Students

ACCG735 – International Accounting

2017 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Parmod Chand
Contact via parmod.chand@mq.edu.au
E4A 236
Lecturer
Stephen Haswell
Contact via stephen.haswell@mq.edu.au
E4A 210
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit focuses on special topics concerned with issues in both financial and management accounting in international contexts. Topics range from ethical behaviour in accounting, external and corporate reporting, organising, managing and evaluating global operations focusing on the impact of national culture and how an understanding of cultural differences provides insights into cross-national differences in accounting behaviour and practice. Topics are chosen to encourage students to explore issues in international accounting, and to develop skills in analysis and investigation that are necessary and that are required to undertake more advanced research. A sound understanding of cultural influences on international accounting practices is a requirement for any advanced study of accounting theory. This unit provides students with essential internationally contextualised accounting experiences that develop the concepts and skills necessary for advanced research in accounting and corporate governance.

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:

  • 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 harmonisation.
  • Critically explore and evaluate the state of contemporary and professional research in the area of International Accounting.
  • Apply commonly used statistical techniques for data collection and analysis, including hypothesis testing and interpreting the results of data analysis.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems, including ethical behavioural issues, facing international companies in organising, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating their global operations.

General Assessment Information

Turnitin

All text based assessments must be submitted through Turnitin as per instructions provided in the unit guide. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that work is submitted correctly prior to the due date. 

Multiple submissions may be possible prior to the final due date and time of an assessment task and originality reports may be made available to students to view and check their work. All identified matching text will be reconsidered carefully. Students should note that the system will not immediately produce the similarity score on a second or subsequent submission - it approximately takes 24 hours for the report to be generated. This may be after the due date so students should plan any resubmissions carefully. Please refer to these instructions on how to submit your assignment through Turnitin and access similarity reports and feedback provided by teaching staff. Should you have questions about Turnitin or experience issues submitting through the system, you must inform your unit coordinator immediately. If the issue is technical in nature may also lodge OneHelp Ticket, refer to the IT help page.

It is the responsibility of the student to retain a copy of any work submitted. Students must produce these documents upon request. Copies should be retained until the end of the grade appeal period each term. In the event that a student is asked to produce another copy of work submitted and is unable to do so, they may be awarded zero (0) for that particular assessment task.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Class Test 20% No Week 4 and 7
Report 30% No Week 11
Final Examination 50% No University Examination Period

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 during class time. Each test will account for 10% of your overall assessment. The test will comprise of short essay questions and will gauge students ability to critically evaluate the issues covered in the relevant topics, case studies and associated readings. 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:
  • 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 harmonisation.
  • Critically explore and evaluate the state of contemporary and professional research in the area of International Accounting.
  • Apply commonly used statistical techniques for data collection and analysis, including hypothesis testing and interpreting the results of data analysis.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems, including ethical behavioural issues, facing international companies in organising, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating their global operations.

Report

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 30%

Individual written essay focusing on one of the 5 topics requiring the conducting of qualitative research, utilising resources including but not limited to newspapers, professional and academic journals and regulators' websites. Further details are provided on iLearn.

Submission: Soft copy of the report to be submitted on iLearn (Turnitin) and hard copy of the report to be submitted in class during the respective week.

Extension: No extension is available.

Penalties: 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. 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 harmonisation.
  • Apply commonly used statistical techniques for data collection and analysis, including hypothesis testing and interpreting the results of data analysis.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems, including ethical behavioural issues, facing international companies in organising, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating their global operations.

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 2017 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 First Half Year 2017 is from 12 June to 30 June. 

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 achieve an overall passing grade in their overall assessment as per the University policy.

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:
  • 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 harmonisation.
  • Critically explore and evaluate the state of contemporary and professional research in the area of International Accounting.
  • Apply commonly used statistical techniques for data collection and analysis, including hypothesis testing and interpreting the results of data analysis.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems, including ethical behavioural issues, facing international companies in organising, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating their global operations.

