Performance Management: Complete 5-Module ACCA PM Course

Performance Management: Course Overview

Performance Management with ACCA PM

Performance Management helps you use cost and performance information to support business decisions. ACCA PM develops planning, control and evaluation skills through practical cases. First, understand what management needs to decide. Then select the information and method that fit the task.

The course has five listed modules: specialist costing techniques, decision-making, budgeting, standard costing and variance analysis, and performance measurement. These topics connect the plan for a business with the results it achieves. Performance Management builds on management accounting knowledge by applying it to more complex choices.

Choose information that changes a decision

A decision often involves several possible actions. For example, a business may accept a special order or use its capacity for another product. First, identify what would change under each option. Then focus on the costs and revenues affected by the choice.

However, a figure in the accounts may not be relevant to that decision. Therefore, explain why you include or exclude it. In addition, check whether the business has spare capacity or faces a limit. The same order can lead to a different conclusion when those facts change.

Use budgets and variances with care

A budget sets out expected activity and results. Actual performance may differ because of prices, volume, efficiency or other factors. Next, use the case facts to identify which cause matters. Finally, explain what the difference suggests and what management should examine.

For example, a lower material cost may look favourable at first. However, the cheaper material may create more waste or customer returns. Then the wider result may be less positive. Therefore, connect the variance with operational evidence before praising or criticising performance.

A small workshop case to practise

Suppose a workshop makes two products using the same skilled staff. Demand rises for both, but staff time is limited. First, identify the limit. Then compare what each product contributes for the time it uses. This helps you frame the short-term choice.

Next, check the other facts. A customer may need a minimum order or have a long-term contract. In addition, the business may want to keep a balanced product range. Explain those factors alongside the calculation. A clear answer shows how the numbers and the business context fit together.

Now suppose the workshop changes its production plan. Compare the actual result with the expected result on a fair basis. Then ask why output, cost or quality has changed. However, do not assume that one manager caused every difference. Look at the evidence before forming a view.

Finally, choose measures that reflect the goal. Units made may be useful, but quality and on-time delivery may matter too. Therefore, combine financial and non-financial measures where the case supports them. Explain how each measure helps assess performance rather than just listing it.

Develop a clear practice method

Define the decision or performance issue.
Select relevant figures and a suitable method.
Show the calculation with clear labels.
Explain the business meaning of the result.
Assess assumptions, limits and possible action.

First, practise one technique until you understand its purpose. Then mix topics in longer cases. In addition, review written conclusions as carefully as calculations. Use the current syllabus for your intended exam session to plan your revision.

A useful study principle: a performance figure becomes useful when you explain its cause, its limits and the action it may support.

Performance Management study roadmap

Focus	Practice	Purpose
Costing and decisions	Compare alternatives with relevant costs	Support a reasoned choice
Budgets and variances	Explain a difference from the plan	Guide investigation and control
Performance measures	Assess financial and operational results	Judge progress against the goal

Offered By

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

Head office

The head office is located in London, UK.

Members

As of 2024, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has approximately 250,000 members globally.

Vision & Mission

The vision of ACCA Performance Management (PM) is to develop learners who can use management accounting information to analyse performance, support informed business decisions and contribute to effective organizational planning and control. Its mission is to build practical expertise in costing, budgeting, decision-making, standard costing, variance analysis and financial and non-financial performance measurement while developing the analytical and professional skills needed for effective performance management.

What is the eligibility?

Learners should have completed the ACCA Applied Knowledge examinations or hold an ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business (RQF Level 4). Candidates with a relevant accounting or finance degree-level qualification may also be eligible for Applied Skills, subject to applicable exemptions. accaglobal.com

Who can do?

anyone who is interested to learn about following concepts can pursue ACCA Performance Management (PM):

ACCA students, accounting students, finance professionals, management accounting trainees, aspiring management accountants, business students, finance graduates, accounting graduates, professionals involved in budgeting and performance analysis, individuals preparing for ACCA examinations..

individuals with the following designations:

Management accounting techniques, management information systems, data analytics, specialist costing techniques, decision-making techniques, relevant costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting and forecasting, standard costing, variance analysis, performance measurement, financial and non-financial performance analysis, divisional performance, transfer pricing, performance control..

