This is from the “Accounting Makes Cents” podcast episode #65 released on Monday, 20 May 2024.
So I was checking out what my most popular episode was on this podcast. And I was kinda surprised that the episode titled “Case Study Exams 101 for the Overwhelmed Student” stood at number 1. I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised because in general, it is hard to start something, it is hard to start somewhere, especially if you don’t know what to expect. I hope that 101 is helping a lot of students out there, but it did give me a good idea to do another episode. This one is entitled “Case Study Exams 102 for the Overwhelmed Student”.
You’re probably wondering, “so what are you going to talk about now in this episode?” In today’s episode, I’d like to hopefully cover questions like: What is a reasonable timeline to prepare for the case study exams? What skills do I need to practise on to pass? Is there any new information since 101?
Are you ready, students? Let’s start.
Jump to show notes.
Question 1: What do I need to prepare for the case study exams?
So in 101, I spoke about the different levels of learners and that this ultimately determines what type of knowledge you carry as you go into your case study preparation. This is an important part of preparations, but learning or knowing the theoretical information is a good-to-have but will not necessarily pass you the case study exams.
To answer this question, what you’ll need with the preparation is to grab ahold of your pre-seen material. You need to understand the context of the case study exam that you’re taking. I’ve covered an episode talking about the pre-seen material in detail. But as an overview here, just understand that the pre-seen material sets the background and scenario for you. What you are to the company, what your job entails and what is expected of you.
Let’s start with students who’ve recently just done the OTs. The good news is, you’ve already started without you realising it. Remember those theories and technical knowledge you’ve accumulated whilst studying for the OT exams? Well, I am here to tell you that you did not gain that knowledge in vain. You’re going to need that knowledge as you take on the case study exam. I’ve mentioned this before in a previous episode that there’s some differing opinions about learning technical knowledge for the case study exams. I’m such a believer that one starts the case study journey, whilst you’re in OT. I think it’s like riding a bike, once you learn it, it’s kinda hard to forget it. Anyways, so that is the natural starting point for OT students. Aside from that, if the preseen is already out or is being released soon, that is your next starting point. Of course, knowing the technical knowledge won’t mean much without a business to apply it to and so this is why getting hold of the preseen and thoroughly reading will be your next step.
Now, having said that the journey starts in OT doesn’t mean that it’s useless for gateway students. For those unfamiliar with the term, Gateway students get exemptions on certain subjects on certain levels. Most of them get introduced to CIMA and have their first exam appearance for CIMA in a case study exam. So, there’s a lot to deal with. Different way of learning and studying, different approach to exam, technical knowledge, which you’ve literally skipped over. There will be some that you will know about, but others may be new information to you. I’m here to say that whilst it is admittedly harder because I feel that it’s all about using your preparation time wisely, it is certainly doable. Many students have been able to do it. The
starting point for Gateway, would be almost the same as OT students, except minus the time advantage. Gateway students will have to familiarise themselves with some of the technical knowledge whilst learning and immersing themselves into the preseen environment.
Additionally, since CSE 101, the FLP has been introduced. So there are a couple of other students doing FLP, and these students skip the OT exams. They do go through the OT material but not the exams themselves. It doesn’t detract from the path though, in that as an FLP student, you still have to go through the material and gain technical knowledge that way. So you would have learnt most of the theories prior to getting to the case study stage.
Question 2: What resources do we have?
Well, there’s a lot. There are free ones and there are paid ones. Both kinds are helpful and beneficial to students. There are of course some limitations on the free ones, but we’ll discuss it further when I touch upon tuition providers. There are many debates on the DIY way and the tuition provider way. And I’m here to say that it’s not just one way or the other. You can incorporate a hybrid way as well.
I normally ask students to do an assessment on themselves. What are your strengths and weaknesses? If you are the type of student, who can organise yourself and have the discipline to push yourself in line, then you can probably go it alone. But if you’re the other type of student where you know you’ll need help and assistance, then you should probably consider finding a tuition provider to help you. I also want to say that since we don’t know each other’s financial situation, that can also play a factor here on whether you should do it alone, or if you do it with help, how much help can you realistically afford. There’s a range too, so just bear that in mind.
Having said that, I’ve likened the situation to someone who’s fallen ill and may need a doctor for an assessment and a cure. The type of help will depend on your needs. You are likely the best person who’ll know what you need in terms of materials and resources. So if you need study texts, then you should get those, and if you only need help with the mocks, then that’s what you should get. Again, in the medical example, if you have the flu, then you should probably take flu medicine so that you’ll get better.
On the topic of providers, most would provide a free version of what they offer. Just check out the websites and you’ll find that the free ones will give you a taste of how good the paid materials will be. And you can base your decisions from there. I could offer recommendations and I do have some on my website, so I’ll leave this here.
Question 3: What do we need to pass this exam?
I think the usual – dedication, hard work, determination. The thing here is that ultimately, no one will be as invested in this as you will ever be. This is your future. I can say that as a tutor, I know we have influence in pushing students with regards their studies, we care what happens to the student. I mean, I’ve yet to meet a tutor who sets out to fail students. Ultimately though, the person that does the work and passes it, is the student. So I will say that it is dependent on how much the student commits to do this.
Show notes simplified
In this episode, MJ the tutor covers Case Study Exams 102 for the Overwhelmed Student. She briefly discusses where to start, study resources and materials available, as well as what is needed to get the exam done.
Resources and links:
MJ the tutor on CSE 102 for the Overwhelmed Students
MJ the tutor on I’ve Got the Pre-seen, Now What?
MJ THE TUTOR 