ACG11 (2008)

ACCOUNTING, DECISIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

UNIT INFORMATION

CONTENTS

WELCOME

UNIT OVERVIEW

LEARNING RESOURCES

INFORMATION ABOUT ASSESSMENT

SUBMISSION AND RETURN OF ASSIGNMENTS

EXTENSIONS TO ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES

ONLINE AT UNISA

INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

CAMPUS CENTRAL, CENTRE FOR REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT (WHYALLA)

OTHER SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

APPENDIX—PREPARATION FOR THE EXAM

ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK FORMS

STUDY SCHEDULE

WELCOME

Welcome to the Division of Business’s introductory accounting unit. We trust that you will find your study of this unit interesting, enjoyable and valuable in your career.

This unit is designed to meet the needs of students who are not doing an accounting major. The unit aims to give non-accountants working in a business environment an appreciation of the fundamental concepts of accounting and an understanding of some of the basic accounting processes and how these may be useful in a business setting. The unit is also the first unit in the accounting major.

The unit does work through some accounting processes to ensure that students actually understand the underlying concepts of accounting that drive these processes. Just as it is difficult to actually understand road rules until you drive a car and have put them into practice, it is difficult to understand accounting concepts until challenged to apply them with processes and numbers. As a result of this the assessment in this unit is divided almost evenly between discussion of accounting concepts and demonstration of an understanding of those concepts by applying them in practice.

Some non-accounting students would prefer to ignore numbers altogether, but this suggests that they have little idea of the major measures of success in business. For example, marketing managers are constantly dealing with the number of units of goods sold, whether they are priced to cover full costs or marginal costs and market share. Human resource managers are responsible for the major expense in service based industries where they are responsible for the mix of people and corresponding salary packages. Recreation and sports managers may potentially end up managing large sporting clubs that deal with millions of dollars in player contracts, club facilities and, increasingly, poker machines. On a smaller scale sports and recreation students may have to prepare budgets and costings for sporting camps and work within budget constraints. Any business graduate working for a firm that is trying to

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maximise profit and share holder value will find that one of the major measures of their success, and therefore promotions, will be the impact of their work on the profitability of the firm. All of these above examples suggest that to be truly successful in your chosen area of business you need some basic understanding of the concepts and processes of accounting. This contention is supported by research.

Some students express a lack of confidence in using numbers yet happily control their own finances and spend at end of year sales where they calculate percentage discounts. In this unit the maths/numbers don’t get any more difficult than adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing or calculating percentages. These are mathematical functions that are well developed by the end of year 9 high school and that we all use regularly in our transactions when shopping. Further, those students who are employed are usually confident in checking that their wage is reasonable given the amount of hours they have worked in the previous pay period and can usually estimate their pay based on hours worked and hourly wage rate less any deductions.

The University’s Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual (http://www.unisa.edu.au/policies/manual/) paragraph 1.2.1 suggests that a university level unit should require about 157.5 hours study. This means you will need to do about 10 hours study per week and then revision for the exam. This is the benchmark against which you should measure your efforts in this unit, not other units that you may be undertaking which may not require a typical university level effort. If you are studying more than 10 hours per week in this unit then you need to consider more efficient methods of study.

Here's to a most successful study period!

Unit Coordinator

School contact detailsSchool of Commerce

University of South Australia

City West Campus

GPO Box 2471Adelaide SA 5001

Telephone: (08) 8302 7231

Email: cmr_oua@unisa.edu.au

Fax: (08) 8302 0992

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UNIT OVERVIEW

Value of unit: 18 of a full-time load

Offered in study periods 1 and 3, 2008

Unit statementIn this unit you will gain an introduction to professional accounting. You will cover the following topics: Decision-making and accountability; Rationales for accounting; Ethics involved in accounting practice; The accounting process; Recording accounting data and preparing financial statements; Accounting for inventory and preparing cash flow statements; Analysing financial statements; Management accounting; Planning, budgeting and control and Quantitative methods for decision-making.

AimsTo provide an overview of the field of accounting as an information providing activity and to equip students with the conceptual and practical understanding required to understand and use accounting information.

ObjectivesAfter studying this unit you should:

appreciate the role of accounting in society

understand how individuals and organisations use accounting information

be able to record accounting data in a systematic manner

understand, apply and be able to critically analyse the concepts that underlie the major accounting reports

be able to prepare and use common financial and management accounting reports

be able to communicate findings from accounting information

ContentThe unit begins with an overview of accounting. The purpose of accounting is discussed by examining its users, the practitioners who prepare accounting information, the organisations to which accounting information refers and the regulations that surround the activity.

The main financial accounting reports and the concepts that underpin them are then introduced by following how transaction information is treated and presented through the accounting process.

We will look at the assumptions that underpin how reports are prepared. This leads to the realisation that though reports provide much useful information, they are limited in certain aspects. By studying the use of accounting information in making specific decisions we will explore the implications of accounting assumptions. The cash flow statement is subsequently introduced as an additional source of financial information about an organisation.

The first part of the unit focuses on providing information for persons and organisations outside of the organisation being accounted for. This is known as financial accounting. The last three topics of the unit focus on the information needs

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of the organisation itself. Management accounting is introduced as a means of aiding an organisation’s future planning and day to day control over its activities.

Teaching and learning arrangementsThis unit is taught through distance mode with questions answered via the unit Discussion Forum.

Special requirements demonstrate that they have attempted to achieve all objectives of the course by

attempting all (5) questions in the exam and should plan their time during the exam accordingly. Students must get at least 20 % of the marks for each exam question to pass the course; and

achieve a mark of 50% or more in the aggregate of all assessment tasks.

Supervised assessment/examThis unit involves a supervised exam. Please be sure to read the section entitled ‘Exams’ under ‘Information about policies and procedures’ later in this Unit information. Alternatively, you can also access information about exam processes online at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/oua/.

Study scheduleA table outlining the unit structure and study schedule is printed at the back of this guide. Please refer to it for important information regarding due dates for assignments.

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LEARNING RESOURCES

Materials dispatched for this unitUnit informationSeen exam question (to be sent out by week 12)

Online learning resources Online study guide (including printable supplement to online study guide)

Readings

Solutions to topic review questions

Discussion forum

For this unit, the study guide and readings are available online only. There is a printed supplement to the online study guide which must be downloaded and printed from the online study guide website; however, you will still need to use the online version to complete the full unit. You can access these online learning resources either through myUniSA at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/myunisa or from a link on the unit home page which has been established on the UniSAnet system (UniSAnet is the online study environment at UniSA).

Please note: For further details on how to access and log-on to your online materials, please read the instructions provided later in this Unit information in the section entitled ‘Online at UniSA’.

Discussion forumAs part of the online learning resources for this unit, you will be provided with access to an online discussion group. You can use this facility if you want to ask a question about the academic content of the unit. The Unit Coordinator or one of the tutors will be checking the postings to the Discussion forum on a regular basis and will reply to queries which have been posted.

Note: Before you post a query, please check the earlier messages to make sure that your query has not been responded to previously. In addition, it is strongly recommended that you check the Discussion forum regularly for any updated information from the Unit Coordinator or tutor. Similarly, it is recommended that you check the Discussion forum before you submit particular assignments. Also, please note that administrative or personal queries should not be posted to the Discussion forum. Rather they should be sent to Campus Central, Centre for Regional Engagement (Whyalla) by emailing ouainfo@unisa.edu.au.

