Cracking Case - How to Pass the ACA Case Study (July 2016)

New fully revised and updated edition of our popular and student-focused guide to passing this unusual examination. We have extensively revised the text to take into account the lessons learned from the latest examination (Cyclone Cycles Limited, November 2015) and have updated all tips, advice and planning sheets for the learning points raised by this examination.

For this new July 2016 edition of “Cracking Case” we have added 2 new chapters of advice: chapter 22 which contains some tips received from the examiners at the 2016 ICAEW Tutor Conference and chapter 23 which explains the best way in which to write your “Market Background” or “Project Background” paragraphs (assuming that you wish to use this technique). This new edition also further improves our popular and ICAEW prize winning "Planning & Reminder Sheets", lovingly honed and prepared to keep you focused on mark-scoring points.

Includes £20 discount voucher against our July 2016 live mock exam pack: 5 realistic mock exams based on the live July 2016 Advance Information, giving you 5 opportunities to practise your timing and technique whilst only reading one set of Advance Information (and the only set of Advance Information which really matters to you). (We are aiming to release the mock pack in June 2016.)

Explains the ACA Simplified "40 Task Approach(TM)" to cracking the ACA Case Study. Organised into 24 Chapters and 4 Appendices, this book will take you through our carefully designed and practical approach to gaining the marks you need to pass. Includes detailed "student eye" views from 2 students who increased their grades by 20 percentage points each between July 2012 and November 2012 using the 40 Task Approach(TM).

Our unique method is completely focused on the mark scheme and unlocks the secrets of a pass through a simplified approach which is radically different from the standard "4 Column Planning Grid" endorsed by other providers. Successfully used by the July 2014 ICAEW international Case Study prize winner who scored 92% at his first attempt and also by the 2014 ICAEW East Midlands Case Study prize winner who placed first in his region after attending our retake course (having failed first time with another provider).

This book is aimed at both re-sit students and first timers who wish to ensure a pass in this highly unusual examination.

See our dedicated Case Study website at www.acasimplifiedcase.com for our other Case Study materials, tuition and mock exams.

Detailed chapter listing:

£20 discount voucher for July 2016 mock exams

1. Introduction: This Book and Why We Wrote It

2. Case: A Brief Overview

3. Case: Some Common Fallacies

4. The Case Marking Scheme

5. The Correct Case Study Writing Style

6. Change in the Mark Scheme - July 2012

7. The 40 Task Approach(TM)

8. Patterns in the 40 Task Approach(TM)

9. EPIA, Diamonds per Box and Report Length

10. Planning Grids - Optimal Format

11. How to Write a Good Executive Summary

12. How to Write a Good Requirement 1

13. How to Write a Good Requirement 2

14. How to Write a Good Requirement 3

15. How to Develop Good "Practical" Recommendations

16. People, Press and Ethics

17. How to Approach Scepticism

18. Tips from the 2015 and 2013 ICAEW Tutor Conferences

19. Practicalities of the Exam Day

20. Plan B: What To Do If You Screw Up Your Timing

21. Useful Points from Our July 2015 Tuition Sessions

22. Tips from the 2016 ICAEW Tutor Conference

23. To MB or Not to MB? That is the question!

24. Final Thoughts

Appendix 1 - 40 Task Approach(TM) (Summary Version)

Appendix 2 - The 40 Tasks - Requirement by Requirement

Appendix 3 - Planning & Reminder Sheets

Appendix 4 - Practical Issues: The 8 Core Areas