School of Business, Management and Economics Department of Business and Management BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance Course Handbook 2015/16 2015 Entry Table of Contents School of Business, Management and Economics... 1 Course Handbook 2015/16... 1 Introduction... 2 Course Outline... 3 Modules and Convenors... 3 Syllabus Year 1... 4 Syllabus Year 2... 4 Syllabus Final Year... 5 Course Aims... 6 Professional Accreditation... 6 Learning Outcomes... 7 Assessment and Academic Progress... 9 Study Skills... 9 Essential Information... 9 Formal Documentation... 9 Library... 10 Assessment Criteria... 11 Exams, Essays and Reports... 11 Presentations and Posters... 13 External Examiners... 13 Transferring to a Different Course... 14 Contact Details... 14 Information in this handbook may be subject to change. This version correct as of September 2015.
Introduction This handbook summarises the most important aspects of practice and procedure in the management of the department of Business and Management s Undergraduate taught courses, and is designed to provide you with: A clear outline of what you should expect in the management of your degree course; A clear indication of what is expected of you during your time in Business and Management; A convenient source of information about the mechanics of some of the more common administrative procedures used during a student s progress from admission to examination. Message from the Head of Department & Director of Studies Welcome to the University of Sussex. I hope that you will enjoy studying with us and that you will learn a lot that will be of use to you moving forward. The modules that you will be taking will be taught by nationally and internationally recognized scholars from around the world and by our network of successful local practitioners. This will enable you to learn about both the theory and practice of your chosen area of study. You should find your studies challenging at Sussex but hopefully also rewarding as they prepare you to make an impact in whatever you chose to do after you complete your degree. You will also be studying with students from different backgrounds and there is a wealth of opportunity to interact with other students on the Sussex campus. I hope that you will take the opportunity to interact with people who are different to yourself and so develop your social skills, so important in global businesses today. I wish you every success in your studies in the Department of Business and Management at the University of Sussex. Prof. Sue Newell Head of Department & Director of Studies Message from the Course Convenor I am delighted to welcome you to Sussex to study Accounting and Finance. You are joining a School that is rapidly expanding and where there are many new initiatives designed to improve the student learning experience. In Accounting and Finance, additional staff resources are in place, there will be enhanced access to electronic financial databases and the accounting content of the degree has been substantially revised and extended to obtain accreditation from professional accounting bodies. Accounting and Finance are key elements of management science that are essential to the successful operation of private, public and not-for profit organisations and it is my aim that you will acquire the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive market for accounting and finance professionals. The student learning experience in Accounting and Finance at Sussex is supported by a dedicated team of researchers and experienced practitioners whose aim will be to not only to educate but also to instil a sense of the fun and excitement associated with the study of accounting and finance in the context of management science. I look forward to meeting you. Makailla McConnell Course Convenor of BSc Accounting and Finance 2
Course Outline There are two versions of the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Course, one of which includes a Professional Placement Year. Students on both versions study the same course, so this handbook is relevant to all. Students who take a placement will do so in Year 3, before returning to the University to study their final year in Year 4. Students on the Professional Placement version of the course should continue their placement preparation throughout the autumn. A programme of events and activities is jointly organised by the School and the Careers and Employability Centre to support students with their placement applications. Students who do not take a placement usually complete the course in three years. Your final classification is awarded according to your grand mean. The grand mean is calculated by combining stage means from the second and final year at a weighting of 40% and 60% respectively. Modules and Convenors You will normally study four modules per term. Each module carries 15 credits, therefore you will study 8 x 15 credits = 120 credits per year. Each module is organised by a Module Convenor a member of faculty who designs and delivers the module, and manages the assessments. Module material (including a handbook and lecture slides) is provided by the Convenor on Study Direct. To progress on to the second year of your studies you will need 120 credits. This usually requires you to pass all modules, but there is a provision within the University exam Regulations for compensation in two modules. Assessments are held in the teaching block in which the module is delivered for coursework, and in the assessment block following for exams. 3
