Students

ACCG898 – Research Project A

2014 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Vicki Baard
vicki.baard@mq.edu.au
Contact via vicki.baard@mq.edu.au
E4A 237
Tuesdays 2:00 to 4:00pm
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ACCG893
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit will allow students to undertake a research project in accounting and corporate governance or a related area. An academic member of staff will be appointed to approve and supervise the research project, which will provide the student with an opportunity to develop skills in motivating the project, undertaking a literature review, and identification and/or development of a theoretical model. This unit is designed to be followed by ACCG899 in which the student continues and completes the research project/dissertation. A research project is expected to be approximately 6000 words for the unit.

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:

  • Formulate a research question that has the potential to produce new knowledge/insights within the field of accounting and corporate governance.
  • Research and write up a comprehensive and critical literature review in a specific area of accounting and corporate governance based research.
  • Develop and apply a theoretical framework to the research project.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Research Project Proposal 100% 5th June 2014
Not Applicable 0% N/A
Not Applicable 0% N/A

Research Project Proposal

Due: 5th June 2014
Weighting: 100%

General Description 

The research proposal constitutes a written proposal which identifies and motivates a research problem, including the intended contribution of the research project. Additionally, a literature review is undertaken and the identification and/or development of a theoretical model (if applicable) occurs.

Research Proposal Submission

The research proposal as an assessment requirement for this unit, is submitted on Thursday, the 6th of June, by no later than 5pm, in a hard copy format, directly to the Unit Convenor (see General Information for office location details). No emailed copies of the research proposal will be accepted, unless specifically requested by the Unit Convenor.

Additionally, students will also present the proposal to a panel of examiners in Week 13 of Session 1. The day, date and time will be determined by the Unit Convenor in consultation with the Supervisors; students will receive an email directed to their student email addresses with the relevant details.

Extensions

Late submissions are not accepted unless there is an extension request. Extension requests will be accepted on a case by case basis by the Unit Convenor but with the support of the supervisors. Extension requests must be received at least two weeks prior to the due date.

If the student experiences illness or unavoidable disruption, these must be documented. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for Special Consideration. Please see the Policies and Procedures Section of this unit guide for the University's policy on the special consideration process.

Penalties

Students who have not submitted their research proposal prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of zero for the research proposal, except for cases in which an extension (application for special consideration) is made and approved by the Unit Convenor. 

Examinations

There is no final examination for this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Formulate a research question that has the potential to produce new knowledge/insights within the field of accounting and corporate governance.
  • Research and write up a comprehensive and critical literature review in a specific area of accounting and corporate governance based research.
  • Develop and apply a theoretical framework to the research project.

Not Applicable

Due: N/A
Weighting: 0%

This assessment task is not applicable

Not Applicable

Due: N/A
Weighting: 0%

This assessment task is not applicable.

Delivery and Resources

Classes    

There are no classes as such.  In lieu, students have face-to-face meetings with their supervisors on average an hour every week. 

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

·         There are no pre-set required or recommended texts and/or materials for these units.

·         The supervisors prescribe the relevant readings or texts dependent on inter alia, research topic.

·         The prescribed readings and texts may be purchased from the Macquarie University Co-op Bookshop.  Typically they are available in/through the Macquarie Library or could be borrowed via inter-library loans. 

Unit Web Page     

There is no Unit Web Page.

 Teaching and Learning Activities  

·         The units require face-to-face meetings with the supervisors of an average of 1 hour each week during each semester.

·         Students must also devote at least 11 hours each week (including the mid-semester break of two weeks) during each semester to independent learning activities such as locating, reading and analysing prescribed and additional relevant materials, collecting and analysing data and producing written work at various stages of the units as determined by the supervisors.

·         Students are strongly encouraged to attend research seminar presentations sponsored by the Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance.  http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/our_departments/accounting_and_corporate_governance/accounting_finance_research/accg_research_seminars

 Research and Practice 

As prescribed by the supervisors, this unit could use research by Macquarie University researchers and from external sources.

 Technology Used and Required   

·         Students are required to use information technology in these units.

·         Students will need to use Electronic access to communicate via email with teaching staff and to locate, borrow and download materials from the Macquarie Library. 

Other   

Students experiencing significant difficulties with the unit, must seek assistance immediately first with their supervisors and if necessary with the Unit Convenor.

Unit Schedule

The unit schedule is determined by the supervisors.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Self-study Activities

Self-Study Activities a). Locating, reading and analysing prescribed and additional relevant materials(i.e. academic journal articles relevant your research project). b). Producing written work during Session 1 as determined by the supervisors. c). Students should devote at least 11 (eleven) hours each week (inclusive of the mid-session break of two weeks)

Supervisory Support

Supervisory Support. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors on an average of 1 (one) hour per week.

Seminars

Seminars. Attendance of Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance Research Seminar Presentations. See the following URL for further details: http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/our_departments/accounting_and_corporate_governance/accounting_finance_research/accg_research_seminars

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

  • Formulate a research question that has the potential to produce new knowledge/insights within the field of accounting and corporate governance.
  • Research and write up a comprehensive and critical literature review in a specific area of accounting and corporate governance based research.

