ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 1 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A KING’S OWN INSTITUTE* Success in Higher Education ACC303 Contemporary Issues in Accounting T316 All information contained within this Subject Outline applies to all students enrolled in the trimester as indicated. This subject replaces ACC302 Advanced Accounting. Section 1 General Information 1.1 Administrative Details Associated HE Award(s) Duration Level Subject Coordinator B Bus (Accg) 1 trimester Level 3 Dr Margaret Drever [email protected] 1.2 Core/Elective This is a core subject for B Bus (Accg) 1.3 Subject Weighting Indicated below is the weighting of this subject and the total course points. Subject Credit Points Total Course Credit Points 4 BBus (Accg) 96 1.4 Student Workload Indicated below is the expected student workload per week for this subject No. timetabled hours/week* No. Personal Study Hours/Week** Total Workload Hours/Week*** 4 hours/week 2 hour Lecture + 2 hour Tutorial 6 hours/week 10 hours/week * Total time spent per week at lectures and tutorials ** Total time students are expected to spend per week in studying and completing assignments. *** That is, * + ** = workload hours. 1.5 Mode of Delivery This subject is delivered face-to-face. 1.6 Pre-requisites ACC100 Introduction to Accounting, ACC101 Introduction to Financial Accounting, ACC200 Introduction to Management Accounting, ACC201 Financial Accounting and ACC202 Management Accounting. Co-requisite ACC300 Auditing and Assurance Services (may be done before or at the same time as ACC302) 1.7 Other Study and Resource Requirements Students are expected to attend classes with the required textbook and to read specific chapters prior to the tutorials. This will allow them to actively take part in discussions. Students will require access to the internet and email and should have elementary skills in both word processing and spread sheet software such as MS Word and MS Excel. Computers are available for student use in the Library. However these are in heavy demand and tutorial classes will have priority use. You should therefore plan well in advance to utilise these resources. If you have your own computer, it should have internet access and relevant software installed. Students are encouraged to make use of the campus Library for reference materials. Resource requirements specific to this subject: Students should have a non-programmable calculator. Applications in smart phones will not be sufficient to perform the required calculations.ACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 2 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A Section 2 – Academic Details 2.1 Overview of the Subject This subject develops the critical ability to evaluate financial accounting information through current issues. Exploration and understanding of the different theoretical and philosophical approaches to accounting that have evolved over time. It also continues to build upon the development of technical accounting skills through an understanding and application of selected contemporary accounting issues. 2.2 Graduate Attributes for Undergraduate Courses Graduates of the Bachelor of Business (Accounting), and the Bachelor of Business (Management and Finance) courses from King’s Own Institute have demonstrated they have gained the graduate attributes expected from successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree under the Australian Qualifications Framework (2nd edition, January 2013). Graduates at this level will have an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts for professional practice or scholarship and as a pathway for further learning. King’s Own Institute’s key generic graduate attributes for a Bachelor’s level degree are summarised below: Across the course, these skills are developed across 3 levels. These are: • Level 1 Foundation – Students learn the basic skills, theories and techniques of the subject and apply them in basic, stand-alone contexts. • Level 2 Intermediate – Students further develop skills, theories and techniques of the subject and apply them in more complex contexts, beginning to integrate the application with other subjects. • Level 3 Advanced – Students have a demonstrated ability to plan, research and apply the skills, theories and techniques of the subject in complex situations, integrating the subject content with a range of other subject disciplines within the context of the course. KOI Bachelor Degree Graduate Attributes Detailed Description Knowledge Coherent, comprehensive knowledge of the major field of study, making interdisciplinary connections and links between theory and practice. Lifelong Learning Think and work independently, open to new challenges and growing in knowledge and skills. Communication Professional communication skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening in diverse modes and contexts. Information Literacy Access, evaluate, manage and use relevant information resources and technology. Problem Solving Skills Apply logical, critical, and creative thinking and professional decision-making to real world problems. Ethical and Cultural Sensitivity Respect and apply ethical practices, cultural sensitivity and social responsibility, personally and professionally. Teamwork Work collaboratively to achieve team objectives across the range of team roles. Professional Skills Apply knowledge and skills to professional practice, demonstrating initiative, judgement and accountability.ACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 3 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A 2.2.1 ACC303 Contemporary Issues in Accounting Subject Learning Outcomes This is a Level 3 subject. Listed below, are key knowledge and skills students are expected to attain by successfully completing this subject: Subject Learning Outcomes Contribution to Course Graduate Attributes a) Evaluate financial accounting reporting issues b) Synthesise various theoretical and philosophical approaches to accounting c) Apply and analyse current accounting issues d) Discuss and explain contemporary current accounting issues. 