Syllabus Year 1 The year 1 syllabus provides an introduction to the fundamentals of management and financial accounting and to the basic concepts of business, management and economic studies, including methods and tools to develop your analytical skills. Term Rule Modules Credits Core Introduction to Mathematics for Finance and Economics (L1054) 15 Autumn Core Introduction to Business and Management (N1065) 15 Core Economic Foundations of Finance (N1552) 15 Core Principles of Finance (N1560) 15 Core Introduction to Statistics (L1025) 15 Spring Core Introduction to Financial Accounting (N1526) 15 Core Introduction to Management Accounting (N1527) 15 Core Theory of Investments (N1553) 15 Syllabus Year 2 The year 2 syllabus builds on the introduction provided in Year 1. Core principles of financial and management accounting and finance are complemented by other core management modules. Term Rule Modules Credits Core Introduction to Business Law (N1072) 15 Core Financial Accounting and Reporting (N1515) 15 Autumn Core Financial Institutions and Markets (N1554) 15 Option Introduction to Econometrics (L1090) 15 Option Taxation (N1521) 15 Core Principles of Organisational Behaviour (N1062) 15 Spring Core Management Accounting (N1510) 15 Core Accounting Information Systems (N1550) 15 Core Corporate and International Finance (N1563) 15 4
Syllabus Final Year Advanced and specialist modules will be studied in the final stage of the course, taken in Year 3, or Year 4 for students on the Professional Placement version of the course. There will be a number of optional modules. Subject to your results in Year 2 you may have the chance to take the Research Project, a dissertation which is assessed by a 7500-word report. Students on this module will work closely with a supervisor to find a suitable topic and develop their research. Term Rule Modules Credits Core Advanced Financial Accounting (N1509) 15 Core Advanced Management Accounting (N1551) 15 Autumn Option Managing Change (N1073) 15 Option Critical Perspectives on Management and Organisations (N1502) 15 Option Auditing (N1516) 15 Option Strategy for Finance (N1575) 15 Both Option Research Project (N1052) 30 Core Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics (N1573) 15 Option Applied Econometrics (L1062) 15 Option Knowledge, Work and Organisations (N1061) 15 Option Innovation Systems (N1077) 15 Spring Option Business Strategy Report (N1079) 15 Option Law of Business Organisations (N1513) 15 Option Financial Derivatives (N1559) 15 Option New Venture Development and Planning (N1576) 15 Option Principles of Banking (N1577) 15 5
Course Aims The BSc Accounting and Finance course is aimed at undergraduate students who wish to acquire core management skills and the specialist knowledge required for careers in accounting or finance. The overall purpose is to provide a vocationally relevant and academically challenging course in accounting and finance. The course seeks to: Provide graduates with the knowledge and personal skills appropriate for a career in the broad area of accounting and finance, and related areas; Develop a comprehensive grounding and competence in the core areas of accounting and finance, particularly in the fields of accounting, taxation, corporate finance, investments, banking, international finance, risk and its management; Stimulate an enquiring, analytic and creative approach to accounting and financial issues, and to encourage independent judgement and critical self-awareness; Develop the capacity to analyse complex unstructured problems and present reasoned conclusions based on evidence, including the use of ICT; Cultivate the ability to organise and plan work both autonomously and as part of a team and to communicate both quantitative and qualitative information effectively; Provide education that is recognised for accreditation by professional accounting and financial services bodies in the UK. Professional Accreditation The BSc in Accounting and Finance has been awarded a four paper accreditation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). This accreditation offers students exemption from the ACCA s paper F1-F4. On completing the BSc students can claim exemptions from the ACCA papers that cover the Accountant in Business (F1), Management Accounting (F2) and Financial Accounting (F3). In addition to this students choosing the Law of Business Organisations option can claim exemption from the ACCA s paper F4 Corporate and Business Law. The BSc in Accounting and Finance has also been awarded accreditation for five papers from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). On completing the BSc students can claim exemptions from the CIMA papers that cover the Fundamentals of Management Accounting (C01), Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (C02), Fundamentals of Business Mathematics (C03), Management Accounting (P1) and Financial Reporting and Taxation (F1). The University of Sussex has also been recognised as a Partner in Learning by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). The BSc in Accounting and Finance is currently being assessed for Credits for Prior Learning (CPL) with the ICAEW and we would anticipate achieving a substantial level of exemption for our degree course. 6
Learning Outcomes This course provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and qualities in the following areas: Skills Area Learning Outcomes Problem Recognition Recognise business and management problems using appropriate academic underpinning from a selected set of management disciplines. A knowledge of the major theoretical tools and theories of finance. An ability to interpret financial data. Contextual Understanding Classify organisations in a wide range of different contexts, such as public, private and not-for-profit, and describe their interaction with the external environment. Recognise and explain different business and management models and frameworks in overcoming problems in the working environment. Problem Analysis and Problem Solving Skills Identify an appropriate range of analytical tools to address business and management problems, and report such analyses into a credible business plan or a convincing critique of a specific business development. Examine, compare and contrast assumptions and statements within problem analysis from written and verbal descriptions. An understanding of empirical testing in finance. An understanding of the factors influencing the investment behaviour of firms. An understanding of risk. Evaluation Skills Using visual and written media, observe and describe recent and current developments in particular organisations and industries. Evaluate the implications for business and management under conditions of significant change to both the internal and external environment. Research Skills Distinguish and synthesise research from a variety of business and research sources. Conceptualise and synthesise ideas in a research context. 7
