Students
ACCG927 – Current Issues in Accounting and Corporate Governance
2014 – MQC S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Ms. Emma Holmes
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(ACCG923 or ACCG862) and (admission to MAcc(Prof) or MAcc(CPA) or MAcc(Prof)MCom)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This is an advanced unit in financial accounting and corporate governance which examines accounting theories and their relationship to a broad range of issues of current concern to both the accounting profession and accounting information users. Given the current focus and importance of global harmonisation and convergence of accounting and corporate governance, students are required to examine current issues and problems in complex contexts using social, ethical, economic, political and global perspectives. Students will also be required to analyse relevant scholarly research papers. The objective of the unit is for students to critically evaluate accounting theories, governance policies and procedures. Students will use critical analysis skills to evaluate, synthesise and judge through research and essay writing. Research findings are used to underpin all theories. Students will be challenged to question the foundations of accounting and corporate governance and to think critically about current issues in accounting and accountability.
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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:
- Apply and analyse theoretical accounting and corporate governance knowledge and skills to examine accounting and accountability issues and problems.
- Able to synthesise, analyse and evaluate relevant theoretical perspectives and articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions.
- Understand the main ethical issues and the interrelationships and connections between them and professional accounting and corporate governance practices.
- Evaluate relevant scholarly publications which specific focus on the importance of professional judgments in accounting and corporate governance.
- Demonstrate research skills to articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions on topics examined in the unit.
- Communicate accounting and corporate governance theories and findings in a research team.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Class Tests | 20% | Week 4 and Week 9 |
| 2. Essay | 20% | Week 11 |
| 3. Presentation | 10% | During semester |
| 4. Final Examination | 50% | Examination Period |
1. Class Tests
Due: Week 4 and Week 9
Weighting: 20%
In this unit, the mid-term test has been replaced by two Class Tests in Weeks 4 and 9 (see the Unit Guide for the broad essay topics). You must attend your enrolled class, and if you do not attend that class there will be no further opportunity for you to write the essays. The 1st Test is worth 10% and the 2nd Test is worth 10% and you have 60 minutes to write your answer. These are closed book assessment tasks (no resource materials are allowed) under examination conditions. The test questions are based on the relevant chapters in the customised text, the required readings, seminar presentations and class discussions. It is important to note that memorising the lecture outlines is not sufficient to answer the questions. I cannot provide a reliable student workload (in hours) in preparing for the Class Tests, however, you are strongly recommended to spend adequate time to ensure that you are able to analyse, synthesise and evaluate relevant texts and papers. Your preparation for the Class Tests essays requires you to attain the objectives and graduate capabilities specified above. Marking rubrics outline the marking criteria (see Appendices 3 and 4 in the Unit Guide on iLearn) and you must examine how marks are allocated.
The first Class Test in Week 4 is an early diagnostic test which will provide you with timely feedback on your performance. Marked class tests will be returned to you in Week 6. You must obtain detailed feedback from your lecturer if you fail this test. It is important that you get immediate help and meet your lecturer on a regular basis to enhance your chances of success in this unit. Lecturers will keep a record of all meetings with students who fail the Class Tests.
Submission: Attendance is compulsory.
Extension: No extension will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task for the class tests will be awarded a mark of zero for the task, except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.
Penalties: Zero mark for non-submission.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply and analyse theoretical accounting and corporate governance knowledge and skills to examine accounting and accountability issues and problems.
- Able to synthesise, analyse and evaluate relevant theoretical perspectives and articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions.
- Understand the main ethical issues and the interrelationships and connections between them and professional accounting and corporate governance practices.
- Demonstrate research skills to articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions on topics examined in the unit.
2. Essay
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 20%
This component is worth 20% and the hard copy (see other requirements under Assessment and Grading Policy) should be submitted without exception to your lecturer at the commencement of your enrolled class time in week 11. You are required to submit your research essay using the procedures described in the Appendix 1 in the Unit Guide on iLearn. A marking rubric outlines the marking criteria (see Appendix 2 in the Unit Guide on iLearn) and you must examine how marks are allocated. There is no specified estimated student workload in preparing for the research essay. The quality of your research essay will largely depend on you attaining the objectives and graduate capabilities specified in the unit guide.
Submission: The soft copy to be submitted on iLearn (Turnitin) and the hard copy should be submitted without exception to your lecturer at the commencement of your enrolled class time in week 11.
Extension: No extension will be granted. Late submission will be accepted up to 72 hours after the submission deadline.
