Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Units

Synopsis

This unit is an introduction to basic concepts in accounting and finance and the application of these concepts for decision-making by a wide range of potential users (e.g., shareholders, investment analysts, lenders, managers etc.). This unit should benefit students who wish to specialise in accounting and finance, and will also be of value to students whose primary interest lies elsewhere in the field of business. On completion, students should have a clear understanding of the accounting process and the language of accounting to enable communication with an accounting professional, understand the relevance of accounting information for informed decision-making by a wide range of potential users, and have the ability to analyse and interpret accounting information.

Topics covered include the accounting equation, general purpose financial statements, cash and accrual accounting, balance day adjustments, financial statement analysis, interpreting information for managers to use in planning, decision making and control, and an introduction to finance, financial mathematics and investments.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the elements of financial statements, apply double entry recording and prepare basic financial statements
2. analyse and interpret financial statements and explain their use for decision making
3. prepare and interpret information (financial and non-financial) for managers to use in planning, decision making and control
4. describe basic finance concepts and apply financial mathematics to investment decisions
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with introductory accounting and finance principles and demonstrate in individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in AFC1000.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

John Gerrand

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1.5-hour tutorial

Prohibitions

AFC1021, AFC1022, AFF1000, AFF1110, AFP1000, AFW1000, AFW1001

Synopsis

This unit will provide a conceptual framework for accounting; the definition and recognition criteria for assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses (including leases, inventory valuation, non-current assets, depreciation and impairment); the form and content of financial reports for partnerships and companies; and evaluate alternative measurement systems (historical cost, modified historical cost and fair value accounting).

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. account for recording and reporting of inventory applying the periodic and perpetual method as per issues raised in AASB 102. Prepare and complete balance day adjustments, closing entries and internal control systems to allow all final statements and bank reconciliations to be complete
2. apply the principles of double entry accounting to the reconstruction of accounts
3. demonstrate how the regulatory environment affects accounting statements in the context of a range of organisational forms
4. apply the definition and recognition criteria for elements of financial statements as per the framework and specific international financial reporting standards
5. consider accounting and accountability issues that arise from different measurement methods
6. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial accounting and demonstrate in individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC1030.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 35%
Examination (3 hours): 65%

Chief examiner(s)

John Gerrand

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1.5-hour tutorial

Prerequisites

One of AFC1000, AFC1021 or AFC1022

Prohibitions

AFF1121, AFW1002

Synopsis

The unit provides a broad overview of the functioning of a developed financial system. Coverage includes retail and wholesale payments systems; the roles of deposit-taking institutions; insurance corporations and funds management within the financial system; and their sources and application of funds. The role and function of the main financial markets including the money market, bond market, share market, foreign exchange market and derivatives market. The role and responsibilities of the central bank and prudential supervisor.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the institutions, instruments and markets that comprise a developed financial system
2. apply the concepts and techniques used by financial professionals in the debt, equity, foreign exchange and derivative markets
3. define the specialist terms and language of finance
4. apply the knowledge of financial mathematics to the pricing and valuation of equity, debt and derivative instruments
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with introductory finance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC2000.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Andrew Sanford

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial

Prohibitions

AFF1300, AFW1300, AFC1100, AFC2100

Synopsis

Over the 14 weeks period of full-time employment students will be required to complete one or more specified projects. The projects will be determined by the course co-ordinator in consultation with the sponsor and the student undergoing the industry-based learning.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. work effectively and efficiently, both as an individual and as a team member, in a business
2. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills through a project report.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Keryn Chalmers

Contact hours

14 weeks full-time employment

Prerequisites

Enrolment in Bachelor of Accounting and completion of first semester, second year

Co-requisites

Must be enrolled in Bachelor of Accounting

Synopsis

The unit deals with accounting problems associated with the creation and operation of corporate structures. Topics include financial reporting requirements including an analysis of significant accounting standards; financing company operations; the nature of company groups; the preparation of consolidated financial reports; eqity accounting; accounting for interests in joint ventures and liquidation of companies.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. prepare group financial reports
2. demonstrate accounting knowledge in areas such as equity accounting, foreign currency translation, related party transactions, joint arrangements and segment reporting
3. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and /or group activities dealing with financial accounting and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC2120.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Kim Wyatt

Contact hours

Three hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed AFC1000 and AFC1030 before undertaking this unit.

Prohibitions

AFF2491, AFW2491

Synopsis

This is the introductory management accounting unit that focuses on the types of cost information that can be produced to assist managers and other employees within organisations in planning and control, and in decision making. The topics include the following: costs and cost behaviour, product costing (including activity-based costing), cost allocation techniques, cost-volume-profit analysis, and the use of cost information for management decisions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe cost behaviour under different assumptions
2. compare systems designed to provide relevant and timely information to managers for resource management and allocation decisions
3. apply conventional and contemporary cost management techniques used in manufacturing and service industries
4. explain the benefits and limitations of contemporary cost management techniques
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with cost information for decision making and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC2131.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Aldonio Ferreira

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Prerequisites

AFC1030

Prohibitions

AFC2130, AFF2391, AFW2020

Synopsis

The impact of financing and investment decisions on business enterprises, with particular focus on public companies. Topics include the goals of the firm and investors, investment evaluation models, valuation of equity and debt instruments, fixed interest securities, sources and types of available finance, issues in risk and return, portfolio theory, asset pricing models, issues in capital structure and dividend policy, and the efficiency of capital markets.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. evaluate investment options and value equity and debt instruments
2. explain portfolio theory and show how the theory can be extended to price risky assets
3. estimate the appropriate cost of capital for investment appraisal purposes
4. analyse issues determining capital structure and dividend policy
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with corporate finance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC2140.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Hue Hwa Au Yong

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prohibitions

AFF2631, AFW2631, AFW3044

Synopsis

Topics include the Australian managed funds industry, fund managers, their products and prices, investor behaviour in theory and in practice, portfolio theory and practice, characteristics and comparative performance of major asset classes with major emphasis on shares, economic weighting determinants, impact of other markets, asset allocation and stock selection, risk management for portfolios and securities, survey of 'styles' of prominent Australian fund managers.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. analyse and select investments from various asset classes with particular emphasis on equities
2. examine the nature of different asset classes, the ways in which professional managers incorporate and manage asset classes into balanced or specialist funds
3. describe skills and techniques used by professionals who are involved in investments, funds management, financial planning, superannuation, and wealth creation
4. understand the importance of professional investment in wealth creation
5. understand the importance of ethical practices by investment professionals and the CFA Institute code of ethics and standards of professional conduct
6. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with equities and investment analysis and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC2240.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 80%

Chief examiner(s)

Manapon Limkriangkrai

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

One of AFC2000, AFC2140, AFC1110 (pre 2009) and AFC2100 (pre 2009)

Synopsis

Topics covered in this unit include: an introduction to mathematics of finance, rates of interest, rates of discount, present and accumulated value of cash flows under fixed and variable rates of interest, equation of value, applications to debt and retirement income stream markets, in particular the Australian annuity, short-term money market and capital markets; factors affecting accumulation under the Superannuation Guarantee Scheme; economic factors affecting the yield curve, zero coupon bonds, zero coupon bond yield curve, pricing bonds, bond yields, callable bonds, effect of tax on yield, annuity bonds, hybrids, CGB futures and options on futures, interest rate risk management by immunisation, stochastic models for cash flows and stochastic rates of interest, calculation of moments of present values and accumulations, arbitrage-free asset pricing, hedging, optimal conversion of lump sum to a retirement income stream.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe conventions used in short term money and capital markets, and explain the implications for pricing of products in these markets
• apply quantitative skills required for pricing and risk management associated with money, capital and retirement income stream markets
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with debt markets and fixed income securities.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 80%

Chief examiner(s)

Roger Gay

Contact hours

Three hours per week

Prerequisites

AFC2000, AFC1100 (pre 2009) or AFC2100 (pre 2009)

Synopsis

The objective of this unit is two-fold. First, the unit provides students with a broad introduction to accounting information systems and the role technology plays in accounting. The focus will be on an introduction to: enterprise systems; database
management; documentation methods; internal controls; and the core business processes found in organisations. Second, the unit focuses on corporate modelling theory; models as decision support tools; types and uses of models; benefits and limitations of models; effective spreadsheet design; auditing spreadsheet models and development of various models using an industry standard spreadsheet.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. examine the role of accounting information systems in analysing and providing decision support to managers
2. explain the design of accounting information systems and financial models
3. develop financial models to assist in decision making
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with accounting information systems and financial modelling and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC2851.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours) 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Ian Beaman

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial

Prerequisites

Students must have passed one of the following units: AFC1000, AFC1021 or AFC1022

Prohibitions

AFF2851, AFW2851, BUS1060, BUS3030

Synopsis

Over the 12 weeks period of full-time employment students will be required to complete one or more specified projects. The projects will be determined by the course co-ordinator in consultation with the sponsor and the student undergoing the industry-based learning.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• work effectively and efficiently, both as an individual and as a team member, in a business
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills through a project report.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

12 weeks full-time employment

Co-requisites

Must be enrolled in Bachelor of Accounting

Synopsis

Topics include accounting standard-setting arrangements; the conceptual framework for financial reporting; the form and content of financial statements; income tax allocation; intangibles; off-balance sheet financing including leasing; superannuation plans; insurance; employee benefits; financial instruments and emerging issues in financial reporting.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the institutional framework for the regulation of financial reporting in Australia
2. apply accounting standards and the framework in the preparation and presentation of financial statements
3. demonstrate advanced accounting knowledge in areas such as income tax, leasing, intangibles and financial instruments
4. demonstrate an understanding of theories that explain accounting policy choice and usefulness of accounting information
5. apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with advanced financial accounting and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC3120.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Vicor Borg

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFC2120

Prohibitions

AFF3491, AFW3040, AFW3050

Synopsis

The unit aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how performance management systems can be designed to support the strategy of an organisation. It also covers the provision and use of management accounting information for strategy implementation, management planning, and control in organisations. Issues related to the design, implementation and use of contemporary performance management systems and techniques are covered, as are behavioural aspects of management accounting systems.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. apply traditional and contemporary performance measurement and control techniques to enable managers to measure and enhance organizational performance
2. analyse and make recommendations regarding the design of performance measurement and control systems
3. explain how behavioural implications are crucial for the effective design of performance measurement and control systems
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with performance measurement and control and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of topics covered by AFC3131.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Ahmad Sujan

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Prerequisites

AFC2131

Prohibitions

AFC2130, AFF3431, AFW3021

Synopsis

This unit extends studies in financial economics introduced in AFC2140. Topics include risk management, asset pricing, leasing, real options, capital structure, mergers, acquisitions and takeovers, corporate management and equity financing.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. evaluate investment and financing decisions;
2. apply analytical techniques to a variety of problems in domestic corporate financial management
3. describe the institutional environment in which financial decisions are made including identifying the sources of financial risk and their relevance in financial management
4. critically evaluate finance theories, concepts, assumptions, limitations and arguments
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with advanced corporate finance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC3140.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 25%
Examination (3 hours): 75%

Chief examiner(s)

Bernie Bollen

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFC2140

Synopsis

The provision and use of management accounting information for strategy implementation, management planning, and control in organisations. The unit aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how performance management systems can be designed to support the strategy of an organisation. Issues related to the design, implementation and use of contemporary performance management systems and techniques are covered, as are behavioural aspects of management accounting systems.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain how management accounting systems can be designed to support corporate, business and operational strategies
2. critically evaluate strategic management accounting concepts, techniques, assumptions and arguments
3. apply management accounting techniques to strategic business decisions
4. describe the behavioural implications of performance measurement systems
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with strategic management accounting and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC3141.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Aldonio Ferreira

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFC2130 or AFC2131

Prohibitions

AFC3130, AFF3511

Synopsis

Topics include an overview of the audit function and assurance framework, and of different types of audit and assurance service; duties of the external auditor; the auditor's liability to third parties; detection and reporting of fraud; the audit process and techniques including planning, business risk assessment, tests of controls, substantive testing, reviewing internal control, gathering audit evidence, using analytical procedures, and audit sampling; the audit of computer information systems; audit reporting; internal auditing; performance auditing; and emerging issues.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the role, limitations and demand for audits in modern corporate society including the auditor's professional, ethical and legal obligations
2. explain the auditor's role in corporate governance with particular emphasis on the detection and reporting of fraud and error
3. describe the assurance framework, planning process and evidence gathering procedures used by auditors to form an audit opinion
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with auditing and assurance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC3160.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Poonam Bir

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFC2120

Prohibitions

AFF3631, AFW3041

Synopsis

Major issues involved in the financial management of banks and other deposit-taking financial institutions. Topics include the role and activities of depository financial institutions, performance measurement and evaluation; asset/liability management for liquidity risk, credit risk, interest rate risk; and regulation of depository institutions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• distinguish the various sources of commercial and retail debt financing, and analyse how the current Australian banking system provides access to such funds
• identify, in the financial statements of financial institutions, the indicators of financial institutions' performance
• describe the regulatory constraints under which Australian authorised deposit-taking institutions operate
• describe appropriate procedures for appraising the credit risks inherent in bank loans, and for measuring and managing other key risks in banking such as interest rate risk
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with the management of financial intermediaries.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Kym Brown

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFC2140

Prohibitions

AFF2401, AFW2401

Synopsis

An understanding of the dynamic nature of financial reporting frameworks in different countries with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region and the influence of the International Accounting Standards Board. Major topics are: the influence of cultural and social values on reporting; comparison of the financial reporting systems and practices in such harmonisation and the IASB's role; and audit implications of international financial reporting.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. critically evaluate theories relating to the comparative study of financial reporting practices in diverse countries
2. compare and contrast the main international financial reporting systems and practices, and critically evaluate the need for harmonisation
3. identify and explain the major contemporary international financial reporting issues and analyse their implications for comparative national reporting practices; harmonisation initiatives, and the activities of the International Accounting Standards Board
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with comparative international financial reporting and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC3220.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Wei Lu

Contact hours

Thirteen 2-hour lectures and twelve 1-hour tutorials

Prerequisites

AFC2120

Prohibitions

AFF3791

Synopsis

Topics covered include analysis of published financial statements, application and use of financial ratios and forecasting techniques; cash flow-based share valuation, including discounted cash flow and free cash flow approaches to valuation; accounting-based share valuation including earnings multiples, residual income valuation models and economic value added; credit analysis and financial distress prediction, equity security analysis and mergers and takeovers, based on Australian and international case studies.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• access and extract financial information from published financial reports and databases
• calculate and interpret relevant financial ratios concerned with the profitability, financial structure and solvency of listed public companies
• apply and critically assess approaches to valuation including discounted cash flow and residual income methods
• apply valuation methods to contexts such as security valuation, mergers and acquisitions and credit analysis
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial analysis and valuation.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFC2140

Synopsis

Topics include the international financial system, institutions and market practices; international finance theorems and their application; Euromarkets; international debt and equity raising; measurement of foreign exchange risk; managing foreign exchange exposure; foreign currency futures, options and swaps, international portfolio investment and capital budgeting and international trade finance.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the nature and benefits of globalisation and international markets integration
2. critically evaluate fundamental theories which underpin international finance;
3. identify the implications of these theories when firms are engaged in international operations
4. analyse the role and functioning of international financial markets
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with international finance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC3240.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 80%

Chief examiner(s)

Ting Yean Tan

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFC2140

Prohibitions

AFW2341

Synopsis

Topics include institutional aspects of how financial derivatives markets operate, use of and factors affecting the price of options in equity, currency and interest rate markets, the pricing of and uses of futures, forward contracts and swaps, new financial derivative instruments in Australia.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the characteristics of options, futures, and other derivatives
2. identify factors that affect option prices
3. apply option pricing models
4. explain the operation of futures markets and the link between spot and futures prices
5. analyse swaps, FRAs, caps, floors and collars in terms of their basic components for pricing purposes
6. demonstrate how the derivatives can be used for risk management, speculation and arbitrage
7. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with derivative instruments and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC3340.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 80%

Chief examiner(s)

Binh Do

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFC2140

Prohibitions

AFF3751

Synopsis

Topics covered include superannuation economics and demographics, industry structure and regulation, products available from fund managers, life offices and superannuation trusts, actuarial mathematics, the mortality table, factors affecting selection, endowments, assurances, single, joint and longest life annuities, application to comparative evaluation of commercial retirement products, financial planners and the financial planning function, accreditation, responsibilities and duties, determination of client objectives and risk profiles, and strategies for superannuation and social security.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe financial planning activities, and legal compliance requirements for financial planners
2. demonstrate specialist skills required for interaction with financial planning clients
3. demonstrate generic knowledge of the Australian and global investment environments, together with specialist knowledge in the areas of superannuation, financial planning, securities and managed investments
4. prepare financial plans for clients with different financial objectives
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with pension and financial planning and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFC3440.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Roger Gay

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFC2240

Prohibitions

AFF3111

Synopsis

Topics include the development and application of financial spreadsheets, Excel and Visual Basic programming in financial modelling, modelling company financial statements, fixed income securities analysis, asset allocation and portfolio analysis, optimization using Solver, technical analysis of financial markets, Interest rate models, option pricing models, numerical methods and risk management models.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• apply knowledge and skills in the use of Excel and Visual Basic
• develop skills in the design and implementation of efficient and robust financial models such as option pricing, portfolio and interest rate models
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with advanced modelling in finance.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 60%
Examination (3 hours): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Paul Lajbcygier

Contact hours

Three hours per week

Prerequisites

One of the following units: AFC2140, AFC2240, AFC2340

Synopsis

This unit is an introduction to basic concepts in accounting and finance and the application of these concepts for decision-making by a wide range of potential users (e.g., shareholders, investment analysts, lenders, managers etc.). This unit should benefit students who wish to specialise in accounting and finance, and will also be of value to students whose primary interest lies elsewhere in the field of business. On completion, students should have a clear understanding of the accounting process and the language of accounting to enable communication with an accounting professional, understand the relevance of accounting information for informed decision-making by a wide range of potential users, and have the ability to analyse and interpret accounting information.

Topics covered include the accounting equation, general purpose financial statements, cash and accrual accounting, balance day adjustments, financial statement analysis, interpreting information for managers to use in planning, decision making and control, and an introduction to finance, financial mathematics and investments.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe the elements of financial statements, apply double entry recording and prepare basic financial statements
• analyse and interpret financial statements and explain their use for decision making
• prepare and interpret information (financial and non-financial) for managers to use in planning, decision making and control
• describe basic finance concepts and apply financial mathematics to investment decisions
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with introductory accounting and finance principles and demonstrate in individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in AFF1000.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Keryn Chalmers

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prohibitions

AFC1000, AFC1021, AFC1022, AFF1110, AFW1000, AFW1001

Synopsis

This unit is concerned with developing a conceptual and practical accounting framework for financial reporting through the process of collecting, analysing, classifying, measuring, recording, presenting and interpreting financial information and developing financial reports for service and trading entities from both a manual and a computer-based system.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain and discuss generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), measurement systems and the accounting conceptual framework
2. describe and apply definitions and recognition criteria for assets, liabilities, equities, expenses and income as specified in the conceptual framework
3. prepare financial statements for accounting entities including service and retail organisations using generally accepted accounting principles
4. apply principles of selected accounting standards
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and procedures to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial accounting, and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF1121.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Christine Contessotto

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFF1000 or AFF1110

Prohibitions

AFC1030, AFW1002

Synopsis

On completion of this unit students should demonstrate an understanding of a financial system, its operation and component parts; yield curve analysis, the term structure of interest rates, and exchange rate interaction; sources and types of business finance, short, medium and long term, domestic and overseas, and associate pricing formulae; the structure and operation of Australian financial institutions and markets; the major types of risk and the derivative products available to manage financial risk; the structure, functions and role of prudential supervision in the financial markets.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the structure and operation of financial institutions and markets in Australia;
2. evaluate short and medium to longer term financial instruments
3. explain government monetary policy and the term structure of interest rates
4. describe the derivative products available to manage financial risk
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with money and capital markets and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF1300.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Piyadasa Edirisuriya

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prohibitions

AFC2000, AFC1100 (pre 2009), AFC2100 (pre 2009), AFW1300

Synopsis

This is the introductory management accounting unit that focuses on the types of cost information that can be produced to assist managers and other employees within organisations in planning and control, and in decision making. The topics include the following: costs and cost behaviour, product costing (including activity-based costing), cost allocation techniques, cost-volume-profit analysis, and the use of cost information for management decisions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe cost behaviour under different assumptions
2. compare systems designed to provide relevant and timely information to managers for resource management and allocation decisions
3. apply conventional and contemporary cost management techniques used in manufacturing and service industries
4. explain the benefits and limitations of contemporary cost management techniques
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with cost information for decision making and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF2391.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Bereket Redda

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF1121

Prohibitions

AFC2130, AFC2131, AFW2020

Synopsis

An overview of commercial banking and an introduction to the concepts and issues involved in the decision-making processes of bank management. Topics include the commercial banking environment; banking risks and capital adequacy; liquidity management; lending principles and policies; investment management.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. identify the main risks faced by banks and assess alternative approaches to measurement and management of these risks
2. assess different aspects of bank performance
3. explain the prudential framework under which Australian banks operate
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with commercial banking and finance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF2401.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Kathy Avram

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF1300

Co-requisites

Only students in course code 0391 can undertake this unit in DE mode

Prohibitions

AFC3170, AFW2401

Synopsis

The current Australian reporting and regulatory framework applicable to reporting entities including an analysis of significant accounting standards, professional reporting requirements and legal and stock exchange requirements. Accounting for corporate groups and issues in financial reporting are also explored.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain the content of the reports of publicly listed companies, and regulations of the various regulatory bodies
• critically examine current issues and disclosure requirements in financial reporting
• prepare financial reports for single and consolidated entities
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with company reporting.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Wen Qu

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed AFF1000 and AFF1121 before undertaking this unit

Prohibitions

AFC2120, AFW2491

Synopsis

Time value of money, theory of valuation, capital budgeting, portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model, dividend policy, capital structure and the efficient market hypothesis.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. apply the concept of the time value of money and other project evaluation techniques
2. explain and apply portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model
3. measure a firm's cost of capital
4. describe dividend policy and its relevance to the value of a firm
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial management and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF2631.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Maria Strydom

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF1000, AFF1110 (pre 2009) or AFP1000

Prohibitions

AFC2140, AFP2631, AFW2631, AFW3044

Synopsis

An overview of the role of equity markets. Topics cover types of equity instruments; the role of equity finance and the stockbroker; trading conventions and listing requirements of the ASX; the structure and operation of major overseas stock exchanges; an introduction to market micro structure theory; the enterprise market; other markets of the ASX; current issues related to Australia's equity markets.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the importance of the equity market for the economy and for a corporation
2. apply different equity valuation techniques
3. appraise the efficient market hypothesis and evidence of anomalies
4. undertake a trading simulation exercise and complete a stock report
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with dealing with equity markets and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF2701.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Cameron Truong

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF1300, ETX1100

Synopsis

The objective of this unit is two-fold. First, the unit provides students with a broad introduction to accounting information systems and the role technology plays in accounting. The focus will be on an introduction to: enterprise systems; database management; documentation methods; internal controls; and the core business processes found in organisations. Second, the unit focuses on corporate modelling theory; models as decision support tools; types and uses of models; benefits and limitations of models; effective spreadsheet design; auditing spreadsheet models and development of various models using an industry standard spreadsheet.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. examine the role of accounting information systems in analysing and providing decision support to managers
2. explain the design of accounting information systems and financial models
3. develop financial models to assist in decision making
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with accounting information systems and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF2851.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30% Examination: (3 hours) 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Ian Beaman

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF1000 or AFF1110 (pre 2009)

Prohibitions

AFC2160, AFC2851, AFF2051, AFW2051, AFW2851, BUS1060, BUS3030

Synopsis

Physical risk includes diverse threats such as accidents, projects not achieving their objectives and sabotage. The unit describes these risks, the large role they play in business and society and how they can be assessed and controlled. The methods of defining systems that are subject to physical risks and identifying the various sequences of events which might lead to undesirable consequences are described. Physical risk treatment is achieved by reducing the frequency of initiating events, developing reliable means of protection and mitigating the consequences. The mathematical methods of determining the frequency of various event sequences and their consequences are introduced.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. define physical risk and its treatment
2. explain the risk treatment requirements needed by business
3. compare and contrast the risk management process with existing approaches to governance, compliance and control
4. demonstrate the mathematical methods for determining the frequency of various event sequences and their consequences
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with physical risk treatment.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour practice class/computer class/seminar

Prerequisites

Enrolment in the Bachelor of Business (Risk Management)

