Master of Science Degree in Taxation

Master of Science Degree in Taxation Handbook 2014/2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Admission Requirements and Application Procedure 2 Fees Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees 3 Examination Resits and Examination Only Fees 4 Cohort 2 Tuition Fees 5 Cohort 1 Tuition Fees 6 2014-2015 Miscellaneous Fees & Charges 7 Registration, Identification and Student Requirements 8 Fee Payment Deadlines and Payment Locations 9 List of courses 10 Cohort 2 Structure of Programme Part Time 11 Full Time 12 Year 1 Time Table Part Time 13 Full Time 14 Year 2 Time Table Part Time 15 Year 1 Examination Schedule Semester 1 Courses and Semester 2 Courses 16 Summer Courses 17 Cohort 1 Structure of Programme Part Time 18 Year 2 Time Table Part Time 19 Year 2 Examination Schedule Semester 1, 2 and Summer Courses 20 Course Description 21 Attendance Policy and Cellular Telephones 27 Course Work Assignment 28 Examinations 29 Plagiarism 30

Introduction The Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) is the premier provider of academically-oriented taxation education within the Caribbean region. The Master of Science degree in taxation reflects international developments in taxation education in recent years, which have demonstrated a marked shift toward producing thinkers, researchers and practitioners who can meet the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive international business environment. Graduates of the programme are expected to leave possessing skills and personal characteristics associated with internationally recognized graduate masters programmes, including inter alia having: Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to recognize critical issues and apply necessary judgment in the decision making process. An appreciation of the need for innovative thinking and a commitment to scholarship and continued professional learning. Excellent communication and inter-personal skills with demonstrable ability to effectively function in positions of leadership in the wider business community and the public sector. The Master of Science in Taxation programme is offered on a full time and a part-time basis. The programme consists of 12 courses; the courses are the same for the full time and part-time programme. The full time programme is 12 months, 3 semesters with four courses per semester. The part-time programme is 24 months, 6 semesters with two courses per semester, Page 1

Admissions Requirements Candidates are required to have an undergraduate degree in Accounting, Law, Economics, Banking and Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration or Management Studies (any major or option ) with a minimum GPA of 2.4 (on a 4.0 point scale) or a Lower Second-Class Honours. Candidates should have an examination mark of 50 or more in the following courses or equivalent courses. ACCT 2014 Financial Accounting I MGMT3046 Company Law MGMT 3051 Taxation I MGMT3052 Taxation 11 Application Procedure Candidates should apply for admission through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Candidates meeting the initial selection criteria will be contacted on or before the first week in May of each year and some candidates may be invited for an interview on campus. Final decisions will normally be made by the final week in May, each year. Students will be contacted through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Page 2

Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees Cohort 2 The part time Master of Science Degree in Taxation is being offered as a self-financing programme. The part time tuition fee for cohort 2 (admission 2014) per course is J$107,083.33. The tuition fee includes the provision of textbooks. In addition to the tuition fee, students are also required to pay miscellaneous fees at the start of each academic year (guild fee, health fee, dental fee, hall attachment fee, shuttle bus fee, sports fee, identification card fee, and photocopy license). The miscellaneous fees for cohort 2 part time students not residing on hall for the academic year 2014-15 is J$15,248. The full time Master of Science Degree in Taxation is a self-financing programme. The full time tuition fee for cohort 2 (admission 2014) per course is J$107,083.33. The tuition fee includes the provision of textbooks. In addition to the tuition fee, students are also required to pay miscellaneous fees at the start of each academic year (guild fee, health fee, dental fee, hall attachment fee, shuttle bus fee, sports fee, identification card fee, and photocopy license). The miscellaneous fees for cohort 2 full time students not residing on hall for the academic year 2014-15 is J$15,248. The miscellaneous fees for cohort 2 full time students residing on hall for the academic year 2014-15 is J$21,748. The cost for a UWI identification card is $500. The miscellaneous fees do not include the cost for the identification card. The cost for the replacement of your identification card is $750. Page 3

