Students
ACCG950 – Contemporary Accounting Practice
2015 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Catriona Lavermicocca
Contact via Email or Phone on 9850-8528
E4A308
Monday 10 am till 12 noon
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
16cp in units at 800 level or above
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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 unit aims to consolidate learning across postgraduate studies in accounting with focus on strategic issues in financial accounting, management accounting, audit and assurance, information systems and business law preparing students for employment in a complex business environment. As a key member of a business organisation, an accountant needs to have an awareness of contemporary issues affecting business, be able to identify and manage business risk while maintaining an entrepreneurial and innovative approach. Using real life case studies, through work experience opportunities and presentations by industry leaders, this unit develops the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare students to deal with contemporary issues and develop their leadership and entrepreneurial skills. This unit will require students to think critically, ethically and strategically in solving business problems whilst integrating technical knowledge and professional skills. This unit also provides an opportunity for students to further develop and consolidate their graduate capabilities, particularly their analytical, critical and integrative thinking skills, their professional judgement and problem solving capabilities and most importantly their role as engaged global citizens.
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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:
- Integrate and synthesise knowledge and skills relating to the core disciplines of professional accounting with a focus on strategic decision making and recent developments.
- Reflect on the knowledge and skills obtained in completing a postgraduate accounting qualification and prepare for transition to employment as an accountant.
- Demonstrate professional judgment and problem solving capabilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to accountants and non-accountants
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging social, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to an accounting practitioner.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Report | 15% | Week 3 |
| Report | 25% | Week 6 |
| Case Study | 35% | Week 11 |
| Reflective portfolio | 25% | Week 13 |
Report
Due: Week 3
Weighting: 15%
The Future for Professional Accountants - Report
This assessment task requires students to research recent articles and professional commentary on the role of professional accountants today and in the future. Using this research students are to submit a report on the issues they identified as likely to impact the accounting profession in the future. (Word limit 1000 words).
Please see more detailed information provided in the Assessment Guide.
Without exception, any evidence of plagiarism discovered in submitted assignments will result in a detailed investigation and may result in a fail grade in the unit and exclusion from the University.
Submission: Must be submitted via ilearn/Turnitin by 5pm on 10 August 2015
Extension: No extensions will be granted.
Penalties: Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for this task, except for cases in which an application for disruption to studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Integrate and synthesise knowledge and skills relating to the core disciplines of professional accounting with a focus on strategic decision making and recent developments.
- Reflect on the knowledge and skills obtained in completing a postgraduate accounting qualification and prepare for transition to employment as an accountant.
- Demonstrate professional judgment and problem solving capabilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to accountants and non-accountants
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging social, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to an accounting practitioner.
Report
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 25%
Based on an ethical issue identified and must be completed individually. (Word limit 2000 words).
Further details are provided in the Assessment Guide available on ilearn.
Without exception, any evidence of plagiarism discovered in submitted assignments will result in a detailed investigation and may result in a fail grade in the unit and exclusion from the University.
Submission: This report must be submitted via ilearn/turnitin by 5pm on 4 September 2015.
Extension: No extensions will be granted.
Penalties: Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for this task, except for cases in which an application for disruption to studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Integrate and synthesise knowledge and skills relating to the core disciplines of professional accounting with a focus on strategic decision making and recent developments.
- Reflect on the knowledge and skills obtained in completing a postgraduate accounting qualification and prepare for transition to employment as an accountant.
- Demonstrate professional judgment and problem solving capabilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to accountants and non-accountants
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging social, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to an accounting practitioner.
Case Study
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 35%
The case study will require students to identify two Australian listed corporations, collect published information on their corporate social responsibility approach and compare and contrast. Students will be required to exercise professional judgement, make conclusions and work in a team. (word limit 2,500 words)
This assessment task is to be completed individually but require group meetings to discuss issues relevant to the case study. You will be allocated to a group by the unit convenor.
Guidelines used in marking the case study will be provided on ilearn.
Please see more detailed information provided in the Assessment Guide.
Without exception, any evidence of plagiarism discovered in submitted assignments will result in a detailed investigation and may result in a fail grade in the unit and exclusion from the University.
Submission: Must be submitted in class on 19 October 2015.
Extension: No extensions will be granted.
Penalties: Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for disruption to studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Integrate and synthesise knowledge and skills relating to the core disciplines of professional accounting with a focus on strategic decision making and recent developments.
- Reflect on the knowledge and skills obtained in completing a postgraduate accounting qualification and prepare for transition to employment as an accountant.
- Demonstrate professional judgment and problem solving capabilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to accountants and non-accountants
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging social, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to an accounting practitioner.
Reflective portfolio
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 25%
This comprehensive reflective portfolio of work is to be completed throughout the duration of this unit, comprising reflections on the class debate to be held in week 4, completed assessment tasks and the unit experience as a whole and is due for submission and presentation (key reflections) in class on 2 November, 2015.
The comprehensive reflective portfolio and presentation will be marked out of 25.
Please see more detailed information provided in the Assessment Guide.