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Set text and Computer-based resourcesYou will need continual access to the following text in order to complete this unit. The library may hold only one copy of the nominated text books and therefore you will need to acquire the book.

Hoggett, John; Edwards, Lew and Medlin, John (2006). Accounting. 6th edition. Brisbane: John Wiley and Sons.

WileyPLUS

A WileyPLUS account will be created for all students and you will receive an email in week 3 of the study period containing your username and password.

To access your course go to www.wileyplus.com and log in using your username and password. Your course will appear, just double click on your class name and accept the license agreement to enter. You will access your homework through the Assignment tab.

WileyPLUS is an online suite of resources that can help you

– Get immediate feedback on your test answers– Track your own progress throughout the semester

To make the most of your WileyPLUS resources, purchase your prescribed textbook, Accounting 6e by Hoggett, Edwards & Medlin, and receive free access to homework assistance via the WileyPLUS Link to Text feature. To access this and other great learning tools click on the Read, Study & Practice tab: you will be prompted to submit the access code supplied with your text.

You can also purchase access to the full suite of WileyPLUS resources either through Unibooks or online at: http://www.johnwiley.com.au/highered/wileyplus/purchase.html

Text supplier (Unibooks)OUA has established a textbook supply service through Unibooks. Further information is available from the Open Universities Australia 2008 Handbook, and OUA website at www.open.edu.au

You can order textbooks by contacting Unibooks:

Phone: (08) 8223 4366

1800 447 313 (price of a local call; mobiles may pay more)

61 8 8223 4366 (international callers)

Fax: (08) 08 8223 4876

Email: open@unibooks.com.au

WWW: www.unibooks.com.au

Postal address:

UnibooksUniversity of AdelaideGate 10 Victoria DriveAdelaide SA 5005

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Major referencesNot required to be purchased:

Australian Society of CPA's [annual update]. Accounting and Auditing Handbook. Sydney: Prentice-Hall., OR

Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia [annual update]. Financial Reporting. Brisbane. John-Wiley & Sons.

Bazley, M and Hancock, P (2006). Contemporary Accounting. 6th edition. South Melbourne: Thomas Nelson.

Duffus, A. 2006. Study Guide to accompany Accounting, 6th edition, Brisbane, John Wiley & Sons Aust. Ltd.

Fleet, W., Summers, J. & Smith, B. 2006. Communications skills handbook for accounting. 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons Aust Ltd, Brisbane

Jackling, B., Raar, J., Wigg, R., Williams, B. and Wines, G. (2004). Accounting: a Framework for Decision Making. Sydney: McGraw-Hill.

Horngren, C T; Harrison, W T, Bamber L S, Best P, Fraser D, and Willett R. (2006). Accounting. 5th edition. Sydney: Prentice-Hall.

Kloot, L; Sandercock, E; Meigs, W and Meigs, R (1995). Accounting: The Basis for Business Decisions. 2nd edition. Sydney: McGraw-Hill.

Online materials: TextbookThe textbook has a website that provides many useful resources for students at: http://www.johnwiley.com.au/highered/a6e//student-res/

The resources on the site include:

Practice Tests

e Flashcards

Current affairs noticeboardStudy skills

Worked problems and solutions

Working Papers general ledger accounts

10 column worksheetsGlossary

LinksStudy Guide Sampler

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Learning Connection resourcesYou can access a wide range of study skills resources from the UniSA Learning Connection website. In particular, the following specific sections of this website are recommended:

Studying at UniSAhttp://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/studying/default.asp

This section provides links to a wide range of online resources which have been designed to help you develop and enhance the general learning skills you require for successful study.

Referencing (and avoiding plagiarism)http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/studying/referencing.asp

Adopting a correct approach to referencing (and avoiding plagiarism) are key issues which need to be addressed by students undertaking assignments at university level. Therefore, we recommend that you spend some time working through the various guides incorporated in this section of the Learning Connection website.

Referencing using the Harvard author-date systemhttp://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/documents/harvard-referencing.pdf

This downloadable file is located in the Referencing section of the Learning Connection website. It provides detailed information about how to reference correctly using the Harvard author-date system.

Please note: A number of the pages and downloadable files on the UniSA Learning Connection website refer students to contact staff from the Learning Connection if they need further assistance with their studies. Unfortunately, this option is not available to students enrolled through Open Universities Australia. However, you are encouraged to make use of those resources which are available online as part of the Learning Connection website, and which are relevant to your studies.

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INFORMATION ABOUT ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT SUMMARYWileyPLUS Weekly online assessmentUnsupervisedGradedWeighting: 10%Due date: Due each week of the study period during the week each

topic is scheduled from week 3 onwards. Each topic is only open for the week it is scheduled and the following week, except the first 2 topics that will be opened to the end of week 4. If a topics graded assignment is not done during the set fortnight the marks will not be redeemable.

Assignment 1UnsupervisedGradedWeighting: 15%Due date: Wednesday of week 4

Study period 1—26 March 2008Study period 3—24 September 2008

Assignment 2UnsupervisedGradedWeighting: 15%Due date: Wednesday of week 10

Study period 1—7 May 2008Study period 3—5 November 2008

ExamSupervisedGradedWeighting: 60%Duration: 3 hoursDate: The exam will be held during week 14.To pass this unit students must:

demonstrate that they have attempted to achieve all objectives of the course by attempting all (5) questions in the exam and should plan their time during the exam accordingly. Students must get at least 20% of the marks for each exam question

achieve 50% overall for their total assessment.

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PenaltiesUnless an assignment extension has been applied for, late submission of assignments will incur a penalty of ten percent (10%) per day of the total available assignment marks for each assignment.

DETAILS OF ASSESSMENTPlease note that the two assignments involve multiple questions over a series of topics. The purpose is to enhance your learning of a good amount of the unit. It is therefore advisable to attempt the relevant questions near the time of having covered the relevant topics. Students who leave doing the complete assignment until the last minute risk not completing the work in time and incurring the accompanying late submission penalties.

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WileyPLUS Weekly online assessment—Due every weekYou are to complete the graded assignment for each topic. Each topic will only be open for two weeks, the week the topic is scheduled in study period schedule and the week after that. If you do not complete the WileyPLUS graded assignment during the set fortnight the marks are not redeemable and will be lost. You are expected to keep up with this piece of assessment each week.

A WileyPLUS account will be created for all students and you will receive an email in week 3 of the study period containing your username and password.

To access your course go to www.wileyplus.com and log in using your username and password. Your course will appear, just double click on your class name and accept the license agreement to enter. You will access your homework through the Assignment tab.

Assignment 1—Due Wednesday of week 4There are three (3) questions in this assignment.

Question 1: Plagiarism and referencingAlthough this question is not awarded marks, students MUST complete this entire question to get any marks for assignment 1. An understanding of plagiarism and “in text” referencing is essential to success in tertiary studies.

Background information for Question 1In an academic setting it is important to acknowledge the ideas of others that you have used in building your argument or preparing your answers. This not only includes words but anything for which you may be graded, e.g. layout of an answer copied from another person.

The Learning Connection website at UniSA provides some very useful information about plagiarism. Particularly useful links include the following:

1. Avoiding plagiarism (Learning Connection)

http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/learningAdvisors/plagiarism.asp

2. Referencing (Learning Connection)

http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/studying/referencing.asp

3. Referencing and avoiding plagiarism (Business)

http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learn/Learningconnection/?PATH=/Resources/workshop%2Dreferencing/Referencing+and+avoiding+plagiarism+%28Business%29/&default=Using+this+resource.htm

Note: To save you typing out these long URLs, you can access these links directly from the resources page in your Online study guide (For details on how to access this website, see the section later in this Unit information entitled ‘Online at UniSA’).

