Units
Accountancy Capstone
Unit code: AYB339
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Accountancy Capstone co-ordinates several parts of the accountancy degree that have already been studied by students. AYB339 takes a very practical, hands-on approach with students working together in groups of between four and discussing and solving simulated real-world multi-disciplined client problems. Throughout the unit, students take on the persona of a professional advisor/consultant. The teaching staff will take on the role of the client.
Based on a problem-based learning (PBL) methodology, students will learn the process of how to deal with the real-world accounting problems that graduates would typically be expected to encounter in their first year working within a public accounting firm. These problems require students to work together in teams, research issues, gather information and form conclusions.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
One of the essential elements in the real world is the ability to solve unstructured, multi-disciplined accounting problems. This unit integrates elements of the accountancy discipline using a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. The unit addresses issues faced by a professional advisor/consultant by presenting students with simulated real-world problems. These problems require students to work together in teams, research issues, gather information, and form conclusions. Students should therefore be better prepared for the various situations they will face in their accounting career.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop students' ability to reason, research, discuss and solve unstructured problems as typically encountered by a professional advisor/consultant. In attaining this aim, students should develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Students should also be able to fully justify their recommendations for each problem encountered.
Objectives
Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)
1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context
Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)
2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue
Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)
4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output
Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)
5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding
Unit Objectives
The objectives in this unit are based on the QUT Business School's Assurance of Learning goals which reflect the Graduate Capabilities identified as being desirable for current graduates. Please note that Discipline Knowledge & Skills, one of the graduate capabilities, has been listed separately so that more detail can be provided regarding the specific discipline knowledge you should gain through the completion of this unit.
On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. demonstrate appropriate content knowledge in solving accounting problems;
2. apply accounting knowledge to real situations;
3. understand and be aware of the dynamic nature of laws, standards and regulations which impact on accounting.
The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.
Content
The following provides a brief overview of the five topics to be covered:
· Business Planning and Structuring;
· Operations/Transactions;
· Employment Issues;
· Reporting (Internal and External); and
· Taxation.
Refer to the AYB339 Week 1 Unit Information document for a more detailed schedule.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching and learning strategies are designed to facilitate the aims and objectives of the unit. Accountancy Capstone is based on a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model/approach. The unit adopts a 'less teaching, more learning' philosophy. The emphasis of Accountancy Capstone is on active problem solving, rather than on technical content.
In the first discussion forum (which commences in Week 1), students will be asked to form into groups of four, five or, in some cases, six. The maximum number of groups in any one discussion forum is four (4). These groups will remain intact for the entire semester to simulate the real world workplace where groups with varying skills work together on specific projects - in this case to discuss and solve unstructured accounting-related problems typically encountered by graduates entering the profession.
There are no lectures in AYB339. Instead, for each of the five topics, students are expected to download Powerpoint Slides from the AYB339 blackboard site. These Powerpoint Slides merely present an overview of the topic. They do not provide ¿answers¿ to the problems that students will be presented with for each topic.
The Powerpoint slides are not intended to provide detailed information in the form of lecture notes on each topic. They are provided as a form of reference material only. The Powerpoint slides should be viewed as merely the starting point of your research on each topic and constitute reference material only. Students are responsible for their own learning and gathering information on the content of each topic.
It is recommended that students download the Powerpoint Slides from the AYB339 Blackboard site and go through the content before attending their discussion forum. Furthermore, students are encouraged to bring a printout of the Powerpoint slides to each discussion forum.
The discussion forums are conducted in the presence of a facilitator. A facilitator is similar to a tutor, however the facilitator will not be providing the students with answers to the PBLs. Instead, the facilitator's role will be to guide students through the problem solving process, rather than to coach them or provide them with the answers to each problem.
The facilitator will move between each group in the classroom. This way, the facilitator will observe first-hand the efforts of students, their contribution to group discussion and witness the process that each group takes to solve each problem. There are some additional facts that the facilitator may provide to each group (provided relevant questions are asked). The ability to ask the ¿right¿ questions is a key element of Accountancy Capstone.
Laptops are strictly not permitted to be used at any time during the discussion forums for any reason whatsoever. The reason being is that students have two weeks to research the problem (outside of the discussion forum). When a client is present (ie. the facilitator), the idea is to ask the client questions to gather additional information. Most clients would consider it ¿rude¿ if their advisor was to sit in front of them searching information on the laptop whilst in a client meeting.
There are two discussion forums held for each topic. As there are five topics in Accountancy Capstone, there are ten ¿active¿ discussion forums. The first discussion forum (ie. Week 1) will be used to provide students with an overview of the unit, its objective, assessment and a discussion as to how discussion forums will be conducted and what is expected from students.
Discussion forums are held each week of the semester. Accordingly, the discussion forums commence in Week 1. Each discussion forum is two (2) hours in duration.