Prohibitions

IND2903

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to financial planning. Coverage includes: the legislative and economic environment; the role of financial service advisers; licensing and disclosure; investment strategies, products, and related taxation implications, with particular reference to securities and managed investments; social security; superannuation, pensions and other retirement issues; estate planning; and the financial planning process. This unit meets Australian Securities and Investments Commission registration requirements for Tier 1 in respect of: specific knowledge in financial planning, securities, managed investments and superannuation; generic knowledge; and skills.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe financial planning activities and legal compliance requirements for financial planners
2. demonstrate specialist skills required for interaction with financial planning clients
3. demonstrate generic knowledge of the Australian and global investment environments, together with specialist knowledge in the areas of superannuation, financial planning, securities and managed investments
4. prepare financial plans for clients with different financial objectives
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with personal financial planning and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF3111.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Andrew Child

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2631

Prohibitions

AFC3440

Synopsis

On completion of this unit students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual foundations of modern portfolio theory, using pricing models and other techniques in the valuation of securities; appreciate the effect of market efficiency on the valuation process; measure portfolio risk and determine performance benchmarks; and be able to take an applied perspective on investment management and analysis.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. critically evaluate financial market information to measure risk and return
2. describe modern portfolio theory
3. apply asset pricing models and valuation techniques to the valuation of assets
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with investments and portfolio management and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF3121.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Wicky Wickramanayake

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed one of the following units: AFF2631, AFW2631 or AFW3044

Prohibitions

AFW3046, AFW3121

Synopsis

This unit will combine classroom teaching and direct observance experience of the money markets covering background to the money markets, participants, interest rate and exchange rate determination, instruments traded in the money and currency markets, strategies and money and currency market trading operations. The simulated treasury dealing room will be used extensively in this course.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. analyse dealing practices and conventions in the foreign exchange and cash markets
2. co-ordinate the front office and back office functions of a simulated bank's treasury dealing room
3. account and settle transactions completed in the treasury dealing room
4. develop, implement, analyse and manage dealing strategies in the treasury dealing room
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with money market operations.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Kevin Tant

Contact hours

4 hours per week

Synopsis

The international monetary system, the international parity conditions, the foreign exchange market, international financing strategies and techniques, the Euromarkets, and multinational banking.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain the parity principles and the concept of arbitrage in international financial markets
• explain how currency derivative contracts such as forwards, futures, options and swaps can be used to hedge in the foreign exchange markets
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with international banking and finance.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Mohammad Hoque

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2401 or AFW2401

Prohibitions

AFW3331, AFX3871

Synopsis

This unit will examine the development of investment/merchant banking in Australia and overseas; specialised financial services in project finance, structured finance and infrastructure finance; venture capital; initial public offering activities; financial advisory work including mergers and acquisitions; investment funds management activities; privatisation and corporatisation; and future directions of investment banking.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the key operations of investment banks
2. apply valuation models to companies
3. explain regulations related to equity issues, mergers and acquisitions and share buybacks
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with investment banking.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Madhu Veereraghavan

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2401 and AFF2631

Synopsis

This unit focuses on the provision and use of management accounting information for management planning and control in organisations. Topics include budgeting, standard costing and variance analysis and contemporary approaches to managing costs, time, quality, suppliers, customers, and value.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. apply traditional and contemporary performance measurement and control techniques to enable managers to measure and enhance organisational performance
2. analyse and make recommendations regarding the design of performance measurement and control systems
3. explain how behavioural implications are crucial for the effective design of performance measurement and control systems
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with performance measurement and control and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF3431.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Carly Moulang

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2391

Prohibitions

AFC3131 and AFW3021

Synopsis

The unit is a blend of advanced and controversial practical accounting issues and underlying theories that support prescribed accounting treatments of these issues. Attention is concentrated on the interaction between the accounting profession and relevant segments of the society, including industry, capital markets, government and other user groups.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. critically assess standard setting procedures and the theories of regulation
2. discuss theories to explain accounting policy choices and the relevance of accounting numbers to capital markets
3. explain the definition and recognition criteria for elements of financial reports and issues associated with their application
4. examine contemporary financial accounting issues including financial instruments and intangibles
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with advanced reporting issues and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF3491.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Dot Cochrane

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2491

Prohibitions

AFC3120, AFW3040, AFW3050

Synopsis

Concepts and techniques of business strategy formulation, and how management accounting information systems act as a corporate control system providing information for strategic decisions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain how management accounting systems can be designed to support corporate, business and operational strategies
2. critically evaluate strategic management accounting concepts, techniques, assumptions, and arguments
3. apply management accounting techniques to strategic business decisions
4. describe the behavioural implications of performance measurement systems
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with strategic management accounting issues and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF3511.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Paul Collier

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2391

Prohibitions

AFC3141

Synopsis

Nature and objectives of auditing, auditing standards, auditors' responsibilities, professional ethics and auditor independence, audit objectives, planning the audit, analytical review procedures, understanding the internal control structure and assessing control risk and detection risk, preliminary audit strategies and design of substantive tests, auditing in a CIS environment, auditing the transaction cycles and performing substantive procedures, completing the audit and post audit responsibilities, audit reporting, other reports and services.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the role, limitations and demand for audits in modern corporate society including the auditor's professional, ethical and legal obligations
2. explain the auditor's role in corporate governance with particular emphasis on the detection and reporting of fraud and error
3. describe the assurance framework, planning process and evidence gathering procedures used by auditors to form an audit opinion
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with auditing and assurance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF3631.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 35%
Examination (3 hours): 65%.

Chief examiner(s)

Michael De Martinis

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2491

Prohibitions

AFC3160, AFW3041

Synopsis

The role of treasury, coordination and management of the treasury operation, quantitative and qualitative risk analysis, risk management process and hedging techniques, role and mechanics of derivative products, performance measurement and evaluation.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the role of treasury operations in an international or a local bank
2. describe how risk management processes work
3. demonstrate the application of hedging techniques used in banks' treasury operations
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with treasury management and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF3651.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Kym Brown

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2401 or AFW2401

Prohibitions

AFW3651

Synopsis

This unit examines the institutional features of futures and options markets, the use of futures, options and other derivatives in arbitraging, trading and hedging, and pricing of these instruments.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. discuss the operations of derivative markets
2. explain the use of the options and futures markets for hedging and trading purposes
3. implement trading strategies and measure positions
4. demonstrate how to price and value standard futures and option contracts
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with futures and options markets and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF3751.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Binh Do

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2401

Synopsis

Causes and effects of international differences in accounting, auditing and taxation rules and practices. The accounting and reporting needs and dilemmas of Australian companies operating overseas as well as of foreign multinationals operating in Australia. Accounting practices of the UK, USA, Europe, Japan and the so called Asian 'tiger' nations. Role of the IASB, the UN and the IOSCO.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. critically evaluate theories and relating to the comparative study of financial reporting practices in diverse countries
2. compare and contrast the main international financial reporting systems and practices, and critically evaluate the need for harmonisation
3. identify and explain the major contemporary international financial reporting issues and analyse their implications for comparative national reporting practices, harmonisation initiatives, and the activities of the International Accounting Standards Board
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with comparative international financial reporting.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2491

Prohibitions

AFC3220

Synopsis

Lending environment; decision making and organisation of lending, lending policies and controls; behavioural aspects of decision making and decision makers; retail, commercial and corporate lending; business expansions; off balance sheet lending; loan management and problem loans.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. examine the major types of lending products and match these products to customer needs
2. analyse the risk return characteristics and pricing of a loan application
3. discuss the behavioural aspects associated with lending decisions
4. apply statistical techniques used in decision making at the approval, monitoring and termination stages of lending
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with lending decisions and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFF3841.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Jean Pierre Fenech

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

One of AFF2401 or AFW2401

Prohibitions

AFW3841

Synopsis

Topics covered include contemporary issues in, and the technologies of, integrated information systems for business enterprises; accounting processes and process oriented business information systems; databases for accounting information systems including database theory, design and development where students will develop and implement a practical accounting database design; design and development of sophisticated financial management models using business analytics and the advanced features of a modern spreadsheet package.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain the relationship between accounting information systems and processes and enterprise systems
• apply database management concepts in the context of accounting systems
• use database and spreadsheet modelling software to produce, store and analyse information for business decision making
• analyse, communicate, and apply the model-building and model-solving concepts of management science in the context of accounting systems
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with advanced accounting information systems.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Stephen Smith

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

One of AFC2851, AFF2051, AFF2851, AFW2051 or AFW2851

Prohibitions

AFF3051

Synopsis

This unit is an introduction to basic concepts in accounting and finance and the application of these concepts for decision-making by a wide range of potential users (e.g. shareholders, investment analysts, lenders, managers, etc.). This unit should benefit students who wish to specialise in accounting and finance, and will also be of value to students whose primary interest lies elsewhere in the field of business. On completion, students should have a clear understanding of the accounting process and the language of accounting to enable communication with an accounting professional, udnerstand the relevance of accounting information for informed decision-making by a wide range of potential users, and have the ability to analyse and interpret accounting information.

Topics covered include the accounting equation, general purpose financial statements, cash and accrual accounting, balance day adjustments, financial decision making and control, and an introduction to finance, financial mathematics and investments.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the elements of financial statements, apply double entry recording and prepare basic financial statements
2. analyse and interpret financial statements and explain their use for decision making
3. prepare and interpret information (financial and non-financial) for managers to use in planning, decision making and control
4. describe basic finance concepts and apply financial mathematics to investment decisions
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with introductory accounting and finance principles and demonstrate in individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in AFG1000.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Prohibitions

AFC1000, AFC1021, AFC1022, AFF1000, AFF1110, AFW1001, AFW1000

Synopsis

This unit will cover various aspects of financial accounting. A deeper understanding of accounting processes to cover adjusting entries and reconstructions will be presented. Issues relating to financial statement elements will be investigated with reference to both historical cost and fair value accounting. Accounting procedures for partnerships and companies will also be considered.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. Account for the recording and reporting of inventory applying the periodic and perpetual method as per issues raised in AASB 102\IAS 102. Prepare and complete balance day adjustments, closing entries and internal control systems to allow all final statements and bank reconciliations to be completed.
2. Apply the principles of double entry accounting to the reconstruction of accounts
3. Demonstrate how the regulatory environment affects accounting statements in the context of a range of organizational forms.
4. Apply the definition and recognition criteria for elements of the financial statements as per the Framework and specific international financial reporting standards. Consider accounting and accountability issues that arise from different measurement methods.
5. Apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial accounting issues.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Prerequisites

Students must have passed AFW1000 or AFW1001 (pre 2009) or AFG1000 before undertaking this unit.

Prohibitions

AFC1030, AFF1121, AFW1002

Synopsis

Topics include overview of business environment, accounting reports, capital investment analysis, financial decisions, sources of finance, management of working capital, tools of financial analysis, budgeting and performance measure.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. prepare basic financial reports for a small to medium size business
2. analyse, communicate and present arguments based on accounting information
3. critically assess the performance of a business through performance evaluation and cost volume profit analysis
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial management.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Prohibitions

AFW1004. Not available to Bachelor of Business and Commerce students.

Synopsis

This unit is an introduction to basic concepts in accounting and finance and the application of these concepts for decision-making by a wide range of potential users (e.g. shareholders, investment analysts, lenders, managers, etc). This unit should benefit sutdents who wish to specialise in accounting and finance and will also be of value to students whose primary interest lies elsewhere in the field of business. On completion, students should have a clear understanding of the accounting process and the language of accounting to enable communication with an accounting professional, understand the relevance of accounting information for informed decision-making by a wide range of potential users, and have the ability to analyse and interpret accounting information.

Topics covered include the accounting equation, general purpose financial statements, cash and accrual accounting, balance day adjustments, financial statement analysis, interpreting information for managers to use in planning, decision making and control, and an introduction to finance, financial mathematics and investments.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the elements of financial statements, apply double entry recording and prepare basic financial statements
2. analyse and interpret financial statements and explain their use for decision making
3. prepare and interpret information (financial and non-financial) for managers to use in planning, decision making and control
4. describe basic finance concepts and apply financial mathermatics to investment decisions
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with introductory accounting and finance principles and demonstrate in individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in AFP1000.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Contact hours

One 6.5 hour problem based workshop per week.

Prohibitions

AFC1000, AFC1021, AFC1022, AFF1110, AFW1000, AFW1001, AFF1000

Synopsis

This unit is an introduction to basic concepts in accounting and finance and the application of these concepts for decision-making by a wide range of potential users (e.g., shareholders, investment analysts, lenders, managers etc.). This unit should benefit students who wish to specialise in accounting and finance, and will also be of value to students whose primary interest lies elsewhere in the field of business. On completion, students should have a clear understanding of the accounting process and the language of accounting to enable communication with an accounting professional, understand the relevance of accounting information for informed decision-making by a wide range of potential users, and have the ability to analyse and interpret accounting information.