2.3 Subject Content and Structure 2.3.1 Weekly Planner Shown in the table below are details of the subject content and how it is structured, including specific topics covered in lectures and tutorials. Readings refer to the prescribed text unless otherwise indicated. Week (beginning) Topic covered in each week’s lecture Reading(s) Expected work 1 07 Nov Introduction to accounting theories and issues Ch 1 Tutorial exercises 2 14 Nov The Australian reporting accounting environment Ch 2 Tutorial exercises 3 21 Nov International accounting and issues through different forms of measurement Ch 4 Tutorial exercises 4 28 Nov Capital market reactions to financial reporting Ch 10 Tutorial exercises 5 05 Dec Normative accounting theories: accounting for changing prices and conceptual framework Ch 6 Tutorial exercises Finalise groups 6 12 Dec Fair Value Measurement issues Ch 4 Tutorial exercises Individual Assignment due All Mid-trimester tests/quizzes/M/C tests exams 7 19 Dec Positive accounting theories Ch 7 Tutorial exercises 26 Dec 2016 - 08 Jan 2017 Mid-trimester break 8 09 Jan Social and environmental accounting Ch 9 Tutorial exercises 9 16 Jan Ethics and regulation in accounting Ch 3 Tutorial exercises Deferred Mid Trimester Exams for all subjects - see Section 2.4 below for more information 10 23 Jan Financial reporting and behavioural issues Ch 11 Tutorial exercises Group Assignment due 11 30 Jan Contemporary issues in accounting Ch 12 Group Presentations 12 06 Feb Revision Tutorial exercisesACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 4 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A 13 13 Feb Study Review Week 14 20 - 25 Feb Final Exam Week Please see Exam Timetable for exam date, time and location 15 27 Feb Student Vacation begins Enrolments for T117 open 16 07 Mar Results Released Tuesday 07 Mar Certification of Grades Friday 10 Feb T117 begins 13 Mar 2017 1 13 Mar Week 1 of classes for T117 Friday 17 March – Review of Grade Day for T316 – see Sections 2.4 and 3.5.2 below for more information 2.3.2 Public Holiday Amendments Please note: KOI is closed on all scheduled NSW Public Holidays. T316 has one (1) public holiday (Australia Day) that occurs during classes this trimester. Classes scheduled for this public holiday (Calendar Class Dates) will be rescheduled as per the table below. All other public holidays fall within the mid-trimester break period. This applies to ALL subjects taught in T316. Please see the table below and adjust your class timing as required. Please make sure you have arrangements in place to attend the rescheduled classes if applicable to your T316 enrolment. Classes will be conducted at the same time and in the same location as your normally scheduled class except these classes will be held on the date shown below. Calendar Class Date Rescheduled Class Date Thursday 26 January 2017 (Week 10) Thursday 17 February 2017 (week 13) (Study Review week) 2.4 Review of Grade, Deferred Exams & Supplementary Exams/Assessments 2.4.1 Review of Grade There may be instances when you believe that your final grade in a unit does not accurately reflect your performance against the subject criteria. Section 8 of the Assessment and Assessment Appeals Policy (www.koi.edu.au) describes the grounds on which you may apply for a Review of Grade. If this happens and you are unable to resolve it with the Academic staff concerned then you can apply for a formal Review of Grade within the timeframes indicated in Sections 2.4.4 and 3.5 below and the Assessment and Assessment Appeals Policy. Please ensure you read the Review of Grade information before submitting an application. 2.4.2 Review of Grade Day KOI will hold the Review of Grade Day for all subjects studied in T316 on: Friday 17 March 2017ACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 5 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A Only final exams will be discussed as all other assessments should have been reviewed during the trimester. If you fail one or more subjects and you wish to consider applying for a Review of Grade you MUST attend the Review of Grade Day. You will have the chance to discuss your final exam with your lecturer, and will be advised if you have valid reasons for applying for a Review of Grade (see Section 3.5 below and the Assessment and Assessment Appeals. If you do not attend the Review of Grade Day you are considered to have accepted your results for T316. 