Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Back in Africa
This week the Guru is in Johannesburg. Next week, Harare and Lusaka. Contact your local CIMA office for details.
Monday, 8 August 2011
CIMAStudy.com questions
Stephen asked:
I'm using the online CIMAStudy. Is CIMAStudy and past exam papers sufficient material to enable me pass the exam in November 2011? Do I need the revision kit for F2 and E2?
By the way I got the Pass First Time book from Amazon, very helpful, thank you very much. But it contains no subject on CIMAStudy.com
Well, Stephen, I try not to make comments on specific learning products. I can, however, talk about online learning products in general terms.
Some online learning systems (such as CIMAStudy.com) are designed to be 'stand-alone' products. That means that they should give you all that you need. Others suggest supplementing the use of the online package with other learning materials, or are designed as a supplement (or 'add-on') to other study methods, such as distance learning or classroom courses. Whether this is true, however, very much depends on the learning style of the user. Some students simply can't function without a 'hard copy' textbook in front of them. Others find that they need to practise more questions than are covered by the online package they are using. It's really a personal matter, so only you can judge. My Learning Burst on studying online may help you to decide whether this method is for you.
A 'revision kit' is simply lots of questions, so you can practise answering them in the later stages of your studies (the 'revision' period). You can actually build your own revision kit, using the past exam questions (and answers) available on the CIMA website. The added value in a typical revision kit is that the questions are sequenced in line with the syllabus, so the kit gives guidance on which questions cover which Learning Outcomes. Some kits also have a 'commentary' about each question (and/or answer), giving you clues and pointers. Again, it very much depends how much time and effort you can put in - do you want someone (the publisher) to do some of the work for you, or do you have the time to sort through the questions yourself? I have a couple of learning bursts about choosing and using past exam questions which you may find useful.
Why was CIMAStudy.com not mentioned in Pass First Time? Because it's a specific example of an online learning system. It's not appropriate for me to comment, as I said, on individual products. In general terms, online learning systems work well for some students, and not so well for others. Online learning systems are slightly better than old-fashioned home study or distance learning, but not as good as having a lecturer in front of you to explain and teach.
I hope that helps. If you have more questions, please post a comment.
I'm using the online CIMAStudy. Is CIMAStudy and past exam papers sufficient material to enable me pass the exam in November 2011? Do I need the revision kit for F2 and E2?
By the way I got the Pass First Time book from Amazon, very helpful, thank you very much. But it contains no subject on CIMAStudy.com
Well, Stephen, I try not to make comments on specific learning products. I can, however, talk about online learning products in general terms.
Some online learning systems (such as CIMAStudy.com) are designed to be 'stand-alone' products. That means that they should give you all that you need. Others suggest supplementing the use of the online package with other learning materials, or are designed as a supplement (or 'add-on') to other study methods, such as distance learning or classroom courses. Whether this is true, however, very much depends on the learning style of the user. Some students simply can't function without a 'hard copy' textbook in front of them. Others find that they need to practise more questions than are covered by the online package they are using. It's really a personal matter, so only you can judge. My Learning Burst on studying online may help you to decide whether this method is for you.
A 'revision kit' is simply lots of questions, so you can practise answering them in the later stages of your studies (the 'revision' period). You can actually build your own revision kit, using the past exam questions (and answers) available on the CIMA website. The added value in a typical revision kit is that the questions are sequenced in line with the syllabus, so the kit gives guidance on which questions cover which Learning Outcomes. Some kits also have a 'commentary' about each question (and/or answer), giving you clues and pointers. Again, it very much depends how much time and effort you can put in - do you want someone (the publisher) to do some of the work for you, or do you have the time to sort through the questions yourself? I have a couple of learning bursts about choosing and using past exam questions which you may find useful.
Why was CIMAStudy.com not mentioned in Pass First Time? Because it's a specific example of an online learning system. It's not appropriate for me to comment, as I said, on individual products. In general terms, online learning systems work well for some students, and not so well for others. Online learning systems are slightly better than old-fashioned home study or distance learning, but not as good as having a lecturer in front of you to explain and teach.
