ACCA – Advanced Performance Management (APM) – Optional

The Advanced Performance Management subject is designed to reflect the strategic role of management accounting as a discipline for planning and controlling performance so that strategic objectives can be set, monitored and controlled. It recognises the impact of external factors on strategic management issues and covers the risks these factors present and how they can be measured and managed.

The syllabus introduces you to the strategic role of management accounting as a discipline for planning and controlling performance so that strategic objectives can be set, monitored and controlled. It recognises the impact of external factors on strategic management issues and covers the risks these factors present and how they can be measured and managed. From appreciating the strategic context of performance management and the impact of wider factors, the syllabus examines the issues relating to performance management information systems and their design. It also addresses the impact which developments in technology will have on the performance management and measurement systems used by organisations.

The syllabus then moves from performance management systems to the scope and application of high-level performance measurement techniques in a variety of contexts, including not-for-profit organisations and multi-national businesses. Having covered the strategic aspects of performance management and operational systems for the measurement and control of performance in a wide range of organisational contexts, you are then expected to synthesise this knowledge in the role of an advisor to senior management or independent clients on how to assess and control the performance of an entity, including the recognition of whether a business is facing difficulties or possibly failure.

The syllabus concludes with outcomes relating to the demonstration of appropriate digital and employability skills in preparing for and taking the APM examination. This includes being able to access and open exhibits, requirements and response options from different sources and being able to use the relevant functionality and technology to prepare and present response options in a professional manner.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, you should be able to:

• Use strategic planning and control models to plan and monitor organisational performance.
• Assess the impact of risk and uncertainty on organisational performance.
• Identify and evaluate the design features of effective performance management information and monitoring systems and recognise the impact of developments in technology on performance measurement and management systems.
• Apply appropriate strategic performance measurement techniques in evaluating and improving organisational performance.
• Advise clients and senior management on strategic business performance evaluation and on recognising vulnerability to corporate failure.
• Employability and technology skills.

Note: The Advanced Performance Management (APM) exam is part of the Strategic Professional Level of the ACCA qualification. No exemption for this subject.