2.4.3 Deferred Exams The information in this section applies to both mid-trimester and final exams. If you miss your mid-trimester or final exam there is NO GUARANTEE you will be offered a deferred exam. You must apply within the stated timeframe and satisfy the conditions for approval to be offered a deferred exam (see Section 8.1 of the Assessment and Assessment Appeals Policy and the Application for Assignment Extension or Deferred Exam Forms). You will not normally be granted a deferred exam on the grounds that you mistook the time, date or place of an examination, or that you have made arrangements to be elsewhere at that time; for example, have booked plane tickets. If you: • are not offered a deferred exam, or • are offered a deferred exam, but do not attend you will be awarded 0 marks for the assessment. This may mean it becomes very difficult for you to pass the subject. If you apply for a deferred exam within the required timeframe and satisfy the conditions you will be advised by email to your KOI student email address of the time and date for the deferred exam. Marks awarded for the deferred exam will be the marks awarded for that assessment. 2.4.4 Supplementary Assessments (Exams and Assessments) A supplementary assessment is occasionally offered to students to provide a final opportunity to demonstrate successful achievement of the major learning outcomes of a subject. Supplementary assessments are only offered at the discretion of the Board of Examiners. The offer is determined based on a student’s academic and attendance history. If you are offered a supplementary assessment, you will be advised by email to your KOI student email address of the time and due date for the supplementary assessment – supplementary exams will normally be held at the same time as deferred final exams. You must pass the supplementary assessment to pass the subject. The maximum grade you can achieve in a subject based on a supplementary assessment is a PASS grade. If you: • are offered a supplementary assessment, but fail it; • are offered a supplementary exam, but do not attend; or • are offered a supplementary assessment but do not submit by the due date; you will receive a FAIL grade for the subject.ACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 6 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A 2.5 Teaching Methods/Strategies Briefly described below are the teaching methods/strategies used in this subject: • Face-to-face lectures (2 hours/week) are conducted in seminar style and address the subject content, provide motivation and context and draw on the students’ experience and preparatory reading. • Tutorials (2 hours/week) include class discussion of case studies and research papers, practice sets and problem-solving and syndicate work on group projects. Tutorial participation is an essential component of the subject and contributes to the development of graduate attributes (see section 2.2 and 2.2.1 above). It is intended that specific tutorial material such as case studies, recommended readings, review questions etc. will be made available each week in Moodle. • Online teaching resources include class materials, readings, model answers to assignments and exercises and discussion boards. All online materials for this subject as provided by KOI will be found in the Moodle page for this subject. Students should access Moodle regularly as material may be updated at any time during the trimester. • Other contact - academic staff may also contact students either via Moodle messaging, or via email to the email address provided to KOI on enrolment. 2.6 Student Assessment Provided below is a schedule of formal assessment tasks and major examinations for the subject. Assessment Type When Assessed Weighting Learning Outcomes Assessed Individual Assignment Week 6 20% a, b, c Group Report and Presentation Finalise groups Week 4 Report Week 10 Presentations Week 11 Group Report 10% Presentation 20% Total 30% a, b, c, d Final examination Final Exam Period 50% a, b, c 2.6.1 Requirements to Pass the Subject To gain a pass or better in this subject, • students must gain a minimum of 50% of the total available subject marks. 2.7 Prescribed and Recommended Readings: Provided below, in formal reference format, is a list of the prescribed and recommended readings. Recommended readings: • http://www.aasb.gov.au/admin/file/content105/c9/ACCED264_06-15.pdf • http://www.ifrs.org/current-projects/iasb-projects/conceptual-framework/Pages/ConceptualFramework-Summary.aspx • http://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/Industry-Topics/Reporting/Current-issues/Conceptualframework.aspx • Satish Joshi and Yue Li (2016) What Is Corporate Sustainability and How Do Firms Practice It? A Management Accounting Research Perspective. Journal of Management Accounting Research: Summer 2016, Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 1-11. • Luke, B. (2016) Measuring and Reporting on Social Performance: From Numbers and Narratives to a Useful Reporting Framework for Social Enterprises. Social and Accountability Journal Vol 36 103-123 • Alewine H.C. and Stone , D.N. The Joint Influence of Evaluation Mode and Benchmark Signal onACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 7 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A Environmental Accounting – Relevant Decisions Social and Accountability Journal Vol 36 124- 152 • Gray Reading for Displeasure – Why Bother with Social Reporting at All? Social and Accountability Journal Vol 36 153-161 • Arthur N, et.al. 2012, ‘Accounting for Corporate Combinations and Associations’ 7th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall. • Ball, R 2013., "Accounting informs investors and earnings management is rife: Two questionable beliefs." Accounting Horizons 27, no. 4: 847-853. • Bertomeu, Jeremy, and Edwige Cheynel. 