AYN424 Accountability of Transnational Corporations
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: | AYN424 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,040 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,597 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 | $4,092 |
| International unit fee | $4,584 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYN424 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Sue Taylor | sm.taylor@qut.edu.au |
Overview
As business and financial markets have become increasingly globalised, the significance of the differences in international accounting policies and disclosure and reporting practices, has become more important, especially from the perspective of managers, financial analysts and other users of financial statements. This unit is designed to provide students with an insight into, and an appreciation of, many of the financial accounting reporting, disclosure and enforcement issues faced by global corporations in an international business environment. This unit provides you with an understanding of the unique financial accounting and reporting, taxation and corporate governance issues associated with global business operations including issues related to the political lobbying activities of both accounting standards and standard-setters. It will assist you to develop the skills necessary to analyse, compare, contrast, and report on the performance levels of global corporations.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Discuss the external, financial accounting, reporting, disclosure and enforcement issues faced in an international environment from the perspective of both the report preparers (such as listed company Directors and the Trustees of pension/superannuation funds), and the users of these reports, including individual and institutional investors and the global stock markets investor and describe the environmental and cultural influences on external financial accounting development.
- Use written and oral communication skills to analyse and provide strategies for dealing with a range of international, financial accounting, corporate governance and international taxation issues.
- Use teamwork skills to provide recommendations based on an examination of the differences in international, external, financial accounting policies from the perspective of international, foreign, financial statement analysis.
- Apply the theoretical and technical knowledge of international accounting policies and practices to the analysis of the external financial reports of leading multi-national corporations across different cultures.
- Demonstrate self reflection and team work skills within your final exam.
Content
This unit examines issues related to:
- the framework of international, external, financial accounting, reporting, disclosure and enforcement for global corporations;
- comparative international accounting systems and practices across key cultural groupings;
- the influence of development factors and culture on both PRE and POST-IFRS accounting values, principles and practices and the relevance of these factors to the quality of the annual reports produced by listed companies across nations in 2023 and the impact on the foreign direct investment risk that is then imposed on external investors;
- international financial reporting issues such as international convergence issues in developed and developing countries; international corporate governance models; the comparative international analysis of foreign financial statements; and international taxation and the current issues of profit shifting by international corporations and their use of tax havens to assist this process.
Details of the workshop questions and mandatory readings for this unit will be provided within the Lecture materials on a weekly basis with the workshops commencing in Week Two of classes.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Teaching and learning strategies are designed to encourage you to fulfill the aims and objectives of the unit as discussed above. Weekly workshops are used to provide a basic understanding of the issues. This unit will foster both critical inquiry and intellectual debate. The main focus of AYN424 is on providing you with an understanding of the unique cultural, external, financial accounting and reporting, corporate governance and international taxation issues associated with global business operations. In addition, you are taught the relevant analytical skills to assist you in understanding and identifying the motivations of the key national and international organisations that are involved in the process of creating a global set of international financial reporting standards. As you progress through the subject, you will also develop the skills necessary to analyse, compare and contrast, and report on the performance levels of cross-cultural, global corporations such as Apple, Coca-Cola, Exxon Mobil, China Petrochemicals Corporation, BMW Group, Carrefour, WalMart, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone, Bayer Group and Tesco, and to appreciate the influence of culture on international accounting and business practices through the use of wide range of real-world cases.
Assigned reading material will be distributed on a progressive basis throughout the semester. By analysing and discussing the various problems, you will broaden the scope of your analytical skills which are highly relevant to the growing multinational business environment.
In 2023, to ensure that the content of the subject remains up to date with real world issues within the international business environment, the lectures and workshops were supported with the inclusion of International Business case studies and the introduction of new material on current issues related to major corporate governance issues arising in nations such as Germany, Belgium Japan and China. This teaching and learning support significantly contributed to very successful outcomes for students and will be continued in 2023.
