Cambridge Business Publishers

This textbook includes several special features specifically designed with the MBA student in mind.

Focus Companies for Each Module

The content of each module is explained through the accounting and reporting activities of real companies. For that purpose the authors incorporate a ‘focus company’ in each module for special emphasis and demonstration. Beyond the obvious learning advantages of focus companies, they engage MBA students with real analysis and interpretation. The various companies were selected based on the types of industries that MBA students typically enter upon graduation.

Focus Company by Module

MODULE 1 Berkshire Hathaway	MODULE 7 Verizon Communications
MODULE 2 Walt Disney Company	MODULE 8 Pfizer
MODULE 3 3M	MODULE 9 Midwest Airlines
MODULE 4 Cisco Systems	MODULE 10 Procter & Gamble
MODULE 5 Gillette Company	MODULE 11 Johnson & Johnson
MODULE 6 Hewlett-Packard	MODULE 12 Kimberly-Clark

Real Company Data Throughout

According to market research and reviewer feedback, one of the greatest frustrations instructors
have with other MBA textbooks is their lack of real company data. The authors go to great lengths
to incorporate real company data throughout each module to reinforce important concepts and engage MBA students. They also engage non-accounting MBA students in finance, marketing, management, real estate, operations, and so forth, with companies and scenarios that are relevant to them.

Managerial and Decision Making Orientation

One of the primary goals of an MBA financial accounting course is to teach students the skills to apply their accounting knowledge to solve real business problems and make informed business decisions. With that goal in mind, the authors incorporate Managerial Decision boxes in each module to encourage students to apply the information presented to solve real business scenarios.

Research Insights for MBAs

Academic research plays an important role in the way business is conducted, accounting is performed, and students are taught. It is important for students to recognize how modern research and modern business practice interact. Therefore, the authors periodically incorporate relevant research to help students understand the important relation between research and modern business.

Graphical Depictions for Learning

Graphic depictions of data are used liberally throughout the textbook to visually reiterate key concepts, introduce real data, and summarize key points.

Mid-Module and Module-End Reviews

Financial accounting is important and interesting, but it can also be challenging—especially for those MBA students that lack previous exposure to business or business courses. To reinforce the concepts in each module and to ensure student comprehension, the authors have included mid-module and module-end reviews that require students to recall and apply the financial accounting
techniques and concepts described in each module.

Excellent, Class-Tested Assignment Materials

Excellent assignment material is one of the most important components of any successful textbook (and class). The authors took great pains to create the best assignments possible. In keeping with the rest of the book, the authors used real company data extensively. They also made sure that assignments reflect their belief that MBA students should be trained in analyzing accounting
information to make business decisions, as opposed to practicing mechanical bookkeeping tasks. The assignments encourage students to analyze accounting information, interpret it, and apply the knowledge gained to a business decision.