Examination Re-sits Cohort 2 Full time $53,541 (half of tuition fee per course) Part time $53,541 (half of tuition fee per course) Cohort 1 Full time $53,541 (half of tuition fee per course) Part time $53,541 (half of tuition fee per course) Examination Only Fees Cohort 2 Full time $13,500 Part time $13,500 Cohort 1 Full time $ 13,500 Part time $ 13,500 To qualify for examination only you must receive a mark of 40% to 49% on the final examination. Students who receive a mark of less than 40% must pay for an examination resit. Students who fail a course twice normally are asked to withdraw from the programme. However, if MSBM is aware of extenuating circumstances why a student should be given a 3rd attempt at an examination, a recommendation will be made to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research for approval of the Board for Graduate Studies and Research. Please see Regulation 4 of the General Regulations for Graduate Diplomas and Degrees. Students who remain in the programme after (2) years are required to pay the current fees. NB Students who are doing Examination Only should indicate to the Coordinator at the beginning of the semester via a written letter. Page 4

Cohort 2 Tuition Fees September 2014 Admission Full time Programme (cohort 2) Year one (2014-15) J$ Semester 1 4 courses 428,334 Semester 2 4 courses 428,334 Summer 4 courses 428,332 1,285,000 ======= Part time Programme (cohort 2) Year one (2014-15) J$ Semester 1 2 courses 214,167 Semester 2 2 courses 214,167 Summer 2 courses 214,167 642,501 ====== Year two (2015-16) J$ Semester 1 2 courses 214,167 Semester 2 2 courses 214,167 Summer 2 courses 214,165 642,499 ====== Page 5

Cohort 1 Tuition Fees September 2013 Admission Part time Programme (cohort 1) Year one (2013-14) J$ Semester 1 2 courses 214,167 Semester 2 2 courses 214,167 Summer 2 courses 214,167 642,501 ====== Year two (2014-15) J$ Semester 1 2 courses 214,167 Semester 2 2 courses 214,167 Summer 2 courses 214,165 642,499 ====== Page 6

2014-2015 Miscellaneous Fees & Charges New Part-Time Students J$ Identification Card First Issue 500 Miscellaneous Fees 14,748 Total 15,248 Returning Part-Time Students J$ Miscellaneous Fees 14,748 Total 14,748 New Full-Time Students Not Residing On Hall J$ Identification Card 500 Miscellaneous Fees 14,748 Total 15,248 Returning Full-Time Students Not Residing On Hall J$ Miscellaneous Fees 14,748 Total 14,748 New Full-Time Students Residing On Hall J$ Identification Card 500 Miscellaneous Fees 21,248 Total 21,748 Returning Full-Time Students Residing On Hall J$ Miscellaneous Fees 21,248 Total 21,248 Page 7

REGISTRATION Before the start of the academic year students are required to register for Semester 1 and Semester 2 for that academic year. Full time and part time students are required to register for summer courses in the summer. IDENTIFICATION CARD New students can obtain an identification card after paying the identification card fee. New students can register after obtaining an identification card. The cost for identification card renewal is J$500. The renewal fee is also applicable to students who change their enrollment status. The cost for identification card replacement is J$750. Student Requirements Students should have an active registration status until the completion of their degree. Students who are not doing courses in a particular semester must request leave of absence from the Office of Graduate Studies and Research for the inactive period. Students who are required to do prerequisites are allowed one sitting of the course without being charged. Students must submit a request for a third attempt of any graduate course at the Office of Graduate Studies and Research Undergraduate courses done in summer school will not be paid for by the programme. Students who are doing a second sitting of a graduate course must inform the Coordinator in writing indicating their name, identification number, the course code, the name of the course, and the semester in which the course is being done Page 8

Fee Payment Deadlines Courses should be selected for all semesters at the start of the academic year (see structure of programme). All tuition fees and miscellaneous fees become due and payable at the start of each academic year. Students may opt to pay tuition fees on a semester basis. Semester 1 tuition fees and miscellaneous fees must be paid by the last working day in September of that semester, Semester 2 tuition fees and miscellaneous fees must be paid by the last working day in January of that semester and Summer tuition fees must be paid by the last working day in May of that semester. Failure to meet the deadlines may result in financial penalties (late registration fee of $1,000 as well as a fine of (1) one per cent on the amount of fees outstanding). Any student who does not comply with the final payment deadline will not have completed his/her registration and will be given compulsory Leave of Absence for the semester. A student on compulsory leave of absence will not be allowed to attend lectures, and will not be able to access facilities such as the Health Centre and the Library. Students are required to check on-line for financial clearance 3 days after payment of fees. Payment Locations Fees can be paid to the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) via the following methods: At the MSBM Accounts Department located on the North Complex via credit card, debit card or manager s cheque. (NB. Cash or personal cheques will not be accepted) Any National Commercial Bank Branch using a special MSBM voucher. Vouchers are available at any MSBM reception desks, MSBM North Library\ Documentation Centre, MSMB Accounts Department and from the Programme Coordinator. By wire transfers (details available upon request from the MSBM Accounts Department. In order to ensure prompt and proper credit of payment to your account, please submit a copy of the bank voucher to the MSBM Accounts Department. NB. Scanned and faxed copies of vouchers are accepted. FAX 977-4622, Attention Jodiene Hutchinson or by email to jodiene.hutchinson02@uwimona.edu.jm or merlyn.reid02@uwimona.edu.jm Page 9

