ACCTING 3500 - Accounting Theory
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code ACCTING 3500 Course Accounting Theory Coordinating Unit Accounting Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 3 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Prerequisites ACCTING 2501 Assessment Exam/assignments/tests/tutorial work as per the course outline Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Janice Loftus
Course Co-Ordinator
Associate Professor Janice Loftus
Location: 13:10, Level 13, 10 Pulteney Street (Nexus 10)
Telephone: 8313 1024
email: janice.loftus@adelaide.edu.auCourse Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Apply knowledge of accounting techniques, concepts, principles and theories to solve financial reporting problems.
2. Apply a structured decision model to exercise judgement in the application of accounting standards.
3. Work in teams to design and undertake a research project.
4. Effectively utilise oral and written communication skills to communicate to peers.
5. Apply the code of ethics for professional accountants to make sound decisions.University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1, 2 and 3 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
3 and 4 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
3 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
5 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning Resources
Required Resources
Rankin, M., K. Ferlauto, S. McGowan, and P. Stanton, Contemporary Issues in Accounting, 2018, 2nd edition, John Wiley and Sons, Australia.* AND
Financial Reporting Handbook, 2021, John Wiley & Sons, Australia (CAANZ Handbook) (or access to all Australian Accounting Standards, Interpretations and the Conceptual Framework available on the AASB website).
* E-book is available.
Students should use the most recent version. Students are permitted to use earlier editions of the Handbook but may place themselves at a disadvantage in doing so.
Readings
At relevant sections of the course additional prescribed readings elaborate on, or supplement, items in the prescribed texts. These readings are provided via links on the course website (MyUni) or are available in the Barr Smith library.Recommended Resources
If you are seeking additional reading in relation to assumed knowledge you should refer to:
- Deegan, C. (2014). Financial Accounting Theory, 4th Edition.McGraw-Hill, Australia.
- Godfrey, J., A. Hodgson, A. Tarca, J. Hamilton and S. Holmes, Accounting Theory, 7th Edition, 2010, John Wiley and Sons, Australia.
- Henderson, S., G. Peirson, K. Herbohn, T. Artiach and B. Howieson (2017) Issues in Financial Accounting, 16th edition. Pearson Education Australia.
- Loftus, J., K. Leo, N. Boys, S. Daniliuc, B. Luke, H.N. Ang and K. Byrnes, (2020) Financial Reporting, 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons Australia.
- Loftus, J., K. Leo, S. Daniliuc, N. Boys, B. Luke, H.N. Ang and K. Byrnes, (2018) Financial Reporting, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons Australia.
- Picker, R., K. Clark, J. Dunn, D. Kolitz, G. Livne, J. Loftus and L. van der Tas, (2016), Applying IFRS Standards, 4th Edition, Wiley.
The writing centre provides academic learning and language development services and resources for local and international students including drop-in consultations: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/
Online Learning
Students should refer to the course website for certain required readings and additional references as directed. The website also includes links to some useful websites.
https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
At this advanced level of study you are much more responsible for the quality of your learning than when you first entered university. Accordingly, active rather than passive learning is emphasised. For each topic there are self-study questions; and tutorial questions.
Self-study questions
Self-study questions facilitate your comprehension of the content of the prescribed readings. Guidance on self-study questions is provided on MyUni. Your learning will be enhanced by attempting the questions before referring to the guidance notes to assess your response.
Tutorial questions
Tutorial questions are generally more challenging than self-study questions because they emphasise analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information, as well as the development of creative solutions to problems. There are two types of tutorial questions:
- Tutorial questions that you should attempt in preparation for the tutorial; and
- In-class activities, which are to be completed during tutorials.
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
Students in this course are expected to attend or watch recordings of lectures/workshops, watch recorded mini-lectures and podcasts, etc. and participate in one tutorial class each week.
- Lecture/workshops 2 hours per week, which are recorded and avialable on MyUni, supplemented by podcasts and other recorded presentations available via MyUni
- Tutorials: 1 hour per week, tutorials commence in week 2.
Learning Activities Summary
Please consult the MyUni site for this course for more detailed information regarding the course topics.
