Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding tested in this assignment:

• Examine the skills and expectations placed on professionals in the field of accounting and finance
• Recognise their own areas of strength and weakness within their own skills portfolio
• Present their own views and opinions in a clear and academically supportable manner and also listen to and evaluate the ideas of other students/tutors
• Prepare work that has been researched competently using relevant academic literature both from within the university’s virtual learning environment and from the broader arena
• Understand the range of appropriate styles and formats in academic and business writing

Learning Outcomes: Skills and Attributes tested in this assignment:

• Present work effectively both in writing
• Reference their work using the Harvard system
• Identify and develop a set of skills and strategies to aid further research and study
• Recognise and apply different stages of planning and writing so as to analyse knowledge
• Use critical thinking skills for knowledge management

Transformational Opportunities

• Raise self-awareness in relation to business knowledge.
• Develop sense of self as researcher.
• Broaden thinking in respect of the role of accountants.
• Develop ethical sense in accounting and business context.
• Gain confidence in their voice as a writer.
• Consider and understand own skills development.

Feedback /Marking criteria for this Assignment

• Performance will be assessed using HBS Grading Criteria and marking scheme.
• Guidance for improvement will be given in writing within 4 weeks of submission.
• Assignments submitted up to one week late will receive a maximum numeric grade of 40%

(level 5).

• Plagiarism offences will receive standard penalties.

Detailed Brief for Assessment

Title: Essay on stakeholders and the role of an accountant and a reflection on skills development

 Essay (50%):

Write an essay of 1200 words on the following topic.

The various stakeholders of a business may have a range of expectations of a global company in relation to profitability and ethics. Consider the differing demands of stakeholders and the role of the accountant when facing these pressures.

In particular, consider:

- potential effects of profit maximisation

- short term benefits and long term sustainability

- the importance of brand reputation

- legal and ethical challenges (e.g. risk of audit failure).

It is important to evaluate the key issues for an accountant and present a clear conclusion on your research.

Marking  scheme:

Reflection (20%):

Write a reflection of 500 words on your skills development. To complete this task, you need attend two CASE workshops and complete your Personal Development Plan.

Consider:

-what particular knowledge and skills you need to enhance

-how you have used the CASE workshops

-how your experience relates to reflective theories (e.g. Kaizen, Kolb, Gibbs)

-what strategies you need to facilitate your learning and skills development in future.

Together with your reflection, you are required to submit your CASE passport.

Marking  scheme: