CIMA Education
CIMA
Exam Techniques Workshop
E1 and E2, Russia and CIS
12 April 2013
CIMA Education
Samuel Li ACMA, CGMA
• Started his career as an Executive Trainee with
Jardine Matheson
• Studied CIMA under sponsorship of Jardines
• Worked as a Management Consultant since 2008
• Joined CIMA in 2011 as Study Support and
Learning Specialist
• Specialised in Enterprise pillar subjects (E1,2,3)
and T4 part (B)
• Base in Hong Kong with global responsibility
CIMA Education
• Syllabus overview (E1 and E2)
• How CIMA examines
• Exam Techniques
• ASAP walk through
• Study Resources
• Summary
Agenda
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Syllabus Overview – E1
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Syllabus Overview – E2
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The Levels
Implement
decisions in the
Short-term
Analyse and ensure
successful
performance, in the
medium-term
Make long-term strategic
decisions and provide the
resources to implement them
successfully
Strategic
Operational
Management
First line
managers and
their teams
Middle level
managers
SMT
FocusCIMA Qualification
Levels
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5 – Evaluation
4 – Analysis
3 – Application
2 – Comprehension
1 – Knowledge
Advance
Basic
Verb hierarchy
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Skill examined for each level of exams
T4
Generally assessed at Levels 3 to 5
Application – Analysis – Evaluation
Strategic level
Generally assessed at Levels 3 to 5
Application – Analysis - Evaluation
Management level
Generally assessed at Levels 2 to 4
Comprehension – Application - Analysis
Operation level
Generally assessed at Levels 1 to 3
Knowledge – Comprehension – Application
Certificate in Business Accounting
Generally assessed at Levels 1 to 2
Knowledge – Comprehension
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Examination Format
• Paper based written exam
• 3 hours + 20 mins reading time
• Pass mark = 50%
Management
(E2, P2, F2)
A - 50%
5 Medium length Qs, short
scenario may be given
(10 marks each)
B – 50%
1-2 scenario based Qs
(worth 50 marks in total)
Operation
(E1, P1, F1)
A – 20%
10 MCQs
(2 marks
each)
B – 30%
6 Short Qs
(5 marks
each)
C- 50%
2 Scenario based Qs
(25 marks each)
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Common issues
Unable to
finish the
paper
Not
understand
the question
Wrong
answer
approach
Poor
answer
layout
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Exam Techniques
Good Time
Management
Using
reading
time
Knowing
the verbs
Plan your
answer
Please the
examiner
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50 marks out of 100 50% of available marks
50 marks out of 90 55% of available marks
50 marks out of 80 62% of available marks
50 marks out of 70 71% of available marks
Exam Techniques – Time Management
Allow 1.8 minutes per mark:
• 5 mark question – 9 minutes
• 10 mark question – 18 minutes
• 25 mark question – 45 minutes
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Exam Techniques – Using reading time
The examiners say……
“ There is little evidence that students are optimising the reading
time in order to score more marks”
Read the question requirements first!
Underline the verbs in the requirement
Annotate or highlight the question paper
Decide which questions to do and order to do
Open or write in the answer book
Use a calculator
Arrive late and miss the reading time!
CIMA Education
Level 1:
Knowledge
List
State
Define
Level 2:
Comprehension
Describe
Distinguish
Explain
Identify
Illustrate
Level 3:
Application
Apply
Calculate
Demonstrate
Prepare
Reconcile
Solve
Tabulate
Level 4:
Analysis
Analyse
Categorise
Compare and contrast
Construct
Discuss
Interpret
Prioritise
Produce
Level 5:
Evaluation
Advise
Evaluate
Recommend
Exam Techniques – Verb hierarchy
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• List – make a list of
• Describe – communicate the key features of
• Explain – state the meaning or purpose of
• Calculate – do the maths!
• Discuss – examine in detail by argument
• Evaluate – appraise or assess the value of
Exam Techniques – Verb hierarchy
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Exam Techniques – ASAP
The examiners say……
“Two of the main reasons why candidates lose marks are by
answering only part of the question, and by answering the
question they hoped for rather than the question asked.”