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Tasks for Question 1Using the materials on these websites, undertake the following tasks.

a. Find a definition of what plagiarism is and write a definition of plagiarism in your own words.

b. In your own words, write half a page on strategies which can be adopted to avoid plagiarism.

Note: You must complete both of the above tasks in your own words to get your marks for assignment 1.

Question 2: Decision makingPixie McQueen runs her own hamburger shop called Burger McQeen and is developing a new hamburger. Pixie believes that due to the competitive market for hamburgers she can only charge up to $4.00 per burger no matter what quality they are. Customers purchase burgers to eat at the Burger McQueen shop and also to take away. Pixie has just set up her burger ship and she wants to maximise profit and she is considering three alternatives:

Classic McQueen Burger

Costs:

Bun $0.25 Meat $0.80

Salad $0.25 Mayonnaise $0.05

The bun is very soft and if the customers don’t eat them immediately they tend to absorb all of the mayonnaise and go soggy and fall apart.

Deluxe McQueen Burger

Costs:

Bun $0.50 Meat $0.80

Salad $0.40 Mayonnaise $0.05

This burger has a better quality bun that will not go soggy in the time that take away burgers are normally consumed. It also has more salad and is a healthier option than the Classic McQueen Burger.

Supreme McQueen Burger

Costs:

Bun $0.50 Meat $1.10

Salad $0.40 Low fat Mayonnaise $0.10

This burger has the better quality bun and extra salad of the Deluxe McQueen Burger but it also uses low fat mayonnaise and better quality beef in the burger so that it has less than 5 percent fat rather than the 20 percent fat in the other two burgers.

After considering all three options Pixie decides to sell the Classic McQueen Burger

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REQUIRED

By applying the above facts to each step of the decision making process that you have studied in this course, explain how and why Pixie has come to her decision. Show your calculations for the profitability of each of the three options.

[10 marks]

Question 3: Journal entries, posting to ledger and trial balanceProblem 3.4 from page 116 of Hoggett, Edwards and Medlin, 6th ed.

Problem 3.4 Journal entries, entering beginning account balances,

posting to T accounts, and trial balance

JOEL TAN, PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Required:

A. Prepare journal entries to record each transaction. [15 marks]

B. 1. Open T accounts for the accounts shown in the trial balance.

2. Enter the 31 May balance in each account.

3. Post the journal entries to the T accounts. [15 marks]

C. Prepare a trial balance as at 30 June 2007. [10 marks]

A.

General Journal

(GST ignored)

June 1

3

6

10

14

13

20

23

24

26

27

29

30

14

B.

Cash at Bank

Accounts Receivable

Supplies

Prepaid Insurance

Furniture and Equipment

Accounts Payable

Electricity Account Payable

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Unearned Revenue

J. Tan, Capital

J. Tan, Drawings

Services Revenue

Salary Expense

Electricity Expense

Rent Expense

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C.

JOEL TAN, PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Trial Balance

as at 30 June 2007

Debit Credit

Cash at Bank

Accounts Receivable

Supplies

Prepaid Insurance

Furniture and Equipment

Accounts Payable

Electricity Account Payable

Unearned Revenue

J. Tan, Capital

J. Tan, Drawings

Services Revenue

Salary Expense

Electricity Expense

Rent Expense

Assignment 2—Due Wednesday of week 10Although you won’t have covered topics 10 and 11 by the time you submit this assignment they are an important part of the exam. We have give included a budgeting question in this assignment so that we can provide feedback prior to the exam.

There are four (4) questions in this assignment.

Question 1: Accounting concepts

a. Define Expenses as used by accountants by outlining the three (3) parts of the definition. [2 marks]

b. By comparing the following examples to the three parts of the definition explain whether these are examples of Expenses:

i. The Chilean Chocolate Shop paid $2,500 for a new computer. Is the cost of the computer an expense? [4 marks]

(continued)

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ii. The Chilean Chocolate Shop ends its financial year on 30 June each year. On 20 June 2007 The Chilean Chocolate Shop used $2,000 of sugar that was not paid for until 5 July 2007. Explain, using the accounting definition of Expenses, whether the $2,000 is recorded as an expense for the year ended 30 June 2007 or the year ended 30 June 2008. [4 marks]

Total for question: 10 marks

Question 2: Analysis and interpretation

Problem 25.4 on pages 1087 of Hoggett, Edwards and Medlin (2006).

ERRATA: Problem 25.4 on p.1087 in Accounting 6 th Edition :

Change amount of K. Wallace, Capital for 30 June 2006 FROM $130,000 TO $120,000.

Part A (12 marks)

Part B (3 marks)

Total for question 2: 15 marks

(Question 3 is on the next page)

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Question 3: Cash Flow Statement

You are provided the following financial information for Spun Sugar Ltd, a fairy

floss wholesale business:

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SPUN SUGAR LTD

COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEETSAS AT DECEMBER 31

2006 2005

$'000's $,000's

Current Assets

Cash on Hand 35 12

Cash at Bank 234 98

Accounts Receivable (net) 48 54

Inventory 320 330

Prepaid Expenses 35 672. 33 527

Non Current Assets

Plant and Equipment 840 760

less Acc. Depreciation 440 400 408 352

Buildings 80 180

Total Assets 1 152 1 059

Current Liabilities

Bank Overdraft 20 -

Accounts Payable 64 70

Accrued Expenses 21 31

Tax Payable (Provision) 42 58

Debentures 10 157 - 159

Non Current Liabilities

Debentures 20 10

Total Liabilities 177 169

Net Assets 975 890

Equity

Share Capital 440 420

Retained Earnings 535 470

975 890

Additional Information:

Included in Selling & Admin Expense is depreciation of $32,000.

REQUIRED:

a. Prepare a cash flow statement in the format required by AASB 107. Show all calculations or no marks will be awarded.

(16 marks)

b. The owner of Spun Sugar Limited, V. Sweet, can’t understand why the cash flow from operations is so much lower than the net profit figure. Briefly explain what are some of the factors causing this difference.

(3 marks)

(continued on next page …)

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SPUN SUGAR LTD INCOME STATEMENTFOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006

$'000's

Gross Profit:

Net Sales 1 990

Cost of Sales 1 300 690

Other Revenue:

Proceeds from sale of building 160

Discount received 5

Interest received 8

863

Expenses:

Selling & Admin Expense 410

Bad Debts Expense 19

Carrying amount of building sold 100

Interest Expense 12 541

Profit before tax 322

Income tax expense 97

Profit 225

c. Below are the summarised cash flow statements for two other wholesalers. Comment on which one has a healthier cash flow situation and justify your answer by explaining the significance of each of the three types of cash flows for each business:

CandyCane Sugar 4U

Cash flow from Operating Activities (7 200) 8 000

Cash flow from Investing Activities 4 800 (4 800)

Cash flow from Financing Activities 3 600 (4 000)

Net increase / (decrease) in cash held 1 200 (800)

Cash at the beginning of the year 4 800 4 000

Cash at the end of the year 6 000 3 200

[Approximately 200 words expected in your answer] (6 marks)

Total for question 3: 25 Marks

QUESTION 4 - Budgeting

Star Fing Personnel Pty Ltd is preparing a budget for the month of January 2006. The information available for the budget is as follows:

1. Star Fing’s hourly charge out rate for the year ended 31 December 2005 was $120 but she intends to increase this by 5% for the budget period. Star Fing also employs a new Employment Relations graduate and charges his work out at $50 per hour and does not intend to increase this for the next year.

