only do the Individual reflective journal and statement

Part A: Reflective Journal ?1000words?

This assessment task requires you to reflect upon your learning experience in this course, including those aspects you found most challenging, surprising, exciting and/or frustrating, and record your reflections in a Reflective Journal. Most important will be your reflections on studying this course and the insights and resultant skills that you have developed during the semester. You are also required to include your reflections on at least one of the presentations from each of the two weeks during which presentations were held.

Length: The total length of the Reflective Journal is a maximum of 1,000 words. Refer also to the section on penalties for exceeding the word limit on page 7.

Part B: Statement(1000words)

This assessment task requires you to write a statement addressing the required attributes for the advertised Graduate Position at Water Partners (refer page 1 of this document). In providing evidence that you have acquired each of the criteria in your statement, you should make mention of any relevant skills that you have developed as a result of studying Financial Accounting Theory this semester and/or through other work and personal experiences. A curriculum vitae or resume is not required.

Length: The total length of the Statement is a maximum of 1,000 words. Refer also to the section on penalties for exceeding the word limit on page 7.

ACCT1077 Financial Accounting Theory Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Assessment: Semester 2, 2017 Financial Accounting Theory is designed to enable you to apply financial accounting theories to a contemporary workplace situation. It includes a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience in which your knowledge and skills are applied and assessed in a real simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/or community is integral to your experience. Background Information You are currently undertaking a student placement at 'Water Partners', a top-tier accounting firm, in their Advisory Services area. The Advisory Services area of Water Partners provides services to a diverse range of clients from all sectors of industry, and is comprised of multiple teams, each consisting of four employees. Advisory Services holds weekly meetings, which are attended by colleagues from Advisory Services, the Advisory Services Manager, and the Advisory Services Partner. One of the tasks required of each team during these weekly meetings is to research a contemporary issue in the field and update the rest of the employees. The results of each team's research are also submitted to the Advisory Services Manager in the form of a written report, which is then available for future reference. You are considering applying for a currently advertised graduate position with Water Partners. The following is an excerpt from the advertisement for the position: The successful candidate with have the following attributes: Bachelor of Accounting / or Business (Accounting Major) Strong communication skills Proven ability to think critically and problem solve Ability to meet communicated schedules and deadlines Ability to work in a diverse team environment Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 1 What you need to do 1. Form a group of four students from within your timetabled class. 2. Select a topic of investigation that interests your group from the options listed on the class sheet. 3. Register your group on Blackboard according to the group number that corresponds with your selected topic of investigation. 4. Organise group meetings and create a Group Meeting Log. For each meeting an Agenda will need to be prepared (using Appendix 1) and Minutes recorded (using Appendix 2). 5. Participate in a group presentation to report your group's initial reference to the class. The date of your group's presentation will be determined according to the topic of investigation selected. 6. Submit a written group report which answers the question posed for your group's topic of investigation. 7. Submit an individual reflective journal and statement. Assessment Overview The assessment for the WIL component of this course comprises the following items: Assessment Task Group Presentation Due Date Determined according to topic selected (refer class list) Weighting 10% Group Report (including Meeting Log) Friday 20th October, 2017 @ 5pm 20% Individual Reflective Journal and Statement Friday 20th October, 2017 @ 5pm 20% Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 2 Assessment Specifications 1. Group Presentation Each group will present the initial reference for their selected topic of investigation to the class on their allocated day. The group presentation will simulate the experience of team presentations at Water Partners weekly meetings as part of their professional development program. The presentation will also be attended by a representative from industry. It is anticipated that each group will also receive feedback from the industry representative, although this will not contribute to the mark awarded for this assessment item. For tips on oral presentations, please refer to the RMIT Learning Lab: https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/oral-presentations Length: Each group will be allocated approximately 20 minutes for their