Topics covered include the accounting equation, general purpose financial statements, cash and accrual accounting, balance day adjustments, financial statement analysis, interpreting information for managers to use in planning, decision making and control, and an introduction to finance, financial mathematics and investments.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the elements of financial statements, apply double entry recording and prepare basic financial statements
2. analyse and interpret financial statements and explain their use for decision making
3. prepare and interpret information (financial and non-financial) for managers to use in planning, decision making and control
4. describe basic finance concepts and apply financial mathematics to investment decisions
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with introductory accounting and finance principles and demonstrate in individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in AFW1000.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Ravi Navarayan

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial

Prohibitions

AFC1000, AFC1021, AFC1022, AFF1000, AFF1110, AFW1001

Synopsis

This unit will cover various aspects of financial accounting and builds on the principles introduced in AFW1000. Aspects associated with transaction reporting and the preparation of financial statements investigated include: the recording of inventory in a retail context, the use of control accounts, the role of specialised journals, a range of balance day-adjustments, reversing entries and account reconstruction. The unit also focuses on internal control procedures. The definition, recognition and disclosure criteria of financial statement elements are explored as well as the cost and fair value measurement of various financial statement elements.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. account for the recording and reporting of inventory applying the periodic and perpetual method as per issues raised in AASB 102/IAS 102. Prepare and complete balance day adjustments, closing entries and internal control systems to allow all final statements and bank reconciliations to be completed
2. apply the principles of double entry according to the reconstruction of accounts
3. demonstrate how the regulatory environment affects accounting statements in the context of a range of organizational forms
4. apply the definition and recognition criteria for elements of financial statements as per the Framework and specific international financial reporting standards. Consider accounting and accountability issues that arise from different measurement methods
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial accounting and demonstrate in individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW1002.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Les Hardy

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFW1000 or AFW1001(pre 2009)

Prohibitions

AFC1030, AFF1121

Synopsis

Topics include overview of business environment, accounting reports, capital investment analysis, financial decisions, sources of finance, management of working capital, tools of financial analysis, budgeting and performance measure.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. prepare basic financial reports for a small to medium size business
2. analyse, communicate and present arguments based on accounting information
3. critically assess the performance of a business through performance evaluation and cost volume profit analysis
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial management
5. demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW1004.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Les Hardy

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prohibitions

Not available to Bachelor of Business and Commerce students.

Synopsis

On completion of this unit students should demonstrate an understanding of a financial system, its operation and component parts; yield curve analysis, the term structure of interest rates, and exchange rate interaction; sources and types of business finance, short, medium and long term, domestic and overseas, and associate pricing formulae; the structure and operation of Australian financial institutions and markets; the major types of risk and the derivative products available to manage financial risk; the structure, functions and role of prudential supervision in the financial markets.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the structure and operation of financial institutions and markets in Australia
2. evaluate short and medium to longer term financial instruments
3. explain government monetary policy and the term structure of interest rates
4. describe the derivative products available to manage financial risk
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with money and capital markets and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW1300.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Nicole Lai

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prohibitions

AFC2000, AFC1100 (pre 2009), AFC2100 (pre 2009), AFF1300

Synopsis

Topics covered include: Shariah and rationale for Islamic banking; history of Islamic banking; deposit, financing and other banking facilities; Islamic financial markets; Islamic finance in selected countries; and contemporary issues.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe the need, structure and operations of Islamic banking and finance
2. explain the concept of shariah, its sources and applicability to Islamic banking and finance
3. identify the types of Islamic banking facilities
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with Islamic banking and finance
5. demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW1310.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%+ Examination (3 hours): 70%

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Synopsis

Introduction to management accounting. Topics include: basic terms and concepts, classification and behaviour of costs, recording product cost transactions for manufacturing firms, joint and by-product spoilage and waste, apportioning joint costs for multiple products, activity-based costing and information for management decisions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe cost behaviour under different assumptions
2. compare systems designed to provide relevant and timely information to managers for resource management and allocation decisions
3. apply conventional and contemporary cost management techniques used in manufacturing and service industries
4. explain the benefits and limitations of contemporary cost management techniques
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with cost information for decision making and demonstrate in individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW2020.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Aniza Zainol

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFW1002

Prohibitions

AFC2131, AFF2391

Synopsis

Topics covered include multinational firms and globalisation; foreign direct investment; political risk; foreign exchange markets; currency derivatives (currency options and forward contracts); measuring and managing transaction exposure; cost of capital and capital structure for multinational firms; fundamentals of capital budgeting; international capital budgeting and exchange rate effects; international cash management; transfer pricing and international tax strategies.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. discuss the international financial environment and the importance of foreign exchange risk management
2. discuss important financial management issues and their application to financial management of multinational firms
3. discuss foreign exchange market mechanisms and explain how markets can be used to hedge foreign currency transaction exposure
4. apply capital budgeting techniques in the context of a multinational firm
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual activities dealing with international financial management and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW2341.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Jothee Sinnakkannu

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prohibitions

AFC3240

Synopsis

An overview of commercial banking and an introduction to the concepts and issues involved in the decision-making processes of bank management. Topics include the commercial banking environment; banking risks and capital adequacy; liquidity management; lending principles and policies; investment management.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. identify the main risks faced by banks and assess alternative approaches to measurement and management of these risks
2. assess different aspects of bank performance
3. explain the prudential framework under which banks operate
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with commercial banking and finance an demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW2401.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Tan Swee Ho

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Prerequisites

AFW1300

Prohibitions

AFC3170, AFF2401

Synopsis

The current Australian reporting and regulatory framework applicable to reporting entities including an analysis of significant accounting standards, professional reporting requirements and legal and stock exchange requirements. Accounting for corporate groups and issues in financial reporting are also explored.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the nature and regulation of companies in Australia
2. apply accounting standards and the framework in the preparation and presentation of financial statements for both single and consolidated entities
3. demonstrate accounting knowledge in areas such as company operations, taxation, property, plant and equipment (acquisition and impairment), and group accounting
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with company reporting and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW2491.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Janet Jackson

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed AFW1000 and AFW1002 before undertaking this unit.

Prohibitions

AFC2120, AFF2491

Synopsis

Time value of money, Theory of valuation, capital budgeting, portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model, efficient market theory, cost of capital, capital structure and dividend policy.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. apply the concept of the time value of money and other project evaluation techniques
2. explain and apply portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model
3. measure a firm's cost of capital
4. describe dividend policy and its relevance to the value of a firm
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial management and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW2631.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 80%

Chief examiner(s)

Balachandher Krishnan Guru

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Prerequisites

AFW1000 or AFW1001 (pre 2009)

Prohibitions

AFC2140, AFF2631, AFW3044

Synopsis

An introduction to ethical issues in business, with a specific focus on the accounting profession. The unit addresses four areas of ethics and business: an introduction to ethical theories and applied ethics, including the nature of ethics and ethical decision-making; an overview of business ethics and its relationship with corporate governance and social responsibility; an understanding of how ethics affects businesses, organisations and professions; The Code of Professional Conduct in the accountancy profession.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. examine the ethical dimension of individual and social life in the context of cultural diversity
2. define and explain selected ethical theories and their relevance to business and professional ethical issues
3. apply an ethical and corporate governance perspective to organisational and management issues
4. explain the nature of professionalism
5. be able to use ethical knowledge and theory to make decisions in relation to case studies
6. describe the purpose, structure and contents of selected codes of conduct from business and professions, particularly the accounting profession and apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with ethics in business and the accounting profession and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW2700.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Anton Du Toit

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prohibitions

AFW2042, AFW3004

Synopsis

As an intermediate financial accounting unit, this provides an overview of the accounting environment through an examination of selected topics in accounting considering the underlying theory, the regulatory environment, and applying the requirements of selected IFRS, including an introduction to group accounting, and the accounting for income taxes.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe and understand the requirements of the financial reporting and regulatory environment, including the internationalization of accounting practices and the underlying theory supporting these changes
• discuss the key aspects of the Framework and IAS1 Presentation of Financial Statements and apply its prescriptions
• comment on the theoretical aspects of revenue, provisions, changes in accounting policies, events after balance sheet dates, and apply the requirements of these standards to accounting scenarios
• explain the role of cash flow statements and prepare cash flow statements following the prescriptions of IAS7 Cash Flow statements
• argue and apply the prescriptions contained in the Income Tax standard (IAS 12)
• explain and apply elementary principles of group statements and group accounting and prepare a basic group balance sheet and
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with financial accounting.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFW1002

Synopsis

The unit provides a detailed examination of how certain International Accounting Standards are implemented. The relevant standards focus on accounting for corporate assets under different circumstances, as well as on calculating earnings per share and borrowing costs. Students will be exposed to and learn how to prepare accounting records using commercial accounting software in a manner that comply with the standards applicable to this unit.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. determine the key concepts that are relevant for selected topics (see list of relevant accounting standards below) in financial accounting, the need for accounting standards, and the areas of debate and difficulty that apply to the standards regulating the accounting of corporate assets
2. apply the accounting principles prescribed in international standards to specific problems, at an advanced level, for the accounting of assets in a manual and computerised accounting system in the development of financial statements;
3. analyse and evaluate how companies apply the standard in their annual financial reporting
4. calculate borrowing cost and earnings per share and make recommendations on how best to present and apply the resulting information
5. analyse and describe how companies disclose borrowing cost and earnings per share in their financial statements
6. practically make use of a commercial accounting software package to enter and process accounting data according to accounting standards and to analyse and interpret the resulting accounting information and
7. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with financial accounting and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW2720.

• Inventories (IAS 2)
• Property, Plant & Equipment (IAS 16)
• Impairment of assets (IAS 36)
• Intangible assets (IAS 38)
• Investment Property (IAS 40)
• Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations (IFRS 5)
• Borrowing costs (IAS 23)

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Adrian Pilley

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFW2710

Prohibitions

AFW2042, AFW3004

Synopsis

An introduction to auditing covering the responsibilities, functions and qualities of the auditor and some of the statutory matters. It covers a review of the audit process from planning to the completion of the audit and includes the going concern concept; fraud and error; audit evidence; engagement and planning; internal controls and substantive procedures; completion of the audit and special audit investigations. The tests of control and substantive tests performed on the following business cycles are also included: revenue and receipts; acquisitions and payments; inventory and production; payroll and personnel; finance and investment.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain and describe the general principles of auditing, the responsibilities, functions and qualities of the auditor and illustrate knowledge of a proper background to auditing
• explain and describe the audit process from planning to the completion of the audit, assess audit risk and determine materiality
• explain and describe all the relevant issues regarding the going concern concept and reliance on other parties, and to apply these on various simulated practical situations/in various audits
• identify, describe and examine internal controls in the context of external auditing, and to plan and apply that knowledge in simulated practical situations and to make recommendations in that regard
• apply tests of control and substantive testing to the business cycles
• yapply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with auditing and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment ask the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in AFW2760.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Prerequisites

AFW1002, BTW1201

Prohibitions

AFW2041, AFW3941, AFW3942

Synopsis

An introduction to the principles of corporate finance. The unit addresses the following fundamental areas of finance: an introduction to corporate finance and financial management; an introduction to working with financial statements; the principles of time value of money and valuation of future cash flows; interest rates and bond valuations, net present value and investment criteria; an introduction to capital budgeting principles and its relationship with the future cash flow valuation and project analysis and evaluation.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the purpose of financial management and corporate finance
2. apply analysis techniques to financial information and interpret the results
3. explain and apply the principles of time value of money to rank investment projects and value stocks and bonds
4. explain and apply, at an introductory level, valuation techniques relating to equity instruments
5. explain and apply techniques in capital investment decisions and
6. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to activities dealing with corporate finance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW2780.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%.

