Students
ACCG913 – CPA - Ethics and Governance
2019 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Katarina Djukic
Contact via Email
Consultation: 4 Eastern Road (E4A) Room 223
Monday 1.30 - 2.30pm ( North Ryde); Wednesday 4 - 5pm ( City Campus)
Lecturer - North Ryde Campus
Patrick Gallagher
Contact via Email
Consultation: 4 Eastern Road (E4A) Room 223
Thursday 3 - 4pm
Moderator
James Hazelton
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MAdvProfAcc and 4cp at 800 level) or (16cp at 600 level and ACCG921 and ACCG923 and ACCG926 and ((AFIN858 and ACCG922) or (admission to (MAccg(Adv) or MAccg))
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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 important unit introduces and explains core professional capabilities that must be possessed by accountants. It explores and analyses the roles and functions of the accounting profession and its impact on and interface with society at large. It considers in detail a wide variety of issues including general theories of ethics and also the nature and application of the mandatory accounting professional ethical framework. The unit explores a range of governance issues that must be understood by accountants, including corporate social responsibility, corporate law and competition and consumer law. ‘Corporate social responsibility’ aspects are wide-ranging and include environmental and social reporting and intergenerational concerns. Students’ skills are extended with a focus on both developing practical problem solving capabilities and effective communication in complex managerial and related circumstances. This unit is undertaken concurrently with the student being also enrolled in the Ethics and Governance segment of the CPA Australia Professional Program.
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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:
- Understand the accounting profession generally and the varied roles of professional accountants including in relation to strategic, leadership and global issues driving accountants and the accounting profession.
- Identify governance and regulatory frameworks affecting entities and the local and global perspectives of stakeholders in relation to these frameworks.
- Identify the nature, role and vital importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
- Apply and communicate professional understanding of complex concepts involving ethics, governance and relevant judgment as required by accountants operating in a global context.
- Participate in class activities on an individual and group basis, including collaboration and communication of group work results.
General Assessment Information
SUMMARY OF FORMAL ASSESSMENT TASKS (AS STATED IN THE UNIT GUIDE) AND OVERALL WORKLOAD EXPECTATIONS
| Assessment Task | % of marks | Est work hours |
| Class Test 1 | 20 | 1.5 exam |
| Class Test 2( invigilated as formal exam) | 35 | 3.0 exam |
| Final CPA Examination | 30 | 3.0 exam |
| Total assessment dedicated hours ( without preparation) | 7.5 | |
| Class attendance and participation | 15 | 36.0 |
| Overall unit preparation and study | 106.5 |
TOTAL EXPECTED STUDENT WORK HOURS 100% 150
To be eligible to pass the unit it is necessary to:
Gain the necessary knowledge by preparing fully and attending classes regularly and attempting ALL assessment components.
Obtain at least a PASS assessment in the CPA external examination. Note that if you do NOT pass the CPA Australia Ethics and Governance Exam then you cannot attain a pass in this Unit in this Session.
Obtain at least half marks for the 70% comprising Macquarie University assessment.
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Where a student attains at least 35 (ie scores 50% of 70 marks) in the Macquarie University assessment but fails the CPA Australia CPA118 E&G Exam then an Incomplete grade may be awarded. The I grade may remain in place for up to twelve months pending successful completion of the CPA Australia CPA118 E&G Exam in a subsequent Session at which time the I grade may be replaced by a substantive pass grade. This statement is general information and is NOT policy advice so students in this position must contact administration to ensure they gain precise advice on their position and the rules. |
Turnitin and Text Based Assignment Submission [university policy]
Unless otherwise advised in this Assessment Guide (and therefore approved) all text based assessments must be submitted through Turnitin according to instructions provided in the unit guide and/or on iLearn. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that work is submitted correctly prior to the due date and time. No hard copies of assessments will be accepted and only Turnitin records will be taken as records of submission.
Multiple submissions are not allowed. Please refer to turnitin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Class Test 1 | 20% | No | Week 4 Date TBA |
| 2. Class Test 2 | 35% | No | During Week 9 - date TBA |
| 3. Class Participation | 15% | No | Ongoing |
| 4. Final Examination | 30% | Yes | September/October as advised CPA Aust |
1.Class Test 1
Due: Week 4 Date TBA
Weighting: 20%
This test will be held on line in a computer lab and will consist of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. This will cover Modules 1 and 2 ( Weeks 1 - 3). It will NOT be an open book test. Further details will be provided on iLearn.