I hope that helps. If you have more questions, please post a comment.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
How many papers...
CAUTION - THIS POST RELATES TO THE CIMA 2010 SYLLABUS, SO IS NO LONGER VALID
Taim wrote:
How many papers are there in CIMA? I'm a school leaving student and want to join CIMA, can you please tell me how many papers are there for me?
Well, that's a very BIG question, Taim. As a school leaver, I assume you will need to start with the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, then move on to the Professional Qualification. CIMA has lots of information on its website, but the simple answer is fifteen.
Taim wrote:
How many papers are there in CIMA? I'm a school leaving student and want to join CIMA, can you please tell me how many papers are there for me?
Well, that's a very BIG question, Taim. As a school leaver, I assume you will need to start with the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, then move on to the Professional Qualification. CIMA has lots of information on its website, but the simple answer is fifteen.
Friday, 17 June 2011
Which material (for CMGA)?
Sindhu Swamy asked:
I'm taking up CMGA exams in November . I'm really confused which book to refer (BPP or KAPLAN) . Please help me
Well, this is a difficult one! I'll do my best...
For any CIMA exam, you really have four options when it comes to study material; CIMA's own, BPP's, Kaplan's, or some produced by a local college. I can't comment on the last one, as quality varies so much, but any of the first three should be fine - they all cover the syllabus, and are aimed at getting you through the exams.
Which is best for you really depends on what you're looking for in your material. Some are more 'lively' on the page - more engaging. Some go into greater detail, but can appear intimidating (and maybe a little boring). It's very much a personal thing.
My advice, however, would be to do two things:
I'm taking up CMGA exams in November . I'm really confused which book to refer (BPP or KAPLAN) . Please help me
Well, this is a difficult one! I'll do my best...
For any CIMA exam, you really have four options when it comes to study material; CIMA's own, BPP's, Kaplan's, or some produced by a local college. I can't comment on the last one, as quality varies so much, but any of the first three should be fine - they all cover the syllabus, and are aimed at getting you through the exams.
Which is best for you really depends on what you're looking for in your material. Some are more 'lively' on the page - more engaging. Some go into greater detail, but can appear intimidating (and maybe a little boring). It's very much a personal thing.
My advice, however, would be to do two things:
- Try to see all of the alternatives, before you decide. Go to a good bookshop, and compare the alternatives. If you don't have a stockist near you, borrow from other students so you can 'try before you buy'.
- Go onto CIMASphere (the online forum) and see what other students think. Nothing beats a recommendation. Ask people, who are actually using the material, what they think.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Part b, after a calc you can't do...
CAUTION - THIS POST RELATES TO THE CIMA 2010 SYLLABUS, SO IS NO LONGER VALID
Anonymous wrote:
I am doing P3, what if I can not answer say part a - a numerical part of a question - how do I attempt to answer part b the rest of the question if I don't have the numerical part in a to refer to - can I use theory for recommendations ?
Easy one! If you can't do the calculation at all, or get stuck part way through, just 'assume' an answer. Write at the end of the calculation (or instead of it) "Answer = ......". Then, answer part b (the discussion) as if the answer to part a (the calculation) had been what you assumed. The rule is that you must still be able to earn full marks for the discussion.
Can you use theory? Yes, of course - base your arguments on the theory, as it applies to an answer such as the one you assumed.
You can't be penalised twice for one mistake.
Anonymous wrote:
I am doing P3, what if I can not answer say part a - a numerical part of a question - how do I attempt to answer part b the rest of the question if I don't have the numerical part in a to refer to - can I use theory for recommendations ?
Easy one! If you can't do the calculation at all, or get stuck part way through, just 'assume' an answer. Write at the end of the calculation (or instead of it) "Answer = ......". Then, answer part b (the discussion) as if the answer to part a (the calculation) had been what you assumed. The rule is that you must still be able to earn full marks for the discussion.
Can you use theory? Yes, of course - base your arguments on the theory, as it applies to an answer such as the one you assumed.
You can't be penalised twice for one mistake.
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