THE APPLICATION OF CONCEPTUAL AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF ACCOUNTING

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THE APPLICATION OF CONCEPTUAL AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF ACCOUNTING

Task

Task 1 covers study schedule weeks 1-4 inclusive and includes the application of conceptual and technical aspects of accounting and the preparation of business financial statements, the appraisal of the use of information technology including spreadsheet software and the evaluation of the Internet as a professional resource and to demonstrate business communication skills including report writing.

In today’s business environment we need verbal skills, writing skills, numeracy skills AND digital literacy skills. All of these skills are assessed throughout this subject. The early questions in this assignment are designed to assess your digital literacy in a business/accounting environment. It is suggested that you attempt the assignment questions week by week.

Presentation

Please read this in conjunction with the assignment requirements below.

• Single spacing and small margins are welcome to save paper.
• For any business report style questions a report structure is expected.
• Provide references throughout your assignment including page references to texts, articles and URL’s of websites.
• APA is the referencing style used by the Faculty of Business. Acknowledge ALL sources used.
• At the end of your assignment include a complete Bibliography (Reference List) of resources actually used including the Internet, textbook, Interact resources, software help files and videos supporting this subject.

The work you submit must be your own. In the past a few students have received heavy penalties for submitting assignments which were not entirely their own work.

1. The first page of your assignment Word document should consist of the following parts:

• subject code and name;
• your name and student ID number;
• assignment task number;
• a list of questions attempted and a list of questions not attempted;
• an academic integrity statement that the work submitted is your own and that all sources used have been acknowledged.
• dates and details of any extension granted; usually include a copy of the approval email;
• an acknowledgement of all your sources, and
• The following statement can be used: THE WORK IN THIS ASSIGNMENT IS MY OWN WORK, AND HAS NOT BEEN PLAGIARISED.

2. Submit your assignment via turnitin. Your turnitin submission will consist of two files - a Word file and an Excel file.
3. Record your name, student number and page number as a footer on every page of your Word document.
4. Present assignment solutions in your Word document in the same sequence as the questions. Provide references throughout (question by question if appropriate) and include a bibliography of all sources used including internet resources, at the end of your assignment. If using internet resources, include the URL and date of access. Use APA 6th style.
5. Please check for viruses. Do not use macros in your spreadsheet files.

Spreadsheet requirements

1. For every question with a spreadsheet solution, paste in the Word document displaying row and column headings, the spreadsheet solutions normal view and a formula view of each spreadsheet, Thus your Word file will provide a complete answer to every question. The pasted formula view may need to have adjusted column widths to display formulas correctly. Use portrait orientation wherever possible. The separate Excel file will provide a clear demonstration of correct spreadsheet structures. You may need to break up your report/solution into separate images.
2. For good spreadsheet design it is very important that you have completely separate data entry and solution/report areas. A good spreadsheet solution format is to key in the question in a structure which allows the solution to be completely formula driven. There should be no data in the report/solution area.
3. Create all spreadsheets solutions as separate spreadsheets in one workbook. Name the tags at the bottom of the computer screen with the question number, and sub-section as appropriate. See examples in the Spreadsheet Advice PDF in Interact Resources.
4. Save your workbook with the cursor in cell A1 of the first spreadsheet.
5. Where appropriate, use the IF function to provide built in checks of balances, net income/net loss, favourable/unfavourable variances etc.
6. How can you display negative numbers in brackets? Google the question! Hint. Format / Cells / Number and select Custom. Enter this: #,##0;(#,##0);0.
7. We have provided spreadsheet examples to guide you in the Spreadsheet Advice PDF in Interact2 Resources - it is important that you study these examples. Also consider using the spreadsheet templates available with your text and other online spreadsheet resources but note that the text templates do not necessarily comply with the subject spreadsheet requirements.

Solutions to questions should vary in length according to the nature of the question. Solutions to exercises and problem questions should be in a similar form to that demonstrated in the text.

Submit your work electronically through Turnitin.

The work you submit must be your own. In the recent past a few students have received heavy penalties for submitting assignments which were not entirely their own work.

Some questions require a spreadsheet. Check the Assignment and Spreadsheet Requirements above
AND the Spreadsheet Advice PDF. Also check the interactive videos.

Present your solutions in exactly the same sequence as specified in this Subject Outline.

Students should normally submit the assignment only once. Multiple copies received by the University can result in unnecessary delays.

Assignment Task No. 1

Q1-1 Plagiarism
Define plagiarism. Use Internet sources. Why is plagiarism/collusion unfair to honest students?

Q1-2 Pasting spreadsheets in doc files
How can computer spreadsheets (e.g. Excel) be pasted into a word document showing rows and column headings? Formula views? Describe TWO different copy and paste methods and paste simple examples of each method in your assignment showing row and column headings, the normal view and the formula view.