Extensions and penalties - If students do not attend the scheduled class tests then a mark of zero will be awarded. If illness or unavoidable circumstances prevents attendance then students can apply for Special Consideration within 48 hours of the class test date.
Feedback: Student marks will be returned and the questions reviewed in the following lecture.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the accounting profession generally and the varied roles of professional accountants including in relation to strategic, leadership and global issues driving accountants and the accounting profession.
- Identify governance and regulatory frameworks affecting entities and the local and global perspectives of stakeholders in relation to these frameworks.
- Identify the nature, role and vital importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
- Apply and communicate professional understanding of complex concepts involving ethics, governance and relevant judgment as required by accountants operating in a global context.
2. Class Test 2
Due: During Week 9 - date TBA
Weighting: 35%
The test will be held on line in a computer lab and will cover all of the CPA Australia Ethics and Governance Study Guide Modules and all related content (including readings, case studies, questions and solution) as well as all assumed prior learning/knowledge (as identified in the CPA Study Guide). The test will be conducted as a fully open book exam which is the same approach that you will see in the CPA Australia Final Exam.
The test will consist of multiple choice questions and also short answer style questions to be answered by students. The value of all questions will be stated clearly and all multiple choice questions will be the same value.
This assessment Task is designed to comprise valuable formative assessment. Accordingly, shortly after marking is complete, you will receive full feedback about this test in a class test revision session.
The Test will take place during Week 9 of classes. The precise day, date, time, location and format details will be advised on iLearn and in classes. The test will have a duration of 3 hours. It will be conducted as an invigilated exam and University ID will be required in the exam room.
Extension: No extensions are possible for this specific formative assessment task so there will not be a specific supplementary test available for Assessment Task 2. A student who is absent from this test must correctly complete and submit a valid “Special Consideration” application. If this application is approved by the relevant Faculty authorities this will permit the student to sit an alternative assessment examination. This alternative assessment will be a newly created full exam that will be conducted on a closed book basis very shortly after the CPA Australia exams are concluded.
Penalties: Students who do not sit for Assessment Task 2 on the initial required date will score zero marks for this assessment item and cannot pass this Unit. Documented absence that is substantiated by a Special Consideration application which meets University requirements, and that is approved, will allow a student to sit the alternative assessment as discussed above in 'Extension'.
Feedback: Results will be posted in iLearn in Week 10. Lecturers will provide feedback during a revision session to be held in Week 10. This revision session will be held for all students.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the accounting profession generally and the varied roles of professional accountants including in relation to strategic, leadership and global issues driving accountants and the accounting profession.
- Identify governance and regulatory frameworks affecting entities and the local and global perspectives of stakeholders in relation to these frameworks.
- Identify the nature, role and vital importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
- Apply and communicate professional understanding of complex concepts involving ethics, governance and relevant judgment as required by accountants operating in a global context.
3. Class Participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions both individually and in a group context when required. Prior preparation is necessary for active participation. The participation mark will be a result of attempting to participate, as well as the quality and frequency of that participation. It is expected that students attend at least 11 out of the 12 seminars. Students are expected to arrive at the seminar on time and to remain in the seminar for its duration, unless prior arrangements have been made with your lecturer.
The quality of seminar participation (15%) will be assessed by staff using the following criteria:
- The extent to which each student has prepared for each class.
- The ability of students to complete set tasks during classes.
- The ability of students to actively participate in group discussions.
- The ability of students to co-operate with and assist other students in their learning.
- The ability of students to express their ideas in class.
- The ability of students to articulate their thoughts.
- The performance of students on tasks completed during class.
Feedback: Information concerning each students final participation mark will be made available on the subject website prior to the CPA examination period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply and communicate professional understanding of complex concepts involving ethics, governance and relevant judgment as required by accountants operating in a global context.
- Participate in class activities on an individual and group basis, including collaboration and communication of group work results.
4. Final Examination
Due: September/October as advised CPA Aust
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Extension: Subject to the rules applicable to CPA Australia candidature
Penalties: Students who do not achieve at least a Pass grade in this exam will not be awarded a Pass grade in ACCG913. Students who do not achieve a Pass grade should discuss this with MACC administration staff.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the accounting profession generally and the varied roles of professional accountants including in relation to strategic, leadership and global issues driving accountants and the accounting profession.
- Identify governance and regulatory frameworks affecting entities and the local and global perspectives of stakeholders in relation to these frameworks.
- Identify the nature, role and vital importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
- Apply and communicate professional understanding of complex concepts involving ethics, governance and relevant judgment as required by accountants operating in a global context.
Delivery and Resources
| Required Text: |
Required Texts/Materials
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| Unit Web Page: |
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| Technology Used and Required: |
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| Delivery Format and Other Details: |
Classes
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| Recommended Readings: |
Reference Texts/Materials APES 110 Compiled Code of Professional Ethics for Professional Accountants, available online at http://www.apesb.org.au The CPA Australia 'CPA118 Ethics & Governance Study Guide' provides a comprehensive reference list at the end of each module containing all references cited by the authors. These CPA Australia references will assist you in undertaking further study and they will be very valuable for assignments and research generally. Additional materials and references will be made available or advised in iLearn. Please note you MUST refer to iLearn regularly. |
| Other Course Materials: |
Preparation for classes It is essential that you prepare for each class by reading all materials and references carefully. This will include carefully working through the relevant CPA module, noting any issues which you might like to discuss in class and, of course, contributing to in-class discussions and overall ‘group learning’. In addition to your CPA Study Guide Modules, you may download additional relevant class materials required each week from iLearn – login at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. These class materials will be placed on iLearn prior to class time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you access and have copies of relevant material prior to classes. You should allow time for thorough reading of all materials before each class. |
Learning and Teaching Activities
Each 3 hour class will consist of a combination of activities including seminar presentations by the lecturer and student presentations and discussions which will review key concepts. You are encouraged to engage in class discussion relating to questions posed, case studies and their analysis, current events/issues and practical, problem solving exercises.
A revision class will be held prior to the external CPA Program exam and will include analysis, questions and cases designed to explore the entire course.
The material to be covered each week is identified in this Unit Guide.
Unit Schedule
UNIT DIARY ACCG913 CPA – Ethics and Governance – Session 2 2019
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Week |
Class/Date |
Topic |
Module |
Other information |
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W1
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Class 1 Week start 22 July |
Accounting and Society Study Guide pp15-69. Please read these pages before the first class.
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Module 1 |
Module references are to CPA118 Ethics and Governance Study Guide. |
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W2
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Class 2 Week start 29 July |
Ethics – Part A Professional Ethics – Part B Ethical Theories – Part C Code of Ethics. |
Module 2 Parts A, B and C |
Please also read the Code of Ethics itself |
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W3
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Class 3 Week start 05 August |
Ethics – Part C APES110 Code of Ethics – Part D Ethical Decision-making. |
Module 2 Parts C and D |
Please also read the Code of Ethics itself |
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W4 |
Class 4 Week start 12 August |
In Class Test 1 This test will be held in computer labs. Location TBA. |
Modules 1 and 2 |
Monday 12th August.# The remainder of this class is available for students to revise Module 3 for the following week. |
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W5
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Class 5 Week start 19 August
Class 6 Week start 19 August |
Governance Concepts – Part A Overview of Corporate Governance & Part B International Perspectives on Corporate Governance
Governance Concepts – Part C Codes & Guidance and Part D Governance Failures etc |
Module 3 Parts A & B
Module 3 Parts C,D & E |
Additional Class Friday 23 August 2-5pm (all students to attend)# |
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W6
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Class 7 Week start 26 August |
Governance in Practice |
Module 4 pp 281-324 |
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W7
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Class 8 Week start 2 September Class 9 Week start 2 September |
Governance in Practice
Corporate Social Responsibility Please start reading early to cover whole module. |
Module 4 pp 324-373
Module 5 |
Additional Class Friday 6 September 2-5pm (all students to attend)# |
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W8
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Class 10 Week start 9 September |
Practice Class |
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W9
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Class 11 Week start 16 September |
Class Test 2. 35% of marks – test is compulsory. 3 hours Monday 16th September. 10-1pm.# Location to be advised. Test is compulsory. |
Class Test
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This test is an important EXAM 35% of total marks SEE iLearn for DATE, TIME, LOCATION and seating. Formal invigilation – bring ID. |
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W10 |
Class 12 Week start 23 September
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Class Test review Exam techniques discussion. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ATTEND THIS CLASS. Monday 23rd September. 6-9pm# Location TBA. |
MQU Test review & revision |
IMPORTANT CLASS YOU MUST ATTEND. Review of Class Test 2 and preparation for CPA exam. |
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W11
W12
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No classes
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Final (CPA Australia) Exam – CPA Exam period 28 September to 13 October
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CPA Australia EXAM 30% of total marks You must personally check ALL exam details with CPA Australia |
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# Date/time to be confirmed depending on computer lab and room availability
Learning and Teaching Activities
Learning and Teaching Activities
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:
- 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 (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate 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
Academic Honesty
The nature of scholarly endeavour, dependent as it is on the work of others, binds all members of the University community to abide by the principles of academic honesty. Its fundamental principle is that all staff and students act with integrity in the creation, development, application and use of ideas and information. This means that:
- all academic work claimed as original is the work of the author making the claim
- all academic collaborations are acknowledged
- academic work is not falsified in any way
- when the ideas of others are used, these ideas are acknowledged appropriately.
Further information on the academic honesty can be found in the Macquarie University Academic Honesty Policy at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Grades
Macquarie University uses the following grades in coursework units of study:
- HD - High Distinction
- D - Distinction
- CR - Credit
- P - Pass
- F - Fail
Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Grading Policy which is available at:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grading Appeals and Final Examination Script Viewing
If, at the conclusion of the unit, you have performed below expectations, and are considering lodging an appeal of grade please refer to the following website which provides information about these processes and the cut off dates in the first instance. Please read the instructions provided concerning what constitutes a valid grounds for appeal before appealing your grade.
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
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.
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
- Understand the accounting profession generally and the varied roles of professional accountants including in relation to strategic, leadership and global issues driving accountants and the accounting profession.
- Identify governance and regulatory frameworks affecting entities and the local and global perspectives of stakeholders in relation to these frameworks.
- Identify the nature, role and vital importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
- Apply and communicate professional understanding of complex concepts involving ethics, governance and relevant judgment as required by accountants operating in a global context.
- Participate in class activities on an individual and group basis, including collaboration and communication of group work results.
Assessment tasks
- 1.Class Test 1
- 2. Class Test 2
- 4. Final Examination
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
- Understand the accounting profession generally and the varied roles of professional accountants including in relation to strategic, leadership and global issues driving accountants and the accounting profession.
- Identify governance and regulatory frameworks affecting entities and the local and global perspectives of stakeholders in relation to these frameworks.
- Identify the nature, role and vital importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
- Apply and communicate professional understanding of complex concepts involving ethics, governance and relevant judgment as required by accountants operating in a global context.
- Participate in class activities on an individual and group basis, including collaboration and communication of group work results.
Assessment tasks
- 1.Class Test 1
- 2. Class Test 2
- 3. Class Participation
- 4. 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:
Assessment task
- 3. Class Participation
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
- Understand the accounting profession generally and the varied roles of professional accountants including in relation to strategic, leadership and global issues driving accountants and the accounting profession.
- Identify the nature, role and vital importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
- Apply and communicate professional understanding of complex concepts involving ethics, governance and relevant judgment as required by accountants operating in a global context.
- Participate in class activities on an individual and group basis, including collaboration and communication of group work results.
Assessment tasks
- 1.Class Test 1
- 2. Class Test 2
- 4. Final Examination
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Participate in class activities on an individual and group basis, including collaboration and communication of group work results.
Assessment task
- 3. Class Participation
Changes from Previous Offering
The unit syllabus has been updated in minor ways in relation to dates and content coverage.
There have been changes to the Assessments. The group assignment task has been removed and a participation assessment has been incorporated in S2 2019.
Research & Practice, Global & Sustainability
- ACCG913 CPA Ethics and Governance identifies and requires the use of research sources and the practical application of sound academic approaches. Multiple references are provided in the CPA Australia CPA Professional Program CPA118 Ethics and Governance Subject Book.
- Additional relevant materials, including materials expanding on CPA references, will be placed on iLearn and these will be referred to in classes and will also comprise content for class seminar discussion.
- The unit requires students to conduct their own relevant research activities. References, including to legal sources, are provided. In the context of developing ‘lifelong learning’ skills it is important that students develop strong ability to conduct relevant systematic research. Effective Masters graduates must be able to identify research locations and construct targeted learning and experiential materials relevant to targeted needs.
- ACCG913 CPA Ethics and Governance 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/seminars.
- We promote sustainability by developing an inherent ability in our students to research and locate relevant information within the accounting discipline generally and in particular within the critically important area of Ethics and Governance.
- The unit specifically addresses the application of sustainability concepts in a global context and in relation to the social, environmental and economic requirements of stakeholders and societies generally.
- By developing and fine-tuning this capability within students, we aim to provide skills which will benefit our graduates' careers and societies generally.