In 2023, to assist students work with their peers/group members within their presentation groups and the groups for the major group project, interactive, in-class support was also provided in weeks 2, 3 and 4. This support process was very highly valued by students and will be continued in 2023
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which will include formal and direct feedback via: detailed workshop solutions; weekly comments on submitted workshop work and presentations; detailed comments on your major project's submission; detailed criteria sheets for all assessment tasks; a practice exam and solutions; and informal feedback via weekly consultations and prompt discussion board responses.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning objectives for this Unit. It 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).
You 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: Presentation (Oral in Groups)
Students will work together in small groups to present their answers to two questions in a designated workshop between Weeks 4 and 12. The presentations will be marked out of 20% by your workshop leader
Non-presenting students each week will be able to participate in all presentations and engage with the presenters. Additional formative feedback to assist with understanding and mastery of lecture material can also be obtained via weekly written answers to workshop questions, submitted via email.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Assessment: Major Group Project
This project will be based on a range of International Business Cases and support materials which will explore issues related to: international globalisation and corporate strategy; the relationship between cultural and environmental considerations and national management and financial reporting practices; the impact of this management and accounting diversity on corporate earnings, assets and important ratios and the progress of the Global Convergence Project for International Financial Reporting Standards.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), TS (4.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
The final exam will cover Weeks One to Twelve of the Semester and will consist of practical, theory, self-reflection and case study questions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), TS (4.1, 4.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Doupnik, T., Finn, M, Gotti, G.and H. Perera (2020), International Accounting, 5th ed., Boston, McGraw-Hill
Reference book(s)
The following are useful references, including textbooks, journals and websites. Additional references can also be found at the unit's Canvas site: http://Canvas.qut.edu.au
-
Conway, E. and D. Byrne, (eds.) (2018). Contemporary Issues in Accounting The Current Developments in Accounting Beyond the Numbers, Springer International, https://link-springer-com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/book/10.1007%2F978-3-319-91113-7
- Nobes, C. and Parker, R. (2016), Comparative International Accounting (13th ed.).Essex, England, Prentice Hall
- International Accounting: Pearson New International Edition (7e) (2013) - Frederick D. Choi and Gary K. Meek
Other
Current, international articles will be made available each week on the unit's Canvas site and a number of current, international business cases.
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.
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Online
| Unit code: | AYN424 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
Overview
As business and financial markets have become increasingly globalised, the significance of the differences in international accounting policies and disclosure and reporting practices, has become more important, especially from the perspective of managers, financial analysts and other users of financial statements. This unit is designed to provide students with an insight into, and an appreciation of, many of the financial accounting reporting, disclosure and enforcement issues faced by global corporations in an international business environment. This unit provides you with an understanding of the unique financial accounting and reporting, taxation and corporate governance issues associated with global business operations including issues related to the political lobbying activities of both accounting standards and standard-setters. It will assist you to develop the skills necessary to analyse, compare, contrast, and report on the performance levels of global corporations.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Discuss the external, financial accounting, reporting, disclosure and enforcement issues faced in an international environment from the perspective of both the report preparers (such as listed company Directors and the Trustees of pension/superannuation funds), and the users of these reports, including individual and institutional investors and the global stock markets investor and describe the environmental and cultural influences on external financial accounting development.
- Use written and oral communication skills to analyse and provide strategies for dealing with a range of international, financial accounting, corporate governance and international taxation issues.
- Use teamwork skills to provide recommendations based on an examination of the differences in international, external, financial accounting policies from the perspective of international, foreign, financial statement analysis.
- Apply the theoretical and technical knowledge of international accounting policies and practices to the analysis of the external financial reports of leading multi-national corporations across different cultures.
- Demonstrate self reflection and team work skills within your final exam.
Content
This unit examines issues related to:
- the framework of international, external, financial accounting, reporting, disclosure and enforcement for global corporations;
- comparative international accounting systems and practices across key cultural groupings;
- the influence of development factors and culture on both PRE and POST-IFRS accounting values, principles and practices and the relevance of these factors to the quality of the annual reports produced by listed companies across nations in 2023 and the impact on the foreign direct investment risk that is then imposed on external investors;
- international financial reporting issues such as international convergence issues in developed and developing countries; international corporate governance models; the comparative international analysis of foreign financial statements; and international taxation and the current issues of profit shifting by international corporations and their use of tax havens to assist this process.
