Students

ACCG8076 – Forensic and Data Analytics

2020 – Session 1, Intensive attendance, North Ryde

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, any references to assessment tasks and on-campus delivery may no longer be up-to-date on this page.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Co-ordinator
Kathleen Clough
Level 3, 4ER Building, Room 313
Via Appointment
Moderator
Rahat Munir
Rahat Munir
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ACCG6011 or ACCG611 or (admission to MActPrac or MBkgFin or GradCertForAccg or GradDipForAccg or MForAccgFinCri)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

In this unit students will be exposed to the theory and application of data analytics skills and techniques in relation to fraud detection and identifying business risks. The unit will introduce students to mechanisms and principles relevant to tracing assets, investigating flow of funds and reconstructing accounting information. Visual and location analytic capabilities that use a variety of tools and techniques, along with external data sets, will be explored. The unit will also equip students with the capacity to appraise applications and strategies to enable collection, assessment, review, production and presentation of unstructured data.

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:

  • ULO1: Evaluate the theory, and principles of application, of data analytics skills and techniques relevant to forensic accounting.
  • ULO2: Investigate applications and strategies, including data mining, to enable collection, assessment, review, production and presentation of unstructured data.
  • ULO3: Manage and interpret complex or disparate sets of data to underpin business development, interpret risk, understand behavioural patterns, and detect suspicious or irregular behaviour.
  • ULO4: Examine issues and key principles of professional digital forensic practice, including chain of custody and best practice procedures.
  • ULO5: Diagnose and appraise mechanisms to uncover or recover evidence from digital devices to support litigation and investigations.

Assessment Tasks

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Assessment details are no longer provided here as a result of changes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

Delivery and Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19.

Please check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

Delivery

This unit requires intensive attendance, comprising of both online learning and face-to-face seminars at the University's campus.

Face-to-Face Seminars
DATE TIME
Saturday, 7th March 2020 9 AM-12 PM, 1 PM-4 PM
Saturday, 21st March 2020 9 AM-12 PM, 1 PM-4 PM
Saturday, 4th April 2020 9 AM-12 PM, 1 PM-4 PM
Saturday, 2nd May 2020 9 AM-12 PM, 1 PM-4 PM

Details of assessments and online discussion forums will be available on iLearn.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

The unit is based upon a selection of reading materials including text chapters; professional reports; articles. Seminar content and reading materials are set out in the Unit Schedule herewith. Reading material will be accessible on iLearn (via Leganto) from the commencement of Session. 

Face-to-face seminars may make use of PowerPoint; overhead projectors; visualisers.

There is a web page for this unit: https://unitguides.mq.edu.au/unit_offerings/112761/unit_guide.

Time Commitment

Students should be ready to allocate at least 150 hours during the session (in total) to ACCG8076. This includes all classes, assessments (estimates for assessment allocation are set out above under “Assessment Tasks”), personal study and other learning activities.

Unit Schedule

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The unit schedule/topics and any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19. Please consult iLearn for latest details, and check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

WEEK

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

CONTENT

READINGS

Week 1, Commencing 24th February 2020

LO1: Evaluate the theory, and principles of application, of data analytics skills and techniques relevant to forensic accounting

Introduction to Fraud

Types of Fraud

The Need for Analysis Tools

Matrices

Link Diagrams

Social Network Analysis

Analysing Networks

Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation for Non-Experts, H. Silverstone and M. Sheetz, Chapter 2, Fraud in Society

 

Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation for Non-Experts, H. Silverstone and M. Sheetz, Chapter 12, Analysis Tools for Investigators

 

Week 2, Commencing 2nd March 2020

LO1: Evaluate the theory, and principles of application, of data analytics skills and techniques relevant to forensic accounting

Introduction to Financial Analysis

Key Ratios

Data Mining as an Analysis Tool

Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation for Non-Experts, H. Silverstone and M. Sheetz, Chapter 5, Fundamental Principles of Financial Analysis

 

Face-to-Face Seminar, Saturday 7th March 2020 (9 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 4 PM)

This face-to-face seminar will cover the Learning Objectives, Content and Readings as indicated in Weeks 1 and 2 above.

Week 3, Commencing 9th March 2020

LO1: Evaluate the theory, and principles of application, of data analytics skills and techniques relevant to forensic accounting

Introduction to Data Mining

Data Classification

Association Analysis

Cluster Analysis

Outlier Analysis

Application: Data Mining to Detect Money Laundering

Tracing

Statistical Techniques for Forensic Accounting, S. K. Dutta, Chapter 5, Understanding the Theory and Application of Data Analysis

 

Financial Investigation and Forensic Accounting, G. A. Manning, Chapter 14, Accounting and Audit Techniques

Week 4, Commencing 16th March 2020

LO2: Investigate applications and strategies, including data mining, to enable collection, assessment, review, production and presentation of unstructured data

Data Mining Routines

Understanding the Integrity of the Data

Understanding the Norm of the Data

Entity Structures and Search Routines

Strategies for Data Mining

The Fraud Audit: Responding to the Risk of Fraud in Core Business Systems, L. W. Vona, Chapter 7, Data Mining for Fraud

Face-to-Face Seminar, Saturday 21st March 2020 (9 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 4 PM)

This face-to-face seminar will cover the Learning Objectives, Content and Readings as indicated in Weeks 3 and 4 above.

Week 5, Commencing 23rd March 2020

LO2: Investigate applications and strategies, including data mining, to enable collection, assessment, review, production and presentation of unstructured data

Disbursement Fraud

Payroll Fraud

Fraud Risk Structure

Data Analysis

Data Mining Planning

The Fraud Audit: Responding to the Risk of Fraud in Core Business Systems, L. W. Vona, Chapter 10, Disbursement Fraud

 

The Fraud Audit: Responding to the Risk of Fraud in Core Business Systems, L. W. Vona, Chapter 12, Payroll Fraud

Week 6, Commencing 30th March 2020

LO2: Investigate applications and strategies, including data mining, to enable collection, assessment, review, production and presentation of unstructured data

Revenue Misstatement

Inventory Fraud

Fraud Risk Structure

Data Analysis

Data Mining Planning

The Fraud Audit: Responding to the Risk of Fraud in Core Business Systems, L. W. Vona, Chapter 13, Revenue Misstatement

 

The Fraud Audit: Responding to the Risk of Fraud in Core Business Systems, L. W. Vona, Chapter 14, Inventory Fraud

Face-to-Face Seminar, Saturday 4th April 2020 (9 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 4 PM)

This face-to-face seminar will cover the Learning Objectives, Content and Readings as indicated in Weeks 5 and 6 above.

CLASS TEST 20%

Week 7, Commencing 6th April 2020

LO3: Manage and interpret complex or disparate sets of data to underpin business development, interpret risk, understand behavioural patterns, and detect suspicious or irregular behaviour

 

Industry Data

Financial Analysis

Types of Fraud Revisited

Fraud Detection

Interpreting Potential Red Flags

Professional Scepticism

Fraud Triangle

Risk Factors

Information Gathering

Analytical Procedures and Techniques

Sampling Theory

Statistical Sampling Techniques

Non-statistical Sampling Techniques

Financial Investigation and Forensic Accounting, G. A. Manning, Chapter 24, Audit Programs

 

A Guide to Forensic Accounting Investigation, W. Kenyon and P. D. Tilton, Chapter 13, Potential Red Flags and Fraud Detection Techniques

 

Statistical Techniques for Forensic Accounting, S. K. Dutta, Chapter 9, Sampling Theory and Techniques

MID-SEMESTER BREAK (13TH APRIL 2020 TO 26TH APRIL 2020)

Week 8, Commencing 27th April 2020

LO3: Manage and interpret complex or disparate sets of data to underpin business development, interpret risk, understand behavioural patterns, and detect suspicious or irregular behaviour

Probability

Schematic Representation of Evidence

Probative Value of Evidence

Constraints and Limitations of Data Analysis

Collection of Data

Data Analysis Tools

Descriptive Statistics

Models for Displaying Data

Data Analysis Software

Benford’s Law

Statistical Techniques for Forensic Accounting, S. K. Dutta, Chapter 6, Transitioning to Evidence

 

Forensic Accounting, R. Rufus, L. Miller and W. Hahn, Chapter 8, Transforming Data into Evidence (Part 1)

 

Forensic Accounting, R. Rufus, L. Miller and W. Hahn, Chapter 9, Transforming Data into Evidence (Part 2)

Face-to-Face Seminar, Saturday 2nd May 2020 (9 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 4 PM)

This face-to-face seminar will cover the Learning Objectives, Content and Readings as indicated in Weeks 7 and 8 above. This seminar will also provide an introduction to the Learning Objectives, Content and Readings covered in Weeks 9 through to 12.

CLASS PRESENTATION 20%

Week 9, Commencing 4th May 2020

LO4: Examine issues and key principles of professional digital forensic practice, including chain of custody and best practice procedures

 

Critical Steps in Gathering Evidence

Chain of Custody

Evidence Created

Introduction to Digital Forensics

A Guide to Forensic Accounting Investigation, W. Kenyon and P. D. Tilton, Chapter 10, Building a Case: Gathering and Documenting Evidence

 

Essentials of Forensic Accounting, M. A. Crain and others, Chapter 11, Digital Forensics

Week 10, Commencing 11th May 2020

LO4: Examine issues and key principles of professional digital forensic practice, including chain of custody and best practice procedures

Forensic Soundness

Forensic Analysis Fundamentals

Crime Reconstruction

Networks and the Internet

Handbook of Digital Forensics and Investigation, E. Casey, Chapter 1, Introduction

Week 11, Commencing 18th May 2020

LO5: Diagnose and appraise mechanisms to uncover or recover evidence from digital devices to support litigation and investigations

 

Scientific Method and Digital Forensics

Digital Forensic Analysis

Data Gathering and Observation

Conclusions and Reporting

Handbook of Digital Forensics and Investigation, E. Casey, Chapter 2, Forensic Analysis

Week 12, Commencing 25th May 2020

LO5: Diagnose and appraise mechanisms to uncover or recover evidence from digital devices to support litigation and investigations

 

Introduction to Electronic Discovery

Case Management

Identification of Electronic Data

Forensic Preservation of Data

Data Processing

Production of Electronic Data

Handbook of Digital Forensics and Investigation, E. Casey, Chapter 3, Electronic Discovery

Week 13, Commencing 1st June 2020

CRITICAL ESSAY 40% DUE ON TUESDAY 2nd JUNE 2020 (2 PM)

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.

Late Submission(s) of Assessment

Late Submission(s): Where assessment is to be submitted through Turnitin, late assessment must also, where applicable, be submitted through Turnitin. 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 incurs a 20% penalty). Late submissions will not be accepted after solutions have been discussed and/or made available.   This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved. Note: applications for Special Consideration Policy must be made within 5 (five) business days of the due date and time.