Each of the five topics contain two PBLs (PBL 1 and PBL 2). These PBLs will be handed to students at the beginning of the first discussion forum for each topic and subsequently be made available to students on the AYB339 Blackboard site at the conclusion of the last discussion forum for that particular day (typically 8 pm).
These problems will form the basis of discussion between group members over the two discussion forums for each topic. Marks will be allocated by the facilitator based on individual student contribution to group discussion in the discussion forums.
Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
Assessment name:
Assessment in DiscussionForums
Description:
Written Submission of PBL 1 (32%, being 4 sumamtive topics x 8% each): Each group is required to submit their answer to PBL 1 on group firm letterhead. Each written submission will be marked by the group's facilitator and returned by the following week.
Technical correctness of PBL 2 (12%, being 4 summative topics x 3% each): By the end of the second discussion forum for each topic, each group will be asked to present their answer to PBL 2 to the rest of the class. Each group will be assessed on the technical correctness to their answer for PBL 2.
Facilitator assessment of contribution (16%, being 4 summative topics x 4% each): Each facilitator will award a total mark out of 16 in respect of each student's individual participation and contribution in discussion forums throughout the semester.
Length: For the written submissions, a maximum of 1,000 words for each PBL 1
Approximate Due Date: In terms of the written submission for PBL 1, fortnightly (at the beginning of Discussion Forums 4, 7, 9, 11 and 13). The first submission of PBL 1 in Discussion Forum 4 is not assessable and is formative. In terms of PBL 2, students will present their answer to the class at the end of the second discussion forum for each topic.
Formative or Summative: All marks awarded in respect of Topic 1 are formative, whilst Topics 2, 3, 4 and 5 are summative.
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), TW (4.1)
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Fortnightly
Assessment name:
Integrated Case Study
Description:
Each student (or group of two) will be required to complete an integrated case study. The case study is worth 40% and requires each student/group to review a client's MYOB data file and make appropriate end-of-year adjustments to this data file.
Each student/group will also be required to prepare an annual report for the client (which contains the external financial statements, directors' report, directors' declaration and accountant's compilation report). Students will also be required to draft the income tax return for the client. Finally, each students/group will also be required to required to calculate several key financial ratios outlined in the business plan. For those financial ratios that not met, students are required to advise the client as to what specific strategies the client could adopt in order to improve business performance.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Group or Individual: Students will have the choice of completing this case study either by themselves or with another student enrolled in the unit. Groups of three or more students are strictly prohibited.
Due date: To be advised, however, the case study is typically due for submission during the first week of the central exam period.
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Central Exam Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Prescribed Texts and Readings:
There are no prescribed texts for this unit. However, as Accountancy Capstone draws together elements from other units in the Accountancy degree, students are encouraged to refer to textbooks used in other units studied in their degree.
Furthermore, there are no detailed notes for the AYB339 Accountancy Capstone. Instead, students are responsible for their own learning and gathering information on the content of each topic.
A concise Powerpoint slide presentation summarising the most important aspects of each topic will be placed on the AYB339 Blackboard site for students to download and review before attending class.
Useful Websites
In Accountancy Capstone, students are primarily responsible for researching issues and gathering information themselves, rather than relying on staff to provide them with technical content. To this end, the internet is vitally important and is an excellent source of information. Some of the more useful websites are:
1. Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) http://www.aasb.com.au
2. Australian Business Register (Apply for an ABN) http://www.abr.gov.au/ABR_BC/
3. Australian Business Register (Search for an ABN) http://www.business.gov.au/Business+Entry+Point/
4. Australian Financial Review http://www.afr.com.au
5. Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) http://www.asic.gov.au
6. Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) http://www.asx.com.au
7. Australian Taxation Office (ATO) http://www.ato.gov.au
8. CCH Online (Taxation Law) http://www.library.qut.edu.au/find/databases/search.jsp?type=ti&search=cch
9. CPA Australia http://www.cpaaustralia.com.au
10. Financial Reporting Council (FRC) http://www.frc.gov.au
11. Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia http://www.icaa.org.au
12. International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) http://www.iasb.org/
13. Legislation (Federal) http://www.austlii.edu.au/
14. Legislation (Queensland) http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Acts_SLs/Acts_SL.htm
15. Office of Fair Trading (Queensland) http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au
16. Office of State Revenue (Land Tax) http://www.osr.qld.gov.au/taxes/land/index.htm
17. Office of State Revenue (Payroll Tax) http://www.osr.qld.gov.au/taxes/payroll/index.htm
18. Office of State Revenue (Stamp Duties) http://www.osr.qld.gov.au/taxes/duties/index.htm
19. Taxpayers Australia http://www.taxpayer.com.au/
20. Taxation Institute of Australia http://www.taxinstitute.com.au
Other Resources
Students would normally be expected to print Powerpoint slides, PBLs and the integrated case study from the AYB339 Blackboard site.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 22-Mar-2013