Details of the workshop questions and mandatory readings for this unit will be provided within the Lecture materials on a weekly basis with the workshops commencing in Week Two of classes.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Teaching and learning strategies are designed to encourage you to fulfill the aims and objectives of the unit as discussed above. Weekly workshops are used to provide a basic understanding of the issues. This unit will foster both critical inquiry and intellectual debate. The main focus of AYN424 is on providing you with an understanding of the unique cultural, external, financial accounting and reporting, corporate governance and international taxation issues associated with global business operations. In addition, you are taught the relevant analytical skills to assist you in understanding and identifying the motivations of the key national and international organisations that are involved in the process of creating a global set of international financial reporting standards. As you progress through the subject, you will also develop the skills necessary to analyse, compare and contrast, and report on the performance levels of cross-cultural, global corporations such as Apple, Coca-Cola, Exxon Mobil, China Petrochemicals Corporation, BMW Group, Carrefour, WalMart, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone, Bayer Group and Tesco, and to appreciate the influence of culture on international accounting and business practices through the use of wide range of real-world cases.
Assigned reading material will be distributed on a progressive basis throughout the semester. By analysing and discussing the various problems, you will broaden the scope of your analytical skills which are highly relevant to the growing multinational business environment.
In 2023, to ensure that the content of the subject remains up to date with real world issues within the international business environment, the lectures and workshops were supported with the inclusion of International Business case studies and the introduction of new material on current issues related to major corporate governance issues arising in nations such as Germany, Belgium Japan and China. This teaching and learning support significantly contributed to very successful outcomes for students and will be continued in 2023.
In 2023, to assist students work with their peers/group members within their presentation groups and the groups for the major group project, interactive, in-class support was also provided in weeks 2, 3 and 4. This support process was very highly valued by students and will be continued in 2023
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which will include formal and direct feedback via: detailed workshop solutions; weekly comments on submitted workshop work and presentations; detailed comments on your major project's submission; detailed criteria sheets for all assessment tasks; a practice exam and solutions; and informal feedback via weekly consultations and prompt discussion board responses.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning objectives for this Unit. It 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).
You 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: Presentation (Oral in Groups)
Students will work together in small groups to present their answers to two questions in a designated workshop between Weeks 4 and 12. The presentations will be marked out of 20% by your workshop leader
Non-presenting students each week will be able to participate in all presentations and engage with the presenters. Additional formative feedback to assist with understanding and mastery of lecture material can also be obtained via weekly written answers to workshop questions, submitted via email.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Assessment: Major Group Project
This project will be based on a range of International Business Cases and support materials which will explore issues related to: international globalisation and corporate strategy; the relationship between cultural and environmental considerations and national management and financial reporting practices; the impact of this management and accounting diversity on corporate earnings, assets and important ratios and the progress of the Global Convergence Project for International Financial Reporting Standards.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), TS (4.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
The final exam will cover Weeks One to Twelve of the Semester and will consist of practical, theory, self-reflection and case study questions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), TS (4.1, 4.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Doupnik, T., Finn, M, Gotti, G.and H. Perera (2020), International Accounting, 5th ed., Boston, McGraw-Hill
Reference book(s)
The following are useful references, including textbooks, journals and websites. Additional references can also be found at the unit's Canvas site: http://Canvas.qut.edu.au
-
Conway, E. and D. Byrne, (eds.) (2018). Contemporary Issues in Accounting The Current Developments in Accounting Beyond the Numbers, Springer International, https://link-springer-com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/book/10.1007%2F978-3-319-91113-7
- Nobes, C. and Parker, R. (2016), Comparative International Accounting (13th ed.).Essex, England, Prentice Hall
- International Accounting: Pearson New International Edition (7e) (2013) - Frederick D. Choi and Gary K. Meek
Other
Current, international articles will be made available each week on the unit's Canvas site and a number of current, international business cases.