Chief examiner(s)

Duane Moore

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFW1000 or AFW1001 (pre 2009)

Prohibitions

AFW3005

Synopsis

The objective of this unit is two-fold. First, the unit provides students with a broad introduction to accounting information systems and the role technology plays in accounting. The focus will be on an introduction to: enterprise systems; database management; documentation methods; internal controls; and the core business processes found in organisations. Second, the unit focuses on corporate modelling theory; models as decision support tools; types and uses of models; benefits and limitations of models; effective spreadsheet design; auditing spreadsheet models and development of various models using an industry standard spreadsheet.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. examine the role of accounting information systems in analysing and providing decision support to managers
2. explain the design of accounting information systems and financial models
3. develop financial models to assist in decision making
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with accounting information systems and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW2851.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30% Examination: (3 hours) 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Peter Krueger

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFW1000 or AFW1001 (pre 2009)

Prohibitions

AFC2160, AFC2851, AFF2051, AFF2851, AFW2051, BUS1060, BUS3030

Synopsis

Topics include the budget planning process including master budget preparation, budgeting standard costs and variance analysis, responsibility accounting, management by objectives and non-financial performance measurement, divisional performance, transfer pricing issues, program budgeting and other approaches, capital budgeting, strategic planning and control.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. apply traditional and contemporary performance measurement and control techniques to enable managers to measure and enhance organisational performance
2. analyse and make recommendations regarding the design of performance measurement and control systems
3. explain how behavioural implications are crucial for the effective design of performance measurement and control systems
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with performance measurement and control and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW3021.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Ruvendra Nandan

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFW2020

Prohibitions

AFC3131, AFF3431

Synopsis

Topics include the nature of theory and scientific method by considering two basic methods of enquiry: induction and deduction; the emergence of general descriptive and prescriptive accounting theories; the application of measurement theories; the regulation of financial accounting and the development of international accounting as they relate to the conceptual framework; and summarising and identifying the assumptions underlying accounting concepts by critiquing the financial statements.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. outline the development of accounting concepts and international accounting
2. critically review conventional accounting practice
3. compare and contrast alternative accounting models
4. understand ethical principles and their application of these principles in the field of business
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with accounting theory and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW3040.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Shyamala Dhoraisingam Samual

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFW2491

Prohibitions

AFC3120, AFF3491

Synopsis

Overview of auditing, the auditor's legal liabilities, audit process and evidence, the concepts of materiality and risks, study and evaluation of internal control, EDP auditing, audit sampling techniques, the test of transactions cycles and the verification of account balances, auditors reports, and internal and operational auditing.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the role, limitations and demand for audits in modern corporate society including the auditor's professional, ethical and legal obligations
2. explain the auditor's role in corporate governance with particular emphasis on the detection and reporting of fraud and error
3. describe the assurance framework, planning process and evidence gathering procedures used by auditors to form an audit opinion
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with auditing and assurance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW3041.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%,

Chief examiner(s)

Grant Gay

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFW2491

Prohibitions

AFC3160, AFF3631

Synopsis

This unit involves completing a research project identifying a specific problem relating to accounting, auditing or finance and suggestions or systems to meet the problem. In identifying the research question students will complete an extensive literature review.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• develop analytical, communication and project management skills
• discuss various research methodologies appropriate to solving research questions
• explain the purpose and function of accounting research
• critically evaluate underlying theories, concepts, assumptions, limitations and arguments in accounting
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual activities dealing with current accounting issues.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Permission required

Synopsis

Financial accounting topics covered by this unit include: Australian accounting standards, institutional setting and the conceptual framework; accounting for leases; accounting for employee benefits; accounting for financial instruments; cash flow reporting; segment reporting; accounting for EPS; accounting for extractive industries; accounting for agriculture; financial reporting in the public sector; foreign currency translation; and social and environmental reporting.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. acquire advanced knowledge of the conceptual framework and disclosure requirements in accordance with the accounting standards and the statutory laws
2. develop an improved understanding of how professional policies are formulated in preparation of accounting for various financial accounting issues with particular reference to current practice
3. develop critical skills in written communication and problem analysis through the completion of comprehensive assignment exercise and /or essays
4. develop an ability to work independently and to participate in group discussions with participants from diverse backgrounds
5. demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW3050.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination(3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Mahendra Goyal

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFW2491

Prohibitions

AFC3120, AFF3491

Synopsis

On completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual foundations of modern portfolio theory, using pricing models and other techniques in the valuation of securities; appreciate the effect of market efficiency on the valuation process; measure portfolio risk and determine performance benchmarks; and be able to take an applied perspective on investment management and analysis in the Australian environment.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. critically evaluate financial market information to measure risk and return
2. describe modern portfolio theory
3. apply asset pricing models and valuation techniques to the valuation of assets
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with investments and portfolio management and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW3121.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Abey Gunasekarage

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFW2631 or AFW3044

Prohibitions

AFF3121, AFW3046

Synopsis

The international monetary system, debt and country risk, the foreign exchange market, international financing strategies and techniques, the Euro-markets, and multinational banking.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain the parity principles and the concept of arbitrage in international financial markets
• explain how currency derivative contracts such as forwards, futures, options and swaps can be used to hedge in the foreign exchange markets
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with international banking and finance.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFF2401 or AFW2401

Prohibitions

AFF3331, AFX3871

Synopsis

Treasury functions; risk assessment evaluation; strategy formulation and implementation; liquidity and cash management; audit and control.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the role of treasury operations in an international or a local bank;
2. describe how risk management processes work
3. demonstrate the application of hedging techniques used in banks'' treasury operations
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with treasury management and demonstrate in individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW3651.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Jothee Sinnakkannu

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Prerequisites

AFW2401

Prohibitions

AFF3651

Synopsis

Critically analyse and apply selected accounting reporting standards (IFRS) in the accounting of financial information of companies.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• critically analyse the objectives of financial statements, the specific information needs of equity investors, the general information needs of other users and describe and assess the meaning of fair presentation
• comment on the need for and assess the application of a conceptual framework and the standards for financial reporting
• discuss the reporting requirements as it relates to the statutory reporting requirements, and the reporting requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice or financial reporting standards
• discuss the underlying assumptions on the basis of which financial statements are prepared
• discuss the qualitative characteristics of financial statements and assess their applicability to fair presentation and measurement issues to enhance the decision-usefulness of financial reporting
• assess the appropriate elements of financial statements and the presentation of the elements in the financial statements
• discuss recognition criteria and assess their application in financial statements
• criticise the measurement criteria, models and their incorporation and disclosure in the financial statements
• criticise the concepts of fair value accounting.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Prerequisites

AFW2720

Prohibitions

AFW2042, AFW3004

Synopsis

Familiarise students with the preparation and presentation of group annual financial statements of companies in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act, 1973, and the financial reporting standards.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. discuss the theory and background to group structures and preparing group financial statements
2. prepare and assess group financial statements for wholly-owned and partly-owned subsidiaries, taking into account the effects of intercompany transactions, dividends, preferences shares, interim acquisitions and insolvent subsidiaries
3. discuss and apply alternative forms of group reporting
4. discuss the basic principles of equity accounting and joint ventures
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with group statements and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW3740.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Final Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Anton van Wyk

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFW2720

Synopsis

Theory and background to managerial decision making in respect of the following different types decision making techniques: cost volume profit analysis, learning curve theory, relevance approach to non-routine profit related decisions, decision making under circumstances of risk and uncertainty, cost planning of network projects, inventory models, standard costing, budgeting techniques, cost estimation and behaviour and linear programming.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain and discuss the role that management accounting information plays in organisations
2. explain and apply advanced quantification techniques to provide information for management decision-making and give advice
3. demonstrate proficiency in applying the instruments, techniques and procedures covered to theoretical and practical applications interpret the results and advice accordingly
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with management information and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW3750.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Magda Odendaal

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

AFW2020

Synopsis

The application of South African Companies Act and other legal requirements on the audit profession and the external auditor is dealt with extensively in this unit. The external auditor and corporate governance are also dealt with. One specific area of the audit is dealt with again: audit risk, and this is also considered for the audit of groups of companies. A big part of the semester is spent on computer auditing, the controls and control environment, as well as computer-assisted audit techniques (CAATs).

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the requirements and sections of the Companies Act and the Auditing Professions Act on the external auditor's professional activities and the audit of companies, and to identify violations of the laws and to make relevant recommendations
2. identify and explain the application of the requirements and sections of the Close Corporations Act on the professional accountant
3. describe the best practice in corporate governance and how it is applied in the business world, and to assess simulated practical situations and make relevant recommendations
4. assess audit risk and apply it on various simulated practical situations/in various audits
5. identify and examine computer controls in the context of external auditing, and to plan and apply that knowledge in simulated practical situations and to make recommendations in that regard
6. apply CAATs in simulated practical circumstances, mostly in an external audit;
7. describe the use of automated audit working papers and
8. identify the risks specific to the auditing of groups and describe the audit procedures relevant to the audit of group companies
9. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with auditing and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFW3770.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Blanche Steyn

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Prerequisites

AFW2760

Prohibitions

AFW2041, AFW3941, AFW3942

Synopsis

This unit provides a detailed examination of selected topics in corporate finance. These topics include: capital market history, risk and return, cost of capital, raising capital, financial leverage and capital structure, dividend policy, short-term finance and planning, mergers and acquisitions, international corporate finance, leasing and valuations.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain and apply the key concepts that are relevant for each topic (capital market history, risk and return, cost of capital, raising capital, financial leverage and capital structure, dividend policy, short-term finance and planning, mergers and acquisitions, international corporate finance, leasing and valuations) and interpret results
2. apply complex quantitiative techniques to practical examples and case studies in corporate finance and give advice
3. demonstrate an understanding of how these topics relate to contemporary corporate activity
4. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and / or group activities dealing with corporate finance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in AFW3790.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Prerequisites

AFW2780

Prohibitions

AFW3005

Synopsis

Lending environment; decision making and organisation of lending, lending policies and controls; behavioural aspects of decision making and decision-makers; retail, commercial and corporate lending; business expansions; off balance sheet lending; loan management and problem loans.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• apply appropriate analysis techniques to particular loan facilities
• analyse the risk return characteristics (and pricing) of a loan application
• examine the major types of lending products and gain the ability to match these products to customer needs
• investigate the behavioural aspects of decision making and decision makers
• describe statistical techniques used in decision making at the approval, monitoring and termination stages of lending.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFW2401 and AFW2631

Prohibitions

AFF3841

Synopsis

This unit is designed to introduce the concept of risk as a business philosophy and to introduce the students to the Australian Risk Management Standard, AS/NZS 4360:1999.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the scope, application and definition of risk
• explain the risk treatment requirements needed by business
• compare and contrast the risk management process with existing approaches to governance, compliance and control
• apply the risk approach to effective business control, by reference to AUS/NZ 4360:2004
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with risk.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Contact hours

39 hours per semester

Synopsis

This unit is designed to emphasise the different approach to the finance function when risk identification and risk financing are taken as the drivers of value creation.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain the concept of risk financing
• consider the major sources of endogenous and exogenous risk
• compare risk across industrial sectors and forms of business enterprises
• apply risk financing techniques
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with risk financing.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Prerequisites

AFX2021 or AFX3141

Synopsis

This unit is designed to introduce the concept of risk transfer as an outcome of risk management decision-making. It introduces the concept and application of insurance and the principals underlying the insurance purchase. It will look at risk and its treatment, the insurance mechanism and further develop risk as a business philosophy.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the risk transfer decision-making process and explain the concept of risk within an insurance framework
• explain the principles of risk allocation in non-insurance contracts
• analyse the core concepts underlying the main insurance industry sectors of life, accident, health, property and liability
• discuss and comment on the implications of the growing convergence of the broader financial services industry
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with risk transfer.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Prerequisites

AFX2021 or AFX3141

Synopsis

This subject identifies the risks to be managed using a well-structured systematic process. Generic sources of risk will include inter alia: Commercial and legal relationships, economic circumstances, human behaviour, natural events, political circumstances, technology and technical issues, management activities and controls. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis will be carried out. Amongst the options for treating risk are:

1. avoidance,
2. reduction of the likelihood of the occurrence and/or reduction of the consequence,
3. risk transference,
4. risk retention.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• apply commonly used techniques to identify sources of risk
• distinguish minor and major risks and utilise methods to assist in the evaluation and mitigation of risk
• assess the probability of an event, its associated consequences and risk implications
• identify a range of options for treatment of risk and prepare and implement risk treatment plans
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with risk identification and mitigation.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Prerequisites

AFX1230 or ETX2011

Prohibitions

AFX2021

Synopsis

This unit considers characteristics of property investment, valuation of real estate assets, real estate market analysis, the role of equilibrium asset pricing models, real estate and portfolio theory, measurement of risk and return, indices and pricing models, the effect of leverage and taxation, real estate in mixed asset portfolios, listed and unlisted property trusts, property management and development projects.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. analyse investments in asset classes with particular emphasis on property
2. critically examine the different types of property, characteristics of property markets, the role of professional investors and managers and the nature of investment vehicles employed
3. explain property cycles and the role of property in investment portfolios
4. evaluate property based on risk of cash flows
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with property investment and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFX3355.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

John Flaherty

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFC2140 or AFF2631

Synopsis

This unit centres on both a conceptual and practical approach to International Accounting Issues with emphasis on international standard setting and compliance as viewed by regulatory and private sector preparers of accounts. Students gain a practical understanding of these issues in an international context through the overseas visitation program which forms an integral part of this unit.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• compare and contrast accounting standard setting in various countries and discuss the convergence of accounting standards through an international study program
• develop a practical understanding and appreciation of culture in the development of national accounting regulations
• evaluate academic and professional papers in international accounting
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with international accounting.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (2 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Jacqueline Birt

Contact hours

Three 3-hour seminars over two weeks prior to departure; and participation in a series of up to ten seminars of approximately 3-hours conducted over a period of about 3 weeks at international commercial centres

Prerequisites

AFC2120, AFF2491, AFW2491 or permission required.

