ACCTING 7101 - Advanced Theory in Accounting (M)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

This course is designed to enable students to obtain an in-depth understanding of some of the main theoretical and research perspectives that have contributed to the literature in accounting and to be able to critically review the application of behavioural and market based theories underlying financial accounting and reporting, auditing and management accounting research. Topics in financial accounting and reporting include: applications of agency theory, positive accounting theory, legitimacy theory and institutional theory. This is essentially a reading-based course in which students will critically review scholarly research articles each week.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ACCTING 7101
    Course Advanced Theory in Accounting (M)
    Coordinating Unit Accounting
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Course Description This course is designed to enable students to obtain an in-depth understanding of some of the main theoretical and research perspectives that have contributed to the literature in accounting and to be able to critically review the application of behavioural and market based theories underlying financial accounting and reporting, auditing and management accounting research. Topics in financial accounting and reporting include: applications of agency theory, positive accounting theory, legitimacy theory and institutional theory. This is essentially a reading-based course in which students will critically review scholarly research articles each week.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Belen Blanco

    Name: Belen Blanco
    Location: Room 13.32, Nexus 10 (10 Pulteney Street)
    Telephone: 8313 4922
    email: belen.blanco@adelaide.edu.au

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1. Develop knowledge of some of the major methodologies (paradigms or models) in accounting;

    2. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each of the methodologies;

    3. Explain the relationship between research methodologies and research questions in accounting

    4. Lead discussion on accounting issues currently being debated by the accounting profession and others, that reflects awareness of the role that research findings can play in informing such debates.

    5. Critically analyse accounting issues currently being debated and communication their views both orally and in writing.


    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,4
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2,3,4
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4,5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    4
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1,2,3,4,5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    All of the readings in this course will be available through the library. All are journal articles reflecting either seminal or contemporary papers required for discussion and reading.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    At this advanced level, you bear a high responsibility for your own learning. The facilitators in this course do not give lectures but rather act as guides to your learning of the material. The course is run as a series of seminars in which you are expected to do the necessary reading and preparation of course requirements prior to attending each class session. Although some discussion questions will be provided in advance to help structure your reading and understanding, these questions are just a starting point for the analysis of each topic. Active participation in the seminars will greatly increase your understanding of complex concepts and improve your chances of successfully completing the course. Researching material outside that provided is encouraged.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The University expects full-time students (i.e., those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. This means that you are expected to commit approximately 9 hours for a three-unit course of private study outside of your regular classes.

    Students in this course are expected to attend all class sessions throughout the semester.

    Honours and MBR students are also expected to be actively involved in the research life of the School and are expected to attend the various research seminars given throughout the semester.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Given students can have different finance backgound, the course is structured around the student's background and knowledge. Topics are chosen to advance students' knowledge. More information will be provided in the first seminar.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Attend the Accounting discipline research seminars throughout the semester, schedule to be advised. To pass this course, a mark of at least 50% must be obtained on the final exam, as well as a total of at least 50% overall. Students not achieving the minimum exam mark will be awarded no more than 49.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome
    Presentation (combination of 4) Individual

    Weeks 2-11

    40% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Class Participation Individual Weeks 2-11 10% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Q&A Hand In Individual Weeks 2-11 10% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Final Project and Presentation Individual Final project Week 10 & Presentation Week 12 40% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    TOTAL 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Please note that all assessments are compulsory and no resubmissions are permitted.
    Assessment Detail
    Presentation and hand-in: Students are to critically assess and present the prescribed paper along with related papers as
    determined by the student. Presentations will be for approximately 50 minutes followed by general discussion. Each student presenting will need to hand up their slides so it is important that the presentation is comprehensive. Marks will be awarded for understanding of the papers and ability to answer questions.

    Participation: Each week, each non-presenting student is to prepare a question and answer for the presenter, this will be handed in at the end of the session. Participation marks will be awarded based on in-class discussion and on the quality of the question and answer.

    Final Project: Students are required to develop a research idea covering topics we discussed in class. Each student is required to present the final project in class.

    Details with respect to the final project and other assessment will be provided in the first seminar.
    Submission
    All work is to be submitted in class. Feedback is provided on the day of presentation.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.