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.
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYN424 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Sue Taylor | sm.taylor@qut.edu.au |
Overview
As business and financial markets have become increasingly globalised, the significance of the differences in international accounting policies and disclosure and reporting practices, has become more important, especially from the perspective of managers, financial analysts and other users of financial statements. This unit is designed to provide students with an insight into, and an appreciation of, many of the financial accounting reporting, disclosure and enforcement issues faced by global corporations in an international business environment. This unit provides you with an understanding of the unique financial accounting and reporting, taxation and corporate governance issues associated with global business operations including issues related to the political lobbying activities of both accounting standards and standard-setters. It will assist you to develop the skills necessary to analyse, compare, contrast, and report on the performance levels of global corporations.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Discuss the external, financial accounting, reporting, disclosure and enforcement issues faced in an international environment from the perspective of both the report preparers (such as listed company Directors and the Trustees of pension/superannuation funds), and the users of these reports, including individual and institutional investors and the global stock markets investor and describe the environmental and cultural influences on external financial accounting development.
- Use written and oral communication skills to analyse and provide strategies for dealing with a range of international, financial accounting, corporate governance and international taxation issues.
- Use teamwork skills to provide recommendations based on an examination of the differences in international, external, financial accounting policies from the perspective of international, foreign, financial statement analysis.
- Apply the theoretical and technical knowledge of international accounting policies and practices to the analysis of the external financial reports of leading multi-national corporations across different cultures.
- Demonstrate self reflection and team work skills within your final exam.
Content
This unit examines issues related to:
- the framework of international, external, financial accounting, reporting, disclosure and enforcement for global corporations;
- comparative international accounting systems and practices across key cultural groupings;
- the influence of development factors and culture on both PRE and POST-IFRS accounting values, principles and practices and the relevance of these factors to the quality of the annual reports produced by listed companies across nations in 2023 and the impact on the foreign direct investment risk that is then imposed on external investors;
- international financial reporting issues such as international convergence issues in developed and developing countries; international corporate governance models; the comparative international analysis of foreign financial statements; and international taxation and the current issues of profit shifting by international corporations and their use of tax havens to assist this process.
Details of the workshop questions and mandatory readings for this unit will be provided within the Lecture materials on a weekly basis with the workshops commencing in Week Two of classes.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Teaching and learning strategies are designed to encourage you to fulfill the aims and objectives of the unit as discussed above. Weekly workshops are used to provide a basic understanding of the issues. This unit will foster both critical inquiry and intellectual debate. The main focus of AYN424 is on providing you with an understanding of the unique cultural, external, financial accounting and reporting, corporate governance and international taxation issues associated with global business operations. In addition, you are taught the relevant analytical skills to assist you in understanding and identifying the motivations of the key national and international organisations that are involved in the process of creating a global set of international financial reporting standards. As you progress through the subject, you will also develop the skills necessary to analyse, compare and contrast, and report on the performance levels of cross-cultural, global corporations such as Apple, Coca-Cola, Exxon Mobil, China Petrochemicals Corporation, BMW Group, Carrefour, WalMart, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone, Bayer Group and Tesco, and to appreciate the influence of culture on international accounting and business practices through the use of wide range of real-world cases.
Assigned reading material will be distributed on a progressive basis throughout the semester. By analysing and discussing the various problems, you will broaden the scope of your analytical skills which are highly relevant to the growing multinational business environment.
In 2023, to ensure that the content of the subject remains up to date with real world issues within the international business environment, the lectures and workshops were supported with the inclusion of International Business case studies and the introduction of new material on current issues related to major corporate governance issues arising in nations such as Germany, Belgium Japan and China. This teaching and learning support significantly contributed to very successful outcomes for students and will be continued in 2023.
