Students
ACCG950 – Contemporary Accounting Practice
2016 – S2 Evening
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Catriona Lavermicocca
Contact via Email or Phone on 9850-8528
E4A308
Tuesday 10 am till 12 noon
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
16cp in units at 800 level or above
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit aims to consolidate learning across postgraduate studies in accounting, preparing students for employment in complex business environments. Leadership and entrepreneurship are discussed as well as the importance of risk management in business decision making. Using real life case studies, reviews of industry reports and research as well as presentations by industry leaders and student alumni, this unit develops the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a professional accountant. This unit requires students to think critically, ethically and strategically in solving business problems whilst integrating technical knowledge and professional skills. It 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.
|
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 | 20% | Week 3 |
| Report | 30% | Week 6 |
| Case Study | 30% | Week 11 |
| Reflective Journal | 20% | Week 13 |
Report
Due: Week 3
Weighting: 20%
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 predicted in the future. Using this research students are to submit a report discussing the issues they identified as likely to 'disrupt' the accounting profession in the future and the potential consequences. (Word limit 1000 words).
Please see more detailed information 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: Must be submitted via iLearn/Turnitin by 5pm on 19 August 2016
Extension: No extensions will be granted.
Penalties: No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of 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: 30%
Based on a high profile ethical business scandal and must be completed individually. (Word limit 2000 words).
Further details are provided 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: Must be submitted via iLearn/turnitin by 5pm on 9 September 2016.
Extension: No extensions will be granted.
Penalties: No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of 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: 30%
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 demonstrate critical thinking and professional judgement. (Word limit 2,000 words)
This assessment task is to be completed individually but will require group meetings to identify the two companies that will be examined and to discuss issues relevant to the case study. You will be allocated to a group by the unit convenor.
Please see more detailed information provided 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: Must be submitted via iLearn/Turnitin by 28 October 2016 5pm.
Extension: No extensions will be granted.
Penalties: No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of 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 Journal
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%
This comprehensive reflective journal is to be completed throughout the duration of this unit, comprising reflections on completed assessment tasks, seminar topics and the unit experience as a whole.
Please see more detailed information provided on iLearn. Word limit 1500 words.
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 11 November 2016 5pm.
Extension: No extensions will be granted.
Penalties: No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of 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.
Student workload
150 hours
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
Prescribed textbooks:
There are no prescribed 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 read the relevant materials before coming to class and in completing the assessment tasks as well as undertake 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
|
Week |
Lecture |
Presentation |
Seminar date |
|
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 |
|
Week 1 |
|
02 |
Seminar 2 Developing the ability to think critically and communicate ideas - core skills required in a professional accountant Putting together a reflective journal |
|
Week 2 |
|
03 |
Seminar 3 Business and regulatory environment - current domestic and international issues facing business
|
|
Week 3 |
|
04 |
Seminar 4 Key ethical theories and their application to business decision making |
|
Week 4 |
|
05 |
Seminar 5 Financial crime and tax evasion - examples and case studies |
|
Week 5 |
|
06 |
Seminar 6 Beyond financial reporting - a corporate social responsibility perspective |
|
Week 6
|
| 07 |
Seminar 7 Business Strategy - formulation and implementation |
|
Week 7 |
| Mid Session Break |
19 September to 3 October |
||
|
08 |
Seminar 8 Harvard Business Simulation |
|
Week 8 *Online resources for reading and analysis this week due to public holiday on Monday 3 October. No seminars and completion of Harvard Business Simulation. |
|
09 |
Seminar 9 The importance of leadership as a capability - theory and practice |
|
Week 9 |
|
10 |
Seminar 10 Business culture |
|
Week 10 |
|
11 |
Seminar 11 Entrepreneurship and innovation |
|
Week 11 |
|
12 |
Seminar 12 Linkedin, twitter and getting connected Professional programs and further education Networking and alumni |
|
Week 12 |
|
13 |
Seminar 13 Workplace wellbeing |
|
Week 13 |
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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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 Journal
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 Journal
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 Journal
Changes from Previous Offering
Change in contribution of each of the assessments to the final grade. Future of Accounting Report was 15% now 20%, Ethical Business Scandal Report was 25% now 30%, Case Study Comparison was 35% now 30% and the Reflective Journal was 25% now 20%.
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.