TEACHING NOTE Playing factory: active-based learning in cost and management accounting

Many students perceive management accounting topics to be difficult and boring. This is often attributed to the students lack of experience with the actual processes underlying management accounting theory. This paper introduces a factory simulation exercise and outlines the experiences of the author and her students with the use of active-based learning. The paper suggests that a factory simulation exercise can offer an effective and entertaining method of teaching management accounting theory and practice in an integrated manner.