presentation. It is suggested that the presentation by all members of the group be of approximately 15 minutes duration, with the remainder of the time being devoted to questions and answers and feedback from the industry representative at its conclusion. Due date: The due date will be as stated on the class list according to the topic selected. Assessment weighting: This assessment item is worth 10% of your total mark for this course. The key criteria are specified in the attached rubric (refer page 10). Individual/group effort: This is a group presentation and all group members are expected to participate in the presentation. Marks will be allocated on a group and individual basis. While the norm is that all group members will receive the same mark for the group component, marks may be adjusted if it is noted that individual group members have contributed at a standard that is higher or lower than the rest of their group members. Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 3 2. Group Report Each group is required to submit a complete and thoroughly investigated report which addresses the question posed for the topic of investigation selected from the class list. Each group is required to organise group meetings and create a Group Meeting Log. It is expected that each group will hold at least three meetings during the group presentation and report preparation process. Group meetings do not have to be face-to-face, but may utilise various formats such as Facebook, Skype or any other available networking technology. It is also strongly recommended that you meet with the lecturer allocated to your topic of investigation during the preparation process. Please refer to the list on Blackboard for the lecturer allocated to your topic of investigation. For each meeting, including the meeting with your lecturer, an Agenda will need to be prepared prior to the meeting (using Appendix 1, refer page 7) and Minutes recorded during the meeting (using Appendix 2, refer page 8) in accordance with standard business practice. Word files containing templates of these documents have been provided on blackboard in the Assessment Tasks folder. The Agenda and Minutes for each group meeting will form the Group Meeting Log, which is to be submitted as a separate file when submitting the Group Report. Make sure your Meeting Log is accurate - it will be referred to in the event of a group dispute. Group Report format: The Group Report must be in a report format, i.e., the content is split into several logical sections and sub-sections. These sections should include: an executive summary, introduction, main section of the report, conclusion and reference list. For tips on writing reports, please refer to the RMIT Learning Lab: https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/reports-0 Length: The total length of the Group Report is a maximum of 3,000 words (excluding references, tables, figures and appendices). Refer also to the section on penalties for exceeding the word limit on page 7. Due date: By 5pm on Friday 20th October, 2017. Assessment weighting: This assessment item is worth 20% of your total mark for this course. The key criteria are specified in the attached rubric (refer page 11). Individual/group effort: This is a group report and all group members are expected to contribute to the writing of the report. While the norm is that all group members will receive the same mark, marks may be adjusted if it is noted that individual group members have contributed at a standard that is higher or lower than the rest of their group members. The Group Meeting Log may be drawn upon to inform this decision. Any group disputes must be raised with your lecturer on or prior to submission date. Any group disputes raised after submission date will not be considered. Group Report submission: Only one person from the group is permitted to upload the Group Report and Meeting Log. The group must decide who will take on this responsibility. All submissions must follow the file naming protocol below. Submission involves uploading the Group Report in WORD file format via two links. The Group Report is first uploaded to Turnitin to check originality. The Group Report is then uploaded to the Group Report link so that it can be assessed. Both links can be found on Blackboard in the Assessments Tasks folder. Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 4 Turnitin Link: The Group Report must first be uploaded to Turnitin. The Group Report will not be marked if it has not been first uploaded to Turnitin. You must press the SUBMIT button to upload the file. Multiple submissions can be made anytime during a two week period prior to the due date. This allows groups to check originality and make any desired changes based on the results obtained. Please note that Turnitin can take 24 hours to reset and produce an originality report between submissions. Once the group is satisfied with the Originality Report generated, save the report in PDF format. Please do not upload the Meeting Log file to Turnitin. WIL Group Report Final Submission Link: The Group Report must then be submitted via the WIL Group Report Final Submission link by the nominated person. The Meeting Log and Originality Report are also required to be uploaded to this link. You must press the SUBMIT button to upload the files. There are therefore three files