Bachelor of Science Accountancy and Controlling & Master of Science Accountancy University of the Netherlands Antilles

Transcription

1 Bachelor of Science Accountancy and Controlling & Master of Science Accountancy University of the Netherlands Antilles 15 June 2012 Initial accreditation Panel report

2 Table of contents 1 Executive summary 3 2 Introduction The procedure Panel report 10 3 Description of the Programmes Overview Profile of the institution Profile of the Programme 15 4 Assessment per theme and per standard Aims and objectives Curriculum Staff Services Internal quality assurance system Conditions for continuity 47 5 Overview of the assessments Conclusions on the NVAO Standards Conclusions on the CEA requirements 51 Annex 1: Composition of the panel 53 Annex 2: Schedule of the site visit 54 Annex 3: Documents reviewed 59 Annex 5 Letter on the partnership by the Faculty of Economics and Business (RUG) 62 page 2

3 1 Executive summary The Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) received a request to establish that the proposed Bachelor of Science Accountancy and Controlling and the Master of Accountancy at University of the Netherlands Antilles comply with the NVAO standards for new programmes. This application is based on an agreement between the former minister of the Netherlands Antilles and the Dutch minister to ask the NVAO to bring out an advise on the quality of programmes in higher education provided by institutes located on the Antilles (letter 8 juli 2005 reference: HO/BS/05/30171). These institutions are outside the jurisdiction of the NVAO, this application therefore can only lead to an advise of the NVAO and not to a formal accreditation decision according to Dutch law. NVAO convened an expert panel, which studied the information available and discussed the proposed programme with representatives of the institution and the programme during a site visit. The following considerations have played an important role in the panel s assessment. Learning objectives of both bachelor and master are to a large extend framed by the purpose to prepare for two civil regulated postgraduate academic programs: the post-initial Controlling programme (Register Controller) and the post-initial Accountancy programme (Register Accountant), The programme also has the ambition to provide a preparation for enrolment in US regulated Accountancy Programmes: CMA (Certified management Accountant) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant). This will require additional preparation. The end qualifications of both the Master of Science programme and the Bachelor of Science programme are justified by several benchmark procedures and by comparing the qualifications of the graduate with several relevant international standards. This proves that the end qualifications are in line with the expectations of the professional field and in line with comparable established and generally recognized Programmes. The end qualifications of the BSc A&C and MSc have a clear link with the professional practice as they comply with the qualifications set by the CEA (Commissie Eindtermen Accountantopleiding) and the qualifications of the Vereniging van Register Controllers (VRC) for entering into post initial post graduate programs to become RA and RC respectively.. The end qualifications are definitely formulated at respectively bachelor level and master level. In the case of the master programme this is corroborated by the fact that the programme is a copy of the accredited programme in Groningen. The panel considers the end qualifications to be well defined. The programmes present a strong justification of the respective end qualifications. Both in meeting the requirements of the field and in setting the academic level. Additionally the end qualifications are well formulated and provide clear direction for lecturers and students. page 3

4 The panel studied the course outlines and the complementary study materials of both programmes and this confirmed that in general the subject of the course, its assignments and literature used are definitely up to the respective bachelor and master standard. In various courses students acquire knowledge resulting from scientific research by studying articles published in scientific journals when preparing for assignments. Students are stimulated to critically reflect on themes in the courses. The panel established that the literature used during the programmes is issued by wellknown publishers in the academic world. The literature list is in accordance with what the panel would expect from a bachelor programme in accountancy and controlling respectively from a master programme in accountancy. The Bachelor of Science contains a research line, providing students with various moments to develop their research skills. In the Master of Science programme the main subjects related to the development of research skills are: Advanced Research Methods; Strategy and Organization in Practice and the Master thesis. Internationalisation is supported by: English as language of instruction; an international student body; participation in international student exchange programs; international exchange between professors and partners with international institutions and participation of staff members in international conferences and seminars. The end qualifications of both programmes have been adequately translated into learning goals in the various programme courses. The panel also tested for the agreement of the programmes with the requirements of CEA. These requirements explicitly define the coverage of (and study time spend on) subject areas. The panel specifically analyzed the programme for these requirements and found that three subjects are not covered sufficiently in the Programme. These are: Law ; Taxation law and; Management Accounting. The management of the programme and the panel agree on this deficit. The programme directors analysed the curricula during the site visit and confirmed that adjustments have to be made. The programme directors clearly showed the willingness to correct for this lack. The complete set of requirements of CEA for the theoretical curriculum of Register accountants also contains a post initial programme for which the MSc degree is a prerequisite. The same goes for the theoretical curriculum for Registercontrollers. This third stage of the curriculum, to be followed after the Bachelor and Master phase, has not been investigated by the pane and is currently not taught at UNA. The panel assesses the Correspondence between the aims and objectives and the curriculum due to the omissions in the programme mentioned above as unsatisfactory, however this is repairable in short time. The vertical consistency of the bachelor programme is achieved by acquiring more in depth knowledge and skills. Courses build on previous acquired knowledge and skills. Next to that the students should gradually be able to operate more independently. page 4

