Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Rationale
Important: There is a restriction on the total enrolments in this unit. Initial enrolment is restricted to students who have been pre-approved. For continuing students, pre-approved study plans are provided on the School of Accountancy Postgraduate Student Community Blackboard site (the link for this site should appear on the QUT Blackboard homepage and listed under My Communities). For students who are yet to commence their QUT study, your pre-approved study plan will also appear on the School of Accountancy Postgraduate Student Community Blackboard site which will be periodically updated to allow access to your pre-approved study plan. Alternatively, you may contact the Postgraduate Administration Officer (sarahjane.barker@qut.edu.au ) for study plan advice. If resources permit, then consideration will be given to students who wish to seek approval to amend their pre-approved study plan. External reporting issues integrates the technical skills developed in prior financial accounting units by considering the issues relating to the application of accounting techniques, within an economic and conceptual framework.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to expose students to a number of contemporary issues in external reporting. Readings from the research and professional literature will be used to enhance students understanding of professional problems.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Postgraduate)

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 Well-researched knowledge and critical understanding applied to issues at the forefront of a specialised discipline area
1.2 Ability to select and use effectively a range of tools and technologies to locate and/or generate information appropriate to the disciplinary context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Apply logical, critical and creative thinking and judgement to generate appropriate solutions to problems in the disciplinary context

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Ability to create and present professional documents and/or reports using high levels of analysis/synthesis/evaluation for a range of contexts and audiences
3.2 Ability to orally communicate and justify ideas and information, at a professional level, for a variety of contexts and audiences, including peers and discipline specialists

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

4.1 Operate effectively and with flexibility to achieve common goals in collaborative settings, using a range of skills, including leadership, negotiation, reflection, proactivity and support for team members

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply knowledge of the ethical, social and cultural dimensions relevant to business situations, including appropriate standards or codes of practice, to provide courses of action

Unit Objectives
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Understand the role played by external financial reports in the governance of corporations
2. Understand all aspects of debate concerning numerous financial accounting issues
3. Apply both economic and conceptual frameworks to resolve practical financial accounting problems
4. Appreciate the financial accounting literature and understand the nature of relevant research into topics covered

The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

Areas examined may include: institutional background and legal framework; conceptual framework and accounting theory; external reporting aspects of corporate governance; presentation and disclosure in external reports; capital market implications of external reporting; and other reporting issues.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is designed to encourage critical enquiry and intellectual debate within a professional context. To achieve this students are exposed to both the professional literature and academic research addressing the issues as well as numerous case studies. This eclectic approach is intended to broaden each students outlook so as to enhance their ability to apply their skills to solve real-world accountancy problems. Students will be encouraged to actively participate in seminar discussions.

Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation


• Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary


• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation


• Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: Research Paper 1
Description: Details of the research paper requirements together with the criteria marking sheet will be posted on Blackboard in week 2. The research paper must be typed and appropriately referenced using QUT Harvard style. Appendices may be attached and do not form part of the word limit.
Length/Duration: 1,250 words
Formative or Summative:Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1).
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Research Paper 2
Description: Details of the research paper requirements together with the criteria marking sheet will be posted on Blackboard in week 3. The research paper must be typed and appropriately referenced using QUT Harvard style. Appendices may be attached and do not form part of the word limit.
Length/Duration: 1,250 words
Formative or Summative:Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: The purpose of this assessment item is to determine the student's knowledge and application of key concepts and techniques covered throughout the semester.
Length/Duration: 2 hours + 10 minutes perusal
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 50%
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 Text
There is no prescribed Text for this unit.

Useful References

Deegan, C. (2010). Australian Financial Accounting (6th edition). North Ryde. McGraw Hill.

Henderson, S., G. Peirson, & K. Herbohn. (2008). Issues in Financial Accounting (13th edition). Frenchs Forest. Pearson Education Australia.

Jones, S., Riahi-Belkaoui, A. (2010). Financial Accounting Theory (3th edition). South Melbourne. Cengange Learning Australia.

Australian Accounting Standards.
As advised on a weekly basis.

Other Resources

As per the unit's 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