2. Star Fing estimates that the following hours will be billed to clients for January:Star Fing 160 hours

Simon (graduate) 120 hours

3. The services are all provided on account and are collected 50% in the same month and 50% in the following month.

4. The annual expenses for the year ended 31 December 2005 are provided with Star Fing’s estimates of how they will change for the budget period.

Year ended Year ended

31 December 2005 31 December 2006

Depreciation 3 840 No increase

Electricity 5 280 Increase of 10%

Insurance 26 000 10% of revenue for the

budget period

Rent 19 200 Increase of 5%

Salaries 144 000 Increase of 5%

Stationery 4 800 No increase

Telephone 7 200 Increase of 5%

5. Insurance is paid annually in January based on the previous year’s total revenue. For the year ended 31 December 2005 the total revenue was $300,000. Rent is paid one month in advance while electricity and telephone expenses are paid in

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the month after they are incurred. All other expenses are paid in the month they occur.

6. Star Fing intends to buy a new computer at the end of January for $6 500 cash.7. The trial balance as at 1 January 2006 is expected to have the following account

balances:Cash at bank $34 000 Accumulated depreciation 19 200

Accounts receivable 12 600 Electricity payable 440

Prepaid rent 1 680 Telephone payable 600

Furniture & equipment 48 000 Share capital 60,000

Retained earnings ?

REQUIRED

a. Prepare a cash budget for the month ending 31st January 2006. (12 Marks)

b. In topic 10 four (4) roles of management were discussed. Name these roles and explain them in detail. [Write at least three (3) lines explanation for each role.]

(8 Marks)

Total for Question 4: 20 marks

ExaminationThere will be one examination of 3 hours duration weighted at 60% of total assessment. This will be held in the examination period in week 14. The specific date will be available on the unit home page by week 6. Further details concerning the exam are outlined in the Appendix towards the end of this Unit information.

The examination will cover all the work of topics 1-12 inclusive except for topic 7 (topic 7 is assessed only by assignment).

The work from topic 12 will be examined by a seen question to be sent out to you by week 12. You will have to complete this question during the exam and you may not take anything relating to this question into the exam. You will need to show your calculations for this question in the exam to pass the question.

To pass this unit students must:

demonstrate that they have attempted to achieve all objectives of the course by attempting all (5) questions in the exam and should plan their time during the exam accordingly. Students must get at least 20% of the marks for each exam question

achieve 50% overall for their total assessment.

Exam arrangementsIf this unit includes an exam as part of the assessment you will be allocated to an approved University exam centre.

The examination centre allocation will be made according to your home address recorded on the student record system five weeks before the scheduled examination period. Confirmation of the centre that you need to attend will be provided approximately three weeks prior to the exam.

Individual alternative arrangements will be made for a small number of students who are in remote locations and not within reasonable distance of an approved centre.

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SUBMISSION AND RETURN OF ASSIGNMENTS

ONLINE SUBMISSION (ASSIGNIT)For this unit all assignments must be submitted online using AssignIT only (for exceptions see under ‘Postal submission’ below). AssignIT is a UniSA service that facilitates the online submission of assignments via a web-based interface.

Please note: Assignments submitted by email will not be accepted.

An essential guide which explains how to use AssignIT can be found at http://www.unisa.edu.au/helpstudents/assignit/default.asp. However, please note the following key points:

Access. AssignIT can be accessed either from a link on your unit home page or online at: http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/assignit/

Log-on details. Your log-on details are the same as for your online learning resources. (See the section ‘Online at UniSA’ in this Unit information.)

Assignment cover sheet. When you submit your assignment using AssignIT, you must include an Assignment cover sheet and type your name where the form asks for your signature. An electronic copy of this form is available from a link on the unit home page. You can copy and paste this document into the front of your assignment. If the assignment is a group assignment, then you should use the group Assignment cover sheet. Assignments cannot be accepted if the cover sheet is not included.

Assignments cannot be submitted using Word 2007 (.docx format). Students using Word 2007 must save their file in 1997–2003 format before submitting or the file will not be accepted for marking.

Email notification of receipt. When using AssignIT to submit assignments, you will receive an email notification to confirm that your assignment has been submitted.

Return of assignments submitted by AssignITIf the marked assignment is returned by AssignIT you will receive an email notification and you will be able to view your mark on myUniSA.

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POSTAL SUBMISSIONAssignments can only be submitted by post if:

The student is in an isolated environment where Internet access is not available.

AssignIT has a function failure on the date when the assignment is due.

In the cases specified above, the mailing address for assignments is the School Office (see address details in the ‘Welcome’ section of this Unit information)

Important points to note about postal submissionWhen sending in your assignments by post, it is important to:

Retain a copy for your records.

Number the pages and staple them together. Do not use pins or paper clips as these catch on other assignments in the sorting and mailing process, and your assignment could be lost.

Do not send assignments in folders, binding, or plastic sleeves. Simply submit assignments by stapling the top left hand corner.

Attach an Assignment cover sheet, completed in full, to the front of each of your assignments. Make sure you include your UniSA ID number. These sheets can be downloaded from your unit home page. Please note: Assignments cannot be accepted if a signed Assignment cover sheet is not included.

FACSIMILE SUBMISSIONAssignments can only be submitted by fax if:

The student is in an isolated environment where Internet access isn’t available.

AssignIT has a function failure on the date when the assignment is due.

Assignments cannot be faxed by students residing within Australia. Only students residing overseas may fax assignments. This submission facility for students residing overseas is provided to avoid delays in assignment receipt which can occur with postal delivery. The fax number is:

Fax: (61 8) 8302 0992

DUE DATEThe due date refers to the date for submission of your assignments. Please note the following in relation to the specific time deadlines for various submission methods:

Online submission. Submission of assignments via AssignIT may be made at any time until no later than 1.00 pm Australian Central Standard Time on the due date.

Postal submission. Assignments/ materials submitted in hard copy must be postmarked or officially franked (as having been sent) before or by 1:00 pm on that date. When posting an assignment, please get the Post Office to ensure that the envelope is postmarked, as some methods don’t automatically provide a postmark.

Fax submission. Submission of assignments via fax may be made at any time until no later than 1.00 pm Australian Central Standard Time on the due date.

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ASSIGNMENT TURNAROUND TIMEOur goal is that your assignments will normally be returned to you within 3 weeks of the date received.

FINAL GRADESFinal grades are published approximately 4-6 weeks after the end of the study period and can be accessed at myUniSA.

EARLY RESULTSStudents sometimes require their results by an earlier date for a specific purpose; for example, an application for a postgraduate program.

To apply for an early result you need to send a written application to the Unit Coordinator with the relevant documentation; for example, your letter from VTAC indicating the deadline for applications.

In these cases the university will try to meet the request—although it can't be guaranteed due to the logistics of exam papers being returned, availability of academic staff etc.

Please note that requests for early release of final grades need to be submitted by Friday of week 12.

Results cannot be supplied less than 3 weeks after the end of the study period.