5 In addition the BSc A&C consists of several vertical pillars and lines that run through the Programme. Horizontal consistency is provided by integration modules and by a clear subject of the courses The structure and content of the Master of Science programme is influenced by the requirements that are formulated by CEA. These requirements define the subjects educated and provide for the consistency of the Programme. Both programmes are demanding, the workload is appropriately distributed over the study years. The panel considers that the admission requirements meet the standard. Students are properly informed about the content of the programme and the job prospective. There are no obvious obstacles for students that enrol in the programme to meet its demands. Possible deficiencies are actively identified by the programme leadership and sufficient possibilities to remedy these are in place. The development process of acquiring sufficient academic qualifications by the staff members and initiation of research are crucial for the delivery of both scientific programmes assessed. Additionally the panel observes that the full-time staff is lacking expertise on certain main subjects of accounting and controlling. There are also no research activities in the fields of auditing, financial accounting and management accounting, apart from a few staff members preparing a dissertation. This lack is now filled in by guest lectures and international lectures. The current academic qualifications of the full-time staff and the research environment fall short to bear responsibility for a scientific master Programme. Given this the international guest professors are made responsible for the quality of the Programme. The master programme Accountancy is delivered under supervision of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. The FEB confirmed to be able to carry the responsibility for the academic level of the master programme during the partnership period. There are six measures through which the FEB can execute this responsibility: The UNA master programme is a copy of the accredited master programme as delivered at the RUG. This includes the material made available through the electronic learning environment; The core of the six mandatory subject fields are delivered by Dutch professors during the intensive weeks of the course Local lectures are instructed by the Dutch professors All exams are developed by FEB FEB lecturers check corrections of the exams by sample FEB lecturers will be the first thesis supervisors. A programme to enhance the scientific standing of the UNA staff, by providing facilities for research (including the preparation of dissertations) for specific staff members, by hiring more well academically qualified staff and by enhancing research seminars is a prerequisite for the Bachelor and especially Master programme be viable in the long run since FEB has indicated that the responsibility for the scientific quality of the programme should be taken over by UNA in the medium term future. page 5

6 In the case of the Master of Science programme this development model has to guarantee the scientific level and has to compensate for the lack of appropriate academic qualifications of the full-time staff (the number of PhD holders and professors is too low according to Dutch standards). In the case of the Bachelor of Science programme the panel considers the full-time staff, local guest lecturers and international guest lecturers in totality sufficiently qualified to deliver the programme at an appropriate level. Available staff is rather minimal. If the vacancies are fulfilled this will improve slightly. The number of guest lecturers also compensates to some extent for this. Although the panel can not overlook the limited resources available, which by definition touch on the quality of the staff, it considers that these resources are well managed. There is a professional policy developed on several aspects of the quality of the staff. The panel found no indications that teaching is hampered by the educational or organisational quality of the staff. Next to that the staff brings in relevant and sufficient linkage with the professional field. UNA invested in the recent years in the implementation of a quality assurance policy that meets the accreditation standards. Several panels and committees in the recent period have confirmed that the Quality Assurance Policy of UNA meets these standards. For this panel the professional presentation of all documentation related to this application; the disposal of evaluation results, prove of active discussion of the evaluation results and the formulation of relevant improvements are the most important demonstration of a systematic approach. The panel judges the conditions for continuity to be positive under the condition that the partnership with the RUG and the academic environment develop according to the intentions in the mutual agreement between the RUG and UNA. The panel judges UNA to meet the standards for a Bachelor of Science Programme. The number of PhD holders among the full-time staff however should grow to improve the possibility to bear responsibility for the level and scientific orientation of the programme autonomously. The staff including guest lectures and international lecturers complies with the standards for an bachelor programme in its current situation. This arrangement however lacks academic leadership and a guaranteed connection with (local) research. The panel considers that the arrangement with FEB is indispensible to meet the standards of the NVAO in the case of the Master of Science Programme. It supports the aims and goals formulated in the agreement between FEB and UNA and believes that the time span for achievement is realistic. Execution of this arrangement is conditional for a positive advise of the panel on the master Programme. At this moment the panel considers that there are sufficient conditions for continuity of the partnership. If however conditions change and the collaboration ends, the UNA loses the eligibility to deliver a master Programme. Might that situation occur, the positive advise of the NVAO should be withdrawn. Given these considerations, the panel recommends NVAO to advise positively under the conditions mentioned above and for the period that these conditions are fulfilled for both the Bachelor of Science Accountancy and Controlling and the Master of Science in Accountancy at University of the Netherlands Antilles. page 6

