Students

ACCG835 – International Accounting

2014 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Parmod Chand
parmod.chand@mq.edu.au
Contact via parmod.chand@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ACCG611 or admission to MAdvProfAcc or admission to MCom or MIntBus or MEc or MActPrac prior to 2011
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is concerned with issues in both financial and management accounting in international contexts. Particular attention is given to the impact of national culture and to how an understanding of cultural differences provides insights into cross-national differences in accounting behaviour and practice. Students are also taught the fundamental principles of ethical behaviour in accounting, and the different approaches used to 'manipulate' accounting numbers. Current issues in accounting standard-setting in an international context, including the debate on international harmonisation, are also examined. With respect to management accounting, the unit examines issues and problems facing international companies in organising, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating their global operations.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand some of the differences in accounting methods and disclosure practices we might find when we compare the financial reports of companies from different countries.
  • Appreciate how accounting and corporate disclosure is regulated in a range of different nations, and the role that the accounting profession, government and other bodies have in that regulation.
  • Recognise the cultural, economic, political and historical factors that help explain differences and similarities in patterns of accounting and regulation across nations, and how these factors may influence the move towards international harmonization.
  • Identify why ethical behaviour is fundamental to the practice of accounting and how accounting numbers can be manipulated.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems facing international companies in organizing, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating, their global operations.
  • Develop and strengthen their generic skills in the areas of report writing and topic discussion.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Class Participation 10% Weeks 1-10
Class Test 20% Week 4 and 7
Report 20% Weeks 9-12
Final Examination 50% University Examination Period

Class Participation

Due: Weeks 1-10
Weighting: 10%

Students need to post their individual comments on each of the Discussion Forum Questions. There are 5 discussion forum questions and your comments on each of the question will account for 2% of your overall assessment. Further details are provided in the Assessment Guide on iLearn. 

Submission: Comments to be posted on the Discussion Forum on iLearn.

Extension: No extension is available.

Penalties: All the discussion forum posts needs to be completed by the end of Week 10. After this the Discussion Forum will be closed for comments. See iLearn for further penalties regarding plagiarism.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand some of the differences in accounting methods and disclosure practices we might find when we compare the financial reports of companies from different countries.
  • Appreciate how accounting and corporate disclosure is regulated in a range of different nations, and the role that the accounting profession, government and other bodies have in that regulation.
  • Recognise the cultural, economic, political and historical factors that help explain differences and similarities in patterns of accounting and regulation across nations, and how these factors may influence the move towards international harmonization.
  • Identify why ethical behaviour is fundamental to the practice of accounting and how accounting numbers can be manipulated.
  • Develop and strengthen their generic skills in the areas of report writing and topic discussion.

Class Test

Due: Week 4 and 7
Weighting: 20%

During Week 4 (covering Weeks 1-3) and Week 7 (covering Weeks 4-6) short tests will be conducted online. Each test will account for 10% of your overall assessment. The first test in Week 4 is an early diagnostic assessment, the results of which will be indicative of the student’s application to achieving the learning outcomes of the unit.

Submission: Attendance is compulsory.

Extension: No extension will be granted unless an application is approved under the Disruption to Studies Policy in accordance with the University rules.

Penalties: Zero mark for non-submission.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand some of the differences in accounting methods and disclosure practices we might find when we compare the financial reports of companies from different countries.
  • Appreciate how accounting and corporate disclosure is regulated in a range of different nations, and the role that the accounting profession, government and other bodies have in that regulation.
  • Recognise the cultural, economic, political and historical factors that help explain differences and similarities in patterns of accounting and regulation across nations, and how these factors may influence the move towards international harmonization.
  • Identify why ethical behaviour is fundamental to the practice of accounting and how accounting numbers can be manipulated.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems facing international companies in organizing, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating, their global operations.

Report

Due: Weeks 9-12
Weighting: 20%

Students will work individually for this assignment. Further details are provided on iLearn.

Submission: Soft copy of the report to be submitted on iLearn (Turnitin).

Extension: No extension is available.

Penalties: One mark per day (or part thereof) that your report is submitted late. See iLearn for further penalties regarding plagiarism.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Appreciate how accounting and corporate disclosure is regulated in a range of different nations, and the role that the accounting profession, government and other bodies have in that regulation.
  • Recognise the cultural, economic, political and historical factors that help explain differences and similarities in patterns of accounting and regulation across nations, and how these factors may influence the move towards international harmonization.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems facing international companies in organizing, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating, their global operations.
  • Develop and strengthen their generic skills in the areas of report writing and topic discussion.

Final Examination

Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%

The final exam is of three hours and ten minutes duration. The final exam is designed to test you against the learning objectives of the unit. Students in ACCG835 for 2014 will be required to do a final exam that tests them on all the material covered during the session. The University Examination period in the Second Half Year 2014 is from Monday 17 November - Friday 5 December.

Submission: Attendance is compulsory

Extension: The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for Disruption to Studies in accordance with the University rules.

Penalties: Students who miss this exam will score zero marks. If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Disruption to Studies Policy the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period.

To pass the unit students must pass the final exam and achieve an overall passing grade in their overall assessment.