Prohibitions

AFX3871

Synopsis

The unit is designed to provide students with the conceptual foundations of the functions and institutions of the international financial system. To impart an understanding and appreciation of the current issues underlying the international area of finance, and to develop a practical understanding of the markets and financial techniques used by international banks and multinational organisations. To develop a practical understanding and appreciation of cultural differences within the area of international banking and finance through an overseas visitation program.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• compare and contrast the structure of banking and financial markets internationally through an international study program
• explain parity theories and their application to foreign exchange markets
• develop a practical understanding and appreciation of culture in the development of national banking and finance activities
• evaluate academic and professional papers in international banking and finance
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with international banking and finance.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (2 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Michael Dempsey

Contact hours

Eight 3-hour seminars over 3 weeks prior to departure; and over a period of approximately 3 weeks participation in a series of up to ten 3-hour seminars conducted at international commercial centres

Prerequisites

AFC2140, AFF2401, AFF2631, AFW2401 or AFW2631

Prohibitions

AFF3331, AFW3331, AFX3551

Synopsis

Introduction to a broad range of research methodology and testing procedures used in accounting and finance. The primary focus is on the undertaking of research. The unit comprises an analysis of the science of research, an examination of the key elements of research in accounting and finance, data issues, ethical issues, hypothesis development, causal models, the use of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, survey-based research and general research methodology.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain the major steps in the development of a research project in accounting or finance
• illustrate the key strengths and weaknesses in accounting and finance research designs and methods
• apply qualitative and quantitive data analysis techniques and interpret the output
• critically evaluate empirical research in accounting and finance
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with research methods.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

George Tanewski

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Prohibitions

AFC4100

Synopsis

Students will prepare a research proposal in an area of accounting and/or finance. Students will, with the assistance of a research mentor, select a research topic and prepare a proposal consisting of a literature review, theory and hypothesis development, an outline of the research methods to be applied and the data requirements

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• prepare a research proposal in accounting or finance
• write a literature review related to a selected topic in accounting or finance
• develop testable hypotheses
• identify the appropriate method and identify data requirements to test the hypotheses
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with a research proposal.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

15 contact hours over 13 weeks

Co-requisites

AFX4000 and students must be enrolled in course 0171 or 0181 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

Students should learn how to conduct a literature review; develop both research questions and hypotheses; formulate a research decision; gather and analyse data using appropriate procedures; write up research; and draw appropriate conclusions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• implement a research proposal
• recognise practical problems of conducting scientific research and propose solutions
• write a comprehensive research paper
• develop the ability to conduct and manage a planned study
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with a research project.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

David Smith

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFX4000 and AFX4010

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

Students conduct a critical review of the literature relevant to their study; derive appropriate hypotheses for testing; devise an empirical test of the hypotheses showing regard to practical problems of conducting research, ethical considerations, and principles of scientific method; conduct a planned study and manage any problems arising in the date collection; select and conduct an appropriate analysis of the data; and write a report on the project, showing due regard to relevant stylistic conventions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• implement a research proposal
• recognise practical problems of conducting scientific research and propose solutions
• complete a research dissertation
• develop the ability to conduct and manage a planned study
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with a research dissertation.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

David Smith

Contact hours

24 hours per week

Prerequisites

AFX4000 and AFX4010

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

Topics include consumption-based asset pricing models , two beta ICAPM, intertemporal asset pricing models, modelling for mutual and hedging funds, credit risk models, modelling correlated defaults, term structure of default probability, credit derivatives, credit default swaps, collateralised debt obligations, asset value models.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. apply advanced knowledge and skills in the use of Excel and Visual Basic
2. develop advanced skills in the design and implementation of efficient and robust financial models such as option pricing, portfolio and interest rate models
3. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with advanced modelling in finance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFX4030.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Cameron Truong

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

The objective of this unit is to provide students with a broad introduction to the contemporary themes in research into Accounting Information Systems. The unit covers issues of research and practice in the following areas: frameworks and ontologies in information systems; decision making; process modelling; behavioral aspects concerned with the design and implementation of systems; and data management issues. Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to be able to evaluate critically the design and conduct of research, and to design their own research into issues of relevance to the accounting information systems field.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. discuss ontologies and paradigms in information systems
2. discuss issues relating to the design and use of accounting information systems
3. evaluate systems modelling tools for accounting processes
4. identify major research questions in accounting and business information systems
5. apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with issues in accounting information systems and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment tasks the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by AFX4040.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 60%
Examination (3 hours): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Stephen Smith

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

This unit considers both theoretical and professional issues relevant to the various participants to the audit process. The unit provides students with an overview of the nature of assurance and regulation of the audit profession, the economics of auditing, and the behavioural dimensions of auditing. Topics also include future directions for assurance services, fraud, internal control and corporate governance issues.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• discuss research paradigms in auditing and assurance research
• describe the range of methods of decision making in auditing
• critically evaluate empirical research and identify major research questions in auditing and assurance including audit quality, internal control, fraud and corporate governance
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with issues in auditing and assurance.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Robyn Moroney

Contact hours

One 3-hour session per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

The objective of this course is to develop critical economic reasoning and understanding of important empirical regularities in corporate finance. This unit builds on introductory corporate finance studies and analyses a variety of issues by introducing a study of recent empirical literature. There is a strong focus on research with a selective and critical examination of theoretical and empirical research in corporate finance. The advanced topics covered include market efficiency and event studies, security offerings, corporate takeovers, and capital structure, dividend policy, corporate governance and financial tunnelling.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• acquire knowledge of empirical findings in corporate finance
• develop an ability to conceptualise and analyse issues in corporate finance at a sound level of understanding and be in a position to make a significant contribution in setting firm financial policy
• critically evaluate underlying theories, concepts, assumptions, limitations and arguments in corporate financial theory
• develop analytical skills via understanding the intuition and logic behind recent academic research and the possible extension to the recent research.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Petko Kalev

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Synopsis

Topics are selected from the development of financial accounting theory, contracting theory and accounting policy choice (including debt contracts, political costs, management compensation and efficient contracting), corporate governance, behavioural research, the returns-earnings relation, the explanatory power of earnings, post-earnings announcement drift and other anomalies, information content of cash flows and accruals, earnings quality, market reaction to accounting regulation and value relevance of accounting information.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• discuss research paradigms in financial accounting
• discuss the economic consequences of accounting regulation
• distinguish between alternative perspectives of corporate governance and appreciate its interaction with contracting theory and financial accounting
• critically evaluate empirical research and identify major research questions in financial accounting
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with issues in financial accounting.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Farshid Navissi

Contact hours

One 3-hour session per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

This unit draws on the academic literature to provide a study of a range of topics relating to banking and finance. It presents a basis for students intending to undertake research into banking and related finance questions. Topics covered include theory of financial intermediation, risk management, efficiency assessment, competition modelling and bank regulation.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• discuss existing theory in the field of banking and its evolution
• critically assess the usefulness and limitations of this theory in the field of banking
• apply this theory to relevant current policy issues
• critically evaluate empirical research and identify major research questions in banking
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with issues in banking.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Kathy Avram

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

The major theoretical foundations of the management accounting discipline including the economics (agency), psychology (behavioural, etc.) and organisational (contingency) approaches are introduced. The unit shows how these disciplines have influenced the view of managers. Management accounting is presented as a professional discipline primarily concerned with influencing and facilitating decisions, and several accounting technologies are critically assessed. This unit focuses on technologies which are useful in the short and medium term including budgeting and incentive plans as well as those that take a long-term or strategic viewpoint.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• discuss research paradigms and core concepts related to organizational, economic, behavioural and sociological theories as they relate to management accounting research
• critically evaluate recent developments in strategic thinking and implications for management accounting
• critically evaluate empirical research to identify recent developments in management accounting practices from perspectives of both content and processes
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with issues in management accounting.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Rob Chenhall

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0171 or 0181 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an advanced applied perspective to a broad range of research methodology and testing procedures used in accounting and finance research. Students who have completed this unit should, at an advanced level, be able to collect qualitative and quantitative data using a variety of research techniques; to apply advanced statistical techniques to the analysis of quantitative data; to design non-probability and probability samples; to deal with advanced issues in cross-sectional, panel and time series data and to conduct research ethically.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain advanced research methods used in accounting and finance research
• perform advanced statistical and econometrics tests and procedures for data analysis
• identify topical research issues, research designs and advanced methods used in accounting and finance research
• develop critical skills of summarizing, analysing, reporting and presenting quantitative and/or qualitative data and research results
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with advanced research methods.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours) 70%

Chief examiner(s)

George Tanewski

Contact hours

Two 3-hour lectures per week for 6 weeks

Prerequisites

AFX4000

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

Topics include functions and objectives of banks; the risk return trade off; prudential supervision; asset management; loan pricing; liabilities and equity; off balance sheet banking; asset-liability management; measuring bank performance and managing financial crises for banks.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe the functions and objectives of financial intermediaries
• outline a framework for analysing the risks facing financial institutions in the context of their functions and objectives
• explain how bank management address these risks in the current banking environment, including dealing with risk return trade offs, prudential supervision, asset management, loan pricing, liabilities and equity, off balance sheet banking, asset-liability management, measuring bank performance and managing financial crises
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with bank management and risk analysis.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Tram Vu

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

Topics likely to be covered will be selected from theory and evidence on asset pricing models, capital structure, dividend policy, efficient markets, agency theory, takeovers and corporate restructuring, option pricing theory and applications, international finance and investment appraisal.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe current theories and models in corporate finance
• develop and apply requisite mathematics skills
• critically evaluate empirical research to identify recent developments in corporate finance
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with corporate financial theory.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination: (3 hours) 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Philip Ghargori

Contact hours

Two 1.5-hour sessions per week

Prerequisites

AFC4060

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

Topics selected from accounting-based valuation models, financial ratio analysis from a valuation perspective, empirical research based on accounting-based valuation, fundamental analysis research, risk and financial information, empirical research into share returns and financial information, analysts earnings forecasts and analysts investment recommendations and share returns, management earnings forecasts.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe accounting-based valuation methods and apply these methods to listed companies
• critically evaluate empirical research that utilises accounting-based valuation
• critically evaluate empirical research that investigates the role of analysts as information intermediaries in securities markets
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with the analysis of financial statements.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Farshid Navissi

Contact hours

Two 1.5-hour sessions per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

Topics covered will be selected from: Markowitz portfolio theory, CAPM, the inter-temporal CAPM, Black-Scholes stock price and its implications, stochastic integration, stylised facts about stock and stock index returns -- results from econometric and econophysics research, risky asset models which reproduce the stylized facts, option pricing under such models, Itos formula, Ito processes, Ito calculus, accumulation under stochastic rates of interest and other applications in finance, extreme value theory in stock and insurance markets.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain advanced mathematical treatments of theoretical and analytical concepts in asset pricing and financial engineering
• critically analyse recent advances in mathematical and computational finance including wavelet analysis, artificial neural networks and copulas
• explain asset pricing theories and the use of scholastic processes
• critically evaluate empirical research that applies asset pricing theories
• apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills in individual and/or group activities dealing with mathematical finance.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Francis In

Contact hours

Two 1.5 hour classes per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 0181 or 0171 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

This unit is designed to provide students with the opportunity to put theory into practice in a business environment.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• compare and contrast theory and practice
• apply theory to practice in a supervised environment
• evaluate personal learning and personal development in a complex business environment
• analyse complex business problems and to prepare and present innovative solutions.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

This is a 22 week Industry Based Learning Project (IBLP). Students will spend a minimum of 40 contact hours per week engaged in supervised IBLP activities as part of their placement. This includes time required to attend regular meetings on campus with their academic supervisor.

Prerequisites

Students must be granted permission and be participating in an approved program of advanced study before undertaking this unit.