List of Courses Course Course Name Number Codes of Credits TAXA 6001 History and Theory of Tax 3 TAXA 6002 Tax Administration 3 TAXA 6003 Research Methods & Tax Research 3 TAXA 6004 International Taxation 3 TAXA 6005 Contemporary Taxation 3 TAXA 6006 Taxation of Business Organization 3 TAXA 6007 Fiscal Policy and Public Financing 3 TAXA 6008 Tax Regimes in CARICOM & Neighboring Countries 3 TAXA 6009 Tax Auditing and Accounting 3 TAXA 6010 Tax Planning and Management 3 TAXA 6011 Research Seminar 3 TAXA 6012 Management Skills 3 36 ==== Page 10

Year 1 (2014/2015) Semester 1 Structure of Programme (Cohort 2) Part-Time Admission 2014 Course Code TAXA 6001 TAXA 6002 Course Name History and Theory of Tax Tax Administration Semester 2 Course Code TAXA 6007 TAXA 6005 Course Name Fiscal Policy and Public Financing Contemporary Taxation Summer Course Code TAXA 6008 TAXA 6010 Course Name Tax Regimes in CARICOM & Neighboring Countries Tax Planning and Management Year 2 (2015/2016) Semester 1 Course Code TAXA 6012 TAXA 6003 Course Name Management Skills Research Methods & Tax Research Semester 2 Course Code TAXA 6006 TAXA 6011 Course Name Taxation of Business Organizations Research Seminar Summer Course Code TAXA 6004 TAXA 6009 Course Name International Taxation Tax Auditing and Accounting Page 11

Year 1 (2014/15) Semester 1 Structure of Programme (Cohort 2) Full Time Admission 2014 Course Code TAXA6001 TAXA6012 TAXA6002 TAXA 6003 Course Name History and Theory of Tax Management Skills Tax Administration Research Methods and Tax Research Semester 2 Course Code TAXA6007 TAXA6006 TAXA 6011 TAXA6005 Course Name Fiscal Policy and Public Financing Taxation of Business Organizations Research Seminar Contemporary Taxation Summer Course Code TAXA 6004 TAXA6008 TAXA 6010 TAXA 6009 Course Name International Taxation Tax Regimes in CARICOM &Neighboring Countries Tax Planning and Management Tax Auditing and Accounting Page 12

Year 1Time Table (Cohort 2) Part-Time Seminar Room 1 Semester 1 September 15, 2014 to December 5, 2014 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6001 History and Theory of Tax Wednesday 2-5 pm TAXA 6002 Tax Administration Wednesday 6-9 pm Semester 2 January 5, 2015 to March 27, 2015 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6007 Fiscal Policy and Public Financing Wednesday 2-5 pm TAXA 6005 Contemporary Taxation Wednesday 6-9 pm Summer May 4, 2015 to July 24, 2015 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6008 Tax Regimes in CARICOM & Neighboring Countries Wednesday 2-5 pm TAXA 6010 Tax Planning and Management Wednesday 6-9 pm Page 13

Time Table (Cohort 2) Full Time Seminar Room 1 Semester 1 September 15, 2014 to December 5, 2014 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA6001 History and Theory of Tax Wednesday 2-5 pm TAXA6012 Management Skills Monday 2-5 pm TAXA6002 Tax Administration Wednesday 6-9 pm TAXA 6003 Research Methods and Tax Research Tuesday 2-5 pm Semester 2 January 5, 2015 to March 27, 2015 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA6007 Fiscal Policy and Public Financing Wednesday 2-5 pm TAXA6006 Taxation of Business Organizations Monday 2-5 pm TAXA 6011 Research Seminar Tuesday 2-5 pm TAXA6005 Contemporary Taxation Wednesday 6-9 pm Summer May 4, 2015 to July 24, 2015 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6004 International Taxation Monday 2-5 pm TAXA6008 Tax Regimes in CARICOM & Neighboring Countries Wednesday 2-5 pm TAXA 6010 Tax Planning and Management Wednesday 6-9 pm TAXA 6009 Tax Auditing and Accounting Tuesday 2-5 pm Page 14

Year 2Time Table (Cohort 2) Part-Time Seminar Room 1 Semester 1 September 7, 2015 to November 27, 2015 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6012 Management Skills Monday 2-5 pm TAXA 6003 Research Methods & Tax Research Tuesday 2-5 pm Semester 2 January 11, 2016 to April 1, 2016 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6006 Taxation of Business Organizations Monday 2-5 pm TAXA 6011 Research Seminar Tuesday 2-5 pm Summer May 9, 2016 to July 29, 2016 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6004 International Taxation Monday 2-5 pm TAXA 6009 Tax Auditing and Accounting Tuesday 2-5 pm Page 15

Year 1 Examination Schedule COHORT 2 SEMESTER 1 EXAMINATION 2014 9 a.m. to12 noon COURSE CODE COURSE NAME DATE TAXA 6012 Management Skills Monday, December 8, 2014 TAXA 6001 History and Theory of Tax Wednesday, December 10, 2014 TAXA 6002 Tax Administration Tuesday, December 16, 2014 TAXA 6003 Research Methods and Tax Research Thursday, December 18, 2014 COHORT 2 SEMESTER 2 EXAMINATION 2015 9 a.m. to 12 noon CORSE CODE COURSE NAME DATE TAXA 6005 Contemporary Taxation Wednesday, April 15, 2015 TAXA 6006 Taxation of Business Monday, April 20, 2015 Organizations TAXA 6007 Fiscal Policy and Public Finance Thursday, April 23, 2015 Subject to change Page 16

Year 1 Examination Schedule Continued COHORT 2 SUMMER EXAMINATION 2015 9 a.m. to 12 noon CORSE CODE COURSE NAME DATE TAXA 6004 International Taxation Monday, August 10, 2015 TAXA 6008 Tax Regimes in CARICOM Thursday, August 13, 2015 TAXA 6010 Tax Planning and Monday, August 17, 2015 Management TAXA 6009 Tax Auditing and Accounting Thursday, August 20, 2015 Subject to change Page 17

Year 1 (2013/2014) Semester 1 Structure of Programme (Cohort 1) Part-Time Admission 2013 Course Code TAXA 6001 TAXA 6002 Course Name History and Theory of Tax Tax Administration Semester 2 Course Code TAXA 6007 TAXA 6005 Course Name Fiscal Policy and Public Financing Contemporary Taxation Summer Course Code TAXA 6008 TAXA 6010 Course Name Tax Regimes in CARICOM & Neighboring Countries Tax Planning and Management Year 2 (2014/2015) Semester 1 Course Code TAXA 6012 TAXA 6003 Course Name Management Skills Research Methods & Tax Research Semester 2 Course Code TAXA 6006 TAXA 6011 Course Name Taxation of Business Organizations Research Seminar Summer Course Code TAXA 6004 TAXA 6009 Course Name International Taxation Tax Auditing and Accounting Page 18

Year 2Time Table (Cohort 1) Part-Time Seminar Room 1 Semester 1 September 15, 2014 to December 5, 2014 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6012 Management Skills Monday 2-5 pm TAXA 6003 Research Methods & Tax Research Tuesday 2-5 pm Semester 2 January 5, 2015 to March 27, 2015 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6006 Taxation of Business Organizations Monday 2-5 pm TAXA 6011 Research Seminar Tuesday 2-5 pm Summer May 4, 2015 to July 24, 2015 Course Code Course Name Day Time TAXA 6004 International Taxation Monday 2-5 pm TAXA 6009 Tax Auditing and Accounting Tuesday 2-5 pm Page 19

