In addition to the examples given here, the technical article 'Improving your Advanced Performance Management answers – part 1' (see 'Related links') gives a more detailed analysis relating to example 2 above, as well as an example of a weak answer to this question, which further illustrates what not to do in the exam.
A second article, 'Improving your Advanced Performance Management answers – part 2' (see 'Related links') provides an example of a candidate answer which would pass this question, demonstrating the key points needed to gain sufficient marks to pass, along with a model answer.
All of the Advanced Performance Management examiner’s reports are available on the ACCA website (see 'Related links').
Reading the question requirements
- Close reading of the exam question requirements is an essential skill.
- You should aim to identify the verb, which area of the syllabus is being examined (the key theory) and how you are expected to apply the syllabus area.
- The structure of the requirement can also help you to identify how you should structure your answer.
- Look at the marks available also as this should give an indication of how much you are expected to write