Easter eggs and Variances

Sun’s out… ice cream vans are back… but how does an ice cream seller decide how much to make?In this episode of PM in the PM, we break down a classic ACCA Performance Management scenario using a simple, real-world example:MaximaxMaximinMinimax regretExpected valueWith the added twist of perishable stock (must sell or throw away) and imperfect information (weather forecasts), this becomes a perfect PM discussion.

Before astronauts ever leave Earth, they spend thousands of hours practising. In simulations, under pressure, and focusing especially on the things that could go wrong.Passing# ACCA Performance Management #PM is no different.In this episode of PM in the PM, I break down what the Artemis II can teach you about:Practising in the right environmentTackling the topics you avoid — not the ones you likeUsing feedback properly to improve performanceAnd why sleep, discipline, and support matter more than last-minute crammingThis isn’t about working harder.It’s about training properly.🎯 If you want to pass PM, start preparing like an Astronaut.

In this episode of PM in the PM, Richard takes a different approach…Instead of showing how to run a good business, we analyse a terrible one.Welcome to F.O.O.L Ltd — where:❌ Costs are reduced at the expense of quality❌ Sales increase but profit falls❌ Transfer pricing decisions destroy group value❌ Zero-based budgeting is used the wrong way❌ Targets are unrealistic and drive poor behaviour👀 Through a “fly-on-the-wall” view of management meetings, this episode shows how key ACCA PM topics play out in practice:Variance analysis (and interrelationships)Sales price vs sales volumeTransfer pricing & goal congruenceZero-based budgeting vs incremental budgetingBehavioural aspects of performance managementKey takeaway:Performance Management is not about isolated calculations it’s about understanding how decisions impact the wider organisation.If you're preparing for ACCA PM, this episode will help you:✔ Improve your Section C answers✔ Add depth to your explanations✔ Spot hidden marks in exam questionsLike, subscribe, and share with other PM studentsFollow for more exam-focused content

In this episode of PM in the PM, I'm marking World Water Day by looking at the hidden costs behind every drop.Is water scarcity just a ‘planet’ problem, or is it a Performance Management one? We dive into the Three Ps (Profit, People, and Planet) and explore how Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) techniques like Flow Cost Accounting and Input-Output Analysis help businesses account for what usually stays off the books.Plus, I’ll show you how spotting externalities and using Non-Financial Performance Indicators (NFPIs) can be your secret weapon for additional marks in Section C answers.Stop letting marks leak away—tune in to see how dripping taps link directly to your syllabus

Performance measures are meant to improve performance — but what happens when they do the opposite?In this episode, we explore a real-world style scenario involving Ken and Barbie, two employees in the same organisation, and a well-intentioned performance target that ends up driving dysfunctional behaviour.Using this story, we break down:How employees “game” poorly designed targetsWhat ACCA PM means by dysfunctional behaviourHow this links directly to the Building Block ModelA must-listen for ACCA PM/APM students looking to strengthen their evaluation skills and avoid common exam traps.

Here's my latest PM in the PM podcast, where I explore why ACCA students should study 16 hours a day. 

Here's my latest PM in the PM podcast, where I take some recent events and explore how it links back to the PM syllabus. This week we are looking at Sports and the Illusion of Competence. And how we can become better at learning. #acca #FME #accaglobal #accastudents #accaexams #pm #performancemanagement #PMinthePM #PERFPOD #learning #neuroplasticity #CollectorsTrap #IllusionOfCompetence

Here's my latest PM in the PM podcast, where I take a recent event and explore how it links back to the PM syllabus. This week we are looking at how Easter Eggs can help us understand variances .

Here's my latest PM in the PM podcast, where I take a recent event and explore how it links back to the PM syllabus. This week we are looking at how recent issues at the car manufacturer Vauxhall (Opel) can help us understand the Balanced Scorecard performance measurement tool

Here's my latest PM in the PM podcast (link in comments), where I take a recent event and explore how it links back to the PM syllabus. This week we are looking at how one organisation's attempt at performance measurement made me a victim of crime.