• Analyse the question‟s requirement
• Source your syllabus knowledge
• Analyse the scenario
• Plan your answer
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ASAP – Analyse the question’s requirement
(E1)P3 – March 2011May 2011 – Enterprise Operation Q3 Marks Time
(a) Describe the potential benefits of quality standard ISO 9000 certificate to
2TW
10 18 mins
(b) Discuss the factors that should be taken into account by the HR
department when redesigning the remuneration and reward package for
SBU managers
10 18 mins
(c) Suitable measure of performance for SBU managers will be designed as
part of the redesigning the remuneration and reward package. Describe
the desirable features of such measures
5 9 mins
Total 25 45 mins
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• Describe = Communicate the key features of
• 10 marks for part (a), so usually require 5 points (about 2 marks per point)
• Key terms are : “ISO 9000 certificate” and “potential benefits”
• Worth taking time to define key term such as “ISO 9000 certificate”
• 5 marks in part (c) means limited scope, expect 3 well explained points / 5 broader points
• Part (c) should focus on key features needed instead simply describing the role of
performance measure
May 2011 – Enterprise Operation Q3 Marks Time
(a) Describe the potential benefits of quality standard ISO 9000 certificate to
2TW
10 18 mins
(c) Suitable measure of performance for SBU managers will be designed as
part of the redesigning the remuneration and reward package. Describe
the desirable features of such measures
5 9 mins
ASAP – Analyse the question’s requirement
(E1)
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• Discuss = Examine in detail by argument, i.e. 2 sides of argument
• “Discuss” is a higher level verb (Level 4) comparing to “Describe” (Level 2)
• Students are expected to make fuller points
• Consider the pros and cons of the factors
• Suggest to write 5 factors (2 marks per point)
• Always apply to the scenario given
May 2011 – Enterprise Operation Q3 Marks Time
(b) Discuss the factors that should be taken into account by the HR
department when redesigning the remuneration and reward package for
SBU managers
10 18 mins
ASAP – Analyse the question’s requirement
(E1)
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ASAP – Source your syllabus knowledge
(E1)Part (a) – Syllabus C – Operation Management
• The benefits of quality assurance in terms of eliminating the cost of
poor quality
• Distinction between quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA).
ISO 9000 is a QA standard
• The benefits of certification and internationally recognised standard
Part (b) & (c) – Syllabus E – Managing Human Capital
• Incentive schemes – performance related pay, equity based etc.
• Non financial rewards
• Motivation theories – Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs
• SMART objectives
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ASAP – Analyse the scenario (E1)For part (a)Different operating efficiencies between SBUs
ISO 9000 requires an enterprise wide quality system – establish good practice
• Significant numbers of return goods which require replacement and reworking
waste money, loses existing customers and future referrals
• Pay bonuses on total sales generated
encourage short term focus, mis-selling and rush workmanship
ISO 9000 requires customers‟ needs to be properly identified and performance
measures to be introduced
For part (b) & (c) • Rapid growth in overall turnover but declining profitability over the past few years
Reward should be consistent with the aim of shareholders, i.e. long term profits
• Chief Executive fears a loss of control over SBU
Scheme must be transparent and easy to understand
• Current incentives are inappropriate
the target must be achievable but tough
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ASAP – Plan your answer (E1)May 2011 – Enterprise Operation Q3 Marks Time
(a) Describe the potential benefits of quality standard ISO 9000 certificate to
2TW
10 18 mins
Benefits of quality standard ISO 9000 certification to 2TW:
• More efficient processes
• Emphasis on process perfection (QA) not detection and elimination (QC)
• Reduced (ideally eliminated) rework costs
• Higher quality output, improved customer satisfaction and retention
• Enhanced reputation leading to increased market share in Europe
• International recognition, opportunity to sell worldwide
• Spread good practice
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ASAP – Plan your answer (E1)
Factors to take into account when redesigning the remuneration and reward
package (five of) :
• Profitability – SBU profit achieved (consider time lag between action and result
and possible impact on motivation)
• Consistency with company objectives
• Achievable but tough
• Quality – percentage of goods returned (reduce by improved process)
• Controllability – factors controlled by SBU managers
• Include non-financial rewards (total reward management system)
• Individual vs Group measures – encourage cooperation between SBU
• Cost to measure performance
May 2011 – Enterprise Operation Q3 Marks Time
(b) Discuss the factors that should be taken into account by the HR
department when redesigning the remuneration and reward package for
SBU managers
10 18 mins
CIMA Education
ASAP – Plan your answer (E1)
Desirable features of performance measures:
• SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound
• Link each element of SMART to 2TW with a brief example
May 2011 – Enterprise Operation Q3 Marks Time
(c) Suitable measure of performance for SBU managers will be designed as
part of the redesigning the remuneration and reward package. Describe
the desirable features of such measures
5 9 mins
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May 2012 – Enterprise Management Q6 Marks Time
a Discuss the rationale for TFX Company moving to a shared service centre
model, including the benefits and any possible disadvantages.