Without exception, any evidence of plagiarism discovered in submitted assignments will result in a detailed investigation and may result in a fail grade in the unit and exclusion from the University.
Submission: Must be submitted in class on 2 November 2015.
Extension: No extensions will be granted.
Penalties: Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for disruption to studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Integrate and synthesise knowledge and skills relating to the core disciplines of professional accounting with a focus on strategic decision making and recent developments.
- Reflect on the knowledge and skills obtained in completing a postgraduate accounting qualification and prepare for transition to employment as an accountant.
- Demonstrate professional judgment and problem solving capabilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to accountants and non-accountants
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging social, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to an accounting practitioner.
Delivery and Resources
Classes
- This unit includes thirteen three-hour weekly seminars (classes) as detailed in this unit guide.
- The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
- Class attendance for this unit is compulsory.
- Students are expected to get involved in class discussion and debate including in-class completion of simulations and case studies.
Student workload
150 hours
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
Prescribed textbooks:
There are no recommended texts for this unit however materials will be provided under each of the week headings in ilearn and in some cases distributed in class.
You must have read the relevant materials before coming to class and in completing the assessment tasks as well as undertaking your own further research. Direction will be provided by the lecturer on additional research materials.
Unit Web Page
You are required to access a computer and the internet at various times in completing this unit, to download course material available on the learning management system (ilearn) and to complete assessment tasks.
Unit Schedule
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Week |
Lecture |
Presentation |
Seminar date |
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01 |
Seminar 1 Introduction, what we will be doing in this unit, graduate capabilities, program learning goals and reflective practice. Challenges faced in transition to the workplace and employer's expectations. |
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Week commencing 27 July |
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02 |
Seminar 2 Developing the ability to think critically and communicate ideas - core skills required in a professional accountant. Putting together a reflective portfolio. |
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Week commencing 3 August |
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03 |
Seminar 3 Business and regulatory environment - Current domestic and international issues facing business. Student alumni presentations on their accounting journey to date. |
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Week commencing 10 August |
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04 |
Seminar 4 Debate - The future for professional accountants. |
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Week commencing 17 August |
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05 |
Seminar 5 Ethical challenges including case studies in financial crime, fraud, money laundering and tax evasion. |
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Week commencing 24 August |
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06 |
Seminar 6 Beyond financial reporting - a corporate social responsibility perspective. |
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Week commencing 31 August
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| 07 |
Seminar 7 Business Strategy - formulation and implementation. |
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Week commencing 7 September |
| Mid Session break | 14 September to 27 September | ||
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08 |
Seminar 8 The importance of leadership as a capability - theory and practice. Harvard Simulation project in class. |
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Week commencing 28 September |
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09 |
Seminar 9 No class on 5 October due to Public holiday |
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Week commencing 5 October |
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10 |
Seminar 10 Business culture. |
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Week commencing 12 October |
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11 |
Seminar 11 Managing risk - entrepreneurship, innovation and productivity. |
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Week commencing 19 October |
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12 |
Seminar 12 Linkedin, twitter and getting connected. Professional programs and further education. Networking and alumni. |
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Week commencing 26 October |
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13 |
Seminar 13 Student reflective presentations. |
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Week commencing 2 November |
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/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
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 - 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 outcomes
- Integrate and synthesise knowledge and skills relating to the core disciplines of professional accounting with a focus on strategic decision making and recent developments.
- Reflect on the knowledge and skills obtained in completing a postgraduate accounting qualification and prepare for transition to employment as an accountant.
- Demonstrate professional judgment and problem solving capabilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to accountants and non-accountants
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging social, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to an accounting practitioner.
Assessment tasks
- Report
- Report
- Case Study
- Reflective portfolio
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
- Integrate and synthesise knowledge and skills relating to the core disciplines of professional accounting with a focus on strategic decision making and recent developments.
- Reflect on the knowledge and skills obtained in completing a postgraduate accounting qualification and prepare for transition to employment as an accountant.
- Demonstrate professional judgment and problem solving capabilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to accountants and non-accountants
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging social, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to an accounting practitioner.
Assessment tasks
- Report
- Report
- Case Study
- Reflective portfolio
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 outcomes
- Integrate and synthesise knowledge and skills relating to the core disciplines of professional accounting with a focus on strategic decision making and recent developments.
- Reflect on the knowledge and skills obtained in completing a postgraduate accounting qualification and prepare for transition to employment as an accountant.
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging social, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to an accounting practitioner.
Assessment tasks
- Report
- Report
- Case Study
- Reflective portfolio
Changes from Previous Offering
First assessment task now a report (15%) rather than a presentation (10%)
Second assessment task, a report, was worth 20% now worth 25%
Third assessment task, a case study, was worth 30% now worth 35%
Fourth assessment task, a reflective portfolio, was worth 40% now worth 25%.
Research & Practice, Global & Sustainability
This unit addresses global and sustainability issues and the relevant implications arising from the materials, assessment, academic discussion and debate in classes/seminars. The unit promotes sustainability by developing the ability in students to research and locate information relating to recent developments in the accounting profession, ethics, leadership and strategy. Throughout the unit additional references and materials are provided to facilitate research.