Students
ACCG8127 – Current Issues in Accounting and Corporate Governance
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Grant Richardson
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ACCG848 or ACCG8048 or ACCG921 or ACCG8121 or ACCG923 or ACCG8123
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
ACCG8127
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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 the 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. |
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: Demonstrate an advanced level of theoretical accounting knowledge, including knowledge in financial and management accounting and corporate governance, and critically apply knowledge in a range of contexts.
- ULO2: Evaluate relevant quantitative research methods and principles applicable to accounting.
- ULO3: Conduct independent research to recommend appropriate solutions to complex business problems.
- ULO4: Demonstrate communication skills relevant to an appropriate professional environment.
- ULO5: Appreciate the need for corporate social responsibility and ethical thinking
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualitative Analysis Task | 15% | No | Weeks 3 to 5 |
| Online Quiz | 10% | No | Week 7 |
| Quantitative analysis task | 15% | No | Weeks 9 to 12 |
| Essay | 30% | No | Week 13 |
| Online Final Examination | 30% | No | Exam period |
Qualitative Analysis Task
Assessment Type 1: Qualitative analysis task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Weeks 3 to 5
Weighting: 15%
Individual Critical Reflections (15%) You will produce three written individual critical reflections of 250 words on allocated lectures. This assessment is designed to introduce you to different contemporary accounting and corporate governance issues and how to apply theoretical concepts to real-world cases.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced level of theoretical accounting knowledge, including knowledge in financial and management accounting and corporate governance, and critically apply knowledge in a range of contexts.
- Evaluate relevant quantitative research methods and principles applicable to accounting.
- Conduct independent research to recommend appropriate solutions to complex business problems.
- Demonstrate communication skills relevant to an appropriate professional environment.
Online Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 10%
One-hour online quiz
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced level of theoretical accounting knowledge, including knowledge in financial and management accounting and corporate governance, and critically apply knowledge in a range of contexts.
- Evaluate relevant quantitative research methods and principles applicable to accounting.
- Conduct independent research to recommend appropriate solutions to complex business problems.
Quantitative analysis task
Assessment Type 1: Quantitative analysis task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Weeks 9 to 12
Weighting: 15%
Group Presentations (15%) You will participate in a group case studies based on analysing and critiquing quantitative accounting research critiques and will be required to make a presentation on your analysis. This assessment is designed to help you and your group to develop skills in working together with critical thinking, quantitative analysis and presentation skills.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced level of theoretical accounting knowledge, including knowledge in financial and management accounting and corporate governance, and critically apply knowledge in a range of contexts.
- Evaluate relevant quantitative research methods and principles applicable to accounting.
- Demonstrate communication skills relevant to an appropriate professional environment.
- Appreciate the need for corporate social responsibility and ethical thinking
Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
The purpose of the individual essay is to allow you to put accounting and corporate governance concepts into practice and to allow you to demonstrate your research and writing skills. The assignment and the arguments you develop should help you reflect on your learning and link accounting theory to practice. This assessment is designed to prepare you for the final exam. World limit 2000.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced level of theoretical accounting knowledge, including knowledge in financial and management accounting and corporate governance, and critically apply knowledge in a range of contexts.
- Evaluate relevant quantitative research methods and principles applicable to accounting.
- Conduct independent research to recommend appropriate solutions to complex business problems.
- Demonstrate communication skills relevant to an appropriate professional environment.
- Appreciate the need for corporate social responsibility and ethical thinking
Online Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Exam period
Weighting: 30%
A two-hour online examination will be held during the University examination period
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced level of theoretical accounting knowledge, including knowledge in financial and management accounting and corporate governance, and critically apply knowledge in a range of contexts.
- Evaluate relevant quantitative research methods and principles applicable to accounting.
- Conduct independent research to recommend appropriate solutions to complex business problems.
- Appreciate the need for corporate social responsibility and ethical thinking
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
There is no prescribed text for this course as we will use case studies and material that link to current and unfolding accounting and corporate governance issues. However, students can refer to the current edition of Rankin M., Ferlauto K., McGowan S. and Stanton P. (2018) Contemporary Issues In Accounting (Second Edition) John Wiley and Sons, Milton, Qld. ISBN9780730343530. Please do not use the first edition
Unit Schedule
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Unit Schedule |
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Session 1 - Introduction |
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Video Lecture: Introduction and Critical Thinking |
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Workshop: Critical Thinking in Action |
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Review of Assessments and How to Write a Critical Reflection |
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Paper 1 |
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Session 2 - Accounting Theory I |
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Video Lecture: Accounting Theory I |
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Paper 2 |
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Session 3 - Accounting Theory II |
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Video Lecture: Accounting Theory II |
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Workshop: Review Critical Reflections (Accounting Theory I) |
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Paper 3 |
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Session 4 - Corporate Reporting in Australia |
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Video Lecture: Corporate Reporting in Australia |
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Workshop: Review Critical Reflections (Accounting Theory II) |
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Paper 4 |
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Session 5 - Corporate Governance in Australia |
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Video Lecture: Corporate Governance in Australia |
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Workshop: Review Critical Reflections (Corporate Reporting in Australia) |
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Paper 5 |
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Session 6 - Quantitative Research Methods I |
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Video Lectures: LinkedIn Learning Statistics Foundations 1 & 2 |
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Learning Certificates Due by 5pm on Friday 3rd of September 2021 for Quantitative Research Methods I |
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Session 7 - Quiz |
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Video Lecture: Review for Quiz |
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Quiz |
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Session 8 - Quantitative Research Methods II |
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Video Lectures: LinkedIn Learning Statistics Foundations 3 and Excel Statistics Essential Training: 1 |
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Student Learning Certificates Due by 5pm on Friday 1st of October 2021 for Quantitative Research Methods II |
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Session 9 - Climate Change and Financial Risk |
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Video Lecture: Climate Change and Financial Risk |
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Workshop: Group Presentations on Climate Change and Financial Risk |
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Session 10 - Sustainability Accounting and Reporting |
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Video Lecture: Sustainability Accounting and Reporting |
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Workshop: Group Presentations on Sustainability Accounting and Reporting |
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Session 11 - Integrated Reporting |
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Video Lecture: Integrated Reporting |
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Workshop: Group Presentations on Integrated Reporting |
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Session 12 – Final Presentations |
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Video Lecture: Final Presentations |
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Workshop: Final Group Presentations |
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Session 13 - Topic Review and Exam Discussion |
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Video Lecture: Topic Review and Exam Discussion |
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Workshop: Exam Review |
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Individual Student Essays Due by 5pm on Friday 5th of November 2021 |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook