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| Must read tips for your next CIMA case study exams |
The latest examiner's report is always a vital tool for students wishing to pass the CIMA case study exams
The report notes that there is evidence of "answers missing or only briefly addressed in some cases; often in the more technical areas. This is either due to a lack of technical knowledge or possibly the result of candidates not reading the question properly."
Read the Question!
So, there is little evidence of time management issues, but it is a different story when it comes to reading the question carefully. How can we improve on this? Unfortunately, when you are doing an exam, it can be so easy to read the question a little too quickly. Through years of experience, I can tell you now that it is in your best interests to read the question at least two times and as meticulously as time will allow you to. It is much better to do this and write down the right answer, than read it at the speed of light and write down the wrong answer! This exam is a good chance to show all of your knowledge, so please don't limit yourself by reading the question too quickly and potentially missing the most important parts!
Answer the Question!
Another key topic which came up in the Examiner Report was the tendency for students to write everything they knew about the topic, rather than focusing specifically on the question. The Examiner writes: "Weaker answers included a tendency to knowledge dump rather than focus on the task given. Tasks are written to be specific and candidates who simply wrote everything they knew about a topic, whether relevant or not, scored poorly." Think of this as a little like booking a hotel room; if someone came up to you and asked just about this room, would you then tell them about every other room in the building? Or all of the rooms in the city? You probably wouldn't, and the same applies to the exam. Apply your knowledge where it is needed and don't waste time by writing everything you know. As the Examiner says: "there are no marks for introductions or setting the scene; candidates need to address the task being asked and no more."
Know the Pre-seen AND the Key Theory!
Lastly, a big part of the Examiners report focused on learning about the pre-seen inside and out. They write: "it is important to prepare for this examination by studying previous case studies and practice putting knowledge into context by answering past questions. A good understanding of the pre-seen material and some consideration of the types of issues that could arise prior to the examination will also prove beneficial.
This was just the Examiner's Report in a nutshell. It is always a good idea to read through the report in full as the advice can be invaluable if you are re-taking the exam or sitting the exam for the first time. You can read the full report here:
Credits - Nick Best from www.astranti.com
For more case study exam tips and materials visit - http://www.exploreaccountancy.com/p/cima-exam-and-study-tips.html