Delivery and Resources

 

Teaching staff

            Unit convenor:

 

Associate Professor Parmod Chand

Telephone:

9850 6137

E-mail:

parmod.chand@mq.edu.au

            Lecturer:

 

Dr Stephen Haswell

Telephone:

9850 8542

E-mail:

stephen.haswell@mq.edu.au

 

Contacting staff  

 ·           Consultation times

Staff will be available for consultation; these times will be posted to unit homepage by Week 1 of the session. You are encouraged to seek help at a time that is convenient to you from staff on this unit during their specified consultation hours. In special circumstances, an appointment may be made outside regular consultation hours.  Staff will not conduct any consultations by e-mail. You may, however, phone staff during their consultation hours.

 In order to gain access to staff located at levels 1 and 2 of building E4A during their consultation hours please ring the staff member from the phones available in the lobby (phone numbers of relevant staff members will be provided on iLearn and are available next to the phones).

 ·           Other ways of 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 3 hours of contact for learning per week consisting of 1 x 3 hour seminar (lecture and tutorial).       

 

  • There are two classes in Session 1/2017.

    • Class_01 Monday 6pm-9pm in C5A 229 ◦ Class_02 Tuesday 3pm-6pm in C5A 313

 

 ·        In order to avoid confusion and issues with overcrowding, which can raise serious occupational health and safety issues, students must attend their registered class each week to be recorded as present. Students will not be allowed to attend or be recorded as attending other classes in the unit.

 

Required and Recommended texts and/or materials

ACCG835 International Accounting by Dr Parmod Chand, 5th edition, 2017, Pearson Australia, ISBN 9781488617775

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 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).

 

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 735 PROGRAM: SESSION 1 - 2017

 

Week

Commencing

Topic

 

1

Feb 27

Introduction to international accounting and research methods.

 

2

March 6

The concept of culture and its relevance to international accounting diversity.

 

3

March 13

Ethical behaviour in accounting.

 

4

March 20

Management planning and control (In class test).

 

5

March 27

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

 

6

April 3

External reporting in an international context: similarities and differences.

 

7

April 10

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

 

 

 

April 17th  to 30th: MID-SESSION BREAK (2 Weeks Break)

 

8

May 1

Basic data collection, analysis and interpretation of results.

9

May 8

Corporate reporting regulation: understanding differences — USA.

 

10

May 15

Corporate reporting regulation: understanding differences — Japan and China.

 

11

May 22

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

 

12

May 29

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

                                                

13

June 5

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_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

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 - 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

  • 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.
  • Critically explore and evaluate the state of contemporary and professional research in the area of International Accounting.
  • Apply commonly used statistical techniques for data collection and analysis, including hypothesis testing and interpreting the results of data analysis.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems, including ethical behavioural issues, facing international companies in organising, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating their global operations.

Assessment tasks

  • 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

  • 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 harmonisation.
  • Critically explore and evaluate the state of contemporary and professional research in the area of International Accounting.
  • Apply commonly used statistical techniques for data collection and analysis, including hypothesis testing and interpreting the results of data analysis.
  • Comprehend the issues and problems, including ethical behavioural issues, facing international companies in organising, managing, planning, controlling and evaluating their global operations.

Assessment tasks

  • 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 harmonisation.
  • Critically explore and evaluate the state of contemporary and professional research in the area of International Accounting.
  • Apply commonly used statistical techniques for data collection and analysis, including hypothesis testing and interpreting the results of data analysis.

Assessment task

  • Report

Research and Practice, Global and Sustainability

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

This unit addresses global and sustainability issues as direct areas of study and as necessary implications arising from the materials, assessment and academic discussion and debate in classes. We promote sustainability by developing ability in students to research and locate information within accounting discipline. We aim to provide students with an opportunity to obtain skills which will benefit them throughout their career.

The unit materials have a reference list at the end of each chapter/module/text containing all references cited by the author. These provide some guidance to references that could be used to research particular issues.