Smartbook
SmartBook is designed to help you learn the material before you begin the homework. Rather than simply reading the chapter from start to finish, SmartBook adapts to your understanding of the material by asking questions and identifying concepts that may need additional review.
When you open a SmartBook assignment, you may choose to read the highlighted portions of the chapter, answer the SmartBook questions, or move back and forth between the two. The highlighted reading focuses on the concepts that are most important for success in the course.
Each SmartBook assignment is worth 10 points and must be completed by the published due date to earn full credit.
Tips for Success:
- Read the chapter in smaller sessions rather than trying to complete everything at once. Learning is generally more effective when you spread your studying over time.
- Use SmartBook to identify concepts you understand well and those that need additional review.
- Complete the SmartBook assignment before beginning the homework. A solid understanding of the concepts will make the homework much more manageable.
- Because this is a compressed seven-week course, assignments must be completed by the published due date. Late SmartBook assignments are not accepted.
- Your lowest SmartBook score will be dropped when final course grades are calculated.
Homework
Homework assignments are completed through McGraw Hill Connect and are where you'll apply the concepts introduced in the chapter reading and SmartBook assignments. While the homework contributes to your course grade, its primary purpose is to help you develop confidence in applying managerial accounting concepts to realistic business situations.
Each homework assignment is worth 20 points and must be completed by the published due date to earn full credit.
Tips for Success:
- Begin your homework well before the due date. The goal is to understand the material, not simply finish the assignment.
- Working with classmates to discuss concepts and problem-solving approaches is encouraged. However, all work you submit should represent your own understanding.
- If you become stuck on a problem, you may submit your assignment to review the solution. You may then return to the assignment without losing any of your previous work, make corrections, and continue working. You may repeat this process as often as needed before the due date.
- Occasionally, Connect may require answers to be entered in a very specific format. If you're confident your approach is correct but the system isn't accepting your answer, don't spend excessive time fighting with the software. First, review the solution to see if the issue is conceptual or simply formatting. If you're still unsure, post your question on the chapter discussion board. There's a good chance a classmate has encountered the same issue, and I'll be monitoring the discussions and adding guidance as needed.
- Because this is a compressed seven-week course, homework assignments must be completed by the published due date. Late homework is not accepted.
- Your lowest homework score will be dropped when final course grades are calculated.
Exams
The course includes three online exams, each covering four chapters of material. Exams are completed through McGraw Hill Connect and proctored using Proctorio, so you will need a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection.
Each exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions worth 4 points each, for a total of 100 points per exam. The purpose of the exams is to assess both your understanding of managerial accounting concepts and your ability to apply those concepts to business decision-making.
Preparing for the Exams:
- Practice exam questions are provided to help you prepare. While they are not intended to be a comprehensive review or a replica of the actual exam, they are an excellent way to become familiar with the types of questions you may encounter.
- Exam questions may be drawn from any material assigned in the textbook, whether or not it was discussed directly in a video or class announcement.
- There is no time limit. Most students complete an exam in approximately 60–75 minutes, but you are welcome to take the time you need.
Permitted Resources:
These exams are designed to assess your ability to apply managerial accounting concepts—not your ability to memorize formulas or definitions. In the professional world, successful managers know how to organize information, identify relevant facts, and use available resources to make sound decisions.
Accordingly, you may use:
- Your personal notes (no restrictions on format or length)
- Scratch paper
- A blank Microsoft Excel workbook
- A calculator (although Excel is encouraged)
AI tools, websites, textbooks, phones, or assistance from another person are not permitted during the exam.
Academic Integrity:
Professional integrity is an essential part of graduate education and the accounting profession. Unless specifically permitted above, outside resources may not be used during an exam.
You are also expected to keep the contents of your exam confidential. Discussing exam questions or sharing information with students who have not yet taken the exam is considered academic misconduct.
Because exams are available during a scheduled testing window, make-up exams are generally not offered. If you experience a significant emergency that may affect your ability to complete an exam, please contact me as soon as possible.
Exam Corrections
Learning doesn't stop when an exam is over. After each exam, you will have the opportunity to complete exam corrections to demonstrate your understanding of concepts you initially missed.
For each corrected question, you may earn up to one point back by showing that you now understand the concept. The purpose of exam corrections is not simply to recover points—it is to encourage you to learn from your mistakes and strengthen your understanding before moving on to the next module.
You are encouraged to use all appropriate learning resources while completing your corrections, including your textbook, notes, classmates, office hours, tutoring resources, and other course materials. I am always happy to help during office hours, but I ask that you first make a genuine effort to work through the problem on your own.
Detailed instructions and an example file are available in the Exam Corrections module.
Please note that exam corrections are the only opportunity for earning additional points in this course. No other extra credit assignments will be offered.
If circumstances outside the classroom are affecting your ability to succeed in this course, please reach out to me as early as possible. While I can't always change course policies, I am committed to working with you to identify the best path forward whenever possible.