.

Chris777 wrote:The PESTEL analysis was already done for us and all info was there and applicable to various questions throughout the exam.

I referenced to the PESTEL analysis in pretty much every question. May have repeated myself a few times

barbadoshk wrote:I noted the finance director had no experience or that none was given, but then never used it anywhere in the answers?

Same, had no idea how to work that point in to my answers

My screen froze in the last 15-20 min of the exam and i lost precious time hence points. Can we apply for mitigating circumstances ?

msarosh wrote:

barbadoshk wrote:I noted the finance director had no experience or that none was given, but then never used it anywhere in the answers?

Yes that's a good approach. I think this exam is all about exam technique and knowing the basics in terms of knowledge then its 99% application and using the scenario. I wish my tuition provider told me that.

My internet dropped off for 15 seconds half way through, I relaunched the exam, was put in a queue to be re-admitted, wasn’t re-admitted. I was only 2 hours into the 4 hour exam I’ve contacted the exam board etc to let them know but don’t really know where I stand…

I applied for mitigating circumstances last 15 mins could be difference from pass or fail

Mine as well, I wasn't able to open any windows, just continued to write what I remembered

Mine froze at the 15 min mark as well, took nearly 6 minutes to fix which I lost and then got really flustered as I could just see the minutes counting down and couldn't get my mind back on track. To add insult to injury, an invigilator rang me with less than 2 minutes to go, to ask me why I kept looking down at my keyboard!! Lost another minute and just gave up. Was so angry. I've applied for mitigating circumstances, the last 15 minutes are so important. What did people do for the press release question? It really threw me as I didn't feel the news paper article had anything I could work with and I hadn't covered press releases in the syllabus at all. Thanks in advance :)

Ashleigh wrote:Mine froze at the 15 min mark as well, took nearly 6 minutes to fix which I lost and then got really flustered as I could just see the minutes counting down and couldn’t get my mind back on track.

I just applied for mitigating circumstances. I would advise you to do so. There is even an option to select " < 15 min lost time due to etc.." so ACCA expect this type of issue. 5-10 min at the very end of the exam could easily mean 5-10 lost marks.

Even my exam crashed for last 15 Mins

Where to apply mitigating circumstances ? Can you please advise

KR2021 wrote:Where to apply mitigating circumstances ? Can you please advise

log into myACCA and click on my qualification (right below dashboard). You should see your exam progress and on the right side of the screen is the mitigating circumstances option.

What subject areas came up on the exam? Unfortunately I couldn't login due to technical issues and have to wait until June to do the exam!

Hi, who was your tuition provider please?

Q5 was about organisational structure? What is the appropriate solution for this question?

1. There should be 2 tier structure whereby the present Directors will take over the strategic role. This supervisory board should have a NED and should have knowledge in Risk governance as none of the current Board member have background in finance or risk governance. 2. The second tier of management should be constituted to execute tactical and operational decisions. It should either have the current functional level managers or should be recruited from outside and will report directly to the Supervisory board.

This happened to me in December, it is so frustrating!! And ACCA really couldn't care less, they just tell you to apply for a refund and too bad you have to wait 3 more months. Nevermind that you take time off to do the exams which costs money and causes a lot of stress.