Forensic Business Processes

Subject 306-690 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A total of 36 hours of seminars (Semester 1).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Completion of an undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, law or another relevant discipline or as approved by the Head of Department.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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

Coordinator

Prof Colin Ferguson
Subject Overview: This subject provides a comprehensive and integrated introduction to the environment and methodology of business forensics. The subject covers the Australian legal framework, substantive law (evidence) and legal resources; fraud and corruption in Australia; fraud investigation and the role of the forensic accountant in the investigation of fraud; the criminology of fraud; managing the risk of fraud; the law of the expert witness and the law of damages; dispute analysis, including the specific issues of quantification of loss, business valuation in the context of disputes, loss of income, and, preparing an expert witness report; ethics in business; and regulatory issues associated with fraud control.
Objectives: On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Understand the Australian legal framework and be able to distinguish between criminal and civil jurisdictions;
  • Explain the procedures for collecting evidence that is consistent with the requirements of courts of law in Australia;
  • Explain the legal requirements and practice considerations of acting as an expert witness;
  • Describe the legal procedures associated with courts of law in Australia;
  • Describe the processes used by legal practitioners dealing with regulatory authorities;
  • Apply the knowledge gained throughout this subject to analyse case studies so that practical and effective ways of proceeding in investigative cases in business forensics are demonstrated.
Assessment: One end-of-semester take-home examination (55%), one group assignment of not more than 3000 words (30%) seminar exercises (15%).
Prescribed Texts: To be advised
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

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

  • Ability to understand legislation and legal processes across Australia's legal jurisdictions;
  • Capacity to investigative skills in relation to the recognition and collection of evidence;
  • Understanding of the role and procedural relationship between legal practitioners and regulatory authorities;
  • Oral and written communication skills specific to investigative processes;
  • Critical thinking.
Related Course(s): Graduate Certificate in Business Forensics
Master of Accounting
Master of Accounting

Download PDF version.