Penalties: There will be a deduction of 25% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late. This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply and analyse theoretical accounting and corporate governance knowledge and skills to examine accounting and accountability issues and problems.
- Able to synthesise, analyse and evaluate relevant theoretical perspectives and articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions.
- Understand the main ethical issues and the interrelationships and connections between them and professional accounting and corporate governance practices.
- Evaluate relevant scholarly publications which specific focus on the importance of professional judgments in accounting and corporate governance.
- Demonstrate research skills to articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions on topics examined in the unit.
3. Presentation
Due: During semester
Weighting: 10%
The team presentation is worth 10% of the overall assessment. Each team consisting of four students is required to prepare a 15 minute presentation answering 5 questions (at least one question per student) on a journal article related to the topics examined in ACCG927. You must register your team and nominate your preferred week to your lecturer no later than Week 3. Dates for presentation will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Presentations will be made in Weeks 7, 8 and 10 to 13. A marking rubric outlines the marking criteria (see Appendix 5 in the Unit Guide on iLearn) and you must examine the criteria for assessing your team presentation. In previous years the groups attaining high distinctions reported that in addition to their individual readings, the group spent about 9 hours in preparing for the presentations.
Additional details on assessments related to in-class tests, research essay and team presentations are provided in Appendix 1 in the Unit Guide on iLearn.
Submission: Attendance is compulsory.
Extension: No extension will be granted. Students who have not completed the task on their registered class time will be awarded a mark of zero for the task, except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.
Penalties: Zero mark for non-submission.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply and analyse theoretical accounting and corporate governance knowledge and skills to examine accounting and accountability issues and problems.
- Able to synthesise, analyse and evaluate relevant theoretical perspectives and articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions.
- Evaluate relevant scholarly publications which specific focus on the importance of professional judgments in accounting and corporate governance.
- Demonstrate research skills to articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions on topics examined in the unit.
- Communicate accounting and corporate governance theories and findings in a research team.
4. Final Examination
Due: Examination Period
Weighting: 50%
A final examination is included as an assessment task for this unit to provide assurance that:
- the product belongs to the student and
- the student has attained the knowledge and skills tested in the exam.
A 3 hour final examination for this unit is held during the University Examination period.
The University Examination period in Second Half Year 2014 is from 17 November to 5 December. Dates of the Supplementary examinations will be provided later on. Additional details related to the final examination will be announced in the final lecture in Week 13.
Students must pass the final examination to gain a passing grade in this unit.
You must present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable. The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the examinations and in Final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the examinations. http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/exam
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. The University’s policy on Disruption to Studies is available at
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
However, applications for Disruption to Studies will only be approved to students who have satisfactory performance in this unit. Satisfactory performance means that students must achieve at least 50% in their coursework. If this criterion is not met then the application for Disruption to Studies will be rejected.
If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Disruption to Studies process the examination will be scheduled as per the Supplementary Examination timetable of the Faculty.
The Macquarie university examination policy details the principles and conduct of examinations at the University. The policy is available at:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/examination/policy.htm
Penalties: Students who have not attended the final examination will be awarded a mark of zero, except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply and analyse theoretical accounting and corporate governance knowledge and skills to examine accounting and accountability issues and problems.
- Able to synthesise, analyse and evaluate relevant theoretical perspectives and articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions.
- Understand the main ethical issues and the interrelationships and connections between them and professional accounting and corporate governance practices.
- Evaluate relevant scholarly publications which specific focus on the importance of professional judgments in accounting and corporate governance.
- Demonstrate research skills to articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions on topics examined in the unit.
Delivery and Resources
Classes
The class consists of 3 hours face-to-face teaching per week. A combination of seminars, lectures and tutorials will help you in attaining the objectives of the unit and to enable you to develop the capabilities the Master of Accounting (Professional) and Master of Accounting (CPA Extension) requires. The lectures and seminars provide a general overview of the topics highlighting a number of theories, concepts and techniques and provide you with opportunities to further explore all relevant resources through independent learning.
The timetable for classes is on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
To complete this unit, students should have a copy the following TWO prescribed textbooks. Only the Australian Corporate Governance is available at the Co-op Bookshop at Macquarie University.
- Current Issues in Accounting eBook prepared by Chris Patel, McGraw-Hill 2010.
Students can purchase this directly from the following McGraw-Hill website:https://create.mcgraw-hill.com/shop/#/catalog/details/?isbn=9781121790315
- Australian Corporate Governance, Jim Psaros, Pearson Education Australia, 2009.