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EXTENSIONS TO ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES

Extensions to assignment submission dates are not granted for some units.

For most units a standard 7-day extension policy is provided. Students should note the following:

Requests for an extension of time for submission of an assignment should be made at least two days before the due date of the assignment.

Extension applications of up to 7 days beyond the established due date for the assignment should be forwarded to the School Office which may act on behalf of the academic staff member concerned. The School Office will advise the academic staff member concerned of the extension granted. This request for extension is automatic and confirmation will not be given.

The Request for extension to assignment due date form is available from the OUA @ UniSA website at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/oua/. You must fill in all the details clearly and return or fax the form at least 2 days before the due date of the assignment.

EXTENSION REQUESTS OF MORE THAN 7 DAYS In this Unit no extensions are provided in excess of 7 days as experience shows

that students making these requests fall too far behind in their study and usually fail the unit. The nature of this unit is such that each topic builds on those before it and falling behind in your study schedule will significantly reduce your likelihood of passing.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT EXTENSIONSIt is in your interests to think through the consequences of late submission of assignments. A first assignment submitted late may not be able to be returned to you before the second assignment is due. You may then find yourself in the position of having to submit a second assignment before receiving feedback on the first.

Second assignments submitted late may not be returned before the exam. Extra time spent on an assignment may reduce the time you have available to do the next assignment or to study for the exam. A 13-week study period can pass very quickly!

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ONLINE AT UNISA

How do I find the online learning resources for my unit?One means of accessing your online learning resources is by going to myUniSA http://www.unisa.edu.au/myunisa, which is the UniSA web-based portal for study-related information and resources. For further details on myUniSA, please refer to the subsection below entitled ‘Student information via the Web: myUniSA’.

Alternatively, you can access your online materials by going to the unit home page, which has been established on the UniSAnet system (UniSAnet is the online study environment at UniSA). To go to the unit home page, enter the unit code ACG11 in the search field entitled ‘Area and Catalogue No’ on the following web page, and then click on the related search button: http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/courses/

Once you reach the unit home page, if you check underneath the heading ‘Learning resources for this unit’, you will see links to the Online study guide and Discussion forum.

If you click on this link, you will be asked to enter your log-on details. If these details are correct, you will then be able to access the online learning resources.

Your UniSA username and passwordIf you are a new student, at the start of the study period, you will receive a letter providing your username and password. Alternatively, the following information will enable you to work out these details.

Your usernameYour UniSA username is computer generated and is usually made up of:

the first three letters of your family name;

plus the initials of your first and second names;

plus the code 01f (01 is numeric)

If your family name does not have three letters substitute a letter ‘y’. If you do not have a second name, substitute a letter ‘y’. For example, Chris Le. The username is: leycy01f (with no spaces between characters).

See the notes below for username exceptions.

Your passwordYour password is computer generated to a default setting and is made up of

the first four letters of your family name;

plus your day of birth;

plus your month of birth.

If your family name does not have four letters substitute a letter ‘x’. For example, Chris Le was born on 9 July 1980. Chris’s password is: lexx0907

Your password must be in lower case when accessing UniSAnet or myUniSA.

Important notes on your username and password For some students, your username may already be used by someone with a

similar name. If this is case, the ending may be 02f, 03f, 04f, and so on. If you think you are doing everything else correctly, but you are still unable to log-on,

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then please contact the IT Help Desk (details below) to confirm the details of your username.

Your username and password will remain valid for the study period plus two months. Students who re-enrol in any unit in future study periods should, in the first instance, use their existing username and password.

Help—I can’t log-on!1. Are you entering the correct username and password?

2. Are you a student currently enrolled in an OUA unit offered by the University of South Australia? If you are not sure of your enrolment status, contact Campus Central, Centre for Regional Engagement (Whyalla).

3. In some circumstances, such as when two or more students have a similar family name, you may not be able to enter your username and password using the above formulas. If you are definitely enrolled and still can’t log-on, then please contact the IT Help Desk (details below) to confirm the details of your username.

STUDENT INFORMATION VIA THE WEB: MYUNISA

What is myUniSA?All students who are currently enrolled with UniSA have access to myUniSA, a web-based portal for study-related information and resources.

What information can I access?The information available through myUniSA includes the following:

Links to online resources provided for your unit—unit home page, online learning resources, discussion forums, AssignIT etc.

Unit enrolments—unit code, unit value, study period and teaching school, etc.

Personal details—full name, date of birth, postal address and contact details.

Materials dispatch—dates products have been sent to you.

Assignment details—dates assignments have been submitted by AssignIT. Marks of assignments returned by AssignIT.

Exam timetables—for units in which you are currently enrolled.

Final grade—your overall final grade can be accessed online approximately 4-6 weeks after the end of the study period.

Access to your UniSA email account and library records.

Is myUniSA secure?Yes. You are the only person who can access your information in myUniSA as long as you:

don’t share your username and password with anyone else; and also

close all Web browsers completely when you have finished using myUniSA.

myUniSA also provides you with the option to change your password (see the link available on the initial log-on page). This is another way of keeping your account secure.

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How do I log-on to myUniSA?1. Go to the UniSA home page: http://www.unisa.edu.au

2. Click on the word 'myUniSA' on the menu bar at the top of the page.

3. You will then be taken to a 'Welcome to myUniSA' page. Click on the link on this page which says 'Log on to myUniSA'.

4. You will then be prompted with a ‘Username and Password’ pop-up window as below:

5. At the log-on screen enter your username and password. Enter all information in lower case.

6. Select ‘OK’.

What if the personal details information I find in myUniSA is incorrect?Change it straight away!

It is very important that the information the University has about you and your study is correct. Having an incorrect address can mean you do not receive vital information from the University; being incorrectly enrolled can mean you will be charged an incorrect fee.

If you need to change your contact details (address, phone number, etc), please refer to ‘Change of address’ in the ‘Campus Central, Centre for Regional Engagement (Whyalla)’ section of this Unit information.

To change other information, contact the IT Help Desk (details below).

Help—I don’t understand some of the information I can see!Each screen in myUniSA has online help which explains the information displayed on the screen.

Select the ‘Help’ button at the top of the screen to open the online help. (Select the X in the top right corner to close.)

If you need further assistance, contact the IT Help Desk (details below).

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EMAILAs part of the enrolment process, all students are issued with a University email account. Your email address is made up like this: (your username)@students.unisa.edu.au.

Email is the designated form of contact for a number of UniSA administrative processes. These processes include:

AssignIT. When using AssignIT to submit assignments, you will receive email notifications when assignments are submitted and/or returned.

Library. If you borrow books from the UniSA Library you will receive email notices about overdue items. Fees can apply to overdue items. For details, please refer to the Flexible Information Service website: http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/fds/

Other UniSA notices. From time to time, other sections of the University send out emails to all students (including OUA students). Some of these messages may be relevant to OUA students, but it is possible that some of these emails will not be directly relevant.

To obtain this information, it is recommended that you log-on to your University of South Australia email account on at least a weekly basis.

Note: If you are unable to access your email, you should contact the IT Help Desk at the beginning of the study period.

Redirection of your UniSA emailYour UniSA email account is the email address that we will use to contact you. We will not contact you using an alternative email address. If you would like to use a different or secondary email address to receive email, you can redirect your UniSA email to your home or work email address by using the Email Redirection application on myUniSA. Redirecting your UniSA email enables you to receive your UniSA email in your home or work inbox.