Q1-3 Accounting resources on the Internet
List six web sites relevant to accounting together with their URLs. Explain how is each relevant to accounting.

Q1-4 Professional accounting bodies
Find online an Australian professional accounting organisation. Describe a resource within this website, relevant to this subject. Explain why you chose this resource.

Q1-5 Work Integrated Assessment (about 300 words). Describe the computing environment in your current or previous workplace or home office - equipment, software, processes etc. Or answer this question in relation to a possible future workplace position.

The above five questions are designed to assess your ability to use and evaluate digital resources for accounting and can be answered from any source including the computer sections of magazines and newspapers or by access to the Internet. If using the Internet include the URL reference. For the purposes of this subject we do not require the URL date of access.

Q1-6 ABC Learning and ethics - ABC Learning Case Study
 Watch the six CPA ABC Learning movies.

Prepare a business report covering the following (about 500 words)

1. What went wrong at ABC Learning?
2. What are the major financial reports? What is the purpose of each? 
3. Why are profits important? Why is cash flow important? Why are both important?
4. Identify 3 ethical issues from the case study.

Q1-7 Understanding the accounting equation
Sources = Uses. Explain how this equation affects the relationships with increases and decreases in  
P A L E R. They are discussed in section 2.2 of the topics in Interact2 (and in the corresponding PDF’s in the Resources section).

Q1-8 Balance Sheet Equation

Spreadsheet required.

Note that Interact2 resources including the Spreadsheet Advice PDF and the worksheet video may assist in completing this assignment question.

In this case the Report section will look just like the data section but will contain only formulas. In some cases the cells in the report will be, for example  =D8. The yellow highlighted cells will contain the answers. For each number calculated, briefly explain how you derived the answer.

Q1-9 Assets, liabilities and owner’s equity
Give 3 examples each of assets, liabilities and owner’s equity (Proprietorship) accounts.

Q1-10 Chart of accounts
What is a chart of accounts? What is its purpose?

Q1-11 Debit and credit balances
List five accounts with normal debit balances. List five accounts with normal credit balances.

Q1-12 Trial balance
A. Create a manual solution using pen and paper. Scan or take a photo with your mobile phone and paste in your assignment. 
B. Create a spreadsheet solution. Paste normal and formula views.
C. Change 4 numbers such that the trial balance still balances. Paste this new normal view. There should be no need to paste a new formula view. Ensure that you choose the 4 changes yourself. Highlight the data changes with the yellow highlighter in Excel.

Note that Interact2 resources including the Spreadsheet Advice PDF and the Foot worksheet video may assist in completing this assignment.

Q1-13 Cash and accrual accounting
Distinguish between a ledger account and a trial balance. Give examples,

Q1-14 Adjusting crossword
See page 92 and 93 0f your text. Create your own simple crossword using at least 5 accounting terms and clues. Hint: there are free crossword creation apps online.

Q1-15 Types of adjusting entries
List four types of period end adjusting entries and give journal entries examples of each.

Q1-16 Revenue received in advance
You pay $240 for a magazine subscription for the next 12 months. How should the magazine company account for this transaction initially? Show the journal entry. Show the magazine company`s adjusting entry after 5 months.

Q1-17 Adjusted trial balance
Distinguish between the adjusted trial balance and the post-closing trial balance. Give page numbers from your text (8th edition) which show examples.

Q1-18 Current and non-current liabilities
Distinguish between current and non-current liabilities. Give your own examples of each.

Q1-19 Ratios
Explain the current ratio and the debt ratio. Create your own numerical examples.

Q1-20 Worksheet and financial reports
Note that Interact2 resources including the Spreadsheet Advice PDF and the Foot worksheet video may assist in completing this assignment.

1. Add a ten column worksheet beneath the following data. Below that report, create the three financial reports.
2. In a second version, make four changes to the data. Paste the second normal view. 

Rationale

This assignment task is designed to give you an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills in aspects of accounting and information systems including technical issues as well as concepts such as the accounting equations, cash and accrual accounting, current and non-current assets and liabilities, trial balance, worksheets, income statement, statement of owner’s equity, balance sheets and the application of spreadsheet software to the presentation and solution of accounting problems.
In this assignment task, you are required to complete all questions and submit all necessary workings. A list of references is required at the end of your assignment as well as references throughout your assignment. The assignments in this subject are designed to assess your application of knowledge and skills.

Assignment questions include problems, discussion questions, spreadsheets and questions related to use and evaluation of digital resources. The assignment questions are structured so as to simulate a pattern of weekly learning. Students are encouraged to attempt this subject by studying on a regular (weekly) basis. The nature of the understanding and skills required means it is unwise to leave study until the last minute. Note the special requirements for the spreadsheet sections of your assignment detailed in the Spreadsheet Advice in Interact2.

The final examination in this subject will include questions assessing similar knowledge application, understanding and skills as the assignment work.

