Details - A Report of 2,500 WORDS covering all learning outcomes (100%)

Marks J. (2012) Contemporary Issues in Accounting, Pearson
Rankin M. (2012) Contemporary Issues in Accounting, Wiley
Scott W.R. (2012) Financial Accounting Theory, Prentice Hall

Module study guide
The University Library and Learning Resources - books and academic journals
The module VLE
Electronic data bases
Learning support materials
Internet
Standard wording
Professional journals and financial press

Plus:
Websites of UK CCAB Accounting Bodies
Websites of International Accounting Bodies

Whole group sessions - a series of participatory lectures will disseminate knowledge and understanding as the foundation for a structured programme of tutorial sessions. Topical business-world examples and case studies will be used extensively to support learning.

Small group sessions - a series of weekly tutorial sessions where students will work individually and in groups on practical exercises to reinforce their learning.

The class room delivery will be supported by materials available on the VLE to guide further self-directed study at a pace and time convenient to the student.

Students will be provided with general guidance in the module study guide, and receive specific guidance and training where needed.

The module will cover key contemporary aspects of accounting in the 21st century including:
- The Conceptual Framework for financial reporting
- Fair value accounting
- Rules-based versus principles-based standards
- The political nature of setting accounting standards
- Manipulation of reported earnings
- Capital market research and accounting
- Behavioural finance
- Earnings management
- Stakeholder theory
- Environmental influences on accounting
- Implication of non-recognition of intangibles
- Non-financial measures of social and environmental impact.
- Voluntary disclosures and extending the scope and quality of external reports to include prospective and non-¬financial matters, and narrative reporting generally
- Off-Balance Sheet issues, financial instruments and other emerging key technical or conceptual accounting issues
- Major differences between IFRS and US GAAP, and progress towards convergence
- Current and emerging issues in financial reporting (e.g. proposals to amend or introduce new accounting standards) and in other forms of external reporting (e.g. environmental accounting and sustainability).