- The exercise of judgement in applying principles-based accounting standards
- Components of accounting policies: definition; recognition; measurement; and disclosure
- Application of accounting policy decision model
- The role or ethics in accounting
- Economic consequences of accounting policy decisions - agency theory
- Capital markets theory and research in accounting
- Social and environmental reporting, including climate change disclosures and accounting for carbon trading
- Developing research skills in accounting
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome TEST 1 Individual Week 5
15% 1, 4 Assignment Individual TBA 8% 1, 2, 4 Tutorial Activities (incl. Short-answer writing task and homework) Individual Throughout 6% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Small Group Discovery Research Project Individual and Group TBA 16% 1, 2, 3, 4 TEST 2 Individual Week 11 10% 1,4 Final Exam Individual Exam Period 45% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 TOTAL 100%
Assessment Summary
A variety of assessment tasks are used to evaluate your knowledge of content covered in this course, your ability to apply it and your progress in achieving the learning objectives for Accounting Theory.
Requirements
To pass this course, students must pass the final exam and achieve a total of at least 50% overall. Students not achieving the minimum exam mark will be awarded no more than 49.
Assessment Related Requirements
These guidelines apply to both the individual assignment and the group research report.
Assignment Guidelines including Referencing Details: Correct referencing is important because it identifies the source of the ideas and arguments that you present and helps to avoid the problem of plagiarism. This course makes use of the “Harvard” system of referencing. Guidelines for the use of this style of referencing can be found in the Communication Skills Guide (link available on MyUni). This booklet also provides guidelines on a range of other important communication skills (including writing essays and reports, making oral presentations etc.).
Late Assignment Submission: Students are expected to submit their work by the due date to maintain fairness and equity. Extensions will generally only be given for medical or other serious reasons. All requests for extensions must be emailed to the lecturer in charge of the course before the due date. Each request will be assessed on its merits. Unless subject to an extension (by prior arrangement) assignments will be penalised by a 10% mark reduction (10% of the maximum mark) for each day, or part thereof, that it is late.
Extensions for assignments may be granted under special circumstances. An extension request based on illness or exceptional personal circumstances must include the Supporting Statement/Certification Form, of the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment application form.
Students applying for an extension based on medical reasons must visit their medical practitioner, with that approved University form, and have the medical practitioner complete it. A doctor's certificate will not be accepted. Any student seeking an extension must contact the course co-ordinator PRIOR to the due date. Extensions, except on medical grounds, cannot be given after the due date.
Marking of Assignments: Staff will aim to complete marking communicate feedback and grades to students within three weeks of submission.Assessment Detail
Assessment Detail
A summary of the assessment components is provided below. Comprehensive details for each assessment will be made available on MyUni. The assessment is based on a wide range of learning activities to better reflect your achievements of the learning outcomes throughout the course.
Test 1 15% (week 5)
An open-book, on-line, one-hour test will cover topics one to three, inclusive, and include both short-answer style and multiple-choice questions. This assessment task relates to course learning outcomes 1 and 4. Further details will be posted on MyUni.
Individual Assignment 8%
This assessment task relates to course learning outcomes 1, 2 and 4.
Tutorial Activities: 6%
This assessment task relates to course learning outcomes 1 to 5, inclusive. Tutorial marks will be awarded for:
A short-answer writing task (2%)
Homework (average of four) (4%)
Short-answer writing task: The writing task is intended to help develop your written communication skills. The writing task will be held on-line during week 3. If missed, the writing tasks cannot be 'made up' on another occasion for any reason (including medical). Requests for special consideration may be made in accordance with University policy and, if granted, will be addressed by reweighting of assessment.
Homework: Completed homework must be uploaded on MyUni each week by 6.00 p.m. one day before your scheduled tutorial. The homework will be assessed four times per semester. Students are not given prior knowledge of the weeks in which homework will be assessed.
Small Group Discovery Reasearch Project(16%)
This assessment task relates to course learning outcomes 1 to 4, inclusive. The assessment of the research project comprises:
An individual mark which is based on direct observation of participation in research project activities during tutorials (5%) and a designated individual component of the submission on the group research project (3%); and
A group mark based on the designated group component of the submission on the group research project (8%).
Test 2 10% (week 11)
An open-book, on-line, one-hour test will cover topic 6. This assessment task relates to course learning outcomes 1 and 4. Further
details will be posted on MyUni.
Final Exam 45%
The exam will be held in the University examination period. This assessment task relates to course learning outcomes 1 to 5, inclusive.
Submission
Assignments, inlcuding the research project, must be submitted electronically through MyUni. Please retain copies of your submitted work.
Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
We acknowledge the contribution of feedback from past students in our endeavours to provide a more effective learning environment.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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