AYB240 Superannuation and Retirement Planning
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | AYB240 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | AYB250 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,124 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,663 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,204 |
| International unit fee | $4,512 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYB240 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYB250 |
| Coordinator: | Elisabeth Sinnewe | elisabeth.sinnewe@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Mandatory superannuation savings under the Australian retirement incomes policy have seen the superannuation industry grow to nearly $3 trillion, with almost all workers now having superannuation benefits. Expansion of superannuation fund and investment choice has also increasingly shifted investment decision-making to superannuation fund members. Superannuation has become an almost universal benefit affecting virtually every business and employee. However, the superannuation system is complex and subject to a broad range of regulation governing all facets of the operations of the superannuation industry. This unit introduces students to the Australian superannuation system and the regulatory framework under which it operates. Knowledge and understanding of superannuation is important to financial planning, accounting graduates, particularly if they will be involved with the superannuation advice to clients or employers, administration or auditing of superannuation funds.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse and synthesise financial data to prepare analysis for superannuation decision making. [HO 2.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: HO (2.1)
- Exercise critical thinking, evaluation and judgement for problem solving in the context of superannuation decision making. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Communicate in written forms to clearly and professionally structure and present ideas, judgements and opinions. [PC 3.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks to superannuation issues. [KS 1.1, SE 5.1]
Content
This unit commences with an overview of the superannuation industry in the context of the Australian government's retirement incomes policy and the regulatory structure governing the operation of the superannuation system. Detailed examination of specific issues will follow, including:
- Structure of the Australian superannuation system and alternative types of superannuation benefits and fund structures
- Governance of superannuation funds
- Superannuation fund disclosure and reporting requirements
- Investment strategies and member choice
- Superannuation contributions, benefits and taxation issues
- Self-managed superannuation funds
Undergraduate Coursework AoLs
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice
2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Weekly classes will take the form of one two-hour lecture and an hour tutorial. Students are expected to read all the material prescribed for the topic each week, prepare written answers to assigned questions and participate in class discussions of the relevant issues.
The questions are designed to cover the most important aspects of each topic and they provide an excellent method for determining whether or not you have properly grasped the material. They also give you experience in answering both conceptual and applied questions for examination purposes. If done properly in the first instance and upgraded at a later date, they constitute very useful material for revision purposes. The content and teaching strategies also relate to the development of particular undergraduate capabilities.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Undergraduate Capabilities. Assessment has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Note: Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Mid Semester Exam
The mid-semester exam will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions based on the content of topics 1 to 5.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): SE (5.1)
Assessment: Research Project
Students will undertake an individual research project which will involve comparing superannuation funds, designing a contribution strategy, researching current issues in superannuation, and preparing and submitting a written report for assessment.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE(5.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: End of Semester Examination
The final exam will consist of a mixture of conceptual and applied questions drawn from topics covered during the semester.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), SE (5.1)
This examination will be an invigilated face-to-face exam undertaken either on campus or at an examination centre.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Australian Master Superannuation Guide available through CCH Online, which can be accessed via the QUT Library.
Prescribed Reading
Other readings will be assigned each week and will be available through QUT Readings on the unit's Canvas site.
QUT has a guide for writing and presenting essays called QUT cite|write. This guide includes a suite of short pamphlets on essay writing techniques and a series of four guides on citing references correctly. Students may find this guide useful for the research project. To view and download selected guides and sections of QUT cite|write, go to www.citewrite.qut.edu.au
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, End of Semester Examination
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Research Project
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO4, End of Semester Examination
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Research Project
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO4, Mid Semester Exam, Research Project, End of Semester Examination
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO4, End of Semester Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, End of Semester Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Research Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO4, Mid Semester Exam, Research Project, End of Semester Examination
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Online
| Unit code: | AYB240 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYB250 |
Overview
Mandatory superannuation savings under the Australian retirement incomes policy have seen the superannuation industry grow to nearly $3 trillion, with almost all workers now having superannuation benefits. Expansion of superannuation fund and investment choice has also increasingly shifted investment decision-making to superannuation fund members. Superannuation has become an almost universal benefit affecting virtually every business and employee. However, the superannuation system is complex and subject to a broad range of regulation governing all facets of the operations of the superannuation industry. This unit introduces students to the Australian superannuation system and the regulatory framework under which it operates. Knowledge and understanding of superannuation is important to financial planning, accounting graduates, particularly if they will be involved with the superannuation advice to clients or employers, administration or auditing of superannuation funds.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse and synthesise financial data to prepare analysis for superannuation decision making. [HO 2.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: HO (2.1)
- Exercise critical thinking, evaluation and judgement for problem solving in the context of superannuation decision making. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Communicate in written forms to clearly and professionally structure and present ideas, judgements and opinions. [PC 3.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks to superannuation issues. [KS 1.1, SE 5.1]
Content
This unit commences with an overview of the superannuation industry in the context of the Australian government's retirement incomes policy and the regulatory structure governing the operation of the superannuation system. Detailed examination of specific issues will follow, including:
- Structure of the Australian superannuation system and alternative types of superannuation benefits and fund structures
- Governance of superannuation funds
- Superannuation fund disclosure and reporting requirements
- Investment strategies and member choice
- Superannuation contributions, benefits and taxation issues
- Self-managed superannuation funds
Undergraduate Coursework AoLs
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice
2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Weekly classes will take the form of one two-hour lecture and an hour tutorial. Students are expected to read all the material prescribed for the topic each week, prepare written answers to assigned questions and participate in class discussions of the relevant issues.
The questions are designed to cover the most important aspects of each topic and they provide an excellent method for determining whether or not you have properly grasped the material. They also give you experience in answering both conceptual and applied questions for examination purposes. If done properly in the first instance and upgraded at a later date, they constitute very useful material for revision purposes. The content and teaching strategies also relate to the development of particular undergraduate capabilities.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Undergraduate Capabilities. Assessment has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Note: Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Mid Semester Exam
The mid-semester exam will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions based on the content of topics 1 to 5.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): SE (5.1)
Assessment: Research Project
Students will undertake an individual research project which will involve comparing superannuation funds, designing a contribution strategy, researching current issues in superannuation, and preparing and submitting a written report for assessment.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE(5.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: End of Semester Examination
The final exam will consist of a mixture of conceptual and applied questions drawn from topics covered during the semester.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), SE (5.1)
This examination will be an invigilated face-to-face exam undertaken either on campus or at an examination centre.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Australian Master Superannuation Guide available through CCH Online, which can be accessed via the QUT Library.
Prescribed Reading
Other readings will be assigned each week and will be available through QUT Readings on the unit's Canvas site.
QUT has a guide for writing and presenting essays called QUT cite|write. This guide includes a suite of short pamphlets on essay writing techniques and a series of four guides on citing references correctly. Students may find this guide useful for the research project. To view and download selected guides and sections of QUT cite|write, go to www.citewrite.qut.edu.au
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, End of Semester Examination
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Research Project
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO4, End of Semester Examination
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Research Project
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO4, Mid Semester Exam, Research Project, End of Semester Examination
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO4, End of Semester Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, End of Semester Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Research Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO4, Mid Semester Exam, Research Project, End of Semester Examination