ACCTING 3500 - Accounting Theory

Course Details

Course Code	ACCTING 3500
Course	Accounting Theory
Coordinating Unit	Accounting
Term	Semester 2
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

Location: 13:10, Level 13, 10 Pulteney Street (Nexus 10)
Telephone: 8313 1024
email: janice.loftus@adelaide.edu.au

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

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 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.	3
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	3
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.	3

Required Resources

Rankin, M., P. Stanton, S. McGowan and K. Ferlauto, Contemporary Issues in Accounting, 2023, 3rd edition, John Wiley and Sons, Australia.* AND

access to all Australian Accounting Standards, Interpretations and the Conceptual Framework available on the AASB website).

* All Wiley higher education books are available electronically via a subscription service (one subscription to access all Wiley texts)

Students should use the most recent version.
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. (2023). Financial Accounting Theory, 5th Edition. Cengage.
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, S. Daniliuc, B. Luke, H.N. Ang, M.E. Bradbury, D. Hanlon, J. Kmapp, N. Boys, and K. Byrnes, (2023) Financial Reporting, 4th edition, John Wiley & Sons 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.

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/

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 which are submitted electronically as homework; 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 one lecture and participate in one tutorial class each week.

· Lectures : 2 hours per week, commencing WEEK 1 face-to-face session each week.

The face-to-face session will be recorded. Students are introduced to each topic in pre-recorded podcasts and mini-lectures. The timetabled lecture time is used for a variety of learning activities, including workshops and demonstration of problems and cases.

· Tutorials: 1 hour per week, Tutorials START WEEK 2

The University expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units/semester) to devote a total of 48 hours/week to their studies. Accounting Theory is a three-unit course and you are expected to commit 8 - 9 hours of private study outside of your regular classes.

Learning Activities Summary

Wk           Topic
1             Topic 1: Why we need to exercise judgement in applying principles-based accounting standards
           Communication skills workshop - Analysing the question
2             Topic 2: Definition and recognition AND Introduction to Small Group Discovery (SGD) Project
3             Topic 3: Measurement and disclosure and Workshop on using databases for the SGD project
4           Communication skills workshop - Critiquing writing
5             SGD Research and teamwork skills
6             Topic 4: Exercising judgement in choosing an accounting policy
7             Topic 5: The role of ethics in accounting
8             Topic 6: Economic consequences of accounting policy choice- agency theory

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

9           Topic 7: Capital markets research
10         Topic 8A: Social & environmental reporting and accounting for carbon trading
11            Topic 8B: Social & environmental reporting and accounting for carbon trading and Workshop on exam skills
12            Course overview and revision

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
Writing task	Individual	TBA refer course Canvas page	2%	1,4
Test 1	Individual	TBA refer course Canvas page	15%	1, 4
Individual Assignment	Individual	TBA refer course Canvas page	8%	1, 2, 4
Test 2	Individual	TBA refer course Canvas page	10%	1
Tutorial Activities	Individual	Weekly homework	4%	1, 2, 4, 5
Research Project	Group component	TBA refer course Canvas page	8%	1, 3, 4
Research Project	Individual component	TBA refer course Canvas page	8%	1, 3, 4
Final Exam	Individual	Exam Period (details TBA)	45%	1, 2, 4, 5
Total			100%

Assessment Related 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.

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 which is 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 at: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/forms
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

The assessment components are as follows:
Short-Answer Writing Task 2%:
A writing task on topic 1 will be held on-line during scheduled lecture time. The writing task is intended to help develop your written communication skills. Further details will be posted on MyUni.

Test 1 15%
The test will cover topics one to three, inclusive and be held on-line during the scheduled lecture time. Further details will be posted on MyUni.

Test 2 10%
The test will cover topic six and be held on-line during the scheduled lecture time. Further details will be posted on MyUni.

Missed tests and 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.

Individual Assignment 8%
The individual assignment is primarily on topic 4 but will draw on knowledge and skills acquired in earlier topics. Further details will be posted on MyUni.

Tutorial Activities: 4%
Marks will be awarded for completion of homework. Completed homework must be uploaded on MyUni each week by 6.00 p.m. one day prior to 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. Tutors do not provide feedback on submitted homework. It is the responsibility of students to take additional notes, etc. during tutorials.

Research Report on Small Group Discovery (SGD) 16%
Assessment of your participation in the SGD project will be as follows:
Individual participation in invigilated group meetings held in tutorials (5 marks)
Individual component included in submission (3 marks)
Group mark awarded for written submission (8 marks)
Further details will be provided in lectures and on MyUni.

The individual participation in invigilated group meetings held in tutorials forms part of the requirement of professional accounting bodies (CPA Australia and CAANZ) for 50% of assessment to be invigulated. Accordingly, students in face-to-face tutorials will be required to present student ID cards and students in on-line tutorials will be required to turn videos and cameras on during the weeks in which SGD group meetings are held in tutorials.

Final Exam 45%
There will be a three-hour exam. Further details will be provided in lectures and on MyUni.

Submission

Assignments must be submitted electronically through MyUni Turnitin.
Please retain a copy of all assignments submitted.
All group members are expected to contribute approximately equally to the group project.

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 Access Adelaide.

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.

This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator