CQUniversity Unit Profile
ACCT20074 Contemporary Accounting Theory
Contemporary Accounting Theory
All details in this unit profile for ACCT20074 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit engages students to establish an advanced understanding of the nature and development of accounting theory and its application and regulation. It builds on the students' technical skills and their foundational knowledge of accounting practice. The topics covered include the history and development of accounting, traditional approaches to the formulation of accounting, standard setting and institutional arrangements, harmonisation of accounting standards, a range of theoretical perspectives and the links between accounting theory, research and practice.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Students must successfully complete ACCT20071 Foundations of Financial Accounting prior to enrolling in this unit. Students who have successfully completed ACCT29083 Theory of Accounting cannot enrol in this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2021

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Test
Weighting: 10%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Take Home Exam
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Feedback in moodle.

Feedback

Learning researches are clear and helpful. Practical implications of theory are necessary.

Recommendation

Assessment will involve the application of theory to contemporary financial accounting and reporting issues.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Critically evaluate the Australian accounting and reporting regulatory environment, comparing it to regulatory environments in other countries as well as their progress in the international harmonisation project
  2. Analyse complex and current business issues through the lens of appropriately selected and applied theories
  3. Select and use effective project and research skills to evaluate individually and synthesise accounting knowledge, and communicate findings in an appropriately professional format
  4. Demonstrate critical thinking applying the knowledge of accounting theories
  5. Reflecting on Feedback from Others to improve Performance.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Online Test - 10%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Take Home Exam - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Online Test - 10%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Take Home Exam - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Financial Accounting Theory

Edition: 4th (2014)
Authors: Craig Deegan
McGraw-Hill Australia
North Ryde North Ryde , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9780071013147
Binding: Other

Additional Textbook Information

Both the hardcopy and eBook can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: https://bookshop.cqu.edu.au/ (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Kazi Islam Unit Coordinator
k.islam@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 12 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

An introduction to theoretical perspective of accounting


Chapter

1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 19 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

The regulation of financial accounting

Chapter

2 & 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 26 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

International experience in financial accounting

Chapter

4

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 4 Begin Date: 02 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Normative theories: values and measurement

Chapter

5

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 5 Begin Date: 09 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Normative theories: the conceptual framework  

Chapter

6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 16 Aug 2021

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Theories of voluntary disclosure of accounting information: Positive Accounting Theory (PAT)

Chapter

7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 30 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Theories of voluntary disclosure of accounting information: system-oriented theories

Chapter

8

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Theories of voluntary disclosure of accounting information:accountability, social and environmental reporting

Chapter

9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Positive theories regarding reactions of capital markets to financial reporting

Chapter

10 & 11

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Critical perspectives of accounting 

Chapter

12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment Due: Week 10 Monday (20 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Contemporary issues

Chapter

Discussion on selected topics

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Test Due: Week 11 Friday (1 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 04 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 18 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Test

Assessment Title
Online Test

Task Description

This assessment item is an individual task which comprises two online quizzes (quiz 1 and quiz 2) of 5

marks each. Each quiz consists of multiple choice questions randomly generated from a pool of

questions. The two quizzes will appear online in Moodle in Week 3 and remain open until the due date and

time provided for completion of those quizzes.

A student may choose to undertake and complete either quiz at any time before the expiry of the due date

and time. Each quiz is set on the basis of specific modules as under:

Quiz (Online Test) 1: Modules 1–6

Quiz (Online Test) 2: Modules 7–11.

If any student faces technical difficulties with Moodle or network communications while trying to undertake

these quizzes should email the unit coordinator immediately, and where appropriate a second attempt may

be arranged. Students need to remember that both quizzes will disappear after the due date and time, and

hence will not be opened up again.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (1 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

The results of these online quizzes will be made available as soon as each quiz is submitted.


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

Each quiz comprises multiple questions for 5 marks. Mark will be provided on the basis of one correct (or most

correct) answer to each question.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically evaluate the Australian accounting and reporting regulatory environment, comparing it to regulatory environments in other countries as well as their progress in the international harmonisation project
  • Analyse complex and current business issues through the lens of appropriately selected and applied theories


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

This is an individual task. The assignment will require students to undertake research examining how selected

theories,accounting standards and frameworks guide the preparation of annual reports of listed companies.Unless

otherwise suggested by the unit coordinator, companies will be selected from the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

The unit coordinator will advise which company/ies will have to be selected. The assessment will be available in moodle

in Week 4


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Monday (20 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Assignment must be submitted on or before the due date specified via Moodle submission facility.


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Detailed marking criteria will be provided in the assessment in moodle with due consideration of the following:

Demonstration of knowledge of relevant theories, accounting standards and frameworks

Ability to analyse and explain company annual reporting practices applying relevant theories, accounting

standards and frameworks

Correct referencing, appropriate grammar, readability and structure of the report.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically evaluate the Australian accounting and reporting regulatory environment, comparing it to regulatory environments in other countries as well as their progress in the international harmonisation project
  • Analyse complex and current business issues through the lens of appropriately selected and applied theories
  • Select and use effective project and research skills to evaluate individually and synthesise accounting knowledge, and communicate findings in an appropriately professional format
  • Demonstrate critical thinking applying the knowledge of accounting theories
  • Reflecting on Feedback from Others to improve Performance.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Research

3 Take Home Exam

Assessment Title
Take Home Exam

Task Description

This is an individual task. For this exam, students will have to learn multiple concepts and theories covered in the unit. 


Assessment Due Date

Exam due description will be published in moodle.


Return Date to Students

Results will not be published before certification date.


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

Take Home Exam will be assessed against marks for each question. Student's depth of knowledge about various concepts and theories will be taken into consideration while marking. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Relevant instructions will be published in moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically evaluate the Australian accounting and reporting regulatory environment, comparing it to regulatory environments in other countries as well as their progress in the international harmonisation project
  • Analyse complex and current business issues through the lens of appropriately selected and applied theories
  • Demonstrate critical thinking applying the knowledge of accounting theories
  • Reflecting on Feedback from Others to improve Performance.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?