In 2023, to assist students work with their peers/group members within their presentation groups and the groups for the major group project, interactive, in-class support was also provided in weeks 2, 3 and 4. This support process was very highly valued by students and will be continued in 2023
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which will include formal and direct feedback via: detailed workshop solutions; weekly comments on submitted workshop work and presentations; detailed comments on your major project's submission; detailed criteria sheets for all assessment tasks; a practice exam and solutions; and informal feedback via weekly consultations and prompt discussion board responses.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning objectives for this Unit. It 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).
You 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: Presentation (Oral in Groups)
Students will work together in small groups to present their answers to two questions in a designated workshop between Weeks 4 and 12. The presentations will be marked out of 20% by your workshop leader
Non-presenting students each week will be able to participate in all presentations and engage with the presenters. Additional formative feedback to assist with understanding and mastery of lecture material can also be obtained via weekly written answers to workshop questions, submitted via email.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Assessment: Major Group Project
This project will be based on a range of International Business Cases and support materials which will explore issues related to: international globalisation and corporate strategy; the relationship between cultural and environmental considerations and national management and financial reporting practices; the impact of this management and accounting diversity on corporate earnings, assets and important ratios and the progress of the Global Convergence Project for International Financial Reporting Standards.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), TS (4.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
The final exam will cover Weeks One to Twelve of the Semester and will consist of practical, theory, self-reflection and case study questions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), TS (4.1, 4.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Doupnik, T., Finn, M, Gotti, G.and H. Perera (2020), International Accounting, 5th ed., Boston, McGraw-Hill
Reference book(s)
The following are useful references, including textbooks, journals and websites. Additional references can also be found at the unit's Canvas site: http://Canvas.qut.edu.au
-
Conway, E. and D. Byrne, (eds.) (2018). Contemporary Issues in Accounting The Current Developments in Accounting Beyond the Numbers, Springer International, https://link-springer-com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/book/10.1007%2F978-3-319-91113-7
- Nobes, C. and Parker, R. (2016), Comparative International Accounting (13th ed.).Essex, England, Prentice Hall
- International Accounting: Pearson New International Edition (7e) (2013) - Frederick D. Choi and Gary K. Meek
Other
Current, international articles will be made available each week on the unit's Canvas site and a number of current, international business cases.
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.
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Online
| Unit code: | AYN424 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
Overview
As business and financial markets have become increasingly globalised, the significance of the differences in international accounting policies and disclosure and reporting practices, has become more important, especially from the perspective of managers, financial analysts and other users of financial statements. This unit is designed to provide students with an insight into, and an appreciation of, many of the financial accounting reporting, disclosure and enforcement issues faced by global corporations in an international business environment. This unit provides you with an understanding of the unique financial accounting and reporting, taxation and corporate governance issues associated with global business operations including issues related to the political lobbying activities of both accounting standards and standard-setters. It will assist you to develop the skills necessary to analyse, compare, contrast, and report on the performance levels of global corporations.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Discuss the external, financial accounting, reporting, disclosure and enforcement issues faced in an international environment from the perspective of both the report preparers (such as listed company Directors and the Trustees of pension/superannuation funds), and the users of these reports, including individual and institutional investors and the global stock markets investor and describe the environmental and cultural influences on external financial accounting development.
- Use written and oral communication skills to analyse and provide strategies for dealing with a range of international, financial accounting, corporate governance and international taxation issues.
- Use teamwork skills to provide recommendations based on an examination of the differences in international, external, financial accounting policies from the perspective of international, foreign, financial statement analysis.
- Apply the theoretical and technical knowledge of international accounting policies and practices to the analysis of the external financial reports of leading multi-national corporations across different cultures.
- Demonstrate self reflection and team work skills within your final exam.
Content
This unit examines issues related to:
- the framework of international, external, financial accounting, reporting, disclosure and enforcement for global corporations;
- comparative international accounting systems and practices across key cultural groupings;
- the influence of development factors and culture on both PRE and POST-IFRS accounting values, principles and practices and the relevance of these factors to the quality of the annual reports produced by listed companies across nations in 2023 and the impact on the foreign direct investment risk that is then imposed on external investors;
- international financial reporting issues such as international convergence issues in developed and developing countries; international corporate governance models; the comparative international analysis of foreign financial statements; and international taxation and the current issues of profit shifting by international corporations and their use of tax havens to assist this process.