Analytical Skills (Data Collection and Analysis) Effectively apply quantitative tools, methodologies and techniques to business and management problems, under varying conditions. Perform independent information acquisition and management using the scientific and social science literatures and data sources. Presentation and Writing Skills Draft technical reports and a dissertation (if selected) on business and management issues, to a professional standard. Effectively communicate by oral, written and visual means to a professional standard. IT Skills Use IT skills effectively; to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and basic database packages. Written and Oral Communication Skills Prepare and present seminars to a professional standard, and be able to answer questions on information presented in those seminars. Personal and Professional Development Skills Perform independent and efficient time management. Work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team. Define, assess and progressively modify their career development plans. Decision-Making Skills Deploy decision-making skills in complex and unpredictable situations. Recognise, appreciate and describe the distinctive nature of contemporary business issues that arise from the international environment. Select and apply appropriate conceptual tools from a range of disciplines in the analysis and resolution of problems that arise in international business. Apply critical thinking skills to the strategies, practices and issues arising in international business. Demonstrate the capability to locate, and use with discernment, data from a range of research sources appropriate to the study of international business. Develop cultural awareness and appreciation together with a sensitivity to diversity in order to work effectively with others from different backgrounds. 8
Assessment and Academic Progress Much information is available on the University website regarding how to study, how you will be assessed, and how your degree is classified and awarded. Here are some of the sites that you will find most helpful. Study Skills You are very strongly recommended to use the S3 site regularly; it contains vital information and will answer many of the questions you may have: Study Success at Sussex (S3) http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/ The following pages are particularly useful: Reading and research http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=24 Assessments: essays, reports, etc. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=25 Writing well (including referencing) http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=26 Revision and exams http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=28 Essential Information The Student Handbook is a comprehensive guide for Sussex students. Access it here: Student Handbook http://www.sussex.ac.uk/students/essentials/studenthandbook/ It very clearly explains the services, facilities and conventions of Sussex. This is all essential information and it includes pages on assessment Formal Documentation The definitive source of information on regulatory matters associated with assessment and classification is published by the Academic Office, and is available here: Examination and Assessment Handbook for Undergraduate Students http://www.sussex.ac.uk/adqe/standards/examsandassessment This is a version of the handbook used by Exam Board members when making progression and classification decisions. It describes the regulations in formal terms. 9
Library The Library has a vast collection of books to support your study. It also gives you access to over 30,000 online journals and 50,000 e-books. To help you find what you need, we have a powerful discovery tool called Library Search. It will provide you with full-text access to our journals and e-books, as well as giving you shelfmarks for our print books and DVDs, to help you to locate them in the Library. Our website will link you to Library Search, along with many other pieces of useful information: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/library/ As well as Library Search, the Library also has a large number of databases and digital archives specific to Business and Management. To help you find these databases and other resources, we have listed them in our Subject Guide: http://guides.lib.sussex.ac.uk/business_management The Library uses an online reading list system for your course materials. You will usually access your reading list from your Study Direct module page, but you can also search for your reading list here: http://liblists.sussex.ac.uk/ We run regular workshops and training sessions to help you find and use the Library s resources, carry out effective literature searches and understand how to cite and reference your sources. We also offer online support through our InfoSuss tutorial, which takes you through searching techniques, as well as providing an easy referencing guide: www.sussex.ac.uk/library/infosuss Support for a wide range of skills, including Library and research skills, can be accessed via the Skills Hub. It brings together all the workshops, web resources and services at Sussex that can help you with your academic development: www.sussex.ac.uk/skillshub 10
