Learning Bursts go live!

As promised, the 'Learning Bursts' (my online learning resource) are now LIVE. Click on the 'Learning Bursts' link under 'Pages' at the right of this page to find out more.
***CAUTION - SOME OF THESE RELATE TO THE PREVIOUS (2010) SYLLABUS***

Learning bursts - coming soon

Keep a look-out on here for my next project. I've been developing a series of narrated presentations ('Learning bursts') on various aspects of exam technique. The learning bursts play as videos, with audio commentary, and will be available soon for live streaming. I'll keep you posted - we're just trying to get the technology sorted.

More on numbers in E3

CAUTION - THIS POST RELATES TO THE CIMA 2010 SYLLABUS, SO IS NO LONGER VALID


I just had a thought, relating to the post below, about numbers in E3 and P3. Some time ago, I wrote an article about calculations in E3 for Financial Management magazine. Obviously I'm no longer the E3 examiner, but I think the article is still a valid summary.

Problems with E3 and P3

CAUTION - THIS POST RELATES TO THE CIMA 2010 SYLLABUS, SO IS NO LONGER VALID


Leevan wrote:

I am currently in Strategic Level papers. I got through my F3 paper last May 2010 but unfortunately I wasn't successful in E3 and P3. I made a second attempt for both of these papers last Nov 2010 but it wasn't successful as well. I got 40 and 46 for both E3 and P3. CIMA gave me the breakdown of marks for both of these papers. For E3 I got 19 for Q1, 11 for Q2 and 10 for Q3. For P3 I got 17 for Q1, 15 for Q2 and 14 for Q3.

I attempted quite a number of pass year question before facing the exams. I honestly don't know what went wrong. Please advise me what I should be doing to pass these 2 papers next May.

P.S I am taking the exams in Malaysia
 
Well, Leevan, you are not alone. A lot of students have problems with E3 and P3, as they are both very practical exams. The trick, with both of them, is to take a practical approach that is informed by theory, rather than just writing about the theories themselves. Your marks breakdown suggests poor performance on all questions, but a serious issue with question 1. I would suggest the following:

1. Take a look at the way you approach the numerical parts of question 1. At the Strategic Level you need to be able to add value to the calculations. It's common to get only 1/2 to 1 mark for each step of the calculation, but up to 2 further marks for analysis and comment. There are frequently more marks for analysis than for the calculation itself. What do the numbers mean? What issues might the numbers indicate? What could or should the organisation consider? Look back at the post-exam guides for the appropriate papers, to see how the marks are awarded.
2. Make sure that you are familiar with how to use the pre-seen material in question 1.
3. Concentrate on answering the questions, rather than trying to cram your answers full of theories. The theories are just tools to help us solve problems.
4. Get some feedback. Find a college or tutor that is willing to mark your questions, and advise where you are going wrong. Practising questions is fine but, without feedback, you don't really learn from them.
5. Watch my exam techniques video, on the CIMA website - it is very relevant to E3 and P3.

I hope this helps.

November results, and extra resit exams

CAUTION - THIS POST RELATES TO THE CIMA 2010 SYLLABUS, SO IS NO LONGER VALID


Well, the results are out for the November 2010 exams. A bit of a mixed bag, with some up and some down. Congratulations to those of you who passed, and condolences to those of you who will have to try again.

Talking of trying again - I notice that the March resit exams have been expanded to include E2 and F2. At present, this sitting is only available in the UK, but it seems that CIMA may have a plan to offer it elsewhere.

CIMA says

"CIMA will continue to look to extending this pilot in the future to benefit all of our stakeholders."

So, what do you think? Four sittings a year, everywhere? Do you think that's a good idea? Let me know...