BPP Blog

Still reflecting on how you did in the the December 2011 ACCA Essentials exams? Why not compare your experience with our subject experts’ views and share your thoughts in the comments below.

ACCA PAPER P1: GOVERNANCE, RISK AND ETHICS

The paper followed a similar format to the previous sittings, and therefore was largely as expected.

• Question 1: This was a long scenario based question with multiple requirements covering voluntary and mandatory disclosure, ethics, risk and internal controls.

Two from three optional questions:

• Q2: Mini scenario with multiple requirements covering corporate governance.
• Q3: Mini scenario with multiple requirements covering governance and risk.
• Q4: Mini scenario with multiple requirements covering corporate social responsibility.

To see what our experts thought of each question download the full BPP ACCA P1 review.

ACCA PAPER P2: CORPORATE REPORTING (INTERNATIONAL)

The exam follows the format that the examiner identified at the last Teachers’ Conference:

• Question 1: (50 marks): Group financial statements (with adjustments on other areas); remainder on ethical/social/environmental issues
• Question 2: (25 marks): Any area(s) of the syllabus
• Question 3: (25 marks): Industry question
• Question 4: (25 marks): ‘Essay’-type question on current developments, which may include illustrative numbers

As always the paper covered a wide range of topics from this very large syllabus. Overall this paper was considered fair.

To see what our experts thought of each question download the full BPP ACCA P2 review.

ACCA PAPER P3: BUSINESS ANALYSIS

As usual, the paper tested an ability to apply theory to practical situations. Close reading of the scenarios was essential but would have yielded plenty of marks.

• Q1: Internal and external strategic analysis, strategic evaluations, CSFs & KPIs
• Q2: Cultural web and process analysis
• Q3: Project benefits and lessons learned
• Q4: Pricing and regression analysis

Most of these are areas that have been previously examined or well flagged in the new syllabus. The only exception is CSFs and KPIs, which have not been tested for a long time.

To see what our experts thought of each question download the full BPP ACCA P3 review.

How did you find the ACCA December 2011 exams? Do you agree with our subject experts? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

To get personalised support with your exam results, join our ACCA Exam Results webinar on 16 February 2012.