Synopsis

This unit is designed to provide students with the opportunity to put theory into practice in a business environment.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• compare and contrast theory and practice
• apply theory to practice in a supervised environment
• evaluate personal learning and personal development in a complex business environment
• analyse complex business problems and to prepare and present innovative solutions.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

This is a 22 week Industry Based Learning Project (IBLP). Students will spend a minimum of 40 contact hours per week engaged in supervised IBLP activities as part of their placement. This includes time required to attend regular meetings on campus with their academic supervisor

Prerequisites

Students are required to seek permission and be participating in an approved program of advanced study before undertaking this unit.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit is used by the Faculty to enrol students undertaking outbound exchange studies at a host institution. Students will not be able to enrol in this unit via WES. The faculty will manage the enrolment of students undertaking an outbound exchange program to ensure fees and credit are processed accurately.

Synopsis

This unit requires students to examine a broad range of social and cultural issues that impact upon global business. Rather than prescribing "how" these issues are to be managed, it encourages an awareness and appreciation of the arguments surrounding these issues. Through the use of case studies, students are confronted with some specific challenges of doing business in a global context. The unit provides some preparation for BBusCom(Global) students prior to their semester at an overseas campus.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• discuss and explain global and national issues affecting business, including cultural relativism, globalisaiton and nationalism/patriotism;
• discuss and explain issues of global corporate citizenship, including codes of conduct, sustainable development, stakeholder relationships and sustainability reporting;
• discuss and explain topical issues affecting global business, such as the impact of international crime, terrorism and environmental concerns;
• apply critical thinking to case studies of issues affecting business in the global context.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination: 60%

Prerequisites

Students must be enrolled in the BBusCom(Global)

Synopsis

Students will undertake approved projects for an employer, which will contribute to the organisation and facilitate the development of work place skills and application of knowledge to a practical situation.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• apply conceptual and theoretical knowledge to practical work situations
• communicate effectively and appropriately with peers and superiors both verbally and in writing
• work effectively as part of a team
• undertake applied research projects in the areas of Accounting, Economics, Management, Marketing, or any area of Business.

Assessment

Employer assessment: 30%, Work placement / Project report: 70%.

Contact hours

To be negotiated with the campus coordinator. Some projects will be conducted in an industry and therefore do not require class contact, while other projects may be conducted on-campus under the coordination of the unit coordinator.

Prerequisites

Enrolment in this unit is not available via WES. Course director approval is required prior to enrolment and approval will be dependent upon completion of 96 credit points (including appropriate units for the area of work placement) with an overall average of 65% for all units undertaken.

Synopsis

The objective of the internship is to give students first-hand experience in working in a business setting in a context relevant to their likely graduate employment, and to integrate theory with practice.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• apply conceptual and theoretical knowledge to practical work situations
• communicate effectively and appropriately with subordinates, peers and superiors both verbally and in writing
• demonstrate an understanding of the nuances and practicalities of working within an organisation
• present issues and findings to subordinates, peers and superiors using appropriate software
• undertake applied research projects in an area of business and write an effective report for management assessment
• formulate and update a personal career strategic plan.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

12 hours of structured learning activity pre placement provided by Employment and Career Development

Prerequisites

Enrolment in this unit is not available via WES. Course director approval is required prior to enrolment and approval will be dependent upon completion of 96 credit points (including appropriate units for the area of work placement) with an overall average of 60% for all units undertaken and locating a suitable internship setting.

Prohibitions

MKX3631, BEW3100

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an opportunity to undertake work in an organisational environment broadly related to their field of academic study. Students will undertake approved projects for an employer, which will contribute to the overall goals of the organisation. The unit will require students to apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge to practical workplace situations as well as develop self-awareness, personal and professional competencies necessary for a high level of employability.

Assessment

Completion of workplace objectives: 30%
assignment on placement (7000 words): 70%

Contact hours

The project will be conducted in an industry and does not require class contact

Prerequisites

Enrolment in this unit is not available via WES. Course Director approval is required prior to enrolment and approval will be dependent upon completion of 96 credit points (including appropriate units for the area of work placement) with an overall average of 65% for all units undertaken.

Synopsis

A capstone major project, demonstrating the skills and knowledge acquired by the student during the course. It can be a practical on-the-job study or an in-depth study of a sports event management issue through research. It will involve the submission of a major written report and a class presentation.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• apply conceptual and theoretical knowledge to practical work situations in the field of managing sporting events.
• communicate effectively and appropriately with peers and superiors both verbally and in writing.
• work effectively as part of a team
• undertake an applied research project in the field of managing sporting events.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Vaughan Reimers

Contact hours

To be negotiated with the campus coordinator. Some projects will be conducted in an industry and therefore do not require class contact, while other projects may be conducted on-campus under the coordination of the unit coordinator.

Prerequisites

MGW2150, MKX3200 and MKW2420

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course 3926 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

A capstone major project, demonstrating the skills and knowledge acquired by the student during the course. It can be a practical on-the-job study or an in-depth study of a business related issue through research. It will involve the submission of a major written report and a class presentation.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• acquire skills in written and oral communication negotiation, teamwork and change management
• develop the capacity for critical thought and analysis, problem solving, inquiry and research, taking into account professional ethics and moral and social responsibility
• develop the capacity for leadership, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation
• develop the capacity to integrate and synthesise knowledge from different disciplines to achieve innovative solutions to business problems.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

To be negotiated with the campus coordinator and project supervisor. Some projects will be conducted in an industry and therefore do not require class contact, while other projects may be conducted on-campus under the coordination of the supervisor.

Prerequisites

Completion of 96 credit points of study

Prohibitions

BEW3100, BEW3200

Synopsis

This unit is designed to enable students undertaking the BBCom Global degree program to complete an individual project while studying abroad in one of Monash University's designated offshore campuses. The unit is therefore necessarily flexible in scope and nature but there are also some guidelines to assist students and staff in the development and delivery of unit outcomes.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• investigate, describe, conceptualise, evaluate and consider a broad issue of international business related to their chosen foreign country and the topic in question
• develop higher level business conceptualisations and understandings about the country vis a vis their home country.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

Ten contact hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must be enrolled in BBusCom(Global)

Synopsis

This unit aims to develop students' understanding of qualitative research, with specific focus on qualitative research philosophy, qualitative research design and qualitative research methods. This unit explores topics such as: paradigmatic approaches to research; research design; negotiation of access to research sites/participants; researcher ethics; methods of qualitative data collection such as observation, interviews, focus groups and non-intrusive data collection; methods of data analysis; issues of qulitative research validity; and qualitative writing.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Synopsis

An in-depth introduction to quantitative research methods. This subject is one of two that together supply the research methodology skills and knowledge necessary for students to complete an independent research project at the honours level. It provides a comprehensive coverage of quantitative research methodologies. Topics include: survey studies/correlational field studies; forms of regression; analysis of variances; discriminant analysis; factor analysis; non-parametric statistics.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Prohibitions

ETW2111, ETX2111, ETX2121

Synopsis

Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, this subject allows a student to independently gain in-depth discipline knowledge in a selected area of business and commerce as a foundation to the completion of an honours project. The student will complete a prescribed list of readings, undertake further independent literature studies, and complete other learning activities and assessments considered appropriate for the selected field of study.

Assessment

Assessment will be through a combination of assignments, examinations, and written reports appropriate to the selected area of study and associated activities.

Synopsis

Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, this subject allows a student to independently gain in-depth discipline knowledge in a selected area of business and commerce as a foundation to the completion of an honours research project. The student will complete a prescribed list of readings, undertake further independent literature studies, and complete other learning activities and assessments considered appropriate for the selected field of study.

Assessment

Assignments, examinations and written reports appropriate to the selected area of study and associated activities

Prerequisites

Students must be enrolled in course 3169 to undertake this unit

Synopsis

Students work under the guidance of a supervisor to plan, carry out, and report on an original research project that addresses a significant issues in business; this research project is likely to have substantial practical outcomes or implications; as well, it is hoped that students and supervisors will publish the work in an appropriate journal.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Prerequisites

BEW4000

Synopsis

An introduction to legal studies and to the legal system of Australia with special emphasis on commercial aspects. The laws of negligence as it affects business and the professional is introduced, and aspects of the law of contract, consumer law, agency, partnership, trusts and an introduction to companies of relevance to commerce.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify the essential features of the Australian legal and political system and compare and contrast the two principal law-making institutions--the courts and the parliaments--and the laws they make
• describe and analyse some of the legal concepts that underpin commercial activity in Australia and describe the different conceptual bases of legal liability
• describe and analyse key areas of normative commercial law such as contract law, tort law, agency law and business organisations
• conduct basic legal research using basic primary and secondary sources
• critically analyse a hypothetical legal problem and clearly and coherently advise a hypothetical client on the relevant legal issues that are raised in that problem and support the advice by reference to primary sources.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Mathews Thomas

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prohibitions

BTF1010, BTW1200, LAW2101, LAW2102

Synopsis

The law affecting Australian enterprises engaged in international business. Topics include international trade conventions; import and export procedures; carriage of goods by sea and air; bills of lading and the Hague-Visby rules; finance of international trade; payment and documentary credits; the use of negotiable instruments in international trade; international commercial arbitration and marine insurance.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• examine international trade law scenarios
• identify legal problems and risks which arise in those scenarios in relation to the global trading system, contracts, carriage of goods, payments and dispute resolution
• describe the relevant law which may apply to those problems
• analyse and apply the law to those problems and predict possible legal outcomes.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Matthews Thomas

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

BTC1110 or BTC2110 or equivalent

Prohibitions

BTF3201, BTW3201

Synopsis

Topics include the Corporations Act 2001 scheme; the role and functions of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission; the concept of limited liability; the effect of registration; the corporate constitution; the company's relationship with outsiders; share and loan capital; regulation of public fund raising; duties of directors; rights of shareholders and minority shareholder protection; forms of corporate insolvency administrations, particularly as they affect creditors, officers and shareholders.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify the important elements in the internal and external regulation of companies and how they may be used
• analyse hypothetical case studies and formulate a legal argument by the application of statute and case law
• critically evaluate the effectiveness of aspects of corporate law in the context of the changing needs of the community.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3.5 hours -- includes 0.5 hours for reading and note taking): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Anne O'Rourke

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

BTC1110 or BTC2110 or equivalent

Prohibitions

BTW2220, BTF2220, LAW4171

Synopsis

The unit introduces students to contemporary developments in labour law, employment law, discrimination law and occupational health and safety law. It aims to develop knowledge and skills and understanding of the practical application of these areas of the law in Australian workplaces.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe and analyse a wide range of legal issues affecting the workplace (outlined below)
• apply legal principles to a range of hypothetical scenarios, in order to demonstrate practical understanding of legal issues at the workplace (building on strategic problem solving skills from business law)
• evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the principles underpinning workplace law
• critically assess the law's role and impact on the employment relationship
• critically evaluate current issues in the media involving legal regulation of the workplace.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Anne O'Rourke

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

BTC1110

Synopsis

This unit examines the evolution of regulatory strategies for environmental protection in response to systemic crises such as climate change and natural resource depletion, from traditional 'command and control' approaches to more recent behavioural and market based strategies, with particular focus upon the increasing recognition of the principles of ecologically sustainable development by courts and legislators.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• understand and explain the international law principles of ecologically sustainable development
• understand and explain the extent of integration of those principles into Australian environmental regulation, at both national and state government levels, and their recognition in Australian common law
• identify and analyse emerging trends in regulation for sustainability with particular focus upon the risks and opportunities those trends may present for Australian business enterprises
• use appropriate industry based case studies to demonstrate a sound understanding of the risks and opportunities presented by sustainability regulation.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Wayne Gumley

Contact hours

39 hours over 13 weeks

Synopsis

This unit involves a study of the legal framework regulating the securities and futures industries, which derives from the interaction of statute law, case law, ASIC releases, ASX and SFE rules. It focuses on the regulation of financial services intermediaries by statute, case law and administration by ASIC, the ASX and the SFE. Topics include market regulation by ASIC, the ASX and the SFE, liability for misstatements and non-disclosure about financial products, licensing of dealers and investment advisers, the relationship of broker and client, conduct of securities and futures business.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• define the purposes and scope of the regulation of financial markets
• analyse the co-regulatory roles of ASIC and ASX
• describe the effect of misleading or deceptive conduct in financial markets
• evaluate the impact of co-regulation on the financial services industry
• critically analyse the regulation of market manipulation and insider trading.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Paul Latimer