The recommended textbooks are also available in the Macquarie Library.
A list of additional compulsory and optional readings is in the weekly lecture and seminar schedule. You should critically examine and analyse the compulsory readings before the lecture and you should study the optional readings and refer to them in your assessments.
Course material is available on the learning management system iLearn. ILearn is a program available at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/ through which students will have access to resources to assist them throughout the session. The following information will be available on iLearn:
- Unit Outline
- Lecture and seminar slides (these will be available prior to the lectures and seminars, the Monday of the week before the class)
- Information on assessments
- Announcements
- Use Turniturn linkage for ACCG927 iLearn to submit your research essay.
- Other relevant material
You are strongly encouraged to regularly visit the website to assist you with your learning.
Unit Schedule
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WEEK |
FRIDAY |
SEMINAR MATERIAL |
REQUIRED READINGS
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1 |
8 August |
Introduction and Overview of Accounting Theories. Introduction to Critical Thinking You are required to prepare a detailed written essay on the “Class Discussion Question Number 1. You MUST apply the rubric for the 1st in–class essay provided in the Appendix of the Unit Guide in writing your detailed essay. |
Current Issues in Accounting, prepared by Chris Patel, McGraw-Hill 2010, topic 1, pp. 2- 24; 33-52; pp.79-85. Australian Corporate Governance, Jim Psaros, Pearson Education Australia, 2009, chapter 1, pp.1-6 (exclude the heading Corporations- A Snapshot). Dumay, J. “Critical thinking for accounting students.” Mimeo, 2014, Macquarie University.
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2
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15 August |
First Part (60 minutes): Continuation of Week 1 Second Part: Academic Essay Writing Class discussion: ACCG927 rubric for the 1st in-class essay provided in the Appendix of the Unit Guide Class Discussion Question: How effectively have the students applied the rubric in writing their detailed written essay? (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 1) |
Facione, P. A. "Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts." Insight Assessment, 2007, Accessed 26 Jan 2009, Available at; http://www.insightassessment.com/pdf_files/what&why2006.pdf.
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3
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22 August |
Overview of Corporate Governance: Normative Claims and Empirical Evidence (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 2) |
Australian Corporate Governance, Jim Psaros, Pearson Education Australia, 2009, Chapters 1 & 2, pp. 1-41.
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4
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29 August
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Revision First In-class Test (60 minutes) (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 3) |
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5 |
5 September |
Evaluating Accounting Research Papers: Focus on Professional Judgments |
Patel, C., G. Harrison and J. McKinnon, “Cultural Influences on Judgments of Professional Accountants in Auditor-Client Conflict Resolution”, Journal of International Financial Management and Accounting, Vol. 13, No. 1, 2002, pp. 1-31. |
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6
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12 September
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Accounting Theories: The concept of culture and Its Relevance to International Accounting Diversity (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 5) |
Current Issues in Accounting, prepared by Chris Patel, McGraw-Hill 2010, pp. 98-134; 150-156. Patel, C, A Comparative Study of Professional Accountants’ Judgments, 2006, Elsevier JAI, Oxford, UK, pp.13-18. |
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7
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19 September
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International Harmonisation and Convergence of Financial Reporting Team Presentations (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 6) |
Current Issues in Accounting, prepared by Chris Patel, McGraw-Hill 2010, pp. 329-364. Chand, P. and C. Patel, “Convergence and Harmonization of Accounting Standards in the South Pacific Region”, Advances in Accounting, 2008, Vol. 24, pp. 83-92. Hoogervorst, Hans, “The Imprecise World of Accounting”, IFRS, June 2012, pp. 1-3. Optional reading: Kaya, D. & Pillhofer, J. A. “Potential Adoption of IFRS by the United States: A Critical View”, Accounting Horizons, 2013, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 271-299 |
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20 September – 5 October Mid-session Break |
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8 |
10 October |
Academic Essay Writing Team Presentations (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 7) |
Dumay, J. “Putting the creative (back) into writing qualitative accounting and management research.” mimeo, 2014, Macquarie University.
