International Accounting Study Program

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Total time commitment: 143 hours

Permission from the subject coordinator AND one of:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The subject explores a contemporary accounting issue arising from a socio-economic event through an international study program. Students are first briefed on financial and management accounting research on the issue chosen for the program. The students then visit a number of major corporate and standard-setting institutions in either the North America (July program) or Europe (January program) depending on the semester.

There, top-level executives present their organisations’ perspective on the issue and students engage with them to explore how research can contribute to practice and vice-versa.

On their return, students undertake an analysis of research and their experience and explore how research could help advance knowledge and practice in the area. A key requirement is that students comport themselves professionally throughout the course.

Note: Travel and accommodation costs will be borne by the student. Students must be eligible to obtain visitor visas in the country where the subject is conducted.

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Identify the elements of research and how it informs, and is informed, by practice.

• Describe the experience of observing accounting practice within a business organisation.

• Discuss how internal and external reporting responds to contemporary socio-economic issues that arise over time.

• Identify the processes involved in financial accounting standard-setting.

• Evaluate the global implications for management and financial accounting from contemporary accounting issues.

• Describe how internal and external reporting varies across different industries and cultures.

Individuals will prepare a research report of 2,000 words (20%). This report will include a review of literature from either financial accounting, management accounting or related areas and will address a topic determined in consultation with the subject co-ordinator based on its relevance to the specific study program. Due prior to departure.

Reflective diary (10%): written notes per host organisation (min. 1-2 pages) – individual basis. Due end week 1 of subsequent semester

Participation (5%): Assessed by course co-ordinator on basis of evidence of engagement with host presenters as part of their presentation.

Case Study Report and Presentation (Report 15%, Presentation 10%): Group activity. Preparation of report of no more than 2000 words based on the theme for the program. The case report will address the history of the accounting response to the socio-economic event that sets the theme for the program and how one of the host firms, implements their accounting in response to the socio-economic event. The group will present their report to an audience of peers. Due end of week 2 of subsequent semester.

Review of research report (5%): Individuals will reflect on their prepared research report and re-submit with an appendix of amendments to the original report. Due end week 1 of subsequent semester

Exam (35%): Students will sit a 2 hour open book exam based on the theoretical aspects of standard setting with illustrations of evidence gained from the program and the current socio-economic issue addressed by the program. Due end of week 2 of subsequent semester.

To be advised

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

• Develop an argument logically and coherently

• Synthesis of information

• Application of current technologies to practice

• Accessing data and other information from various sources

• Critical thinking

• Oral and written communication

• Collaborative learning

• An ability to engage with questions and interact with top-level executives.