13 23 mins
b Explain how TFX Company should develop and build the new finance
teams, if the move to a shared service centre goes ahead.
12 22 mins
Total 25 45 mins
ASAP – Analyse the question’s requirement
(E2)
Listen to voice-over slide on CIMA website:
http://www.cimaglobal.com/en-gb/Students/Exam-preparation/Management-
level/E2-enterprise-management/Walkthough-answer/
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Exam Techniques – Please the marker
An example requirement:
“Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the
two alternatives proposed, clearly indicating which
one you recommend the company to accept.”
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Alternative 1
Advantages:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Disadvantages:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Alternative 2
Advantages:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Disadvantages:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Recommendation
The company should accept alternative 2.
Exam Techniques – Please the marker
CIMA Education
• Write neatly and legibly
• Use small paragraph and sub-headings
• Concentrate on the answers, not re-writing the questions
• Don‟t mix up different parts of an answer
• Space your work out
• Use blue or black ink
• Label your workings
• Cross out plans and errors
• Don‟t write notes to the marker!
Exam Techniques – Please the marker
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In summary common Errors
Operational Level Management Level Strategic Level
Lack of knowledge Relying on the
knowledge from
operational level
Recommendation not
adequately discussed
Poor formats In ability to discuss in
depth
Limited or unrealistic
options presented
Question spotting Totally Forgetting about
the business theories
and models
Doing it wrong
completely
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In summary while studying...
Operational Level Management Level Strategic Level
Know your theories Learn more Do not make petty
mistakes
Understand the
fundamental principles
Scenario reading
Learn the Proforma ,
formatting, answer
writing
Imagination ,
Spontaneity ,
professional competence
Link to scenario as to
why how.
Analyse, see both sides
of the coin
Conviction!
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Examination Format and Strategy (E1)
• 100% narrative, i.e. no calculation
• Most students do very well in Section A
• Fair performance in Section B
• Section C is always poorly answered
• Some people run out of time and did not complete the paper
• Time Management tips – Do section A during the reading time
• Use elimination method when not sure in section A
• Do section C before section B
Operation
(E1, P1, F1)
A – 20%
10 MCQs
(2 marks
each)
B – 30%
6 Short Qs
(5 marks
each)
C- 50%
2 Scenario based Qs
(25 marks each)
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Examination Format and Strategy (E2)
• All questions are compulsory
• Use reading time to skim read all questions and scenario
• Always read the requirements first
• Decide on the order, start with a question you are confident
• Make a brief answer plan
• Strict time management – 1.8 mins per marks
• Write enough – 10 marks question = 1-1.5 A4 page
• Avoid bullet points, use short paragraphs with headings
Management
(E2, P2, F2)
A - 50%
5 Medium length Qs, short
scenario may be given
(10 marks each)
B – 50%
1-2 scenario based Qs
(worth 50 marks in total)
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Study Resources
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Text book
Kaplan & Elsevier BPP
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CIMAstudy.com
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Past exam papers & answers
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• 2005 Syllabus past papers require login to MY CIMA
• Select „Student Information‟ links
• Examiner‟s answers are NOT written under exam condition
• They are fuller and more comprehensive than would have been
expected from a well-prepared candidate.
• They have been written in this way to aid teaching, study and
revision
• Use in conjunction with Post Exam Guide
Past exam papers & answers
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Post Exam Guide
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Post Exam Guide
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Past exam questions by learning outcomes
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Past paper questions analysed under learning
outcomes of the full syllabus
o Gives a feeler as to how learning outcomes are
tested
o Practice questions after each learning outcome
is studied
o Can identify knowledge / skill gaps.
Past exam questions by learning outcomes
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Financial Management Magazine
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FM Magazine – May 2011
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E2 Exam Q4 (May 2011)
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www.fm-magazine.com
FM Magazine - Online
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FM & Velocity articles
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CIMAsphere
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CIMAsphere
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CIMAsphere – Discussion / Groups
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CIMAsphere - Blogs
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Ask a Tutor Event
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Video on exam techniques and Study tips
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Self Study Guide
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Students page on CIMA Global website
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Summary
PASS
Syllabus (Knowledge)
Past question practice
(Technique)
Mock Exam
(Confidence)
Syllabus
Text book
FM magazine
Past papers
Examiner’s answer
Post exam guide
Velocity (e-magazine)
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• Practise previous exam questions
• Apply your knowledge to the scenario
• Strict time management
• Self-confidence
Summary
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• Practise previous exam questions
• Apply your knowledge to the scenario
• Strict time management
• Self-confidence
Summary