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9
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17 October
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Selected Contemporary Accounting Issues in China: Business Combinations & National Models of Corporate Governance Second In-class Test (60 minutes) (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 8) |
Current Issues in Accounting, prepared by Chris Patel, McGraw-Hill 2010, pp. 374-391. Australian Corporate Governance, Jim Psaros, Pearson Education Australia, 2009, chapter 10, pp. 215-240 Baker, C.R, Y. Biondi and Q. Zhang, “Disharmony in International Accounting Setting: The Chinese Approach to Accounting for Business Combinations”, Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 2010, pp. 107-117. |
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10
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24 October
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The Regulation of Financial Reporting & Regulatory Influences on Corporate Governance in Australia Team presentations (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 9) |
Current Issues in Accounting, prepared by Chris Patel, McGraw-Hill 2010, topic 4, pp. 254-274; pp. 278-315. Australian Corporate Governance, Jim Psaros, Pearson Education Australia, 2009, chapter 3, pp. 43-65 |
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11
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31 October
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Intellectual Capital Team Presentations (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 10) Research essay due at commencement of enrolled class time |
Dumay, J. “Grand theories as barriers to using IC concepts”, Journal of Intellectual Capital, 2012, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 4-15. Dumay, J. “42". mimeo, 2014, Macquarie University. NSW Department of Lands (Lands), Intellectual Capital Statement (2008/2009 Annual Report), 2009, New South Wales Government, Sydney. Systematic, “Intellectual Capital Report 2004”, Systematic Software Engineering A/S, 2004, Aarhus, Denmark. |
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12
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7 November
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Sustainability Reporting Introduction to Integrated Reporting
Team Presentations (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 11)
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Current Issues in Accounting, prepared by Chris Patel, McGraw-Hill 2010, pages 622-689. Psaros, J., Australian Corporate Governance: A Review and Analysis of Key Issues, Pearson Education Australia, 2009, Chapter 12, pp. 267- 289. Owen, G. “Integrated Reporting: A Review of Developments and their Implications for the Accounting Curriculum”, Accounting Education: an International Journal, 2013, Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 340 – 356. Macquarie University Annual Sustainability Report 2012: http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/strategy_and_initiatives/sustainability/areas_of_focus/reporting/ Optional reading: Adams, S. & Simnett, R. “ Integrated Reporting: An Opportunity for Australia’s Not-for-Profit Sector, Australian Accounting Review, 2011, Vol. 21, pp. 292-301 |
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13
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14 November
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Revision and examination preparation Team presentations (You must participate in discussing seminar questions set in Week 12) |
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Learning and Teaching Activities
Learning and teaching activities
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
- Apply and analyse theoretical accounting and corporate governance knowledge and skills to examine accounting and accountability issues and problems.
- Able to synthesise, analyse and evaluate relevant theoretical perspectives and articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions.
- Understand the main ethical issues and the interrelationships and connections between them and professional accounting and corporate governance practices.
- Evaluate relevant scholarly publications which specific focus on the importance of professional judgments in accounting and corporate governance.
- Demonstrate research skills to articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions on topics examined in the unit.
- Communicate accounting and corporate governance theories and findings in a research team.
Assessment tasks
- 1. Class Tests
- 2. Essay
- 3. Presentation
- 4. 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
- Able to synthesise, analyse and evaluate relevant theoretical perspectives and articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions.
- Understand the main ethical issues and the interrelationships and connections between them and professional accounting and corporate governance practices.
- Evaluate relevant scholarly publications which specific focus on the importance of professional judgments in accounting and corporate governance.
- Demonstrate research skills to articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions on topics examined in the unit.
- Communicate accounting and corporate governance theories and findings in a research team.
Assessment tasks
- 1. Class Tests
- 2. Essay
- 3. Presentation
- 4. 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
- Able to synthesise, analyse and evaluate relevant theoretical perspectives and articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions.
- Understand the main ethical issues and the interrelationships and connections between them and professional accounting and corporate governance practices.
- Evaluate relevant scholarly publications which specific focus on the importance of professional judgments in accounting and corporate governance.
- Demonstrate research skills to articulate clearly well-reasoned solutions and conclusions on topics examined in the unit.
- Communicate accounting and corporate governance theories and findings in a research team.
Assessment tasks
- 1. Class Tests
- 2. Essay
- 3. Presentation
- 4. Final Examination
Changes from Previous Offering
Research and Practice
- This unit uses research by Macquarie University researchers (see weekly unit schedule)
- This unit uses research from external sources (see weekly unit schedule)
- This unit gives you practice in applying research findings in your assignments
- This unit gives you opportunities to conduct your own research
Technology Used and Required
- Students need to have knowledge about downloading materials from iLearn (http://ilearn.mq.edu.au).
- Students are required to have access to personal computers in order to complete tasks on iLearn.
- Students are required to conduct their own research and as such, they should be familiar with library databases.
- Students are required to use Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint.