Section A – Management Accounting
This is an academic piece of work which includes research. Marks would be awarded for demonstrating independent research, critical evaluation, analysis and integration of referred texts, journals and articles as follows:
10marks
Additional marks will be awarded for evidence of independent thought
You can choose any of the following topics but if your preferred topic is not within the list you need to see one of the tutors before you commence to ensure the topic you selected is appropriate to meet the required criteria.
(1) How has the corporate environment changed in the past few decades? What has been the corporate response to these changes?
(2) How has the Information Revolution affected the way that enterprises operate?
(3) The measurement of performance is an important management function. Making reference to behavioural issues, identify changes which have occurred in this area in recent years.
(4) Critically evaluate the impact that integrated costing techniques can bring about in today’s enterprises.
(5) Critically evaluate the role of quality management in today’s contemporary environment
(6) Why is Environmental Management Accounting increasingly becoming more important in today’s contemporary Environment
Indicative length for Section A 2,000 words.
Section B – Financial Reporting
Students are required to suggest a possible change to the requirements of International Accounting or Financial Reporting Standards (IAS / IFRS). Students should evaluate the merits of the change from both a theoretical perspective, and in respect of the effect the change would have on the financial statements of a real company.
The topic should be selected from one of the following:
(1) Research and development expenditure;
(2) Share based payment;
(3) Integrated reporting;
(4) A topic of the students choice, which must be agreed by the tutor before the work commences.
Indicative length for Section B 2,000 words.
This is an academic piece of work which includes research. Marks would be awarded for demonstrating independent research, critical evaluation, analysis and integration of referred texts, journals and articles. Section B additionally includes a critical analysis and evaluation of the practical effect of the proposed change in IAS / IFRS on a real case study company.
Marks in Section B will be allocated to the following elements of a student’s answer:
An introduction explaining why the chosen topic is an important issue (5 marks)
A proposal for a change to existing standards or introduction of a new standard. This should be supported by logical argument from accounting principles and a review of relevant literature, while recognising the existence of any valid counter arguments.
(20 marks)
Logical argument, informed by literature and an investigation of the financial statements of a real company, evaluating the practical effect of the implications of the proposed change, or new standard. (20 marks)
An overall conclusion as to whether the proposed change or addition to IAS / IFRS is desirable. (5 marks)
(Total 50 marks)
The quality of presentation and referencing, and the originality, coherence and extent of discussion and argument will be taken into consideration in awarding the marks indicated above.