For further information, please visit the ‘Email redirection’ webpage on the UniSA Information Strategy and Technology Services website: http://www.unisa.edu.au/ists/email/email_redirect.asp

How do I access my UniSA email account?You can access your email account through logging onto myUniSA. Alternatively, you can access your email by doing the following:

1. Go to the UniSA home page: http://www.unisa.edu.au/

2. Click on the word ‘Email’ on the menu at the top of the page.

3. You will then be prompted with a ‘Username and Password’ pop-up window.

Enter your username

Enter your password

Press your ‘Enter/Return’ key or select ‘OK’.

You should now have access to your UniSA email account.

Assistance for accessing your email can be obtained at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/ists/Email/default.asp

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IT HELP DESK Contact the IT Help Desk (http://www.unisa.edu.au/ists/ITHelpDesk/default.asp) if you are having difficulty accessing UniSAnet, myUniSA or your email account. IT Help Desk phones are monitored Monday through Friday 8.30 am to 9.00 pm Adelaide time.

Phone: (08) 8302 5000

1300 558 654 (price of a local call; mobiles may pay more)

61 8 8302 5000 (international callers)

INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

PERFORMANCE IN ASSESSMENTYour performance in a unit’s assessment will be given a grading notation. Graded or Non-graded modes of assessment may be used.

Grade Notation Notational %

Descriptor

High distinction HD 85–100 Outstanding performance on all learning outcomes

Distinction D 75–84 Excellent performance on all learning outcomes

Credit C 65–74 High performance on all learning outcomes OR excellent performance on the majority of the learning outcomes

Pass level 1 P1 55–64 Satisfactory performance on all learning outcomes OR high performance in some learning outcomes compensates for unsatisfactory performance on others, resulting in an overall satisfactory performance

Pass level 2 P2 50–54 Satisfactory performance on the majority of learning outcomes

Fail level 1 F1 40–49 Unsatisfactory performance on a number of learning outcomes OR failure to meet specified assessment requirements

Fail level 2 F2 below 40 Unsatisfactory performance on the majority of learning outcomes

Non-graded pass NGP 50–100 Met specified assessment criteria to required standard

Non-graded fail F below 50 Failed to meet specified assessment criteria to required standard

Supplementary pass SP 50 Satisfactory performance on a supplementary assessment

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ACADEMIC INTEGRITYUniSA aims to foster and preserve the scholarly values of curiosity, experimentation, critical appraisal and integrity and to foster these values in students. Throughout the learning experience, you are expected to adhere to high standards of academic integrity and honesty. Failure to do so may constitute academic misconduct (see section 9 of the Assessment policies and procedures manual at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/policies/manual/).

Academic misconduct includes the following:

Plagiarism (see below).

Breaches of the examination procedures in Section 6: Examination Procedures of the Assessment policies and procedures manual, presentation of data with respect to laboratory work, field trips or other work that has been copied, falsified or in other ways improperly obtained.

Inclusion of material in individual work that has involved significant assistance from another person, where such assistance is not expressly permitted in this booklet.

Falsification or misrepresentation of academic records.

Other actions that contravene the principles of academic integrity.

Plagiarism is a specific form of academic misconduct. Deliberate plagiarism is regarded as a serious act of academic misconduct. Plagiarism includes the following:

a. direct copying of the work or data of other persons, from one or more sources, without clearly indicating the origin. This includes both paper-based and electronic sources of material from websites, books, articles, unpublished work such as theses, working papers, seminar and conference papers, internal reports, lecture notes or tapes, and visual materials such as photographs, drawings and designs

b. using very close paraphrasing of sentences or whole clauses without due acknowledgement in the form of reference to the original work

c. submitting another student's work in whole or in part, where such assistance is not expressly permitted in the Unit information

d. use of another person's ideas, work or research data without acknowledgement

e. submitting work that has been written by someone else on the student's behalf

f. copying computer files, algorithms or computer code without clearly indicating their origin

g. submitting work that has been derived, in whole or in part, from another student's work by a process of mechanical transformation (eg changing variable names in computer programs)

h. in any way appropriating or imitating another's ideas and manner of expressing them where such assistance is not expressly permitted in the Unit information.

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Students' work may be checked for plagiarism using a variety of means, including text comparison software. Assignments checked electronically will be held in a database for future matching processes.

More information about Academic integrity can be found in the Assessment policies and procedures manual at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/policies/manual or on the Learning Connection website at: http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/studying/integrity.asp

UNIT COUNSELLINGFor this unit, there are a number of definite processes which need to be followed in order to obtain advice about administrative and academic matters.

For all administrative queries, please contact Campus Central, Centre for Regional Engagement (Whyalla). This should be done by emailing your query to ouainfo@unisa.edu.au. Additional contact details are provided in this Unit information in the section entitled ‘Campus Central, Centre for Regional Engagement (Whyalla)’.

Alternatively, if you have a query about the academic content of the unit, you should post your query to the Discussion forum on the unit home page. The Unit Coordinator or one of the tutors for the unit will be checking this Discussion forum on a regular basis and will reply to your query. (Further information about the Discussion forum facility is provided in this Unit information in the section entitled ‘Learning Resources’.)

VARIATION TO ASSESSMENT TASKSStudents may request a variance to assessment methods, tasks and timelines based on medical, compassionate or religious observance grounds, or community services. Such variations must be requested before or during the second teaching week or within 5 working days of the distribution of this Unit information. Variations requested after this date will need to be negotiated with the Unit Coordinator and may not be able to be accommodated.

RESUBMISSIONThere is no provision for resubmission of assignments, unless invited to do so by the Unit Coordinator.

DEFERRED EXAMSA deferred exam may be provided if a student can provide evidence of unexpected and exceptional grounds which prevented them from attending the final examination. This could be an accident, unexpected illness or bereavement.

Applications for a deferred exam must be forwarded to the Examinations Officer no later than five working days after the scheduled examination date. The application should be a letter with attached relevant documentation, for example, an accident report from Emergency services.

All unsupervised assignment items need to have been submitted to be eligible. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Unit Coordinator.

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DEALING WITH FAILED ASSESSMENTIt is possible to remedy failed assessment under special conditions. These are Supplementary Assessment for a failed course, Deferred Assessment because of medical, compassionate or religious grounds, and Special Consideration. Please note that there are special conditions and rules applying to Supplementary, Deferred and Special Consideration Assessment. If you are applying for consideration under these processes, you should ensure that you are familiar with all aspects, conditions and requirements of the provisions (section 7 of the Assessment policies and procedures manual http://www.unisa.edu.au/policies/manual/).

EXAMSMost undergraduate OUA units have exams in the week after the end of a study period. It is important that you read this information carefully.

The University makes arrangements for students to sit their exams at approved exam centres. This includes all domestic and international students.

All exams are held during business hours.

Students are sent a letter with the details of the centre to attend in week 10.

The university pays the cost of the invigilation. However, students need to cover any transport costs. In nearly all cases the centre will be within reasonable proximity to your address.

Exams must be sat at the scheduled time and date. Only where a student has an exam scheduled at the same time with another institution are alternative arrangements negotiated. Students in this situation need to contact the Examination Officer by week 8.

You need to ensure that your registered address with the university is current and correct. The address used will be the one designated on myUniSA 5 weeks prior to you being contacted. The centre designation cannot be changed after week 8.

There will be a small number of students located in remote areas in which we do not have access to professional examination centres. In these situations, we will contact the students individually to discuss options for the supervision of their examinations.