Details of the workshop questions and mandatory readings for this unit will be provided within the Lecture materials on a weekly basis with the workshops commencing in Week Two of classes.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Teaching and learning strategies are designed to encourage you to fulfill the aims and objectives of the unit as discussed above. Weekly workshops are used to provide a basic understanding of the issues. This unit will foster both critical inquiry and intellectual debate. The main focus of AYN424 is on providing you with an understanding of the unique cultural, external, financial accounting and reporting, corporate governance and international taxation issues associated with global business operations. In addition, you are taught the relevant analytical skills to assist you in understanding and identifying the motivations of the key national and international organisations that are involved in the process of creating a global set of international financial reporting standards. As you progress through the subject, you will also develop the skills necessary to analyse, compare and contrast, and report on the performance levels of cross-cultural, global corporations such as Apple, Coca-Cola, Exxon Mobil, China Petrochemicals Corporation, BMW Group, Carrefour, WalMart, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone, Bayer Group and Tesco, and to appreciate the influence of culture on international accounting and business practices through the use of wide range of real-world cases.
Assigned reading material will be distributed on a progressive basis throughout the semester. By analysing and discussing the various problems, you will broaden the scope of your analytical skills which are highly relevant to the growing multinational business environment.
In 2023, to ensure that the content of the subject remains up to date with real world issues within the international business environment, the lectures and workshops were supported with the inclusion of International Business case studies and the introduction of new material on current issues related to major corporate governance issues arising in nations such as Germany, Belgium Japan and China. This teaching and learning support significantly contributed to very successful outcomes for students and will be continued in 2023.
In 2023, to assist students work with their peers/group members within their presentation groups and the groups for the major group project, interactive, in-class support was also provided in weeks 2, 3 and 4. This support process was very highly valued by students and will be continued in 2023
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which will include formal and direct feedback via: detailed workshop solutions; weekly comments on submitted workshop work and presentations; detailed comments on your major project's submission; detailed criteria sheets for all assessment tasks; a practice exam and solutions; and informal feedback via weekly consultations and prompt discussion board responses.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning objectives for this Unit. It 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).
You 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: Presentation (Oral in Groups)
Students will work together in small groups to present their answers to two questions in a designated workshop between Weeks 4 and 12. The presentations will be marked out of 20% by your workshop leader
Non-presenting students each week will be able to participate in all presentations and engage with the presenters. Additional formative feedback to assist with understanding and mastery of lecture material can also be obtained via weekly written answers to workshop questions, submitted via email.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Assessment: Major Group Project
This project will be based on a range of International Business Cases and support materials which will explore issues related to: international globalisation and corporate strategy; the relationship between cultural and environmental considerations and national management and financial reporting practices; the impact of this management and accounting diversity on corporate earnings, assets and important ratios and the progress of the Global Convergence Project for International Financial Reporting Standards.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), TS (4.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
The final exam will cover Weeks One to Twelve of the Semester and will consist of practical, theory, self-reflection and case study questions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), TS (4.1, 4.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Doupnik, T., Finn, M, Gotti, G.and H. Perera (2020), International Accounting, 5th ed., Boston, McGraw-Hill
Reference book(s)
The following are useful references, including textbooks, journals and websites. Additional references can also be found at the unit's Canvas site: http://Canvas.qut.edu.au
-
Conway, E. and D. Byrne, (eds.) (2018). Contemporary Issues in Accounting The Current Developments in Accounting Beyond the Numbers, Springer International, https://link-springer-com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/book/10.1007%2F978-3-319-91113-7
- Nobes, C. and Parker, R. (2016), Comparative International Accounting (13th ed.).Essex, England, Prentice Hall
- International Accounting: Pearson New International Edition (7e) (2013) - Frederick D. Choi and Gary K. Meek
Other
Current, international articles will be made available each week on the unit's Canvas site and a number of current, international business cases.
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.