Assessment task

  • Research Project Proposal

Learning and teaching activity

  • Self-Study Activities a). Locating, reading and analysing prescribed and additional relevant materials(i.e. academic journal articles relevant your research project). b). Producing written work during Session 1 as determined by the supervisors. c). Students should devote at least 11 (eleven) hours each week (inclusive of the mid-session break of two weeks)
  • Supervisory Support. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors on an average of 1 (one) hour per week.
  • Seminars. Attendance of Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance Research Seminar Presentations. See the following URL for further details: http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/our_departments/accounting_and_corporate_governance/accounting_finance_research/accg_research_seminars

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

  • Research and write up a comprehensive and critical literature review in a specific area of accounting and corporate governance based research.
  • Develop and apply a theoretical framework to the research project.

Assessment task

  • Research Project Proposal

Learning and teaching activity

  • Self-Study Activities a). Locating, reading and analysing prescribed and additional relevant materials(i.e. academic journal articles relevant your research project). b). Producing written work during Session 1 as determined by the supervisors. c). Students should devote at least 11 (eleven) hours each week (inclusive of the mid-session break of two weeks)
  • Supervisory Support. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors on an average of 1 (one) hour per week.
  • Seminars. Attendance of Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance Research Seminar Presentations. See the following URL for further details: http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/our_departments/accounting_and_corporate_governance/accounting_finance_research/accg_research_seminars

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 and teaching activities

  • Self-Study Activities a). Locating, reading and analysing prescribed and additional relevant materials(i.e. academic journal articles relevant your research project). b). Producing written work during Session 1 as determined by the supervisors. c). Students should devote at least 11 (eleven) hours each week (inclusive of the mid-session break of two weeks)
  • Supervisory Support. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors on an average of 1 (one) hour per week.
  • Seminars. Attendance of Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance Research Seminar Presentations. See the following URL for further details: http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/our_departments/accounting_and_corporate_governance/accounting_finance_research/accg_research_seminars

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Formulate a research question that has the potential to produce new knowledge/insights within the field of accounting and corporate governance.
  • Research and write up a comprehensive and critical literature review in a specific area of accounting and corporate governance based research.
  • Develop and apply a theoretical framework to the research project.

Assessment task

  • Research Project Proposal

Learning and teaching activity

  • Self-Study Activities a). Locating, reading and analysing prescribed and additional relevant materials(i.e. academic journal articles relevant your research project). b). Producing written work during Session 1 as determined by the supervisors. c). Students should devote at least 11 (eleven) hours each week (inclusive of the mid-session break of two weeks)
  • Supervisory Support. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors on an average of 1 (one) hour per week.
  • Seminars. Attendance of Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance Research Seminar Presentations. See the following URL for further details: http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/our_departments/accounting_and_corporate_governance/accounting_finance_research/accg_research_seminars

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning and teaching activities

  • Self-Study Activities a). Locating, reading and analysing prescribed and additional relevant materials(i.e. academic journal articles relevant your research project). b). Producing written work during Session 1 as determined by the supervisors. c). Students should devote at least 11 (eleven) hours each week (inclusive of the mid-session break of two weeks)
  • Supervisory Support. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors on an average of 1 (one) hour per week.
  • Seminars. Attendance of Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance Research Seminar Presentations. See the following URL for further details: http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/our_departments/accounting_and_corporate_governance/accounting_finance_research/accg_research_seminars

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning and teaching activities

  • Self-Study Activities a). Locating, reading and analysing prescribed and additional relevant materials(i.e. academic journal articles relevant your research project). b). Producing written work during Session 1 as determined by the supervisors. c). Students should devote at least 11 (eleven) hours each week (inclusive of the mid-session break of two weeks)
  • Supervisory Support. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors on an average of 1 (one) hour per week.
  • Seminars. Attendance of Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance Research Seminar Presentations. See the following URL for further details: http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/our_departments/accounting_and_corporate_governance/accounting_finance_research/accg_research_seminars

Changes Made to Previous ACCG898 Offering

Learning Outcome No. 3 was amended from the use of the term "Theoretical Model" to "Theoretical Framework." The reason for this amendment was to address the requirement for quantitative research to have a Theoretical Model, whilst qualitative research may require a framing theory; both of these requirements are potentially addressed through the use of the term "Theoretical Framework."

Grades

A student enrolled in ACCG898 Research Project A is expected to continue and complete the research project in ACCG899 Research Project B. Thus, the student is awarded a Satisfactory  / Unsatisfactory grade for ACCG898 but receives an "incomplete grade" upon completion of this unit. Upon completion of ACCG899, the overall research project is awarded a grade deteremined by 2 (two) independent internal and/or external examiners. These examiners are approved by the Head of Department (HOD) and Associate Dean HDR. The examiners are recommended by the supervisors to the Unit Convenor, and confirmed by the HOD and Associate Dean HDR.

If a student elects not to continue with ACCG899 Research Project B, the research proposal produced in ACCG898 will be graded based on relevant criteria relating to the research problem, literature review and theoretical model.