2013 "Toward a positive theory of disclosure regulation: In search of institutional foundations." The Accounting Review 88, no. 3: 789-824. • Brennan, Niamh M., and Doris M. Merkl-Davies 2014. "Rhetoric and argument in social and environmental reporting: The Dirty Laundry case." Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal 27, no. 4: 1-1. • Clarke, Frank, and Graeme Dean 2014. Corporate Collapse: Regulatory, Accounting and Ethical Failure. In Accounting and Regulation, pp. 9-29. Springer New York. • Drever M, Stanton P and McGowan S 2007. ‘Contemporary Issues in Accounting’. John Wiley and Sons. • Godfrey J, Hodgson A, Tarca A, Hamilton, J, Holmes S 2007. ‘Accounting Theory’ 7th ed., John Wiley and Sons • Jackling, Beverley, Barry J. Cooper, Philomena Leung, and Steven Dellaportas., 2007. Professional accounting bodies' perceptions of ethical issues, causes of ethical failure and ethics education. Managerial Auditing Journal 22, no. 9: 928-944. • Mattessich, Richard., 2013. The Rise and Significance of Modern Analytical Methods in Accounting. Part I-A Review Essay of Accounting Theory-An Information Content Perspective, of John A. Christensen and Joel Demski. Energeia 2, no. 1. • Picker, R., et al., 2012. Applying International Financial Reporting Standards 3rd ed., John Wiley and Sons Australia. • Thomson, Ian., 2014. Responsible social accounting communities, symbolic activism and the reframing of social accounting. A commentary on new accounts: Towards a reframing of social accounting. In Accounting Forum. Elsevier. • Van Akkeren, Jeanette, Sherrena Buckby, and Kim MacKenzie., 2013. A metamorphosis of the traditional accountant: An insight into forensic accounting services in Australia. Pacific Accounting Review 25, no. 2: 188-216. • Van Dijk, Albert, Richard Mount, Philip Gibbons, Michael Vardon, and Pep Canadell. (2014) Environmental reporting and accounting in Australia: Progress, prospects and research priorities. Science of The Total Environment 473: 338-349. • Williams, Paul F., and Sue Pickard Ravenscroft., (2014). Rethinking decision usefulness. Contemporary Accounting Research. Periodicals Available: • Abacus • Accounting and Finance • Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal • Accounting Research Journal • Acuity • Australasian Accounting, Business and Finance Journal • Australian Accounting Review • Australian GST Journal • Australian Journal of Accounting Education • Australian Journal of Management • Contemporary Accounting Research • In The Black • International Journal of Finance and Accounting Studies • Journal of Accounting and Economics • Journal of Accounting and Public Policy • Journal of Applied Research in Accounting and Finance • Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis • Review of Accounting StudiesACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 8 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A Useful Websites: The following websites are useful sources covering a range of information useful for this subject. However, most are not considered to be sources of Academic Peer Reviewed theory and research. If your assessments require academic peer reviewed journal articles as sources, you need to access such sources using the Library database, Ebscohost, or Google Scholar. Please ask in the Library if you are unsure how to access Ebscohost. Instructions can also be found in Moodle. • Australian Accounting Standards Board www.aasb.gov.au/ • Centre for Social and Environmental Research (CSEAR) https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/csear/ • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand www.charteredaccountants.com.au/ • Institute of Public Accountants www.publicaccountants.org.au/ • Proactive Accountants Network http://proactiveaccountants.net/ACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 9 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A Section 3 - Assessment Details 3.1 Details of each Assessment Item The assessments for this subject are described below. Other assessment information and/or assistance can be found in Moodle, including the marking rubric. Marking guides for Assessments follow the assessment descriptions. Students should compare their assessment final drafts against the marking guide before submission. Assessment submission is as per the instructions below. Please retain a photocopy and softcopy of all assessments. Assessment 1 Assessment Type: Assignment – individual assessment Purpose: This assessment is designed to allow students to demonstrate a higher level of understanding of accounting standards and theoretical and philosophical approaches, as they apply to the resolution of more complex accounting problems. This assessment relates to Learning Outcomes a, b and c. Value: 20% Due Date: 5.00pm Friday of Week 6. Submission: Submissions must be made via Turnitin on the KOI Moodle Subject Home Page by 5.00pm Friday of Week 6. Topic: Does the current accounting framework meet the needs of the users of financial reports as prescribed in the objective of the Conceptual Framework of Accounting? How the conceptual framework revision to include Prudence is likely to address the disparity in Corporate Reporting is a requirement in