Marking Criteria

Your assignment will be marked as a whole with recognition being given to demonstration of knowledge, quality thinking, application of skills and critical thinking.

For some questions you have a chance to demonstrate some creativity, or provide your own examples or give evidence of wider reading or to structure a spreadsheet in an innovative manner. You also need to avoid the snowballing effects of cumulative errors - that is, an error early in a practical question which carries through. Full marks are a possibility for well structured, complete, quality answers.

You will be provided with a mark based on the work submitted and you will also be provided with suggested solutions or guidelines. Feedback will normally consist of the mark, specific comments and guideline solutions.

High Distinction. To meet this level, you will attain a cumulative mark between 85%-100%. A mark in this range indicates that you have met the learning outcomes for this task to an exceptional level, including skilfully applying correct analytical methods and techniques, deconstructing information and reflecting on different accounting and financial management ideas and interpretative techniques applied in management decision making and efficient allocation of business resources, and creating professional reports and spreadsheets that can be used in management decision making.

This mark also indicates your assignment will:

• 
  be professionally presented with correct spelling and grammar
• be the result of your original work
• include complete references and acknowledgment of all sources used according to APA 6th style
• be complete without any omissions
• be correct
• evaluate comprehensively the issues raised in the questions
• provide examples where appropriate, and
• comply with all spreadsheet requirements

Distinction. To meet this level, you will attain a cumulative mark between 75%-84%. A mark in this range indicates that you have comprehensively met the learning outcomes for this task, including competently applying correct analytical methods and techniques, judging between different accounting and financial management ideas and interpretative techniques in management decision making and efficient allocation of business resources and designing reports and spreadsheets for effective use in management decision making.

This mark also indicates your assignment will:

• be neatly presented with very few spelling and grammatical errors,
• be the result of your original work,
• include references, acknowledging all sources used according to APA 6th style
• be mostly complete
• evaluate many of the issues raised in questions
• provide examples where appropriate, and
• comply with most spreadsheet requirements

Credit. To meet this level, you will attain a cumulative mark between 65%-74%. A mark in this range indicates that you have thoroughly met the learning outcomes for this task, including differentiating between different analytical methods and techniques to be applied, determining a course of action using accounting and financial management ideas and interpretative techniques for management decision making and efficient allocation of business resources, and assembling reports and spreadsheets for use in management decision making.

This mark also indicates your assignment will:

• 
  be neatly presented with few spelling and grammatical errors
• be the result of your original work
• include references, acknowledging sources used according to APA 6th style
• be mostly complete
• be mostly correct with only a few errors
• evaluate many of the issues raised in questions
• provide some examples where appropriate, and
• comply with most spreadsheet requirements

Pass. To meet this level, you will attain a cumulative mark between 50%-64%.
A mark in this range indicates that you have met the learning outcomes for this task to a basic level, including responding to questions with limited options for applying analytical methods and techniques, selecting accounting and financial management ideas and interpretative techniques for management decision making and efficient allocation of business resources, and generating basic reports and spreadsheets that could be used for management decision making.

This mark also indicates your assignment will:

• be neatly presented,
• be the result of your original work,
• include some references and acknowledge sources used according to APA 6th style,
• be mostly complete without too many omissions,
• be mostly correct with some errors
• evaluate some of the issues raised in questions
• provide some examples where appropriate, and
• comply with most spreadsheet requirements

Your assignment consists of different question styles including discussion questions, reports, exercises, problem questions and spreadsheet questions.

The marking criteria for your assignments will be based on the content of the subject as identified by the learning objectives of the various topics. Good computer spreadsheet models will comply with the spreadsheet requirements.

Normal distribution curves for grades are not utilised in this subject. Penalties will apply for late submission at 10% of the total mark available per day. It is important that submitted assignments are complete; omitted answers will result in mark deductions. Refer to the University regulations contained in the CSU online handbook for matters pertaining to special consideration, misadventure and extenuating circumstances, academic misconduct, code of conduct for users of electronic facilities, assessment regulation, grading scale, progression and academic performance, grade point average, examination regulations and other matters pertaining to assessment.

Any assignments with significant evidence of plagiarism may be referred to the university`s academic misconduct processes and will receive a grade of zero.

Here is a guide to the expected effort for each question in assignment 1. See the presentation requirements for an indication of the specific criteria. See the assignment requirements particularly for expectations regarding the spreadsheets.

An example of marking criteria for an essay/business report follows. Some of the same criteria apply to larger discussion style questions and case studies and business reports.

Example criteria used in marking essays/discussion questions/case studies/business reports

While there is no particular format required for these answers, the following criteria are likely to be used. Note that business reports are normally more structured than essays.

Criteria

Answers should:

• be well planned with arguments flowing logically;
• use correct sentence structure, punctuation and spelling;
• present original ideas where appropriate; and
• present a justified conclusion and acknowledge all sources.