Accounting theory
24 hours face to face + blended
One Semester or equivalent
Hawthorn, Online
Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
Overview
The primary aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of the theoretical framework underlying the discipline of accounting. This will entail a study of the major theoretical concepts and principles in accounting, and the manner in which these concepts and principles are applied in practice.
Requisites
Teaching Periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
26-February-2024
26-May-2024
26-May-2024
Last self-enrolment date
10-March-2024
Census date
31-March-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
12-April-2024
Results released date
02-July-2024
Teaching Period 2
Location
Online
Start and end dates
08-July-2024
06-October-2024
06-October-2024
Last self-enrolment date
21-July-2024
Census date
02-August-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
23-August-2024
Results released date
29-October-2024
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
29-July-2024
27-October-2024
27-October-2024
Last self-enrolment date
11-August-2024
Census date
31-August-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
13-September-2024
Results released date
03-December-2024
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Evaluate and discuss the role of regulation in financial reporting and the political forces at play
- Evaluate and discuss whether information provided in financial reports is useful to investors and creditors
- Apply a conceptual approach to the definition and measurement of assets, liabilities, income, revenue, and equity
- Explain the role of positive accounting theory in explaining and predicting accounting policy choice, the behaviour of the capital markets and the behaviour of relevant individuals, including ethical issues that may arise
- Research, analyse and discuss complex contemporary financial accounting issues, formulate well-reasoned and coherent arguments and reach well-considered conclusions in relation to those issues
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Swinburne Online
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 12.50 | 12 weeks | 150 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 20 - 30% | 3,4,5 |
| Examination | Individual | 50 - 70% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Test | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3 |
Content
- Regulatory frameworks
- Accounting theories
- Accounting conceptual framework
- Measurement issues in accounting
- Application of theories and measurement issues
- Non-financial corporate reporting information and issues
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.