your analysis. Task Details: Download the latest annual report of any two listed companies. Annual Reports are available on the company website or ASX website. Analyse the conceptual framework with reference to the annual reports of your chosen companies in light of the reporting requirements imposed on accountants and those charged with governance of corporations. Your analysis may include the following: • Are the annual reports in compliance with the conceptual framework and AASB standard requirements? • You need to use extracts from the annual reports to support your analysis. • Provide screen shots of the relevant sections from the reports in your assignment. • If they are not in compliance, explain the reason. • How the conceptual framework revision to include Prudence is likely to address the disparity in Corporate Reporting • You may find the explanations in the notes to the financial statements or in the Director’s Report. • Compare and contrast the two annual reports, identify the differences in disclosures of these corporations. • Reference to material of the course and a critical analysis of the annual reports is required. Students are to critically analyse and develop supported recommendations and conclusions, in reference to the relevant accounting framework (see Topics 1-5). The analysis and supported recommendations need to be formatted into a professional report as would be expected in a modern organisation by management and clients. Research Students need to support their analysis and recommendations with the text and Requirements: minimum of 10 recent and relevant academic journal articles. Other sources may also be used but students need to be confident of the academic validity of such sources.ACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 10 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A Presentation: Report – 2000 +10% word report The word count excludes the cover sheet, contents page, references, appendices, and illustrations (e.g. diagrams, graphs and tables). Students need to stay within the assigned word limits, and indicate the word count on the cover page of the assignment. Marks will be reduced for assignments shorter than or greater than the minimum word count. • The report should be typed double spaced, using Times New Roman font size of either 10 point or 12 point. • Every page should be clearly numbered. • The assignment should include the following parts: (a) A title / cover page, which indicates basic information such as Subject title, Subject code, Trimester number, Assignment title, group members’ full names and KOI student numbers, word count and name of the tutor; (b) Executive Summary; (c) Table of Contents; (d) Main contents – Introduction, analysis using suitable headings and subheadings, Conclusions and Recommendations, Appendices (if any); (e) References (using Harvard – Anglia style); and/or (f) Attachments. Marking Guide: Analysis 30% Research – extent and application 30% Recommendations/conclusions 20% Presentation 20% This mark will be scaled to a mark out of 20 subject marks. Assessment 2 Assessment Type: Group report and presentation – combined group and individual assessment task. Please note: This is a group assessment and presentations are delivered by the group but individual presentation efforts are be marked As Learning Outcome d) stipulates teamwork, this assessment must be done in groups of 2-5 students per group as advised by your tutor. Students are not permitted to refuse being part of a group. Purpose: This assessment is designed to allow students to research and analyse current social issues in accounting and evaluate their impact on various stakeholders. As a group assessment, it further develops students’ team working skills. This assessment relates to Learning Outcomes a, b, c and d. Value: Total value is 30% made up of 10% Group marks for report plus 20% individual marks for presentation. This assignment marks will be scaled to a mark out of 30 total subject marks. Due Date: 5.00pm Monday of Week 10 – ONE COPY OF THE GROUP REPORT ONLY PER GROUP uploaded to Moodle Link and Turnitin. Presentations will be in tutorial classes Weeks 10 – 11 as allocated by Week 5. You need to book your presentation times with your tutors. Make sure you book in early to avoid disappointment. Submission: ONLY ONE student from each group must upload the group report Report submission to the Turnitin Assignment Link on the KOI Moodle Subject Home Page no later than 5.00 pm Monday of Week 10. A printed copy should also be handed to the Tutor during that Week’s tutorial to assist with marking. All submissions must be accompanied by a signed KOI Group Assignment CoversheetACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 11 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A Video Presentation One student from each group must upload copy of the group presentation materials to computer storage as directed by the Lecturer at the time of presentation in Week 10 and 11. A retrievable and reusable electronic copy of the presentation material must be provided in a format to allow for the Tutor and Lecturer to review the presentation at a later date. All submissions must be accompanied by a signed KOI Group Assignment Coversheet Topic: Sustainability Reporting in Accounting Task Details: Groups are to research the current state of Sustainability Reporting. As a result of their research