Students who have a Disability Access Plan indicating special arrangements for their examinations should contact the Examinations Officer by the end of week 8 to ensure that the correct arrangements for their examination are in place.

If you wish to apply for Variations to standard requirements you should access the information in regard to criteria and the form that needs to be submitted from the OUA @ UniSA website at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/oua/.

Please note: It is a complex task to arrange centres for large numbers of students in a diverse range of locations. It is not possible therefore to accommodate individual requests for preferred exam centres.

If you have any queries relating to exams, please contact the Examinations Office using the following contact details:

Examinations Officer

Phone: 1300 361 450 (price of a local call; mobiles may cost more)Email: exams.results@unisa.edu.au

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WITHDRAWAL OF STUDY

WithdrawalThe exact process for withdrawing from a unit depends on when you decide to withdraw.

Withdrawals before the OUA Census DateIf you decide to withdraw from a unit before the OUA Census Date (end of week 3), you need to contact Open Universities Australia. Please note that withdrawals from an OUA unit prior to the Census Date are eligible for a partial refund. However, refunds are not possible after the Census Date, except when an application for special circumstances is approved by Open Universities Australia. For further information about withdrawing from a unit before the Census Date, please refer to the Open Universities Australia 2008 Handbook or contact Open Universities Australia.

Withdrawals after the OUA Census DateIf you decide to withdraw from a unit after the OUA Census Date, please complete a ‘Withdrawal form’, and send it to Campus Central, Centre for Regional Engagement (Whyalla). A copy of this form can be downloaded from your unit home page or the OUA @ UniSA website at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/oua/. Withdrawals under this process can only be accepted when lodged by Friday of week 10 of the study period. To confirm a withdrawal using this process, you can check your myUniSA record for confirmation.

Grades for withdrawalA ‘W’ withdraw will be recorded on your academic record where notice of withdrawal has been received.

Assessments not completedIf a withdrawal request has not been submitted by the Friday of week 10 and the required assessments have not been submitted or completed by the due or negotiated date an ‘N’ Fail grade will be recorded.

DeferralsFrom 2008 onwards, deferrals will no longer be available for units offered by UniSA through OUA.

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CAMPUS CENTRAL, CENTRE FOR REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT (WHYALLA)There are four main sources for accessing information in regard to administrative matters for study with OUA units offered by UniSA. These are as follows:

1. This Unit information booklet

2. The student portal myUniSA

3. OUA @ UniSA website at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/oua/

4. Contact Campus Central, Centre for Regional Engagement (Whyalla)

Campus Central, Centre for Regional Engagement (Whyalla) contact detailsPhone: (08) 864761611300 361 450 (price of a local call; mobiles may cost more)61 8 86476161 (international callers)

Fax: (08) 86476082

Email: ouainfo@unisa.edu.au

Phones are attended during normal South Australian business hours. You may leave a voicemail message or fax or email at all other times.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The University of South Australia (UniSA) does not update personal and contact details for Open Universities Australia (OUA) students. To update or correct your personal and contact details, please go to the Personal Details section of My Area on the OUA website, or contact the OUA office in Melbourne. OUA will then advise UniSA of your updated personal and contact details.

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OTHER SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA LIBRARY SERVICEAs you are enrolled in a unit offered by the University of South Australia, you are entitled to access a range of services offered by the University Library.

Offered through the Flexible Information Service, the aim of this service is to provide you with prompt and user-friendly access to databases, loans, photocopying and an information service.

They can search for material on a specific topic if you do not have access to the Internet.

Information about the full range of services available to you through the Library is available at http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/fds/

Address

Flexible Information Service University of South Australia LibraryUniversity of South AustraliaMawson Lakes BoulevardMawson Lakes South Australia 5095

Phone: 1300 137 659 (price of a local call; mobiles may pay more) 61 8 8302 6231 (international callers)

Fax: (08) 8302 669961 8 8302 6699 (international callers)

Email: dels@unisa.edu.au

DISABILITY SERVICESThe University of South Australia has a formal commitment to encourage people to seek access to tertiary study. We take all reasonable steps to ensure that any benefits provided by the University are accessible to students with a disability. This commitment extends to students studying OUA units.

There may also be entitlement to a variation or modification to standard assessment arrangements. Services are provided on an individual basis according to access requirements. Further information about disability services is available at:

http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/defaultdisability.asp

Phone: (08) 8302 4423 or 1300 657 144 (cost of a local call from anywhere in Australia)

Email: disability@unisa.edu.au

Students with disabilities are entitled to be assessed in ways which ensure a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge. Alternative assessment arrangements may be required to provide this opportunity. Policy for students with disabilities is available at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/policies/

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CONTACTING OPEN UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIAContact OUA if you intend to withdraw, have a study problem, need some advice or just want to talk to someone. OUA has a team of trained student advisers if you need:

help choosing which units and modules you wish to study

help processing your enrolment

information about pathways which are available for a range of qualifications

help with enrolling

advice about eligibility for the FEE-HELP student loan scheme, credit transfer, or obtaining funds

to change your name

Phone: (03) 8628 2555

1300 363 652 (price of a local call; mobiles may pay more)

61 3 8268 2555 (international callers)

Fax: (03) 8268 2955

Email: advisers@open.edu.au

Website: www.open.edu.au

Postal

Open Universities AustraliaGPO Box 5387Melbourne Vic 3001

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APPENDIX—PREPARATION FOR THE EXAM

You will receive separately two past Accounting, Decisions and Accountability examination papers that are similar to your exam, along with their solutions. You should examine these papers to give an indication as to:

the length of the paper

the structure of the paper

the types of questions likely to be asked

the level of difficulty which you should be prepared for

the time in which you should be able to complete a question

Though the questions in your exam will be similar, do not assume that the past papers are representative of all the types of questions that could be asked.

Exam topicsThe structure of the past papers is identical to the coming exam. You should note the following about the exam topics:

Financial reportingThis question covers topics 2 to 6 (inclusive) of the unit. The emphasis in this question is in preparing data for reporting and in the presentation of those reports. You may be asked to do journal entries, execute ledger recording, prepare a worksheet, prepare an Income Statement, prepare a Balance Sheet and prepare a statement of changes in equity.

Accounting conceptsThough this question really relates to the concepts underlying the work from topics 1 to 8 inclusive, it is most easily summarised in the work for topic 8. This is the only question that offers choice—you are to answer two of the three questions. You should ensure that you are familiar with the basic accounting conceptual framework as outlined in topic 8, its application and limitations. You will notice that all questions in this section require extended argument rather than simply a listing of points. The points/definitions form the basis of your answer, and though they must be covered, they are not the whole answer. Even where you are asked to define or identify in one part of a question, you are expected to use the definition in detail in another part.

You will note that suggested answers have not been provided for this question to discourage ‘parroting’. You must demonstrate your knowledge—not mine!

As an example of how to tackle these types of questions, let us look at the following past exam question.

In relation to accounting, what does it mean to provide for doubtful debts? Justify the practice of providing for doubtful debts according to the underlying principles of accounting. Illustrate with an example.

The correct way of answering such a question would be to:

1 Explain that providing for doubtful debts involves recognising possible future bad debts as a current period expense and as a potential reduction in the recoverable value of accounts receivable.

2 Explain that the recognition of doubtful debts relates to issues which arise under accrual accounting—specifically the matching assumption, period assumption

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and conservatism (or prudence). Each of these concepts should be defined and explained where appropriate.