7 The Hague, 15 June 2012 On behalf of the Initial Accreditation panel convened to assess Bachelor of Science Accountancy and Controlling and the Master of Science in Accountancy at University of the Netherlands Antilles, Prof. dr. J Klaassen (chair) Drs. F.J.M. Wamelink (secretary) page 7

8 2 Introduction 2.1 The procedure The Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) received a request to establish that the proposed Bachelor of Science Accountancy and Controlling and the Master of Accountancy at University of the Netherlands Antilles comply with the NVAO standards for new Programmes. This application is based on an agreement between the former minister of the Netherlands Antilles and the Dutch minister to ask the NVAO to bring out an advise on the quality of programmes in higher education provided by institutes located on the Antilles. These institutions are outside the jurisdiction of the NVAO, this application therefore can only lead to an advise of the NVAO and not to a formal accreditation decision according to Dutch law. To a certain extent assessment of new programmes demand a different approach to the assessment of existing Programmes. Initial accreditation is in fact an ex ante assessment of a programme the design of the new programme and conditions to deliver the programme as planned. NVAO convened an international panel of experts. The panel consisted of: Prof. dr. J. Klaassen, emeritus professor Business Economy VU, previously partner of KPMG and ex chair of the Examenbureau Registeraccountants, the predecessor of CEA (also representative of CEA). Prof. dr. Arco van de Ven is Professor Accounting Information Systems at TiasNimbas, the business school of Tilburg University and Eindhoven University of Technology. He is also professor Controlling at the Open University of the Netherlands. Drs. Lindomar Scoop RA, Chairman KPMG in the Dutch Caribbean & Suriname R.P. (Ruud) Verbij (student member), student Technische Informatica, Universiteit Twente. On behalf of the NVAO, F.J.M. Wamelink was responsible for the process-coordination and the drafting of the expert s report. This composition reflects the expertise deemed necessary by NVAO. (Annex 1: Composition of the panel) All the panel members signed a statement of independence and confidentiality. The panel has based its assessment on the standards and criteria described in the NVAO Initial Accreditation Framework (14 February 2003). It is the ambition of the bachelor and master programme to be an appropriate preparation for the post-initial curriculum in Accountancy, which is a prerequisite for awarding the RA title. Therefore this study trajectory as a whole has to comply with the requirements of CEA (Commissie Eindtermen Accountantopleiding). The panel also reports on the correspondence of the programmes with this framework of qualifications. page 8

9 The following procedure was undertaken. The panel studied the programme documents. (Annex 3: Documents reviewed) regarding the proposed Programme. Their first impressions were sent to the secretary of NVAO, in order to outline these remarks within the accreditation framework and detect the items to be clarified during the site visit. Based on their first findings, the panel organised a preparatory meeting the day before the site visit. The site visit took place on 25th and 26st of January 2012 at University of the Netherlands Antilles (Annex 2: Schedule of the site visit). The panel formulated its preliminary assessments per theme and standard immediately after the site visit. These are based on the findings of the site visit, and building on the assessment of the programme documents. The partnership with the Faculty of Economics and Business, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (FEB) proved to be essential to meet the standards of the NVAO. Both to provide sufficiently academically qualified lecturers being able to connect their teachings with research and as a guarantee to sustain teaching at master level in the case of the master Programme. This partnership was laid down in a basic agreement. The FEB conducted an evaluation of the prospects of this partnership in January of 2011 (before the visit of the panel). This evaluation both showed commitment and clear goals of the collaboration but also presented concerns about the progress and the existing preconditions. The panel considered it indispensable to be informed about the commitment of FEB to this partnership, the assurances for continuity and the clear setting of the goals and the preconditions to achieve independence of UNA eventually. The panel arranged a meeting with the FEB in the presence of representatives of UNA on the 1st of March at the FEB. Present were: Faculty of Economics and Business, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Prof. dr J.H. Garretsen, Dean of the FEB Prof. dr. F. Rutten, Associate Dean for International Affairs Prof. dr. J. van der Meer Kooistra, coordinator of the partnership with UNA University of the Netherland Antilles R. Sophia CPA, Programme Director Master of Science in Accountancy (acting Dean FdSEW) Drs. S. Isabella, Policy Advisor UNA NVAO Panel Prof. dr. J. Klaassen, chair Prof. dr. Arco van de Ven, member Frank Wamelink, secretary During this meeting the panel discussed the partnership its goals and mutual commitment to achieve these goals of both FEB and UNA. The panel was convinced that the FEB is committed to support the UNA in the development of the master program, having beneficial effects on the quality of the bachelor Programme. This partnership has the clear goal to help UNA to develop towards independence, enabling UNA to meet the requirements for a master programme autonomously. FEB and UNA have a realistic perception of the time span that it will take to achieve these goals. FEB is committed to contribute during this period under the condition that interim evaluations show that concrete steps towards page 9