that are required to be uploaded to this link: 1. Group Report (WORD format) 2. Meeting Log (WORD format) 3. Originality Report (PDF format) The Group Report will not be marked if all three files have not been correctly uploaded to the WIL Group Report Final Submission link. File Naming Protocol: The file containing the Group Report uploaded by the nominated student must be in WORD file format and use the following file naming protocol: [Class]_[Group Number]_Group Report For example, if you attend Meredith's Thursday 3.30pm class and are Group 1, your file should be named: Meredith_Thur_3.30_Group1_Group Report The file containing the Meeting Log uploaded by the nominated student must be in WORD file format and use the following file naming protocol: [Class]_[Group Number]_Meeting Log Failure to follow this protocol can result in the Group Report not being marked or marks not being awarded. Please ensure all student names, together with their respective student numbers, are clearly stated on the front page of the Group Report. Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 5 3. Individual reflective journal and statement Part A: Reflective Journal This assessment task requires you to reflect upon your learning experience in this course, including those aspects you found most challenging, surprising, exciting and/or frustrating, and record your reflections in a Reflective Journal. Most important will be your reflections on studying this course and the insights and resultant skills that you have developed during the semester. You are also required to include your reflections on at least one of the presentations from each of the two weeks during which presentations were held. For tips on writing reflective journals, please refer to the RMIT Learning Lab: https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/reflective-writing-1 Length: The total length of the Reflective Journal is a maximum of 1,000 words. Refer also to the section on penalties for exceeding the word limit on page 7. Assessment weighting: This assessment item is worth 10% of your total mark for this course. The assessment criteria for the Reflective Journal are how carefully and honestly you have personally reflected upon the study experience, and how well the learning-related outcomes are highlighted and explained. The key criteria are specified in the attached rubric (refer page 12). Part B: Statement This assessment task requires you to write a statement addressing the required attributes for the advertised Graduate Position at Water Partners (refer page 1 of this document). In providing evidence that you have acquired each of the criteria in your statement, you should make mention of any relevant skills that you have developed as a result of studying Financial Accounting Theory this semester and/or through other work and personal experiences. A curriculum vitae or resume is not required. There are a number of resources available in the RMIT Careers Toolkit which may assist you in completing this task: https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/careerstoolkit/welcome Length: The total length of the Statement is a maximum of 1,000 words. Refer also to the section on penalties for exceeding the word limit on page 7. Assessment weighting: This assessment item is worth 10% of your total mark for this course. The assessment criteria for the Statement are how well you have addressed each of the required attributes. The key criteria are specified in the attached rubric (refer page 13). Part A and Part B: Due date: By 5pm on Friday 20th October, 2017. Individual/group effort: This is an individual assessment item. Individual Reflective Journal and Statement submission: Submission involves uploading the Reflective Journal and Statement via the Turnitin link only. You must press the SUBMIT button to upload the file. The Individual submission will not be marked if it has not been correctly uploaded to the Individual Turnitin link. File Naming Protocol: The uploaded file containing both the Reflective Journal and Statement must be in WORD file format and use the following file naming protocol: Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 6 [Class]_[Student name]_Individual Submission For example, if you attend Meredith's Thursday 3.30pm class, your file should be named: Meredith_Thur_3.30_[your name]_Individual Submission Referencing guidelines All sources of information must be acknowledged using the RMIT Business version of the Harvard (author-date) referencing system in written assessments. A reference list must also be included in your Group Report. Please refer to the Library Referencing Guidelines: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing-guides For tips on referencing, please refer to the RMIT Learning Lab: https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/referencing Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Academic integrity is about honest presentation of your academic work. It means acknowledging the work of others while developing your own insights, knowledge and ideas. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. RMIT's policy on Academic Integrity can be read at: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity Penalties for Late Submission and Exceeding Word Limits If you wish to apply for an extension of time for submission of any of the WIL assessment items, you must apply in writing to the Course Coordinator before the stated submission date. Extensions to submission deadlines beyond 7 days are allowed only as a result of a successful application for Special Consideration. Unless an extension has been granted, penalties will be applied. All WIL assessment items will be marked as if submitted on time, then the mark awarded will be reduced by 10% for each day (or part of a day) it is late. For example, if an assessment item is awarded a mark of 20 mark and is submitted one day late, the penalty is 10% of 20 marks, which is 2 marks. WIL assessment items overdue by 7 days or more will not be marked and will be awarded a mark of zero. Assessment items that exceed the word limit by more than 10% (not including references, tables, figures, and appendices) will attract a marking penalty that is 5% of the total available marks. For example, an assessment item with a word limit of 3,000 words will incur a penalty of 5% if the submission has in excess of 3,300 words. Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 7 Appendix 1: Agenda AGENDA Meeting Date Time Location 1. Attendees and apologies 2. Approval of previous minutes 3. Business from previous minutes 3.1. Item 3.2. Item 4. New business 4.1. Item 4.2. Item 5. Date, time and location of next meeting DATE, TIME, LOCATION Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 8 Appendix 2: Minutes MINUTES Meeting Date Time Location Item Discussion/Outcomes Attendees & apologies Approval of previous minutes Business from previous minutes 3.1 Item Description Discussion Points 3.2 Item Description Discussion Points New business 4.1 Item Description Discussion Points 4.2 Item Description Discussion Points Date, time & location of next meeting DATE, TIME, LOCATION Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Action & Person responsible Page 9 Group Presentation Rubric Criteria Content 4 marks (group mark) Needs Improvement The presentation: demonstrates limited understanding of the initial reference, uses little relevant or accurate information, not even that which was presented in class or in the prescribed text. 1 mark Communication The presentation fails to capture the interest of the audience 3 marks and/or is confusing in what is (group mark) communicated. The presenters are unable to answer questions from the audience. 1 mark Presenter: Presentation skills cannot be heard and/or 3 marks speaks unclearly that s/he (individual cannot be understood, mark) does not attempt to engage the audience through eye contact, gestures, or body language, reads from notes. 1 mark TOTAL MARK (maximum of 10 marks) Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Good The presentation: demonstrates a reasonable understanding of the initial reference, uses knowledge which is generally accurate with only minor inaccuracies, and which is generally relevant to the issue selected. Excellent The presentation: demonstrates a depth of understanding of the initial reference, uses relevant and accurate detail to support the issue selected. 2-3 marks The presentation is effective in conveying main ideas, but a bit unimaginative. Some questions from the audience remain unanswered. 4 marks The presentation is imaginative and effective in conveying ideas to the audience. The presenters respond effectively to audience reactions and questions. 2 marks Presenter: speaks clearly and loud enough to be heard, but tends to drone, occasionally uses eye contact, gestures, and body language to engage the audience, occasionally reads from notes. 2 marks Mark 3 marks Presenter: speaks clearly and loud enough to be heard, with a lively tone, consistently uses eye contact, gestures, and body language to effectively engage the audience, speaks without reference to notes. 3 marks Page 10 Group Report Rubric Criteria Depth and quality of research undertaken 4 marks Ability to identify the issue(s) relating to the research task 8 marks Ability to apply appropriate accounting theories to the context specified 4 marks Ability to synthesise information into a coherent and engaging report 4 marks Unsatisfactory There is a lack of evidence of relevant research The research presented does not support the topic Research is not current and from a reliable source 0-1 mark The report discussion fails to address most of the issues raised in the research task and the discussion lacks clarity The report discussion lacks relevance and/or most of the conclusions drawn are erroneous The report does not outline the major findings of the research 0-2 marks Little or no attempt has been made to link accounting theory to the discussion or the links made are incorrect The report does not explain these links and apply these links to the task 0-1 mark Significant improvements in the presentation of the report are needed There are many errors in grammar and punctuation which need correction The report is not engaging and/or is not easy to read Not all sections of the report have been included 0-1 mark Needs Improvement Good Excellent Some of the materials referred to are relevant There is a lack of cohesion between the references cited and the topic being discussed Research is not current but is from a reliable source 2 marks The discussion addresses most of the issues raised in the research task but lacks some clarity The report at times lacks relevance and/or some of the conclusions drawn are erroneous The report outlines the major findings of the research but lacks clarity in linking these findings to the question asked Most of the materials referred to are relevant References generally support the arguments presented Research is mostly current and from a reliable source Materials referred to are relevant References support the arguments presented Research is current and from a reliable source 3 marks The report discussion addresses most of the issues raised in the research task The report is mostly relevant to the needs of the client The report outlines the major findings of the research and the impact of these findings on the question asked 3-4 marks While some attempt has been made to link accounting theory to the discussion, these links lack clarity The report does not explain these links clearly and apply these links to the task 2 marks Improvement is needed in the report presentation There are some errors in grammar and punctuation The report is not engaging and/or is not easy to read All sections of the report are included but there are some construction errors in these sections 2 marks 5-6 marks The report makes links between the research and current accounting theory but at times these links are not always clear The report mostly manages to explain these links and apply these links to the task 3 marks The report is professionally presented The majority of the grammar and punctuation is correct The report is engaging and fairly easy to read All sections of the report have been included and correctly constructed 4 marks The report discussion clearly addresses the issues raised in the research task The report is highly relevant to the needs of the client The report clearly outlines the major findings of the research and the impact of these findings on the question asked 7-8 marks The report makes clear links between the research and current accounting theory The report explains these links with clarity and applies these links to the task 4 marks The report is professionally presented All grammar and punctuation is correct The report is highly engaging and easy to read All sections of the report have been included and correctly constructed 3 marks 4 marks Mark Deduct up to 2 marks for incomplete or incorrect acknowledgment of sources, both in-text and in the Reference List Deduct 1 mark for the submission of an incomplete Meeting Log, 2 marks for non-submission of a Meeting Log TOTAL MARK (maximum of 20 marks) Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 11 Individual Reflective Journal Rubric Criteria Content 4 marks Ability to reflect 3 marks Unsatisfactory No personal response is made to the issues/concepts raised in the course materials. Needs Improvement Analysis conveys little or some evidence of a personal response to the issues/concepts raised in the course materials. 0 marks Does not reflect on own work at all. Good Reflection conveys evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the course materials. Student demonstrates that he/she is beginning to develop new ways of reflecting on their world and is beginning to demonstrate good meta-cognition. 1 mark 2-3 marks Demonstrates a limited ability Demonstrates an ability to to reflect on own work. reflect on own work. Excellent Reflection conveys extensive evidence of a personal response to the issues raised in the course materials. Student demonstrates personal growth and awareness using a range of meta-cognitive practices. 4 marks Reflects well on own work. 0 marks No examples have been provided. 1 mark A few examples have been provided. 3 marks Extensive provision of examples. 2 marks Consistent provision of examples. Mark Use of examples as evidence of 0 marks 1 mark 2 marks 3 marks reflection 3 marks Deduct 1 mark per week of student presentations not included in Reflective Journal (maximum 2 mark deduction) TOTAL MARK (maximum of 10 marks) Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 12 Individual Statement Rubric Criteria Unsatisfactory The description does not Ability to address the skills/attributes address the required skills and attributes identified in the advertised position 0 marks 4 marks Use of examples as evidence of acquisition of skills/capabilities 3 marks Presentation and written communication 3 marks No examples have been provided Needs Improvement Limited description addressing the required skills and attributes Good Good description addressing the required skills and attributes 1 mark A few examples have been provided 2-3 marks Consistent provision of examples Excellent Excellent description addressing the required skills and attributes Mark 4 marks Extensive provision of examples 0 marks 1 mark 2 marks 3 marks Major improvements in the presentation of the statement are needed. The level of errors in grammar and punctuation are such that the statement cannot be understood. 0 marks Significant improvements in the presentation of the statement are needed. Frequent errors in grammar and punctuation are present. The statement is generally well presented. Occasional errors in grammar and punctuation are present. The statement is professionally presented. All grammar and punctuation is correct. 