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

BTC1110

Prohibitions

BTF3091

Synopsis

An introduction to Australian taxation. Topics include assessable income; capital gains; GST; FBT; allowable deductions including repairs, deductions and substantiation; taxation of companies and their shareholders; administrative provisions including objections, appeals and self-assessment; and anti-avoidance provisions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• analyse and apply the appropriate taxation law for various income and capital receipts in given fact situations
• analyse and apply the appropriate taxation law for both general and specific deductions in given fact situations
• calculate the taxable value of various fringe benefits
• define and apply the principles of the imputation system at both the shareholder and company level
• describe the major elements of both the GST and Tax Administration systems.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Tony van der Westhuysen

Contact hours

Clayton - 3 hours per week

Prato - block mode

Prerequisites

BTC1110

Prohibitions

BTF3931, BTW3221

Synopsis

Aspects of the legal environment that affect financial decisions, transactions and relationships. Topics covered are chosen from the laws regulating the financing implications of different forms of business organisation; financial institutions and the financial institutions/customer relationship; cheques; electronic transactions; other negotiable instruments; the laws regulating business finance and security; consumer credit; guarantees and bankruptcy.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• explain the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the banking and finance sector
• analyse and apply the legal concepts underlying banking and financial transactions
• analyse and apply the legal principles relating to the rights and obligations of those invlved in banking and finance
• have developed a legal perspective to assist in decision-making in areas involving banking and finance
• to provide the legal background for the resolution of business problems involving banking and finance.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 25%
Examination (3 hours plus 30 minutes reading and noting, open-book): 75%

Chief examiner(s)

Janine Pascoe

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

BTC1110 or BTC2110 and BTC2210 or BTC2213

Synopsis

The legal framework which operates in relation to marketing decisions and practice. The impact of common law, legislation and self-regulating codes of practice in the market place. Particular topics include intellectual property rights, product development and promotion, product safety and quality, the regulation of unfair and anti-competitive conduct, franchising and electronic marketing and the law.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify and analyse the consumer protection laws and apply those laws to a range of marketing and advertising strategies
• identify and analyse the laws protecting intellectual property and apply those laws to the development and marketing of new products and ideas
• identify, analyse and apply the laws regulating a range of competition practices including pricing and distribution
• develop an ability to research and critically evaluate developments in marketing law.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3.5 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Mark Bender

Contact hours

3 hours contact per week

Prerequisites

BTC1110

Prohibitions

BTF3181, BTW3281, MKC3300

Synopsis

Liability for defective products; liability for misleading advice or information; contract law; agency law; partnership law; introduction to company law; company officers' duties.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• examine common commercial law scenarios relating to: the supply of defective goods and services; contract disputes; misrepresentations; agency relationships; partnership law; and company law
• identify legal problems and risks which arise in those scenarios
• describe the laws relevant to those scenarios
• analyse and apply the laws to predict possible legal outcomes.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (2 hours): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Kerstin Steiner

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students enrolled in course code 0816 must be granted permission to undertake this unit.

Prohibitions

BTC1110, BTW1200

Synopsis

Topics include the separate legal entity status of companies and the concept of limited liability; the effect of registration; the corporate constitution; the company's relationship with outsiders; corporate management incorporating extensive consideration of directors' duties; share capital; regulation of public fund raising; members' remedies incorporating statutory remedies and common law rights of action; members' meetings; forms of corporate insolvency administrations; trusts, incorporating the role of trustees and the rights of beneficiaries.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the significance and functions of corporations, and trusts, as legal structures that facilitate the carrying on of business
• identify, explain and apply legislation and case law to the internal and external regulation of corporations, and the operations of trusts
• develop skills in legal problem solving and analyse legal problems relating to corporations and trusts.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Antoinette Sernia

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

BTF1010

Prohibitions

BTC2210, BTW2220

Synopsis

An overview of conduct that constitutes criminality in the business world. It draws together from the various areas of business law and taxation provisions governing inappropriate conduct within corporate entities which have the potential to attract criminal and/or other serious sanctions. It discusses the mechanisms for detecting and penalising such offences and the possible penalties.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe the nature and causes of corporate crime
• identify various types of corporate criminality
• identify the laws that govern corporate criminality
• describe the penalties for the various types of corporate criminality
• formulate and implement a compliance program to minimise criminal and/or other misconduct in a given corporation.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Chris Arup

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

BTF1010 or equivalent

Prohibitions

BTW2223

Synopsis

The bank-customer relationship; types of account; current issues in banking law; negotiable instruments including cheques and bills of exchange; the duties and responsibilities of the paying bank and collecting bank; negotiable and allied instruments in international trade; electronic funds transfer.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe the key elements of the banker customer relationship
• critically analyse the main features of negotiable instruments and their uses
• define the various types of letters of credit and evaluate their effectiveness in international transactions
• describe the structure of the payments system in Australia with specific reference to the use of electronic payments and credit cards
• evaluate key current developments within the banking system in Australia based on knowledge gained within the course.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Andrew Coleman

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

BTF1010

Synopsis

Legal implications of staff-management decisions. Individual employer-employee relationship; contract of employment; wages-work bargain; recruitment law; discrimination law; termination law including unfair dismissals; mutuality of legal rights and obligations; health and safety law in the workplace; vicarious liability; industrial action and constitutional considerations.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• extend their knowledge and comprehension of the legal framework governing workplace relations in Australia
• evaluate the principles underlying employment laws and assess the law's impact on the employment relationship
• demonstrate a working knowledge of employment law issues through the application of legal principles to a range of hypothetical scenarios
• identify and analyse current issues involving legal regulation of the workplace.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Paula Darvas

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

BTF1010

Prohibitions

BTW2241, BTW3241

Synopsis

This unit involves a study of the legal framework regulating the securities and futures industries which derives from the interaction of statute law, case law, ASIC releases, ASX and SFE rules. It focuses on the regulation of financial services, intermediaries by statute, case law and administration by ASIC, ASX and SFE. Topics include market regulation by ASIC, the ASX and the SFE, liability for misstatements and non-disclosure about financial products, licensing of dealers and investment advisers, the relationship of broker and client, conduct of securities and futures business.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• define the purposes and scope of the regulation of financial markets
• analyse the co-regulatory roles of ASIC and ASX
• describe the effect of misleading or deceptive conduct in financial market
• evaluate the impact of co-regulation on the financial services industry
• critically analyse the regulation of market manipulation and insider trading.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Paul Latimer

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed 24 points to undertake this unit.

Prohibitions

BTC3130

Synopsis

An introduction to environmental law in Australia with special emphasis on its application to business and development projects. Covering

1. sources of environmental law including property rights, common law liability, government responsibilities, international obligations;
2. specific regulatory schemes for management of land, water, air pollution, industrial waste, product standards and taxation concessions;
3. non-coercive strategies and other recent developments, green taxes, emission trading and voluntary agreements.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify and apply the various sources of environmental and planning law in Australia and to explain the role of various government agencies
• analyse the impact of selected environmental laws upon various types of business enterprises and development projects
• recommend and explain appropriate strategies to enable businesses and developers to minimise penalties for violation of environmental laws
• analyse emerging trends in environmental law.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Michael McNamara

Contact hours

3 hours per week. A full day field trip is generally held early in the semester.

Synopsis

The legal framework which operates in relation to marketing decisions and practice. Topics discussed include unfair trading practices, intellectual property rights (patents, trade marks, copyright and designs), anti-competitive conduct and new marketing practices. The unit places the laws controlling unfair and anti-competitive practices within the wider economic context.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify and analyse the consumer protection laws and apply those laws to a range of marketing and advertising strategies
• identify and analyse the laws protecting intellectual property and apply those laws to the development and marketing of new products and ideas
• identify, analyse and apply the laws regulating a range of competition practices including pricing and distribution
• critically evaluate a contemporary marketing law development and write a research paper on the topic.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (2 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Mark Bender

Contact hours

3 hours per week on-campus and/or intensive mode over summer (both 39 hours in total)

Prerequisites

BTF1010 or PMM1010

Prohibitions

BTC3300, BTW3281, MKC3300

Synopsis

The law affecting Australian enterprises engaged in international business. Topics include international trade conventions; import and export procedures; carriage of goods by sea and air; bills of lading and the Hague-Visby rules; finance of international trade; payment and documentary credits; the use of negotiable instruments in international trade; international commercial arbitration and marine insurance.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• define the purpose and scope of the international legal framework in which trade between nations takes place
• be able to recognise and understand the form and nature of documents used in international trade including contracts of sale, shipping documentation, invoices, insurance policies, bills of exchange, documentary collections and letters of credit
• be able to identify and understand legal issues in an international trade context
• be able to apply the laws relating to international contracts of sale, international carriage of goods and finance of international trade in a variety of situations
• be able to write a coherent piece of advice discussing the legal issues arising in an international trade dispute.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Toan Le

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

BTF1010 or equivalent

Prohibitions

BTC2190, BTW3201

Synopsis

This unit offers students an option to complete a unit by way of a research project. The project requires a student to undertake guided research on a topic taken from a business law and taxation unit. Students must complete a paper of between 5000 to 8000 words.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. identify a development in the contemporary commercial environment that presents business law or taxation issues
2. research, analyse and evaluate those issues
3. construct a framework to discuss the results
4. prepare a research paper.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

12 hours per week private research

Prerequisites

Students must receive permission before undertaking this unit.

Synopsis

Assessable income and exempt income; deductions; special classes of taxpayers including trusts, partnerships and companies; objections and appeals; capital gains tax; fringe benefits tax; superannuation; eligible termination payments; tax collection; goods and services tax.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify and explain the constitutional and administrative framework within which the federal taxation system operates
• calculate income tax and goods and services tax liabilities
• identify and analyse fundamental tax concepts such as the distinction between income and capital
• apply legislative provisions and judicial principles to practical taxation problems and provide supporting evaluations through the application of statutory and case law principles.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Toan Le

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

BTF1010

Prohibitions

BTC3150, BTW3221

Synopsis

Taxation of business income and abnormal receipts. Business tax reform including the Goods and Service Tax and Ralph Committee reforms. Tax planning issues on acquisition and disposal of a business. Remuneration planning, retirement and estate planning.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• describe the taxation issues associated with specific regimes including the Alienation of Personal Services Income Regime, the Simplified Tax System and the PAYG Systems
• analyse the tax frameworks that apply when conducting a business through Companies, Trusts Partnerships or Sole Proprietors
• analyse business transactions in the context of the Goods and Services Tax
• apply the appropriate taxation rules that govern purchases and sales of a business.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Tony van der Westhuysen

Contact hours

3 hours per week on-campus and/or intensive mode over summer (both 39 hours in total)

Prerequisites

BTF2931 or BTF3931

Prohibitions

BTC3350, BTW3242

Synopsis

This unit provides an analysis of the law relating to the concepts of income and deductions, with a focus on the development of common law principles.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• analyse the nature and scope of the concepts of income at common law
• explain the rights and entitlements of taxpayers to deductions
• identify developments, statutory and judicial, pertaining to the notion of income
• identify developments, statutory and judicial, pertaining to the entitlement of taxpayers to deductions
• apply the manner and methods employed in the application of such principles to practical situations.

Assessment

Within semester assessment (optional): 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book/take-home): 70% or 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Bill Orow

Contact hours

3 hours per week on-campus and/or intensive mode over summer (both 39 hours in total)

Prerequisites

BTX9651

Prohibitions

BTF5200

Synopsis

This unit provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the legal principles that govern the taxation of trusts and partnerships and their application to specific commercial transactions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• understand the manner in which the taxation system applies to trusts and partnerships
• develop a sound knowledge of the statutory and case law as well as administrative rulings of the Australian Taxation Office that relate to the taxation of trusts and partnerships
• apply the relevant principles to specific trust and partnership arrangements or transactions involving trusts and partnerships
• conduct relevant research of possible new developments in the law relating to the taxation of trusts and partnerships.

Assessment

Within semester assessment (optional): 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book/take-home): 70% or 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Bill Orow

Contact hours

3 hours per week on-campus and/or intensive mode over summer (both 39 hours in total)

Prerequisites

BTX9651

Prohibitions

BTF5210

Synopsis

An analysis of the law relating to the taxation of companies and shareholders, taxation of dividends, imputation, losses, debt and equity rules, consolidation of corporate groups, liquidations, capital reductions, share buy backs and international aspects of corporate taxation.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify and analyse taxation issues which arise in relation to companies and shareholders under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth)
• conduct research into, and give an informed view on the likely development of the law relating to, the taxation of companies and shareholders.

Assessment

Within semester assessment (optional): 30%
Examination (3 hours, open-book/take-home): 70% or 100%

Contact hours

3 hours per week on-campus and/or intensive mode over summer (both 39 hours in total)

Prerequisites

BTX9651

Prohibitions

BTF5520