groups need to develop a video presentation detailing the current state of sustainability reporting including the issues, practices, etc using higher order analysis and explaining the implications for various stakeholders in relation to financial decision making. The video presentation should conclude with supported specific recommendations as to how organisations and their accounting advisors should proceed in light of the analysis. Research Students need to support their analysis with reference from the text and requirements: minimum of ten (10) suitable, reliable, current and academically acceptable sources – check with your tutor if unsure of the validity of sources. Groups seeking Credit or above grades should support their analysis with increased number of reference sources comparable to the grade they are seeking. Presentation: 5 minutes video presentation per group. Using the course material with reference to group report content, groups are to present their analysis and findings/ conclusions in a professional 5 (five) minute video presentation. All group members must participate in the preparation of the video. Presentations should be a critical analysis covering the main theory elements of the course – not just presenting a factual story – reference to corporate reports and other material is encouraged. Information can be covered in any order in the presentation, but should contain elements of the course. It is strongly recommended that groups prepare their presentations well in advance of the presentation date, and make some effort to review their video presentation. This will improve the presentation overall, and give groups a chance to improve and time manage their presentations Videos may be prepared using any available platform such as iMovie, MoveMaker, Prezi and others Group Report 1500 + 10% word report format – Word .doc or .docx. Title page, executive summary, table of contents, appropriate headings and subheadings, recommendations/findings/conclusions, in-text referencing and reference list (Harvard – Anglia style), attachments if relevant. Single spaced, font Times New Roman 12pt, Calibri 11pt or Arial 10pt. Video Presentation 5 minute video presentation in class supported by appropriate visual aids. Presentations will be timed – groups going over 5 minutes will be asked to stop - this will effect marks, as will presentations that are too short (under 4 minutes) or too long (over 6 minutes). All group members must participate. Marking Guide - Report: Analysis 30% Research – extent and application 30% Recommendations/conclusions 20% Presentation 20% This mark will be scaled to a mark out of 10 subject marks. Marking Guide – Presentation: 20% The presentation will carry an individual mark that will be scaled to a mark out of 20 subject marks.ACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 12 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A T316 Rubric for ACC303 Contemporary Issues in Accounting Criteria Fail (0 – 49%) Pass (50 – 59%) Credit (60 – 69% Distinction (70 – 79% High Distinction (80 – 100%) Research – extent and application Value 30% Mark awarded Inaccurate, inappropriate or no use of literature. Analysis not developed. No original explanations provided. Minimum number of sources, not all current or relevant. Paraphrasing used throughout but not always accompanied by original explanations. Theory relevant but not always linked to analysis. Good selection of theory from a range of sources to build and adequately justifies analysis. Paraphrasing used throughout but accompanied by original explanations Insightful and appropriate selection of theory from a good range of current and relevant sources to systematically build and justify analysis. Minimum paraphrasing Integration and originality in the selection and handling of relevant theory to build and justify analysis. Wide range of current and relevant sources integrated in systematic way. Analysis of the organisation Value 30% Mark awarded Poor evaluation. Significant gaps in knowledge of the theory and lack of understanding of company’s capabilities. No analysis provided. Disjointed or no discussion. Simple discussion of areas of strength and weakness in the organisation’s capabilities. Work reflects limited engagement with organisational context or relevant theory. Not all aspects of task completed In sufficient detail. Most aspects of the task completed but assessment lacks cohesion. Identifies and discusses areas of strength and weakness in the organisation’s capabilities. Discussion of some relevant issues in theory and organisational content in evaluation. All aspects of the task completed – some cohesion. Identifies and clearly explains areas of strength and weakness in the organisation’s capabilities. Links to organisational context and relevant theory in evaluation. All aspects of the task completed with minimal errors in cohesion Identifies and insightfully discusses areas of strength and weakness in the organisation’s capabilities. Strong links to organisational context and relevant theory in evaluation. All aspects of the task completed in a comprehensive and cohesive manner Recommendations / conclusions Value 30% Mark awarded Few or no recommendations made / no justification. Any recommendations made are not supported or are inaccurate. Some recommendations made / not well linked to the results of the evaluation or relevant theory. Good recommendations made, linked to the evaluation results / may not be linked back systematically to relevant theory Very good recommendations made, linked to the evaluation. Theory used systematically to justify recommendations and discuss enhancement of the organisation’s capabilities Excellent recommendations made, linked to the evaluation. Theory used in insightful way to justify recommendations and discuss enhancement of the organisation’s capabilities Presentation Value 10% Mark awarded Referencing is absent / not systematic / incorrect Acceptable presentation – obvious errors demonstrating lack of attention to detail. Some attempt at referencing but obvious errors Good presentation overall but some obvious errors. Referencing is mainly accurate Professional presentation – minor errors in some elements. Correct referencing throughout Highly professional presentation – satisfies all presentation elements. Correct referencing throughoutACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 13 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A Assessment 3 Assessment Type: Final Exam – individual assessment Purpose: The purpose of the final examination is to test your understanding of course concepts and your ability to apply these concepts. The examination may cover materials used in tutorials, class discussions and/or from the readings This assessment contributes specifically to Learning Outcomes a, b and c. Value: 50% Due Date: The final exam will be held in the official KOI exam period in Week 14 of the trimester. The specific date and time will be posted towards the end of the trimester. Topic: The examination may cover content from any part of the entire subject. Task Details: The exam will require students to critically evaluate financial accounting information and standards, demonstrating technical accounting skills to prepare comprehensive accounts for given sets of real world circumstances. 3.2 Late Penalties & Extensions An important part of business life and key to achieving KOI’s graduate outcome of Professional Skills is the ability to manage workloads and meet deadlines. Consequently, any assessment items such as in-class quizzes and assignments missed or submitted after the due date/time will attract a penalty (see below). Students who miss mid-trimester tests and final exams without a valid and accepted reason (see below) may not be granted a deferred exam and will be awarded 0 marks for assessment item. These penalties are designed to encourage students to develop good time management practices, and create equity for all students. Any penalties applied will only be up to the maximum marks available for the specific piece of assessment attracting the penalty. Late penalties, granting of extensions and deferred exams are based on the following: o In Class Tests (excluding Mid-Trimester Tests) o No extensions permitted or granted – a make-up test may only be permitted under very special circumstances where acceptable supporting evidence is provided. The procedures and timing to apply for a make-up test (only if available) are as shown in Section 3.2.1 Applying for an Extension (below). o Missing a class test will result in 0 marks for that assessment element unless the above applies. o Written Assessments o - 5% of the total available marks per calendar day unless an extension is approved (see Section 3.2.1 below) o Presentations o No extensions permitted or granted – no presentation = 0 marks. The rules for make-up presentations are the same as for missing in-class tests (described above). o Mid-Trimester Tests and Final Exams o If students are unable to attend mid-trimester tests or final exams due to illness or some other event (acceptable to KOI), they must: 1. Advise KOI in writing (email: [email protected]) as soon as possible, but no later than three (3) working days after the exam date, that they will be / were absent and the reasons. They will be advised in writing (return email) as to whether the circumstances are acceptable. 2. Complete the appropriate Application for Extension or Deferred Exam Form available from the Student Information Centre in Moodle, on the KOI Website (Policies and Forms) and the Reception Desk (Market St), as soon as possible and email with attachments to [email protected]. 3. Provide acceptable documentary evidence in the form of a satisfactorily detailed medical certificate, police report or some other evidence that will be accepted by KOI. 4. Agree to attend the deferred exam as set by KOI.ACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 14 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A Please note: there will only be one deferred exam offered. • Marks awarded for the deferred exam will be the marks awarded for that assessment. • If you miss the deferred exam you will be awarded 0 marks for the assessment. This may mean you are unable to complete (pass) the subject. 3.2.1 Applying for an Extension If students are unable to submit or attend an assessment when due, and extensions are possible, they must apply by completing the appropriate Application for Extension form available from the Student Information Centre in Moodle, the KOI Website (Policies and Forms) and the Reception Desk (Market St and Kent St), as soon as possible but no later than three (3) working days of the assessment due date. The completed form must be emailed with supporting documentation to [email protected]. Students and lecturers / tutors will be advised of the outcome of the extension request as soon as practicable. Appropriate documentary evidence to support the request for an extension must be supplied. Please remember there is no guarantee of an extension being granted, and poor organisation is not a satisfactory reason to be granted an extension. 