This unit (BAO5535) of study is the capstone accounting unit of postgraduate accounting study. The unit draws upon, and further develops, students' prior knowledge of accounting. The unit is designed to develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills. It investigates and analyses aspects of the conceptual foundations of financial accounting; the relationship between financial accounting theories and accounting practices; and contemporary issues, including sustainability reporting, global harmonisation of international financial reporting standards, various industry-based measurement issues, accounting for agriculture, mining, and the role of business ethics and corporate governance.

Unit details

Location:
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
BAO5535

Prerequisites

BAO5525 - Financial and Corporate Accounting

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Critically review and interpret the role of theory in the development of accounting;  
  2. Critically evaluate the role of accounting and accountability for the sustainable development of organisations;  
  3. Critically review the accounting measurement and recognition principles as they apply in various business and industry contexts;  
  4. Appraise the impact of business ethics and corporate governance on the accounting profession; and,  
  5. Undertake accounting based assignments on an individual and team basis to develop personal and collaborative decision making skills.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Case Study Case study based on contemporary accounting reporting and disclosure 20%
Project Research project on a contemporary accounting issue (group) 30%
Examination Final examination 50%

Required reading

Contemporary Issues in Accounting 2nd ed.
Rankin, M., Ferlauto, K., McGowan, S. and Stanton, P. 2018.
John Wiley & Sons Australia, Queensland.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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