10 achievement are realized. These arrangements and the clear formulation of interim goals have been put on paper by FEB and UNA. The panel received a letter stating the mutual commitment on the 30th of March. This letter is attached to this report as appendix 5. The panel considers that this arrangement with FEB is indispensible to meet the standards of the NVAO. It supports the aims and goals and believes that the time span for achievement is realistic. Execution of this arrangement is conditional for a positive advise of the panel on the master Programme. At this moment the panel considers that there are sufficient conditions for continuity of the partnership. If however conditions change and the collaboration ends, the UNA loses the eligibility to deliver a master Programme. Might that situation occur, the positive advise of the NVAO should be withdrawn. On the 15th of June, the draft version of this report was finalised taking into account the available information and relevant findings of the assessment. The draft report was send to the UNA for the correction on factual errors on the 20th of July. NVAO received comments on the 12th of September Where necessary the panel corrected and amended the report. 2.2 Panel report The first chapter of this report is the executive summary of the report, while the current chapter is the introduction. The third chapter gives a description of the programme including its position within the University of the Netherlands Antilles and within the higher education system of the Netherlands. The panel presents its assessments in the fourth chapter. The programme is assessed by assessing the themes and standards in the Initial Accreditation Framework. For each standard the panel presents an outline of its findings, considerations and a conclusion. The outline of the findings are the objective facts as found by the panel in the programme documents, in the additional documents and during the site visit. The panel s considerations are the panel s subjective evaluations regarding these findings and the importance of each. The considerations presented by the panel logically lead to a concluding assessment. The panel concludes the report with a table containing an overview of its assessments per theme and per standard. page 10

11 3 Description of the Programmes 3.1 Overview Country Curaçao Institution University of the Netherlands Antilles Bachelor Master Program Accountancy & Controlling Accountancy (A&C) Level Bachelor Master Orientation Academic (wo) Academic (wo) Degree Bachelor of Science Master of Science Location(s) Curaçao Curaçao Mode of study Full-time Full-time Field of study Economics Economics 3.2 Profile of the institution The University of the Netherlands Antilles (UNA) is a national university of the island Curaçao, which was founded in As stated in its legal regulations the UNA is an institute for higher education, offering both academic and professional educational programmes at bachelor or master level (Landsverordening Universiteit Nederlandse Antillen, LUNA). Since its establishment as an Antillean institute for higher education, the LUNA indicates that the UNA should perform the following tasks: 1. Provision of higher education: a. To prepare students for the higher social functions that demand high educational background; b. To promote further and profound insight into the consistency of the different scientific disciplines and the notion of social responsibility; 2. Practice of science and scientific research for the higher education and the social development; 3. Offer independently or in association with third parties additional training for those who want advanced qualifications. In 2000, a restructuring process started at UNA to renew the educational as well as the organisational aspects of the university. The main objectives were to improve the quality of the educational programmes and to achieve a better educational output. Consequently the UNA formulated a new vision and mission. The Mission is: "To contribute to the social, economic and intellectual development of the Caribbean society through higher education, research and community service. We consider societal involvement and quality as key values. Our graduates have the potential to become future leaders of the Caribbean. The Vision is: To become a leading institute for higher education and research in the Dutch Caribbean by 2010, and to serve as an example for education and research institutes in the entire Caribbean. We aim to be recognized as the organization most known for improving page 11

