P1-How to pass?
A few steps you need to take note.

1.Your answer must be analytical in nature. It means you need to write many impacts/implications of each issue discussed.

2.To write your answer scripts, firstly, you quote (1-2 sentences only) what happen in the case study, then secondly,write the CG principles/rules, then thirdly write the implications. Each issue must be written in just small paragraph. If the allocation of marks for each paragraph is 2 marks, the expected sentences could be 4 sentence (rule of thumb).

3. The allocation of marks is important too. You need to know how to allocate marks according to the "verb" instruction used by Prof.David Campbell. Level 1 & 2 verb = 1 mark, 1 point. Level 3 verb= 1 point, 2 marks.

4. You must able to distinguish the expectation of verb used such as Critically..... and critic, describe and explain. Each verb, the expectation of answer is different.

5. The pattern of Prof David Campbell questions are predictable. Always has 2 parts- the first part is always theory with level 1 or 2 verb and part 2 is application with level 3 verb. You need to spend more time on second part of question.

6. Each case study, the examiner has included many clue words- try to spot "negative implication words" such as None, Not, ignore, warning, against.....or any quotation provided by examiner such as "xxxxxx"

7. Concerning how to study, I teach you and the rest of students who fail the paper, firstly look at the pattern of the questions (could be PYQ or Revision Kit questions) to get a feel. Then, read the CG principles (UK CG code 2010 or Combined Code & SOA rules). Each topic, you have a self reflection, what are the features, advantages, disadvantages & reasoning.

With the above small advice and guide, hope you can pass in next sitting

Khor sc
P1 & P3 Lecturer at TAR College Penang

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Added on February 17, 2012, 9:43 amYou are advised to go for core papers first, then leave option papers later. The sequence has the purpose for it.

This post has been edited by Khor SC: Feb 17 2012, 09:43 AM

All right, I will come back more often to write some useful guides. Due to my tight schedule of teaching load-P1, P3 and P7, I could not promise the frequency of dropping a comment. Anyhow, I try my best..ya..The reason for drop a thread here is to help all the ACCA students regardless where are you from..Feel sad to see some students are helpless and do not know the right exam technique to tackle the questions. Follow my threads, on and off will put up some useful guides for P1, P3 & P7 and as well as F8 audit & assurance (killing paper)

Chow.

Khor sc
Lecturer, TARC Penang

Hi Caillech & Ks-fruit particularly and the rest of P3 fighters:

The followings are the useful information and guides for you to prepare for P3.

1. Steve Skidmore is a practical strategist who set the exam questions based on a real organization. (you can see these from his PYQs).

2. He and his marking teams are looking for practical solutions which must be justified by students in their answer scripts.

3. There is no absolute standard answer to the questions.

The above 3 points formed a basis for your answer script. Now I will share with you how to study and tackle P3:Read carefully:

Your time of study should be 30% Theory 70% Practice/Application.

A) How to study? (30%)

1.Understand all the business modals in the syllabus-Follow the sequence: PESTEL > SWOT/TOWS > Porter 5 FORCES > Porter's Diamond > Porter' Generic strategies > Porter Value chain > 7Ps >Mendelow >9Ms >BCG > Ashridge Portfoli Display >Strategic Clock > Ansoff Matrix >BPR> Gantt > Forcefield analysis. You must prepare to explain the models.

2. Ask yourself how to use those models and when to use.

3. Remember, when you study each chapter, focus on How and Why rather than just what is this and that. Because, Steve expects students to apply not knowing what.

Practice questions
1. Fast reading
2. Drawing a small mind map
3. Writing in time constraint.
4. Exchange marking the script with your friends



Examination
1. I always ask my students to begin section B first because they are shorter and able to gain confidence at the beginning stage. Then only move to section A-Question 1 (more than 3 pages)

2. Of cause you must always to stick to time allocation 1.8 minutes for 1 mark. Stop writing for that question if time allocation is up, just leave a few lines. You must attempt all the questions.

3.As usual, read the verb requirement first and allocation of marks and time accordingly (I think you have done that)

4. Reading the long case study-Q1. A lot students do not have the technique. Follow this:-

-Use 1 page of your answer booklet for planning. On top, just write planning for Q1.
-Draw a simple mind map. The center word is the content of question. For example,DEC 2009 (a) Analyse the primary activities of the value chain for the product range at IL. (10 marks)

Center word is Primary Act

-Each sub-question has a small mind map.
-Next, read the case study and pick up words that can be used to link to your mind map.
-Use the content of case study to support and justify your answers.
-Ask yourself, how this information is here? and how can I use it?
-If figures are given to you, you should calculate the percentage and use it. Don't miss the opportunity to gain marks.
-Your consideration must be from quantitative to qualitative, from management, econ, finance to HR & IT. This is because business is about all factors.

5. When you start to write your answer script, relook at the verb again to ensure you present according to the verb requirement.

6. There is no standardized writing format for P3 but I always recommend to my students to follow this:
-State the theory or model first
-answer how this model used here
- implications/impacts of such practice
-business solutions and its pro and con.


7. Each part of your answer must be small paragraph with a sub-title. and towards the end a simple conclusion should be made to close the argument.

With the above tips of study and tackle the papers, I wish all the P3 candidates could benefits from my teaching experience on how to handle this paper.

bye.

Khor SC
P1, P3 & P7 Lecturer at TARC Penang Campus

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Added on February 18, 2012, 1:36 pmpls check the following thread...

This post has been edited by Khor SC: Feb 18 2012, 01:36 PM