Course Structure

The ACCA Performance Management (PM) course is structured across 5 modules, developing the knowledge and techniques required to plan, control and evaluate business performance. The course progresses from specialist cost and management accounting techniques through budgeting and control to performance measurement and decision-making.

Specialist Cost and Management Accounting Techniques

Decision-Making Techniques

Budgeting and Budgetary Control

Standard Costing and Variance Analysis

Performance Measurement and Control

Lecture plan

The ACCA Performance Management (PM) lecture plan covers management information, costing techniques, budgeting, performance measurement and variance analysis. Furthermore, learners develop skills in analyzing costs, preparing budgets, evaluating business performance and supporting management decisions. Through practical calculations and scenario-based exercises, they strengthen their ability to interpret financial data and recommend improvements in organizational efficiency.

Session 1:

Management Information and Cost Classification (1)

Management accounting principles, cost behaviour, cost classification, data sources and the use of management information in planning and control.

Session 2:

Cost Accounting Techniques (1)

Absorption costing, marginal costing, activity-based costing, cost allocation, cost apportionment and techniques for calculating product and service costs.

Session 3:

Decision-Making Techniques (1)

Cost-volume-profit analysis, relevant costing, limiting factors, pricing decisions, risk and uncertainty, and evaluation of alternative business decisions.

Session 4:

Budgeting and Forecasting (1)

Budget preparation, forecasting, functional budgets, flexible budgets, cash budgets, budgetary control and evaluation of budgeting approaches.

Session 5:

Standard Costing and Variance Analysis (1)

Setting standard costs, calculating material, labour, overhead and sales variances, interpreting performance differences and recommending corrective action.

Session 6:

Performance Measurement and Control (1)

Financial and non-financial performance indicators, divisional performance, responsibility accounting, benchmarking and evaluation of organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Learning Methodology

Berkeley offers expertly developed learning materials tailored to meet participants' needs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and optimal exam preparation.

‣ Tailored Material: Guides are designed to cover the entire syllabus, offering full preparation and deep understanding.

‣ In-Depth Content: Unlike superficial outlines, our materials provide fully developed theories and concepts, equipping participants with complete knowledge.

‣ Strategic Study: We help participants prioritize study time by indicating the weight of each topic, allowing efficient focus on crucial areas.

‣ Difficulty Levels: Topics are labeled as "Awareness" or "Proficiency," guiding participants to allocate time based on the required depth of knowledge.

‣ Comprehensive Coverage: Our materials include detailed theory and a glossary of technical terms to clarify complex concepts.

‣ Effective Learning Techniques: Visual aids and memorization techniques ensure long-lasting retention, helping candidates succeed.

Berkeley’s methodologies equip participants with the essential knowledge and tools for both exams and future success.

Lectures

Our lecture plan integrates structured learning with interactive teaching methods, promoting engagement and collaboration. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of concepts, fostering critical thinking and practical application in real-world scenarios

Practice Session

Practice sessions offer hands-on experience through guided exercises, enhancing skills and reinforcing knowledge. This practical approach ensures mastery of concepts, promoting confidence and competence in real-world applications

Mock Examination

Mock examinations simulate real test conditions, providing valuable practice and assessment. This helps identify strengths and weaknesses, ensuring thorough preparation and boosting confidence for actual exams

Berkeley Middle East Performance Standards

Evaluates and ensure the quality of the training program and all its deliverables. This is measured through the following indicators:
‣ Instructors' experience and style in presenting and explaining topics.
‣ Variety and balance of teaching methods (such as discussions, case studies, mock exams and videos) used in the course to ensure retention and to match the learning objectives.
‣ Level of interactivity.
‣ Feedback from program participants
‣ Full compliance with Institute standards and guidelines for preparation and study requirements and methodology.
‣ Progress reports from the training program provider.

What are the Exam Information?

Exam Format & Duration

ACCA Performance Management (PM) is a three-hour computer-based examination. All questions are compulsory. Section A contains 15 objective test questions worth 2 marks each, Section B contains 3 questions comprising 5 objective test items each, and Section C contains 2 constructed-response questions worth 20 marks each. The examination assesses both computational and narrative skills. ACCA Global

Exam Dates

ACCA Performance Management (PM) is assessed in the March, June, September and December examination sessions.

