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AAT exams – Unit 10

Why does the AAT Unit 10 – Managing Systems and People in the Accounting Environment Project – cause so much heartache? Michael Brook offers some pointers.

So why do AAT students find the Unit 10 Project so difficult? From my experience, the reasons why students do not complete the project report can be grouped under three generic headings.
Poor planning
When the exams are over most AAT students, at all levels, relax and start to rejoin the human race as personal relationships at work and home are rekindled. Thoughts of the results are just that. Career study options of any kind are pushed to the bottom of 'priority' and 'to do' lists. Literally, studies are abandoned by students and put on hold for months.
I believe a period of rest and recuperation after a stressful exam period is a necessity.
However, leaving your studies for 13 weeks is not a good idea. You are only storing up further pressure for yourself at the Technician or Diploma stage. During the break you must start planning Unit 10. Research projects at work and discuss ideas with your line manager.
Ask your college tutor about project ideas and, crucially, obtain a copy of the Unit 10 standards and performance criteria from the AAT website. Any activity at this stage will reduce your workload later.
Inadequate writing skills
Good written communication skills in the business world are seen as essential, and these are recognised by the AAT as they are tested at all levels of the qualification. Unfortunately, in my experience, Advanced Certificate or Intermediate stage students have little or no experience of writing large formal reports in the workplace. When given the AAT criteria for Unit 10 students will often give up before they start. Writing a project report is deemed too hard and passing exams is an easier option.
As an AAT student you must recognise that writing reports is an important part of business life. As such you need to see the Unit 10 Project as a learning experience, which will help you develop a valuable skill that will also enhance your career prospects. You must use all your inter-personal skills with your line manager, college tutor, family and friends to master the intricacies of research and report writing.
Self-confidence
Previously in exams and simulations your tutors, like Zen masters, will have coached, guided and drilled you through the AAT maze to success. At the same time you will have been personally motivated by the cost of failure.
The Unit 10 Project Report comes with its own 'aftershock'. You, and you alone, not your manager, tutor or family are responsible for identifying a problem in the workplace, formulating a solution and ensuring it is feasible. To do this you will have to adopt a strategic view of the problem and act like a consultant not an employee. You must then interpret the AAT Unit 10 performance criteria and produce a 4,000-word business report. Remember, as a fully qualified member of the AAT it is expected that you can write a formal report on a business problem.
Conclusion
There is no magic formula for completing Unit 10. Good planning in the early stages is paramount. An ability to develop new report writing skills and the self confidence to quickly take responsibility for your project will help you to succeed. Overall, it will be your ability to manage time, work under pressure and meet deadlines that will ensure success. Finally, the support of your family, colleagues, manager and tutor will be that which differentiates you as a student who achieves Unit 10 and those who do not.

* Michael Brook has taught and assessed AAT Unit 10 for 14 years and is a former PQ magazine Lecturer of the Year

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