12 the social and economic situation of the Dutch Caribbean. Student numbers at our university are expected to exceed 2000 in We focus on strong involvement in developments that affect the entire community, and strong relationships with public and private organizations. All our programmes are accredited. As a national university the UNA is considered to play an important role in identifying, alerting and solving problems within the community, as also stated in the LUNA. The UNA operates in agreement with its legal framework and the local developments and demands by proactively anticipating on social developments. Extending the variety of its educational programmes and starting new faculties are some of the ways the UNA responds to local social-economic developments and international trends. The LUNA further indicates that UNA should promote efficient cooperation with other research and scientific centers, locally and internationally. This is done with research centers related to universities in the Netherlands and in the USA. To elaborate on the general regulations stated in the LUNA, each faculty has its own Landsbesluit Houdende Algemene Maatregel. In this regulation the specific rules and regulations at the faculty level are described. Management and organisation UNA is a public institution, which is 60% funded by the government of Curaçao. Remaining sources of income are e.g. tuition fees, research grants, campus fees, contributions and revenues from activities, such as congress facilities, rentals, and seminars. Since 2006 UNA has implemented its internal management and administration regulations, regulating the governance, management and organisation of the university. In this BBR the tasks, responsibilities, roles and activities of the university s various sections are specified. The Rector Magnificus has the ultimate responsibility for the management of the university and reports to the Board of Trustees. He/she is appointed for a period of four years; reappointment is possible. The Rector Magnificus is supported by a team of staff members. To facilitate and support the education and research activities, UNA has a Department of General Affairs, managed by the general manager and a team consisting of the managers of the Computer Center, the Library & Research Services, Campus & Mensa and the Facility Services. The UNA consists of five faculties, which offer a total of 21 educational programs: Faculty of Law (FdR) Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics (FdSEW) Faculty of Engineering (FdTW) Faculty of Arts (AF) Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences (FMG). The Dean of each faculty is responsible for the further development and implementation of the general policy of the faculty and the use of the assigned resources. He reports to the Rector. During the last decade UNA has gone through an explosive growth of its student population. From a total number of about 600 students in year 2000, the number of students has increased to more than 2,000 in Currently the number of students has become steady around page 12

13 Local context, regionalization and internationalization The socio-cultural, financial, economic and geographical context in which UNA operates has an impact on its performance. This local context certainly differs from the context of similar foreign institutions. Some important characteristics of the context of the UNA are: a small island in a developmental stage; Caribbean and Curaçao culture; a national university with specific developmental roles for the local community; a social context with specific needs based on a small scale and historical and cultural developments; limited financial resources and limited possibilities of raising additional funds; strong competition with institutions of higher education in the Netherlands as they are highly valued by the local population; diverse educational background of the student population. The focus in this context requires additional quality incentives and extra effort to achieve and maintain this quality level. Therefore, UNA pays a lot of attention to continuous quality improvement within all sections of the university and is aiming to attain an internationally recognized quality mark for all its educational Programmes. As a small national university UNA is well aware of the need to have strategic alliances with foreign institutes. These structural partnerships encourage exchanges of students and teachers and contribute to the quality of teaching and research. In particular, the use of foreign professors in the academic programmes ensures that the research component of these programmes is well conceived and also integrated into the courses. During the last decade UNA has put more emphasis on its relationships with regional universities, such as the University of St. Martin (USM), the University of Aruba, the University of the West Indies and some universities in the United States of America, as these universities show historical, geographical and cultural similarities with UNA. With most of these universities a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed. Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics In 1983 the Faculty for Social Sciences and Economics (FdSEW) started offering bachelor programmes in Business Administration and Accounting as an answer to the identified local needs. During the past 30 years, the Faculty has offered a wide range of financial and economic programmes to benefit the financial sectors within the Curaçao community. Currently the FdSEW is offering degrees at the bachelor s and master s levels, linked to professional and academic educational Programmes. Of the registered students in % enrolled at the FdSEW. This makes FdSEW the largest faculty of the UNA with about 1,000 students, divided among the following educational programs: Professional bachelor in Fiscal Law & Economics: full-time and part time programme; Professional bachelor in Business Administration ; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration ; Bachelor of Science in Accounting ; Master of Science in Accountancy, in strong cooperation with RUG; page 13

14 Executive Master in Financial Management, in close cooperation with the Rotterdam School of Management of the Erasmus University. On a regular basis, international professors travel to Curaçao to give some courses in the Master s Programmes. These professors are mostly related to the partner universities. Current number of students Science Programmes FdSEW Number of students Bachelor of Science in Business Administration 54 Bachelor of Science in Accounting 250 Master of Science in Accounting 85 Source: Progress, 31 October 2011 page 14

15 3.3 Profile of the Programme Bachelor of Science Accountancy and Controlling The Bachelor of Science programme in Accountancy and Controlling is a 3 year full-time Programme. The panel is asked to assess the newly developed bachelor programme in Accounting and Controlling. The new programme is not yet started (at the moment of the site visit). The FdSEW has transferred the strong characteristics of this current programme into the new BSc program, such as Financial Accounting courses, based on the Dutch approach as well on the American Approach (e.g. Intermediate and Advanced Financial Accounting 1 is U.S. based, and Advanced Financial Accounting 2 is Dutch based); Financial Accounting including a project Financial Statement Analysis; Management Accounting courses; the Accounting Information System courses; and the internship. Implementation of the new BSc A&C brings the following advantages: The number of contact hours was very high in the old Programme. In the new programme the contact hours will be around 18 hours per week. Fewer contact hours will provide more opportunity for self-study to prepare for exams. It is expected that this will improve graduation rates; No more overlap in content between subjects; The new programme of BSc A&C has a better consistency and feasibility; The new BSc A&C focuses more on research skills and problem-based education. BSc-graduates will not have to pass through a pre-master programme anymore. The programme consists completely of mandatory courses. Only the Internship and the Thesis offer room for choosing an individual subject. page 15