If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Disruption to Studies Policy the examination will be scheduled as per the Supplementary Examination timetable of the Faculty. Please note that the supplementary examination will be of the similar format as the final examination.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand some of the differences in accounting methods and disclosure practices we might find when we compare the financial reports of companies from different countries.
  • Appreciate how accounting and corporate disclosure is regulated in a range of different nations, and the role that the accounting profession, government and other bodies have in that regulation.
  • Recognise the cultural, economic, political and historical factors that help explain differences and similarities in patterns of accounting and regulation across nations, and how these factors may influence the move towards international harmonization.
  • Identify why ethical behaviour is fundamental to the practice of accounting and how accounting numbers can be manipulated.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems facing international companies in organizing, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating, their global operations.
  • Develop and strengthen their generic skills in the areas of report writing and topic discussion.

Delivery and Resources

 

Teaching staff

            Unit convenor:

 

Associate Professor Parmod Chand

Telephone:

+61 2 9850 6137

E-mail:

parmod.chand@mq.edu.au

             

Contacting staff

 

The most effective way for students to contact staff is via email.

 Students experiencing significant difficulties with any topic in the unit are strongly encouraged to seek assistance immediately.

 

Classes

There are no face-to-face classes held. Students need to listen to the weekly lecture recordings available on iLearn and complete the weekly assigned tasks.

 

Required and Recommended texts and/or materials

ACCG835 International Accounting by Dr Parmod Chand, 4th edition, 2011, Pearson Australia, ISBN 9781442556751.

This text is a composite book made of selected chapters from four different texts published by Pearson Education Australia. By using a composite text we can focus only on chapters that are suited to this unit, which is cost-effective to the student.

This text is available for online purchase from the Co-op book shop at Macquarie University. Two copies of the custom publication are available in the reserve section of the library.

 

 No changes in the text since the last offering of this unit

 

Technology Used and Required

You will need basic skills with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint. The research report e-copy can be submitted in Word or PDF.

You will also be required to access the Internet in order to conduct research and Macquarie University’s iLearn teaching facility (refer to the detail contained below in Unit Web Page).

 

Research and Practice

This unit gives you opportunities to conduct research with regard to research report. Further information on the research report is provided in the Assessment guide. 

 

UNIT WEB PAGE

The university’s on-line learning site “iLearn” is used to provide announcements, forms, some course materials (including weekly lecture notes) and to submit e-copies of the assignment. Login at http://learn.mq.edu.au/

Reading material for this unit is all available on the Library’s e-Reserve. Access to the e-Reserve is made using the student number and password supplied to you by the Library. A link will also be provided on iLearn.

Unit Schedule

SUMMARY OF ACCG 835 PROGRAM: SESSION 2 - 2014

Week

Commencing

                               Topic

1

August 4

Introduction, distribution of material and organization of student work groups (Discussion Forum Post).

2

August 11

The concept of culture and its relevance to international accounting diversity (Discussion Forum Post).

3

August 18

Ethical behaviour in accounting (Discussion Forum Post).

4

August 25

Management planning and control (Online test).

5

September 1

Management planning and control in an international context: performance evaluation Case study - Del Norte Paper Company (C).

6

September 8

Management planning and control in an international context: transfer pricing Case study – Del Norte Paper Company (A).

7

September 15

External reporting in an international context: similarities and differences. (Online test).

 

 

September 22nd to October 5th: MID-SESSION BREAK (2 Weeks Break)

8

October 6

External reporting in an international context: preparing and adjusting financial statements for international accounting standards: Kookaburra Pty Limited case study.

9

October 13

Corporate reporting regulation: understanding differences — USA (Discussion Forum Post).

10

October 20

Corporate reporting regulation: understanding differences — Japan and China (Discussion Forum Post).

11

October 27

Corporate reporting regulation: understanding differences — The Netherlands, France and Germany.

12

November 3

International convergence of accounting: historical background, benefits and problems, global players, recent developments and controversies.                                                        

13

November 10

Week 13 is a revision week

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand some of the differences in accounting methods and disclosure practices we might find when we compare the financial reports of companies from different countries.
  • Appreciate how accounting and corporate disclosure is regulated in a range of different nations, and the role that the accounting profession, government and other bodies have in that regulation.
  • Identify why ethical behaviour is fundamental to the practice of accounting and how accounting numbers can be manipulated.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems facing international companies in organizing, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating, their global operations.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Class Test
  • Report
  • Final Examination

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand some of the differences in accounting methods and disclosure practices we might find when we compare the financial reports of companies from different countries.
  • Appreciate how accounting and corporate disclosure is regulated in a range of different nations, and the role that the accounting profession, government and other bodies have in that regulation.
  • Recognise the cultural, economic, political and historical factors that help explain differences and similarities in patterns of accounting and regulation across nations, and how these factors may influence the move towards international harmonization.
  • Identify why ethical behaviour is fundamental to the practice of accounting and how accounting numbers can be manipulated.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems facing international companies in organizing, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating, their global operations.
  • Develop and strengthen their generic skills in the areas of report writing and topic discussion.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Class Test
  • Report
  • Final Examination

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Appreciate how accounting and corporate disclosure is regulated in a range of different nations, and the role that the accounting profession, government and other bodies have in that regulation.
  • Recognise the cultural, economic, political and historical factors that help explain differences and similarities in patterns of accounting and regulation across nations, and how these factors may influence the move towards international harmonization.
  • Identify why ethical behaviour is fundamental to the practice of accounting and how accounting numbers can be manipulated.

Assessment task

  • Report

Research and Practice

This unit gives you opportunities to conduct research with regard to research report. Further information on the research report is provided in the Assessment guide.