1 mark 2 marks 3 marks Deduct 1 mark for each skill/attribute not addressed in the Individual Statement TOTAL MARK (maximum of 10 marks) Financial Accounting Theory - WIL Assessment Page 13 Course Title: ACCT 1077 Financial Accounting Theory Teaching Schedule The following topics are covered in this course: Topic 1: Introduction to Financial Accounting Theory (Chapter 1) Topic 2: The Financial Reporting Environment and the Regulation of Financial Accounting (Chapters 2 & 3) Topic 3: International Accounting (Chapter 4) Topic 4: Positive Accounting Theory (Chapter 7) Topic 5: Unregulated Corporate Reporting Decisions: Systemsorientated Theories (Chapter 8) Topic 6: Extending Corporate Accountability: Social and Environmental Accounting (Chapter 9) Topic 7: Reactions of Capital Markets to Financial Reporting (Chapter 10) Topic 8: Reactions of Individuals to Financial Reporting: An Examination of Behavioural Research in Accounting (Chapter 11) Topic 9: Critical Perspectives of Accounting (Chapter 12) Prescribed Texts Deegan, C. 2014, Financial Accounting Theory, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill Education: Sydney Australia. Overview of Assessment The assessment tasks, their weighting and the course learning outcomes to which they are aligned are as follows: Assessment Task 1: 30% Linked CLOs: 2, 3, 4 Assessment Task 2: 20% Linked CLOs: 1, 2 Assessment Task 3: 50% Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4 Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class, online and by individual consultation. Assessment Tasks The major assessment activities in this course are: Assessment Task 1: In-class Case Studies - 30% Assessment Task 2: Multiple Choice Quizzes - 20% Assessment Task 3: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) - 50% To pass this course you must: obtain an overall mark of at least 50 per cent. 1. Classes 3,4,5,7&8 (best 3) 30% 2. MCQ- class 6(topic 6) +class 9(topic 7-9) -20% 3. WIL-50% 1. Group presentation 10% 2. Group report 20% 3. Individual reflective journal and statement 20% Financial Accounting Theory Reflective Journal Writing What is 'reflective thinking'? Process of: -thinking about your current beliefs, values, perceptions, knowledge -thinking about your personal responses to new experiences, situations, events or information -reflecting on their meaning with a view to learning from them There is neither a right nor a wrong way of reflective thinking, there are just questions to explore 2 What is the purpose of reflective journal writing? To record the development of your ideas and insights, concepts, experiences To reflect on these thoughts and experiences as a means of increasing your understanding of both yourself and what you are observing To analyse what you learnt and to track your self development - which may lead to change 3 What are the benefits of reflective practice? Enables you to better understand what you have learned and gain new insights about yourself, others, and situations New insights may result in a change of behaviour, perspective or action Developing life skills - documenting experiences, thoughts, questions & ideas enables the development of an approach to thinking and learning which can be transferred to all aspects of life 4 Reflective writing is NOT: Just conveying information, instruction or argument Pure description, though there may be descriptive elements Straightforward decision or judgement (eg whether something is right or wrong, good or bad) Simple problem-solving A summary of course notes A standard university essay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj80Q_6xykg 5 The Learning Cycle Record (what) . Reflect (think) New action Analyse (explain & gain insight) Source: Adapted from Kolb's Learning Cycle 1984 by the Study and Learning Centre 2002 6 Step 1: Record What did you anticipate learning in this course? (refer to the notes you made in week 1) What did you find challenging, confusing, inspiring, difficult, interesting? What were significant experiences for you? Where there any surprises/challenges? If so, what were they? 7 Step 2: Reflect (think) How did you respond at the time? Why? How successful was your response? How could you improve on the way you responded/behaved? How did you deal with challenges or problems? What would you do differently next time? What aspects of your course had the greatest impact on you? Why? Did your pre-conceived views change? If so, explain how and why. 8 Step 3: Analyse What I have learned about myself? What have I learned about the ways in which I interact with others? What aspects of myself could I change/ develop as a result of what I have learned? What conclusions can I draw from my experiences and reflection? In reviewing my learning goals, did I achieve them? If so why, and if not, why not? How have I demonstrated improved awareness and self-development? 9 Step 4: New action What can I use and apply from this experience in my studies, business or life? What will I change about..... How will I go about changing...... How will I monitor/evaluate the effectiveness of these changes? 10 Style of writing In addition to being reflective and logical, you can be personal, hypothetical, critical and creative Write in the first person A reflective journal allows you to use a combination of different modes of writing and language: -descriptive (outlining what something is or how something was done) -explanatory (explaining why or how it is like that) -expressive (I think, I feel, I believe) -questioning 11 12