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18 Master of Science in Accountancy The MSc programme in Accountancy of UNA is almost identical to the MSc programme in Accountancy of Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG). The focus of the programme is on teaching students to exercise due diligence and judgement in auditing the accounting records in order to determine the integrity and reliability of the financial information retrieved for managing the company s business and the accountability that should be given to external stakeholders on the financial position and other aspects of the state of affairs of the company.. The MSc-programme in Accountancy lasts 1,5 years, divided over three semesters. Development and application of in-depth knowledge, training in academic skills and in the required professional attitude are integral parts of this Programme. Table 1 gives an overview of the structure of the curriculum of the MSc Programme. It provides, amongst others, information on the amount of ects per course and the amount of contact hours between the teaching staff and the students. Furthermore, it is worth noticing that the MSc programme does not have electives. All courses are mandatory. Table 1: structure MSc Programme page 18

19 4 Assessment per theme and per standard This chapter presents the evaluation by the assessment panel of the six themes and nineteen standards. The panel has reproduced the criteria for each standard. For each standard the panel presents (1) a brief outline of its findings based on the programme documents and on documents provided by the institution and the site visit, (2) the considerations the panel has taken into account and (3) the conclusion of the panel. The panel presents a conclusion for each of the six themes based on the underlying standards. 4.1 Aims and objectives Subject-/Discipline-specific requirements (standard 1.1) The intended learning outcomes of the programme correspond with the requirements set by professional colleagues, both nationally and internationally and the relevant subject/discipline and/or professional practice concerned. Learning objectives of the Bachelor of Science programme are to a large extend framed by the purpose to prepare for the Master of Science programmes in Accountancy and Controlling which will qualify for two civil regulated postgraduate academic programs: the post-initial Controlling programme (Register Controller) and the post-initial Accountancy programme (Register Accountant). It is the ambition of the programme to prepare also for the US regulated Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) programmes. This will require additional preparation. Both the Dutch and the American requirements for a fully qualified accountant at RA, RC, CMA or CPA level shape the fundaments that have to be laid for this study trajectory in the bachelor Programme. The bachelor programme has the intention to provide a proper preparation to continue education at master level eventually leading to the titles mentioned. The objectives of the Master of Science programme in Accountancy are shaped by the ambition to prepare the students for the postgraduate studies in Accountancy. The students can be trained to assume top positions in the Accountancy professions, namely as a Register Accountant (RA)/Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The MSc-programme focuses on the accounting information supplied to the external stakeholders of organisations, which information is subject to international and national rules and regulations. More specifically, the objective of the MSc-programme is to provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in the fields of auditing, internal control, corporate governance and financial accounting. Both the bachelor and the master programme make a distinction between content related end qualifications, academic end qualifications, social communicative end qualifications and study and professional skills. The content related qualification describe the fields of knowledge to be mastered by the graduate and the level at which the graduate should master these fields of knowledge. page 19

20 The bachelor programme makes a distinction into three sub domains: business administration, accountancy and controlling and a supportive domain of mathematic, statistic and ICT knowledge. These sub domains are the pillars of the Programme. Content related qualifications of the master programme define that the MSc-graduate has profound specialized knowledge of and insight into the field of accountancy and is able to apply this knowledge and insight to new or unknown circumstances and can also provide an original contribution to renewing such knowledge in a professional environment. The academic end qualifications formulate several aspects of academic scholarship at a preparatory bachelor level in the bachelor programme and more advanced in the master Programme. Next to that the Social and communicative end qualification define the skills needed to contribute individually and in a team to a good (financial) functioning of organisations. Finally both the bachelor and master graduates should have the skills to learn and to function as a professional at their level. The end qualifications of both the Master of Science programme and the Bachelor of Science programme are justified by several benchmark procedures and by comparing the qualifications of the graduate with several relevant international standards. This proves that the end qualifications are in line with the expectations of the professional field and in line with comparable established and generally recognized Programmes. Comparison of the qualifications with the Dublin descriptors corroborates that the qualifications are formulated at respectively bachelor and master level. Using the CEA qualifications it is demonstrated that the bachelor and master programme mainly comply with the totality of the subjects that should be mastered in preparation for the postgraduate study. The panel has some remarks on the totality of the bachelor and master programmes in relation to the requirements of CEA. This will be discussed under the heading of the programme (standard 2.2.). To assure that the new BSc A&C matches with Accountancy & Controlling programmes of other universities a benchmark has been executed with the following universities: EUR, Maastricht University, Vrije Universiteit, University of Amsterdam and University of Houston, before finalizing the end qualifications and the content of the new BSC A&C. The programme argues that the end qualifications of the BSc A&C of the UNA are comparable with similar BSc programmes approved by the CEA within the Dutch Kingdom. The MSc programme in Accountancy of UNA is almost identical to the MSc programme in Accountancy of Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG). Furthermore the qualifications are demonstrated to be consistent with the requirements set by the professional practice. The programme consulted representatives of both professional groups during the design of the Programmes. This could be confirmed by the minutes of the Field Advisory Board. In accordance with the vision of the Field Advisory Board (FAB) the programme focuses on the developments within the auditor and controller functions, the consequences of these developments for the acquisition of knowledge and skills, and the achievement of the end qualifications. In addition, the programme pays attention to the accounting scandals that took place in international business and the reactions on these by the regulators and professional organisations. page 20