Passing Criteria

The pass mark is 50% for the ACCA Performance Management (PM) examination.

Exam Locations

PM is offered through ACCA-approved exam centres in locations around the world. ACCA states that its exams are available across 400+ centres globally, with the specific centre and address confirmed through the candidate's exam booking and attendance docket.

Success Stories

“As a strong advocate for education and human development, I commend Berkeley for its exceptional commitment to empowering future leaders. The institution stands as a symbol of excellence, innovation, and opportunity. Students who walk its halls are nurtured with knowledge, values, and vision—qualities that contribute to building a stronger and more prosperous future for our nation.”

- H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Al Hamid

Alumni Benefits

‣ Exclusive Networking Events: Access invitations to industry-leading events and thought-leadership gatherings featuring renowned speakers.

‣ Monthly Updates: Stay informed with a newsletter highlighting the latest research, events, and activities from the school.

‣ LinkedIn Community Access: Join the Executive Education LinkedIn group for networking and professional development opportunities.

‣ Educational Discounts: Enjoy a 20% discount on open-enrollment programs and access to workshops focused on emerging trends.

‣ Global Alumni Network: Connect with a diverse alumni community through the Berkeley School’s online network and engage in country and interest groups.

Visit Our Alumni

Is It Worth the Investment?

ACCA Performance Management (PM) is a valuable investment for learners seeking to strengthen their management accounting and business performance skills. The course develops practical capabilities in costing, decision-making, budgeting, variance analysis, performance evaluation and control, helping learners apply accounting information to real business situations. It also builds on the knowledge gained through ACCA Management Accounting (MA) and provides an important foundation for the more advanced Performance Management concepts covered later in the ACCA pathway.

Progression Pathway:

Applied Knowledge → Applied Skills (PM) → Strategic Professional → Advanced Performance Management (APM) / Other Options → ACCA Membership requirements.
ACCA Performance Management (PM) is an Applied Skills examination. After completing the Applied Skills level, learners can progress to the Strategic Professional level, which includes Strategic Business Leader (SBL), Strategic Business Reporting (SBR), and two Options exams. Advanced Performance Management (APM) is one of the Strategic Professional Options and builds directly on knowledge developed in PM.

What You Earn

Upon successfully completing the ACCA Performance Management (PM) examination, candidates receive an official ACCA exam result confirming their achievement.

Specialist Costing Techniques

Apply advanced management accounting techniques including activity-based costing, target costing, life-cycle costing and throughput accounting.

Budgeting & Control

Explore budgeting systems, forecasting, standard costing, variance analysis and performance evaluation for planning and control.

Performance Measurement & Control

Evaluate financial and non-financial performance across private, public and not-for-profit organizations, including divisional performance and transfer pricing.

Related courses

ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

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FAQ: ACCA Performance Management (PM)

What is ACCA Performance Management (PM)?

What are the main areas covered in ACCA PM?

How does ACCA PM build on Management Accounting (MA)?

Does ACCA PM involve numerical calculations?

What is relevant costing in ACCA PM?

What does budgeting cover in ACCA PM?

Why is variance analysis important in ACCA PM?

What is standard costing?

Does ACCA PM cover non-financial performance measures?

What are responsibility centres in performance management?

How can ACCA PM support management decision-making?

What skills can learners develop through ACCA Performance Management?

BERKELEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ARTS & SCIENCES

ACCA Performance Management (PM)

Performance Management: Course Overview

Performance Management with ACCA PM

Choose information that changes a decision

Use budgets and variances with care

A small workshop case to practise

Develop a clear practice method

Performance Management study roadmap

Table of contents

Offered By

Head office

Members

Vision & Mission

What is the eligibility?

Who can do?

Course Structure

Lecture plan

Session 1:

Session 2:

Session 3:

Session 4:

Session 5:

Session 6:

Learning Methodology

Berkeley Middle East Performance Standards

What are the Exam Information?

ACCA Performance Management (PM)

ACCA Performance Management (PM)

ACCA Performance Management (PM)

ACCA Performance Management (PM)

Success Stories

Alumni Benefits

Is It Worth the Investment?

Progression Pathway:

What You Earn

Specialist Costing Techniques

Budgeting & Control

Performance Measurement & Control

Related courses

FAQ: ACCA Performance Management (PM)

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