Assessment Criteria Exams, Essays and Reports Markers of exams, essays and reports will refer to the following criteria when marking your work. They may also provide additional criteria specific to certain assessments. Mark % 80-100 High Distinction 70-79 Distinction 60-69 Merit 50-59 High Pass 40-49 Pass Assessment Criteria A mark in this range is indicative of outstanding work. Marks in this range will be awarded for work that exhibits all the attributes of excellent work but has very substantial elements of originality and flair. For quantitative assessments, marks in this range will not be given simply for providing the right answers; in addition, the answer should provide a coherent mathematical argument. A mark in this range is indicative that the work is of an excellent standard for the current level of the degree course. The work will exhibit excellent levels of knowledge and understanding comprising all the qualities of good work stated above, with additional elements of originality and flair. The work will demonstrate a range of critical reading that goes well beyond that provided on reading lists. Answers or written works will be fluently-written and include independent argument that demonstrates an awareness of the nuances and assumptions of the question or title. Written works will make excellent use of appropriate, fully referenced, detailed examples. A mark in this range is indicative of that the work is of a good to very good standard for the current level of your degree. Work of this quality shows a good level of knowledge and understanding of relevant course material. It will show evidence of reading a wide diversity of material and of being able to use ideas gleaned from this reading to support and develop arguments. Written work will exhibit good writing skills with well organized, accurate footnotes and/or a bibliography that follows the accepted style of the subject. Arguments and issues will be illustrated by reference to well documented, detailed and relevant examples. There should be clear evidence of critical engagement with the objects, issues or topics being analysed. Any quantitative work will be clearly presented, the results should be correct and any conclusions clearly and accurately expressed. A mark in this range is indicative that the work is of a satisfactory to very satisfactory standard at the current level of your degree. Work of this quality will show clear knowledge and understanding of relevant course material. It will focus on the written work title or question posed and show evidence that relevant basic works of reference have been read and understood. The work will exhibit sound written work and/or analytical skills. It will be reasonably well structured and coherently presented. Written work should exhibit satisfactory use of footnotes and/or a bibliography and in more quantitative work it should be possible to follow the logical steps leading to the answer obtained and the conclusions reached. Arguments and issues should be discussed and illustrated by reference to examples, but these may not fully documented or detailed. A mark in this range is indicative that the work is of an acceptable standard at the current the level of your degree. Work of this type will show limited knowledge and understanding of relevant course material. It will show evidence of some reading and comprehension, but the written work or answer may be weakly structured, cover only a limited range of the relevant material or have a weakly developed or incomplete argument. The work will exhibit weak written work or analytical skills. It may be poorlypresented without properly laid out footnotes and/or a bibliography, or in the case of quantitative work, it may not be possible to follow the several steps in the logic and reasoning leading to the results obtained and the conclusions reached. 11
35-39 Marginal fail 1-34 Fail A mark in this range is indicative that the work is below, but at the upper end is approaching, the standard required at the current level of your degree. It indicates weak work of an inadequate standard. This will be because either the work is too short, is very poorly organized, or is poorly directed at the written work title or question asked. It will show very limited knowledge or understanding of the relevant course material and display weak writing and/or analytical skills. Written work will exhibit no clear argument, may have very weak spelling and grammar, very inadequate or absent references and/or bibliography and may contain major factual errors. Quantitative work will contain significant errors and incorrect conclusions. A mark at this level is indicative that the work is far below the standard required at the current level of your degree. It indicates that the work is extremely weak and seriously inadequate. This will be because either the work is far too short, is badly jumbled and incoherent in content, or fails to address the written work title or question asked. It will show very little evidence of knowledge or understanding of the relevant course material and may exhibit very weak writing and/or analytical skills. 0 Student absent from examination or no script submitted For many assessments you may also receive more specific guidance. This typically takes the form of indicating where marks can be earned. For example in the first year Introduction to Business and Management module students are required to produce a 1,000 word essay. The marks for this are allocated in the following way: The marks for your essay will be allocated in the following way 1. Clarity, style, layout and fluency: 20 marks 2. Reading and referencing: 20 marks 3. Understanding shown of your chosen managerial process: 20 marks 4. Appropriate application of your chosen managerial process to your chosen organisation and the evidence base: 25 marks 5. Evidence of the ability to make informed critical judgement: 15 marks Please note that as in criterion 1 above we expect our students to produce work which is clearly written and which is appropriate to the required format for the set assignment in this case an essay. We expect work to be proof-read and to show good attention to the 'basics' of grammar and spelling. This is something that comes naturally to many of our students but others need to develop their style and standard of written English. 12