21 Secondly, the end qualifications are influenced by the demands of both professional organisations: NIVRA and VRC, set out for the post-initial programmes in Accountancy and respectively Controlling. As discussed above the programme explicitly states that the new BSc programme in Accountancy & Controlling together with the MSc programme in Accountancy and Controlling will give students direct access to the postgraduate programmes in Accountancy and Controlling respectively. The totality of this study trajectory thus is intended to meet the requirements of CEA. A recognised masters degree in Accountancy is a condition for becoming eligible to work as a registeraccountant in the Dutch Kingdom. The programme demonstrates by benchmarking against the Dublin descriptors that both the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science level are met in the end qualifications of the respective Programmes. The academic orientation is well defined. From the interviews the panel learned that the aims and objectives are shared by the lecturers and students are familiar with what is expected from them. The programme convincingly demonstrates that the end qualifications are formulated in line with the domain specific requirements. Conclusion Bachelor and Master The panel assesses the standard 1.1 Discipline-specific requirements as satisfactory Bachelor/ Master level (standard 1.2) The intended learning outcomes of the programme correspond with the general, internationally accepted descriptions of a Bachelor s qualification, respectively Master's qualification The goals of the new BSc A&C are demonstrated to be in line with descriptions of bachelor qualifications according to the Dublin Descriptors. While structuring the end qualifications the Dublin Descriptors have been taken into account. Both programmes demonstrate the correlation between the end qualifications and the Dublin Descriptors at their own level in a clear table. Both the bachelor level and the master level are well perceived in the end qualifications as defined by the Programme. Both programmes also argue that during the development process of the end qualifications and the curricula a lot of informal consultations have taken place with representatives in the professional field. Due to the small scale of the island, professionals meet each other during different informal gatherings and the Programme Directors make use of these opportunities to communicate with other professionals in the field and receives relevant information of developments in the professional field. Some examples are: research skills; working independently; and getting acquainted with the latest developments in the accountancy and the controlling areas. The end qualifications are definitely formulated at respectively bachelor level and master level. This is also recognized by the representatives from the professional field. page 21

22 In the case of the bachelor programme this is even more convincing since the professional field has a longstanding experience with the programmes predecessor and its graduates. In the case of the master programme this is corroborated by the fact that the programme is a copy of the accredited programme in Groningen. Conclusion Bachelor and Master The panel assesses the standard 1.2 Bachelor/Master level as satisfactory Academic orientation (standard 1.3) The intended learning outcomes of the programme correspond with the following descriptions of a Bachelor (academic orientation): The intended learning outcomes are derived from requirements set by the scientific discipline, the international scientific practice and, for programmes to which this applies, the practice in the relevant professional field An academic bachelor (WO-bachelor) has the qualifications that allow access to at least one further programme at academic master s level (WO-master) and the option to enter the labour market. An academic master (WO-master) has the qualifications to conduct independent research or to solve multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary questions in a professional field for which academic higher education is required or useful. As discussed above the programmes formulate appropriate academic end qualifications. The formulated end qualifications of the BSc A&C and the MSc programme have a clear academic signature and assume an explicit research oriented attitude of the graduate. The Master of Science programme prepares graduates for doing independent and coherent scientific research and solving complex accounting problems in the domain of the academic accountancy profession. In addition to that the programme formulated several principles to guarantee the required academic orientation. These principles touch upon the involvement of the relevant academic and professional field in the development of the program, review of the programme on recent developments and the design of a research line in the Programme. Also in this respect the end qualifications of both the BSc A&C and the MSc are in line with the requirements set by the Commissie Eindtermen Accountantsopleiding (CEA, 2008). These requirements insist that the scientific dimension must be reflected in the required knowledge of the subject (extent, content, and depth), in the use of (current) theoretical concepts, models and international (scientific) literature, and the ability to carry out scientific research. The end qualifications of the BSc A&C and MSc have a clear link with the professional practice as they comply with the end qualifications set by the CEA and the end qualifications of the Vereniging van Register Controllers (VRC). The specific end qualifications related to the requirements of the professional field can clearly been pinpointed. In case of the bachelor programme examples of goals that emerge from a clear link with the professionals are that the BSc-graduate is able to apply the main theories, models and page 22