Year 2 Examination Schedule COHORT 1 SEMESTER 1 EXAMINATION 2014 9 a.m. to12 noon COURSE CODE COURSE NAME DATE TAXA 6012 Management Skills Monday, December 8, 2014 TAXA 6003 Research Methods and Tax Research Thursday, December 18, 2014 COHORT 1 SEMESTER 2 EXAMINATION 2015 9 a.m. to 12 noon CORSE CODE COURSE NAME DATE TAXA 6006 Taxation of Business Monday, April 20, 2015 Organizations COHORT 1 SUMMER EXAMINATION 2015 9 a.m. to 12 noon CORSE CODE COURSE NAME DATE TAXA 6004 International Taxation Monday, August 10, 2015 TAXA 6009 Tax Auditing and Accounting Thursday, August 20, 2015 Subject to change Page 20

TAXA 6001 Course Description History and Theory of Tax This course seeks to provide the theoretical/conceptual framework of taxation. It will cover the general history of tax and the evolution of the various tax systems within CARICOM, the characteristics, purpose and nature of tax and its politics and economics. The course will also look at the various tax types within the respective jurisdictions. TAXA 6002 Tax Administration This course is an advanced course and it assumes that students will have in depth knowledge of all the relevant tax laws governing the structure and operation of their respective tax administrations. The course will analyze the procedural issues of the Revenue Acts in CARICOM countries. It will provide an analysis of the powers, responsibilities, discretions of the respective Commissioners and the Inland Revenue Departments. It will delve into the principles of tax compliance and the many attempts that taxpayers use to avoid and evade tax. This course will also look at the general methods and principles tax administrators and tax practitioners employ to build taxpayers awareness and at the same time maintain the ethics of the tax profession. The course will review the popular models of tax administrations and look at the process of drafting tax legislation. TAXA 6003 Research Methods & Tax Research Tax policy in government and the practitioner s practice should be driven by research. This course will hone, develop and equip students with the necessary research skills that are necessary for both public and private practice. The students will be equipped with quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches in solving tax problems. The tax practitioner routinely conducts research in his/her practice. Tax practice may be best described as the application of tax law to specific accounting situations and the practice typically includes tax compliance, tax planning and tax litigation. Tax research in practice seeks to answer tax questions by going through the process of identifying the pertinent issues, determining the correct tax source, evaluating the appropriate source and applying the sources to the specific facts. The course will also equip students to interpret and apply existing tax law, analyze new tax proposals and new pronouncements and review computer tax software. Students will also be assigned directed readings in tax issues. Page 21

TAXA 6004 International Taxation The fiscal situation of cross-border, commercial and industrial and other activities are influenced by different factors. The national law of states imposes taxes and designs the national tax system. Different problems arise from the interaction of the nation tax laws of states, including double taxation. States adopt unilateral and bilateral measures in order to solve them. Tax treaties are a key answer for this purpose. They regulate the interaction of the national tax laws: basically, dividing the right to tax between the states and then limiting their tax jurisdiction. This course will look at the unilateral and bilateral measures adopted by states by exploring the international aspects of the national tax laws, the basics of international law, tax treaties of selected countries, and international trends in tax policy. TAXA 6005 Contemporary Taxation Tax Administrators globally are finding it increasingly challenging to implement tax policy. They must therefore realize the critical importance of strategic management in tax administration. This has to be done in the context that tax crime is on the rise, financial crime is on the rise and taxpayers are engaging in more aggressive strategies to mitigate their tax liabilities. It is therefore within this context that tax administrators need to operate. They have to be strategic and current, keeping abreast with the current global trends. Tax administration models should move to require more disclosure, tackle aggressive tax planning, display more understanding to the taxpayer s needs, use cutting edge software and operate the tax administration like a business. This course should be of particular importance and interest to those students who are employed or will be potentially employed in revenue administration and who are in tax practice. The course covers topical issues and the necessary steps that may be taken to deal with them. Page 22

