26. Computer Projects
for Cost/Managerial Accounting
Presenter: Dennis Togo, University of New Mexico
Description: A criterion in
selecting computer-based projects is whether their use facilitates student
learning. For cost/managerial accounting courses, student learning benefits
when purposes for integrating technology are: (1) to develop a controller's
perspective to the organization, and (2) to generate information to better
analyze management decisions. Spreadsheet projects emphasizing accounting as an
information system provide the student with a controller's perspective to the
organization. With enhanced capabilities of spreadsheets such as Monte Carlo
simulation, curvilinear analysis, learning curves, and optimization using
linear programming are easily addressed. With Monte Carlo simulation, the
modeled outputs for key amounts such as NPV or cash borrowing can be presented
as a distribution instead of an expected value. Without performing a log-linear
transformation, curvilinear relationships such as the learning curve with its
learning rate can be modeled from actual data. The advanced capabilities for
linear programming extend well beyond the typical two-product scenario. The
student learns to model scenarios having more products and constraints.
Furthermore, binary linear programming will model "accept or reject"
scenarios. For example, this capability can be used when selecting among
competing projects within a capital budgeting constraint.
