100% end of Semester 2,500 word assignment from a range of selected topics. (Tests Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4

Agency and Positive theories of financial reporting. The nature and importance of conceptual framework. Why conceptual theory proves elusive. The corporate report.
The regulatory framework. The case for and against accounting regulation. How accounting standards are developed and, in particular, the political as well as the technical pressures faced by standard setters. The nature of UK standards setting process. Financial Reporting Council; Accounting Standards Board; Urgent Issues Task Force; Financial Reporting Review Panel.
True and fair view. The history and significance of the concept. Alternative interpretations and issue of `creative accounting' will be examined. Recent developments in Corporate Governance.
Alternative valuation models. Problems caused by inflation. The concept of capital Maintenance and Income Measurement. Hick's definition of Income and Capital. Current Purchase Power Accounting Vs Current Value Accounting
Accounting for problematical financial reporting areas. Accounting for Brand Values; Intangible Assets; Off-balance Sheet Finance; Complex capital Issues; Liabilities and Provisions.
International financial reporting environment. The role of international accounting standards board; the importance of financial reporting harmonisation; the harmonisation of accounting within EU.

1. DEMONSTRATE THE IMPACT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE IMPLICATION FOR DIFFERENT USERS OF ACCOUNTS OF ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF TREATING CONTROVERSIAL ACCOUNTING ITEMS
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
LEARNING

2. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE USEFULNESS OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND THE PROCESS BY WHICH THEY ARE AGREED
ANALYSIS
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

3. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE NORMATIVE THEORY OF INCOME MEASUREMENT AND CAPITAL MAINTENANCE
ANALYSIS
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

4. ANALYSE AND CRITICALLY EVALUATE KEY NOTIONS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FOCUSING ON ACCOUNTING THEORIES AND POLICY ASPECTS OF FINANCIAL REPORTING
ANALYSIS
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

The University Library and learning resources
Electronic databases such as FAME and EBSCO

FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS ONLY

Alexander D and Britton A 6th edition Financial Reporting, Thompson Publishing, ISBN: 86152-672-5
Alexander D, Britton A and Jorisson, A, 1st edition, 2003, International Financial Reporting and Analysis, Thompson Publishing, ISBN: 1-86152-880-0
Belkaoui, A, 4th edition, 2002, Accounting Theory, Thomson Publishing, ISBN: 1-86152-520-6
Elliot B and Elliot J, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Pearson Education, ISBN 13-987027370870-4
Roberts, C, Weetman P and Gordon P, 1998, International Financial Accounting - A Comparative Approach, Pitman Publishing,
ISBN:0-273-62376-1

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 150 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 111 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.
The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.