P3 Business Analysis: Changes (Steve Skidmore)

- Relevant to all P3 ACCA candidates. Extracted from Student Newsletter, January 2009.

The Paper P3, Business Analysis Study Guide currently defines the exam format as follows:

This question is worth 50 marks and will be closely based on the capabilities defined in Sections A, B, and C of the syllabus, and supported by capabilities defined in Sections H and I. It will occasionally be supported by capabilities defined in Sections D, E, F, and G of the syllabus.

The case study scenario will always include quantitative information, which might include financial data.

Section B will include three discrete questions, each worth 25 marks. Candidates must answer two questions in this section. At least two of the questions in this section will be based on capabilities defined in Sections D, E, F, G, and I of the syllabus. At most, one question in this section will be based on capabilities defined in Sections A, B, and C of the syllabus. Capabilities defined in Section H of the syllabus may be used to support questions in this section.

WHAT IT MEANS?
Quote, “However, to provide more flexibility and to allow appropriate coverage of the syllabus, it is proposed that, from June 2009, the exam format will change to the following:”

Section A still contain 50 marks as the compulsory portion. The standard tests areas consist of :

STRATEGIC ANALYSIS : focusing on environmental analysis, business strategy, competitors and rivals response, ethics and culture.
STRATEGIC CHOICES : options available and to be evaluated on feasibility, suitability and acceptability conditions.
STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION : improving structures, parenting styles, Mergers & Acquisition issues.

Worth highlighting is the input of Processed Data where you are not expected to re-construct a new one but to recommend a redesigned format. Please note this is highly dynamic as Steve Skimore could extract any industry he so chooses. Its unfortunate to say that for full time student i.e. meaning with no industrial experience this is high disadvantageous. Primarily due to inability to visualise and appreciate work flows and processes.This means that answers becomes shallow and points provided lack richness in content.

To illustrate, a process data may state that important documents are moved around with no real value-added purpose. Construct a solution would be the normal question. Students will likely state, have the document stored in a single location and officersin charge to come and inspect them. This is not an answer but mere stating the ‘opposite’ to what case study highlights asa problem. Students need to first appreciate what is the importance of the documents? Can it be outsourced? Should it be eliminated in the first place? Then the answers should address the “need” of the process. More case examples will be provided in my Intensive Revision Class this 1st to 3rd of May, 2009 (Friday to Sunday). In view that there are no precedent case study other than the one provided by ACCA website, original case examples will be given by yours truly.

Section B will include three discrete questions, each worth 25 marks.Candidates must answer two questions in this section.there is no tricks here except that the emphasis should be on Human Resource Management, Configurations design and Paradimic Shifts theories.

In Brief: Steve Skidmore, being a former IT examiner of Previos Syllabus Paper 2.1 now can insert all his favourite models in the Professional Stage. Good for candidates who passed this paper as this becomes a foundation knowledge to answers in P3.

You can obtain the sample case study on : www.accaglobal.com/students/study_exams/qualifications/acca_choose/acca/professional/ba/technical_
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