3.3 Plagiarism and Referencing Please remember that all sources used in assessment tasks MUST be suitably referenced. Failure to acknowledge sources is plagiarism, and as such is a very serious academic issue. Students plagiarising run the risk of severe penalties ranging from a reduction through to 0 marks for a first offence for a single assessment task, to exclusion from KOI in the most serious repeat cases. Exclusion has serious visa implications. The easiest way to avoid plagiarising is to reference all sources. Harvard referencing is the required method – in-text referencing using Author’s Surname (family name) and year of publication. While there are many versions of Harvard referencing, KOI prefers the Anglia version of Harvard referencing. A Referencing Guide, “Harvard Referencing”, and a Referencing Tutorial can be found in the right hand menu strip in Moodle on all subject pages. An effective way to reference correctly is to use Microsoft Word’s referencing function (please note that other versions and programs are likely to be different). To use the referencing function, click on the References Tab in the menu ribbon – students should choose Harvard – Anglia 2008 as the style. A guide to this method can be found in Moodle. Authorship is also an issue under Plagiarism – KOI expects students to submit their own original work in both assessment and exams. All students agree to a statement of authorship when submitting assessments online via Moodle, stating that the work submitted is their own original work. Authorship becomes as issue under the following circumstances: • Handing in work created by someone else, whether copied from another student, written by someone else, or from any published or electronic source, is fraud, and falls under the general Plagiarism guidelines. • Copying / cheating in tests and exams also fall under these guidelines. Such incidents will be treated just as seriously as other forms of plagiarism. • Students who willingly allow another student to copy their work in any assessment situation may be considered to collude to the copying/cheating, and similar penalties may be applied. Further information can be found on the KOI website.ACC303 ACC303 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING T316 FINAL 25-11-2016 Page 15 of 15 *AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD ABN: 72 132 629 979 CRICOS 03171A 3.4 Reasonable Adjustment The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992) makes it unlawful to treat people with a disability less fairly than people without a disability. In the context of this unit, the principle of Reasonable Adjustment is applied to ensure that participants with a disability have equitable access to all aspects of the learning situation. For assessment, this means that artificial barriers to their demonstrating competence are removed. Examples of reasonable adjustment in assessment may include: • provision of an oral assessment, rather than a written assessment • provision of extra time • use of adaptive technology. The focus of the adjusted assessment should be on enabling the participants to demonstrate that they have achieved the unit purpose, rather than on the method used. 3.5 Appeals Process Full details of the KOI Assessment and Assessment Appeals Policy may be obtained in hard copy from the Library, and on the KOI website www.koi.edu.au under Policies and Forms. 3.5.1 Assessments and Mid-Trimester Exams Where students are not satisfied with the results of an assessment, including mid-trimester exams, they have the right to appeal. The process is as follows: 1. Discuss the assessment with their tutor or lecturer – students should identify where they feel more marks should have been awarded – students should provide valid reasons based on the marking guide provided for the assessment. Reasons such as “I worked really hard” are not considered valid. 2. If still not satisfied, students should complete an Application for Review of Assessment Marks form, detailing the reason for review. This form can be found on the KOI website and is also available at KOI Reception (Market St and Kent St). 3. Application for Review of Assessment Marks forms must be submitted as explained on the form within ten (10) working days of the return of the marked assessment, or within five (5) working days after the return of the assessment if the assessment is returned after the end of the trimester. 3.5.2 Review of Grade – whole of subject and final exams Where students are not satisfied with the results of the whole subject or with their final exam results, they have the right to request a Review of Grade – see the Assessment and Assessment Appeals Policy for more information. An Application for Review of Grade form (available from the KOI Website under Policies and Forms and from KOI Reception, Market St and Kent St) should be completed clearly explaining the grounds for the application. The completed application should be submitted as explained on the form, with supporting evidence attached, to the Academic Manager.