Presentations and Posters Markers of presentations and posters will refer to the following criteria when marking your work. They may also provide additional criteria specific to certain assessments. Mark % 70+ 60-69 50-59 40-49 0-39 Assessment Criteria Very well prepared, confidently and clearly delivered, at a pace and in a style that suits the needs of the audience. Well-researched. Difficult or subtle points put across with conviction. Excellent use of the time available, and of visual aids and handouts. Answers to questions well fielded. Well-prepared and delivered, appropriate to audience. Good use of time and of any visual aids and handouts, with competent answers to questions. Good preparation and delivery, related to the needs of the audience. The main ideas conveyed competently. Some weaknesses in time management, or in answers to some questions, but showing a sound knowledge of the subject matter, and some level of critical thought. Adequate answers to most questions. Adequate preparation and delivery, some ideas explained competently, if perhaps briefly. Questions understood and answered, at least in part. Fair knowledge of the topic. Inadequate preparation and delivery. Some points of relevance to the topic made, but presented in a muddled or unconvincing manner. Little evidence of relevant knowledge beyond the content of the presentation. Inaccuracies in key respects. May show poor time management, poor or no use of visual aids and/or poor fielding of questions. The standards by which criteria for exams, essays, reports, presentations and posters are judged depend on the level of the module. For example, for the work to be rated as excellent a higher level of understanding is demanded from a third year student, compared with a first year student writing on the same topic. External Examiners Each of the modules that you study are quality-assured by the involvement of senior academics from other leading universities. These are our 'External Examiners' and their role is to ensure that your degree from Sussex is of a standard that is in line with those from other universities. External examiners advise us on our marking standards and on the design of our assessments. They also participate in our examination boards. Here is a list of our current team of External Examiners: BSc Accounting & Finance Dr Oliver Marnet University of Southampton BSc Business & Management Studies Dr Lynne Baldwin Brunel University BSc Business with HRM Dr Arjan Keizer Manchester Business School BSc Finance Dr Lara Cathcart Imperial College London BSc International Business Dr Jonathan Murphy Cardiff University BSc Marketing & Management Prof. Edward Shiu Bangor University Research Projects and Placements Dr Jimmy Huang University of Warwick 13
Transferring to a Different Course You will have thought carefully about choosing to study for your Accounting and Finance degree and we hope you will want to continue to study and enjoy this course through to its conclusion. However, if you decide you wish to transfer to an alternative course, the advice is the sooner the better. If you decide you wish to transfer to another course early you can do so during the first three weeks of the autumn term. After this date transferring becomes more difficult as it is not possible for students to change course in the middle of a term when modules are underway. The next opportunity would be at the end of the autumn term, meaning you would join your new modules for the spring term. However you would still need to complete all your assessments for your autumn term modules (60 credits). After this point, you would need to complete your next set of studies and assessments, and then apply for a transfer at the end of the first year - the transfer applications begin in May. Note that if you wish to transfer to the Finance degree then you should really apply during the first three weeks of the autumn term, but after the autumn term the transfer option may still be more straightforward than to other courses since these courses are more closely related. If you have not transferred by the spring term, and decide later that you want to change, it is highly unlikely that your application will be successful as you will have missed some specialized accounting modules. Contact Details You should also keep in touch with your Academic Advisor, and contact the Student Life Centre for help with any personal issues you face. Your course convenor should be able to help you find an answer to any questions you have during your studies. Other useful contacts: Director of Studies Course Convenor Business and Management Undergraduate Team ug-bam@sussex.ac.uk Jubilee G08 Employer Engagement Team bmecplacements@sussex.ac.uk (01273) 873619 Jubilee 153A & 154B Prof. Sue Newell Sue.Newell@sussex.ac.uk (01273) 678266 Room JUB-255 Makailla McConnell M.Mcconnell@sussex.ac.uk (01273) 873829 Room JUB-104C Emily Dimer Course Coordinator (01273) 678273 James Pelling Course Coordinator (01273) 678330 Ian Pierson Business Liaison Manager Joanna Budd Employer Engagement Coordinator Marni McArthur Placement Coordinator Daniel Vince-Archer Course Coordinator (01273) 873832 René Moolenaar Academic Coordinator (Business and Management) Frank Brower Academic Coordinator (Economics) 14