ACF5350 - Applied contemporary accounting - 2018

This capstone unit requires students to synthesize, analyse, evaluate and apply prior knowledge and skills gained throughout the Master of Accounting in a manner that is designed to enhance their ability to transition to a chosen career path. The unit adopts a thematic approach that examines how external and regulatory factors, decision making processes, and stakeholder expectations interact to drive contemporary organisational success. Collectively, these three interrelated pillars of knowledge provide a comprehensive framework for those aspiring for challenging accounting and finance positions. Content is delivered in a weekly seminar format and draws upon selected case studies that cover topics including strategy, corporate governance, financial reporting and performance management. Given the integrative nature of the unit, assessment is primarily based on a combination of individual and group case study analysis.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. analyse, synthesize and evaluate the effect of accounting policies, regulatory requirements and other external factors on organisational performance
2. analyse, synthesize and evaluate drivers of sustainable competitive advantage and value creation in various organisational and industry settings, including their impact on stakeholder satisfaction
3. analyse, synthesize and evaluate contemporary performance management systems (PMS) and the role played by PMS in strategy formulation and decision making
4. demonstrate written and presentation skills at a level required for a senior career in accounting and business
5. demonstrate research and analytical skills to solve complex accounting and business problems and ethical dilemmas
6. demonstrate a capacity to work independently and lead and participate in teams.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information