F5 exam tips – June 2013 (Bpp, Kaplan, LSBF, First Intuition, Becker)

Exam tips are out! Enjoy but do not rely on them.

Kaplan
• Environmental Management Accounting
• Throughput accounting and TOC
• Learning curves
• Variances: Sales Variances, Market size and market share
• Decision Trees
• Pricing Equations and Pricing strategies
• Activity based budgeting
• Non Financial Performance Indicators

BPP

There will be 5 compulsory questions, each worth 20 marks. It is likely that one of these will be entirely written, with the others being a mixture of discursive and numerical requirements. This means that it is essential to practice written questions as well as numerical ones when studying for F5.
The syllabus for this paper is very broad, an understanding of all areas is necessary to pass the exam. It would be reasonable to expect one topic from each of the five syllabus areas to be tested. The examiner has repeatedly stated that question spotting is not a suitable way to approach F5. I believe that time spent trying to guess what is going to be in the exam would be better spent revising one additional topic.
Even with this in mind there are some general themes which crop up in most exams: variances have always been tested historically. Given the syllabus changes for 2013 it is likely that mix and yield and/or planning and operational variances will be tested.
Additionally performance management in the form of appraisal of a company or divisions within one company is a regular feature. This may include transfer pricing or the use of ROI and RI.

Opentuition

Throughput Accounting
Linear programming (or Decision making under uncertainty, with a small decision tree)
Mix & Yield Variances
Performance measurement – financial, non-financial, and divisionalised
Budgeting / Learning curves

LSBF

* Throughput accounting/lifecycle accounting.
* Linear programming/decision tree analysis.
* Zero based budgets/flexible budgets.
* Sales variances/mix and yield variances.
* Performance evaluation in services/non profit organisations.

First Intuition

* Throughput accounting.
* Environmental accounting.
* Limiting factors.
* Decision trees.
* Budgeting and learning curves.
* Variances (including sales mix and quantity) and budget flexing.
* Divisional performance and transfer pricing.

Becker

• Section A – throughput accounting and or environmental management accounting.
• Section B – decision trees.
• Section C – a calculation including activity based budgeting.
• Section D – mix and yield variances, along with discussion.
• Section E – performance measurement in non-profit organsiations.

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Source: https://www.pqaccountant.com/
https://www.kaplan-exam-tips.com/acca/

Very best of luck with your exams!
ansi