Signature Assignment
Creating and Using a Master Budget
Downloads: The following downloads include the Case Assignment and Excel workbooks in which to complete the assignment.
Budget Sample Workbook
Case Assignment
Starting Excel Workbook
Background: This case is intended to help students in a graduate cost or managerial accounting course gain an in-depth knowledge of budgeting by developing and using a multi-product, multi-period master budget. The case consists of two segments that can be used in conjunction or separately. The first segment allows students to create a master budget. The second segment allows students to use their budgets to make recommendations for improving company performance. Only a portion of the first segment will be required in this course. The use of multiple products and introduction of incentives to improve company performance add a degree of complexity above that found in most budgeting problems. Working on this type of case provides you with a greater understanding of both the flexibility of a master budget and of the information, such a budget can provide to decision-makers. In addition, the case illustrates the incentives for budget padding, providing an opportunity to conduct a discussion of ethical budgeting and potential consequences in a rich context.
Timeline: You will have three weeks to complete this assignment. The depth of this assignment will require you to block 1-3 hours per week to read, analyze, compute, and review the data contained in the narrative. It is highly recommended that you begin the assignment during week two. The Budget Sample Workbook will be discussed in class during week two and will give you a head start understanding how this budget assignment is designed. Chapter 8 in your textbook will also help with your understanding.
Format: The assignment will be completed in Excel on your computer. Submit the assignment using an Excel XLSX workbook. Each budget schedule is to be contained on a separate spreadsheet tab. You are to utilize the power of Excel for totaling and referencing/linking amounts contained in other spreadsheets. Your grade is based upon the accuracy and formatting of each spreadsheet. Cells must be referenced (aka linked) between cells and tabs; this is how you will show your work and demonstrate comprehension of the use and purpose of budgets. The Signature Assignment will be assessed a 25-pt deduction if cells are not referenced/linked.
What is Graded? In addition to the spreadsheet tabs, you are expected to provide a narrative recommendation for improving performance. This recommendation will be the last tab in your Excel file. Use Word Wrapping, Alignment, and punctuation for readability. The following spreadsheet tabs will be graded:
Assumptions
Sales
Collections
Production
Draft: A draft of this assignment is due by Friday of the third week by 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Upload your Excel workbook to the via the Draft Signature Assignment link in Week 3. Your instructor will review your draft budget and provide feedback. The draft will be lightly graded, the feedback will have a positive impact on your project grade. Use the following file name format: Last name Signature Draft.
Final Submission: The final version of this assignment is due on Friday of the fourth week by 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Upload your Excel workbook to the Final Signature Assignment link in Week 4. Use the following file name format: Last name Signature Final.