3 Describe a relevant scenario to illustrate the issues you have discussed, for example: over time, a firm that offers credit to its customers may be able to reasonably estimate what proportion of its annual sales will not be ultimately collectable. If the write off did not occur until a future period, this would involve a violation of the matching principle, as the expense would be matched with the wrong period’s revenue. As a result of this and the conservative view that accounting takes, the amount expected to be written off is treated as an expense in the current period—not as a bad debt, but as a doubtful debt.

Please note: An ‘example’ in the context of this type of conceptual question, does not require you to give journal or ledger entries unless you are specifically asked to (this ‘bookkeeping work’ is done in question 1). An ‘example’ in this context requires discussion of a scenario, which relates to the effect on the accounting conceptual framework, reports and users, not on bookkeepers.

Cash flow statementTopic 9. The level of difficulty in the past papers is indicative of the standard you should be aiming to achieve. In addition to being able to construct the statement (or part thereof), be prepared to comment upon it (for example, adequacy of cash flows from operations, appropriateness of financing arrangements, etc.) or some other issue regarding cash flow statements (for example, purpose, limitations, comparison with accrual profit, etc.).

BudgetingTopic 11. Obviously there is not enough time to get students to complete a master budget in an exam! Instead, you should be aiming to be able to prepare a budget statement or two (for example, budgeted Income Statement, budgeted Balance Sheet, cash budget, sales forecast, performance report) from summarised projection data which you will be provided. In addition you should be prepared to comment upon your data and/or the features of budgeting and/or the role of budgeting in the management process (topic 10) and/or the role of budgeting in the decision making process (topic 1).

Management decision makingThis question will cover the work of topics 10 and 12. Be prepared to calculate and comment upon one or more of the management quantitative methods studied (CVP analysis and time value of money). You should understand the terminology used for each. Given the title of this question, knowledge of the Hoggett and Edwards decision making model (topic 1), and how it can be used to represent management decision making will be assumed.

This question will be sent to you in week 12 and is a seen exam question. This means that you may prepare an answer in practice for the exam but you cannot take anything into the examination. Most of the marks for this question in the exam will be for showing the calculations and not for the correct final answer. Students who merely memorise the final answers to repeat in the exam will fail this question.

You will note that there is no exam question relating to financial statement analysis (topic 7). It was well assessed in the major assignment.

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In the examTake note of the suggested time allocation for each question. These are approximately proportional to the marks involved. One of the most common traps that candidates fall into in accounting exams is to keep working on one question until it balances. You must realise that the bulk of the marks are allocated to your preliminary workings, not in getting the ‘right’ end answer. If you don’t get the answer after a bit of trying, don’t waste your valuable time. Leave it and come back to the question if you have time. The opportunity cost of sticking to one question is often the loss of easier marks in other questions.

Exam preparationThe preceding guide through the exam is a useful quick overview of the topics that need to be known. For your detailed study there is no substitute for going over your tutorial work and readings as a means of checking that you have fulfilled the objectives for each topic as listed in your Study guide. Exam questions are based entirely upon these criteria. If you are familiar with them, the examination should hold no surprises for you.

Note from the past papers that if you are required to complete a worksheet, you will be provided with a pre printed A3 worksheet. You should also note from past exam papers that the format to the cash flow statement will be provided as will the PV and FV tables. You will not, however, be given proformas for Income Statements, Balance Sheets or statements of changes in equity. You will likewise not be provided with formulae for converting accrual data into cash flow information. These were provided in the study materials to assist you to develop your understanding and they are not standard ‘formulae’ as such.

To minimise the possibilities of experiencing the unexpected shock of a low mark because an answer was missed in marking, ensure that you write your examination answers in the books as directed on the front page of the exam paper.

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ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK FORMS

Assessment feedback

ACG11 Accounting, Decisions and Accountability

Assignment 1, no word limit, 15% of assessment, due 1pm Wednesday of week 4

Key components of this assignment Comment by marker

Question 1: Plagiarism

No grades given for the assignment if this is not completed.

Question 2: Decision making

10 marks

Question 3: Journal entries, posting to general ledger and trial balance

30 marks

Summary comment

The Graduate qualities being assessed by this assignment are indicated by an X:

X GQ1: operate effectively with and upon a body of knowledge

GQ5: are committed to ethical action and social responsibility

GQ2: are prepared for lifelong learning X GQ6: communicate effectively

X GQ3: are effective problem solvers GQ7: demonstrate an international perspective

X GQ4:can work both autonomously and collaboratively

Assignment grade/mark

This form meets the 2008 requirements of UniSA’s Code of Good Practice: Student

Assessment

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44

Assessment feedback

ACG11 Accounting, Decisions and Accountability

Assignment 2, no word limit, 15% of assessment, due 1pm Wednesday of week 10

Key components of this assignment Comment by marker

Question 1: Accounting Concepts

10 marks.

Question 2: Analysis and interpretation

15 marks

Question 3: Cash flow statement

25 marks

Question 4: Budgeting

20 marks

Summary comment

The Graduate qualities being assessed by this assignment are indicated by an X:

X GQ1: operate effectively with and upon a body of knowledge

GQ5: are committed to ethical action and social responsibility

GQ2: are prepared for lifelong learning X GQ6: communicate effectively

X GQ3: are effective problem solvers GQ7: demonstrate an international perspective

X GQ4:can work both autonomously and collaboratively

Assignment grade/mark

This form meets the 2008 requirements of UniSA’s Code of Good Practice: Student Assessment

45

46

STUDY SCHEDULE—STUDY PERIOD 1, 2008

Week Dates Content/Work due

1 3–7 March Introduction to accounting

2 10–14 March Organisations and the accounting process

3 17–21 March Recording accounting data

4 24–28 March Accrual accounting—concepts and processesAssignment 1 due Wednesday 26 March

5 31 March–4 April Enhancing end of period processes and reports

6 7–11 April Accounting for merchandise

7 14–18 April Using financial accounting reports for decision making (Part 1)

8 21–25 April Using financial accounting reports for decision making (Part 2)

9 28 April –2 May Cash flow statement

10 5–9 May Management accounting 1—the entities withinAssignment 2 due Wednesday 7 MayLast week to withdraw

11 12–16 May Management accounting 2—planning and control through budgeting

12 19–23 May Management accounting 3—quantitative methods for management decision-making

13 26–30 May Revision

14 2–6 June Exam week

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48

STUDY SCHEDULE—STUDY PERIOD 3, 2008

Week Dates Content/Work due

1 1–5 September Introduction to accounting

2 8–12 September Organisations and the accounting process

3 15–19 September Recording accounting data

4 22–26 September Accrual accounting—concepts and processesAssignment 1 due Wednesday 24 September

5 29 Sept–3 October Enhancing end of period processes and reports

6 6–10 October Accounting for merchandise

7 13–17 October Using financial accounting reports for decision making (Part 1)

8 20–24 October Using financial accounting reports for decision making (Part 2)

9 27–31 October Cash flow statement

10 3–7 November Management accounting 1—the entities withinAssignment 2 due Wednesday 5 NovemberLast week to withdraw

11 10–14 November Management accounting 2—planning and control through budgeting

12 17–21 November Management accounting 3—quantitative methods for management decision-making

13 24–28 November Revision

14 1–5 December Exam week

49

ACG11/UI/01

2008