23 frameworks ' and ' (is) able to solve practical problems and to contribute to the good (financial) performance of an organisation'. Examples of objectives in the master programme that have a clear link with the accountancy profession are, that the graduate is: 'able to apply key theories, models and frameworks to analyze complex (financial) business situations and to solve complex (financial) problems in practice. : capable of handling complex practical problems in organisations by assuming an integrative approach to solve these problems and to manage change processes'. The accountancy profession also expects that the graduate has good working habits and skills, such as communication skills (making presentations both orally and in writing, convincing arguments, policy advice), result orientation, analytical skills, and problem solving skills. The members of a Field Advisory Board (FAB) are representatives of the main sectors of the professional fields of Accountancy and Controlling. They have extensive understanding of the field and often also international experiences. The panel was convinced of the active involvement of the members of the Field Advisory Board in the programmes in several ways. Not only in discussing the design of the programmes and its objectives in relation to recent developments in the field but also in delivering guest lectures and coaching of internships and/or graduation projects. The BSc A&C offers direct access to the Master of Science in Accountancy and the Master of Science in Controlling. Graduates actually are eligible to enrol in Dutch and American Master Programmes. They also can start at junior positions which are considered to be at bachelors level. For instance junior auditors at the Big Four auditing firms and in Internal Control Departments of banks and insurance companies. The MSc-Accountancy leads to the subsequent two to three years (part time) post-initial programme for Register Accountant (RA). Furthermore, the MSc-Accountancy offers good employment opportunities, including access to jobs in corporate life, such as financial manager, information manager, and head of administration, system designer and assistant auditor. The panel considers the end qualifications of the MSc Accountancy to be well defined. The programmes presents a strong justification of the respective end qualifications. Both in meeting the requirements of the field and in setting the academic level. The close relation with the (international) professional field and the tight partnership with Dutch universities, contribute to the maintenance of and appropriate standard. In the case of the master programme the Faculty of Economics and Business (RUG) states to have appropriate means to preserve teaching at master level as part of the partnership with UNA. Additionally the end qualifications are well formulated and provide clear direction for lecturers and students. Conclusion Bachelor and Master The panel assesses the standard 1.3 Academic orientation as satisfactory. page 23

24 4.1.4 Concluding assessment of Theme 1 Aims and objectives Bachelor and Master The panel has assessed the three standards of the theme Aims and Objectives satisfactory. Overall, the panel assesses the theme Aims and objectives as satisfactory. page 24

25 4.2 Curriculum For a description of the programs, see above, chapter Requirements for academic orientation (standard 2.1) The proposed curriculum meets the following criteria for academic orientation: The students develop their knowledge through the interaction between education and research within the relevant disciplines The curriculum corresponds with current developments in the relevant discipline(s) by verifiable links with current scientific theories The programme ensures the development of competences in the field of research Where appropriate, the curriculum has verifiable links with the current relevant professional practice. The end qualifications are directed towards the acquisition and application of knowledge, training of academic skills and the development of the correct professional attitude. The following principles have been formulated: The development of knowledge takes place by means of highly qualified lecturers, up-todate literature, projects and contacts with the professional field and/or scientific research; The development of the academic skills takes place in assignments related to the relevant disciplines, such as studying/analyzing cases and writing academic papers, and during the internship; The development of the correct professional attitude is carried out during the complete programme and is assessed by means of written papers, group projects, internship and the final thesis. The Bachelor of Science programme in Accountancy & Controlling is based on the following three pillars: 1. A broad introduction to the relevant areas of the knowledge domain of Business Administration, consisting of business economics, business and economics; 2. Thorough introduction to the knowledge domain of Accountancy and Controlling; 3. An adequate introduction to scientific methods and techniques and to academic and practical skills. The Master of Science programme is based on the following characteristics: It guarantees the development of in-depth knowledge at the scientific master s level; It guarantees the development of academic skills and a professional attitude; It has clear links with the practice in the relevant professional field. The panel studied the course outlines and the complementary study materials of both programmes and this confirmed that in general the subject of the course, its assignments and literature used are definitely up to standard. In various courses students acquire knowledge resulting from scientific research by studying articles published in scientific journals when preparing for assignments. Students are stimulated to critically reflect on themes in the courses. page 25