TAXA 6006 Taxation of Business Organizations Organizations offer various types of services to their customers and clients in exchange for payments/money. Payments made by the customers and clients to these organizations are classified as income. It is the responsibility of these organizations to pay tax to the government on all income earned. The extent of the taxable income is determined by whether such income may be tax exempt, and whether certain expenses are allowed as deductions from such income. The course will thoroughly examine and analyze the various types of business organizations, operating in the CARICOM business environment - their legal framework and their liability to tax, the extent to which their income may be exempt from tax and the expenses they are allowed to deduct in arriving at their taxable income. Such business organizations include sole traders, partnerships, companies (both quoted and unquoted), credit unions, estates and trusts, nonprofit organizations and provident societies. The course will cover the in depth analysis of agency law, partnership creation, sale of partnership interest, change of partnership; taxation of sole trader; taxation of dividend income; the creation, organization, governance, financial structure, financial management, alteration and dissolution of corporate entities and shareholder rights. TAXA 6007 Fiscal Policy and Public Financing Governments use the budget as a means to control the economic life in its country, thus making it an important tool. This course looks at the importance of the fiscal policy, the budget, the budgetary process, spending and debt on economic growth and stability, resource allocation and the distribution of economic well-being. It will also cover tax reform, debt management, tax reform, monetary policy and fiscal decentralization. Page 23

TAXA 6008 Tax Regimes in CARICOM & Neighboring Countries This course will give students a general understanding of the tax regimes in CARICOM and neighboring industrialized countries such as USA, Canada, one Latin American jurisdiction and the Dominican Republic. Particular attention will be placed on the tax structures and content of the international tax systems of USA, Canada, Brazil and Dominican Republic. There are significant economic activities between CARICOM countries and our industrialized neighbors to the north. There are trade agreements; investments (FDI) and more significantly there is employment of CARICOM nationals in these territories. While looking at the various tax regimes, students will be asked to consider how investments and trade agreements (including tourism and music) with these countries are impacted by tax measures in various CARICOM regimes. TAXA 6009 Tax Auditing and Accounting This course brings together tax and accounting principles. The course will provide in depth knowledge of deferred tax; reasons for deferred tax, deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability. The course will also explore inventory valuation methods for income tax purposes, when the taxpayer ceases operations or sells his/her business or when the taxpayer is doing intra-business transfers of inventory. Students will review taxpayer s financial statements for the computation of income tax liability and where financial statements are not available, recreate statements so as to compute the tax liability. The course will apply techniques to detect whether the taxpayer may be involved in tax fraud and or tax evasion. The course will also use forensic auditing techniques. Page 24

TAXA 6010 Tax Planning and Management The fiscal situation of cross-border, commercial and industrial and other activities is influenced by different factors. The national law of states imposes taxes and designs the national tax system. Different problems arise from the interaction of the nation tax laws of states, including double taxation. States adopt unilateral and bilateral measures in order to solve them. Tax treaties are a key answer for this purpose. They regulate the interaction of the national tax laws: basically, dividing the right to tax between the states and then limiting their tax jurisdiction. This course will look at the unilateral and bilateral measures adopted by states by exploring the international aspects of the national tax laws, the basics of international law, tax treaties of selected countries, and international trends in tax policy. In our changing world, clients have dynamic tax circumstances which demand that tax practitioners and administrators think critically. They therefore desire their tax consultants to bring significant value to their business or to them individually: clients want to minimize their tax liability using all tax saving strategies. The objective of this course is to develop the student into a consultant who can add this value to his client. Students will be exposed to tax planning strategies and risks, capital budgeting decisions, and the proper use of tax incentives. At the same time students will be exposed to all the strategies to avoid any sort of confrontation or issues with the revenue. TAXA 6011 Research Seminar (Research project) Taxation as a discipline and practice are not static, the discipline and practice are dynamic. Research contributes to its dynamism. The purpose of this course is to develop a pool of expertise in tax research in Caribbean issues. The course will allow each student to conduct research on a Caribbean Tax issue using the methodologies learnt in the research methods course. Students will also establish links with members in the tax community who will become invaluable resource personnel for the tax programme. Students are expected to register for this course at the start of their academic studies. They are required to attend seminars, workshops and conferences and provide feedback to their supervisor. Page 25

TAXA 6012 Management Skills Taxation is highly political and dynamic. Taxation policy issues, rules, regulations and laws may be driven by political considerations and ambitions. It is therefore important for the tax practitioner, tax consultant, tax administrator and the policy maker to be adept at managing people, knowing how to lead and handle the change management process within his or her organization, knowing how to build, manage and maintain relationships, situations and communication. Furthermore, the nature of the job requires tax personnel to be in constant dialogue with his/her client, thus the need to have excellent communication skills. This course will be a practical course in management skills and communication. The course will assist students in building their self-awareness, learning critical skills for his/her success, and know how people and organizations function and how to capitalize on this knowledge for success of his/work. The course will use role play and case studies and presentations. Page 26

Attendance Policy It is important for students to attend lectures regularly on a timely basis and to work steadily throughout the semester to benefit fully from the programme. Students are required to sign the attendance register. Any student who has been absent from the University for a prolonged period during the teaching of a particular course during the semester for any reason other than illness or whose attendance at prescribed lectures has been unsatisfactory (less than 75 % attendance) or who has failed to submit essays or other exercises set by his/ her lecturer maybe debarred from taking the end of semester examinations. Any student who, having registered for a course and examination, fails to take the examination shall be deemed to have failed the examination. In cases of illness the candidate shall present to the Senior Assistant Registrar, Graduate Studies and Research, a medical certificate, as proof of illness, signed by the University Health Officer or by any other Medical Practitioner approved for this purpose by the University. The student shall send the medical certificate within (7) seven days from the date of that part of the examination in which the performance of the student is affected. Students who are unable to attend lectures during the semester for any reason should apply for leave of absence. Requests for leave of absence should be sent to the Senior Assistant Registrar, Graduate Studies and Research, indicating the reason for the request. Leave of absence is not automatic. Cellular Telephones Cellular telephones must be turned off during lectures and examination. Any student who fails to comply with this rule during a lecture will be recorded as being absent for that lecture period. Any student who fails to comply with this rule during an examination shall be deemed to have failed the examination. Page 27

Course Work Assignment Course work assignments should be handed in on the due dates and within the time specified to the MSc Taxation Coordinator or Unit Head or any individual designated by the Unit Head. Each student submitting an individual assignment will receive a receipt. For group assignments one receipt will be issued to the group. Course work assignments once receipted will not be released to students. The student registration number must be used to identify the student or students in the case of group assignments, submitting the course work assignment. Names must not be placed on course work assignments or on examination scripts. Course work assignment sent by fax or e-mail will not be accepted. After grading, course work assignments will not be returned to students. If you wish to obtain a copy of your course work you must make a copy before you submit it for grading. Graded course work can be viewed briefly. Students will not be allowed to take away the graded course work. The facility for viewing graded course work will be available immediately after the course work marks have been placed on the Notice Board. This facility will be available for 10 working days. Course work marks will not be given out over the telephone or to third parties. Students who fail the course work (receive a mark of less than 50%) must see the Lecturer within 5 days after the course work marks have been placed on the Notice Board to discuss her/his course work submission. Page 28

Examinations Students are not allowed to write examinations in pencil Examination scripts written in pencil will not be graded. A pass/fail list for each course offered during the semester will be placed on the Notice Board within 4 weeks after the date of the examination for that course. Examination scripts can be viewed briefly. Students will not be allowed to take away graded scripts. The facility for viewing graded scripts will be available immediately after the pass/fail list has been placed on the Notice Board. This facility will be available for 10 working days. Final examination marks will not be given out to students who visit the office, to students who telephone or to third parties. If you wish to view your final mark for a course you must do so online (unofficial transcript) Students who fail the final examination (receive a mark of less than 50%, an FE designation) must see the Lecturer as soon as possible after the pass/fail list has been placed on the Notice Board to discuss her/his performance. In order to pass the course work or final examination a graduate student must receive a minimum mark of 50% out of 100%. In order to pass a course you must pass both the course work and the final examination. You must do over the section of the course (course work or final examination) you failed. If you fail both sections you must do over the entire course (course work and final examination). The following symbols are used to communicate examination results: P Pass FC- Fail Course Work FE Fail Examination F Fail Examination and Course Work Students who fail a course twice normally are asked to withdraw from the programme. However, if MSBM is aware of extenuating circumstances why a student should be given a 3rd attempt at an examination, a recommendation will be made to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research for approval of the Board for Graduate Studies and Research A graduate student, who is required to do an undergraduate course, must obtain a minimum mark of 50% out of 100% in order to receive a passing grade. Page 29

Plagiarism The unauthorized and/ or unacknowledged use of another person s intellectual efforts, ideas and creations under one s own name is regarded as a form of cheating. If a student is found guilty of plagiarism, the student will be awarded a fail grade in the course concerned and may also be subject to other disciplinary actions. Page 30