La Trobe Business School

College of Arts, Social Science & Commerce

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE FOR

SUSTAINABLE VALUE CREATION

BUS5AFS

Subject Learning Guide

Semester 1
2015

Subject Coordinators:
Dr Susan Greer (accounting)
Mr Tony Martin (finance)

Table of Contents
SUBJECT DETAILS 3

GENERAL DETAILS 3
ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS 3
SUBJECT DESCRIPTION 3
SUBJECT INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (SILOS) 3
FACULTY GRADUATE CAPABILITIES 3
LEARNING ACTIVITY SUMMARY 4
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK SUMMARY 4
LEARNING RESOURCES 4
STUDENT FEEDBACK ON SUBJECT SURVEY 4
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY 4
LEARNING ACTIVITY DETAILS 6
ACADEMIC LANGUAGE AND LEARNING UNIT (ALLU) 6
LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) 6
LIBRARY 6
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 6

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK DETAILS 7

DETAILED GRADING CRITERIA 8

POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES 11

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY 11
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION 11
EXTENSIONS, LATE SUBMISSIONS AND PENALTIES 11

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Subject Details
GENERAL DETAILS
Subject Code: BUS5AFS Subject Title: Accounting and Finance for Sustainable Value Creation

Teaching Period: Semester 1, 2015 Location(s): Melbourne (Bundoora)

Credit Points: 15 Mode: Blended Level: 5

ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites: Nil

Co-requisites: Nil

Incompatibles: Nil

Assumed Skills & Knowledge: Basic Computing Skills, Year 10 Numeracy Level

Special Study Requirements: Nil

Staff Contacts
Role Campus Name Email Telephone Room
Subject Coordinator Bundoora Tony Martin t.Martin@latrobe.edu.au 9479 2664 DWB 401

Subject Coordinator Bundoora Susan Greer s.greer@latrobe.edu.au 9479 1312 SS 214

SUBJECT DESCRIPTION
This subject provides an introduction to key concepts, theories and practical applications associated with accounting and finance in
organisational contexts. The content of the subject will cover the nature of the accounting and financial environment and the types of
accounting and financial practice and decision-making required from a business perspective. Students engage with these issues by
considering and analysing practical examples.

SUBJECT INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (SILOS)

Upon successful completion of this subject, you should be able to:

Analyse, interpret and communicate accounting and financial information contained in basic financial statements and internal reports;
1
discuss and report on an issue identified to you concerning corporate social and environmental responsibility.

2 Explain, using clear concise and well written prose the importance of the concepts of cash time and risk to financial decision making.

Apply the concepts of the time value of money and risk and return in the valuation of debt and equity securities, measuring the cost
3
of capital and evaluating investment projects, in order to make funding and investment decisions.

FACULTY GRADUATE CAPABILITIES

The following Faculty Graduate Capabilities (FGCs) are evaluated in this subject:

FGC FGC

a Writing Introductory

b Teamwork Introductory

c Critical Thinking Introductory

d Creative Problem Solving Introductory

LEARNING ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Learning Activity: Schedule (teaching weeks)

Lectures Weeks 1-6 (accounting); 7-12(finance)

Seminars/workshops Weeks 2-7 (accounting); 8-12 (finance)

Further information is available at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/timetable/

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 ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK SUMMARY Comments

Assessment Tasks: Due Date SILOs FGCs % Comments

In-class Activities Weeks 2 - 6 1 a, b, c, d 5 Further information on LMS

Report Week 7 1 a, b, c, 15 Further information on LMS

On-line Quizzes Weeks 8 -12 3 c 10 Further information on LMS

Case Study 04/06/15 2,3 a, b, c, d 10 Further information on LMS

Final Exam Official Exam Period 1, 2, 3, a, b, c, d 60 Further information on LMS

Further information is available on subject LMS site at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/it/teaching/lms

LEARNING RESOURCES
Reading Type Title Authors Year
nd
Textbook: Fundamentals of Corporate Finance (2 ed) Berk J., DeMarzo P., Harford J., Ford, G., Mollica V. & 2014
Finance Finch, N.
(prescribed)

Textbook: While there is no prescribed text book for the Carlon S., Mladenovic-McAlpine R., Palm C., Kimmel P. 2012
Accounting accounting section of this subject you may wish D., Kieso D. E., & Weygandt J. J.
(recommended Accounting: Building business skills (4th ed). This
) text is the prescribed text is prescribed for
ACC5AFM.
Weekly Students will be required to access the weekly
readings online readings and other materials available on LMS.
(prescribed)

STUDENT FEEDBACK ON SUBJECT SURVEY

The Student Feedback on Subjects (SFS) Survey is part of the quality assurance process that occurs across the university. In this survey you
are invited to tell us about your learning experiences in this subject. Your views will be taken seriously and will assist us to enhance this
subject for the next group of students. The surveys are anonymous, and you will be invited to participate via an email sent to your account
during the survey period.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic integrity means being honest in academic work and taking responsibility for learning the conventions of scholarship. La Trobe
University views this seriously as evidenced by the following extract:
Academic honesty is a fundamental principle in teaching, learning, research and scholarship. The University requires
its academic staff and students to observe the highest ethical standards in all aspects of academic work and it
demonstrates its commitment to these values by awarding due credit for honestly conducted scholarly work, and by
penalising academic misconduct and all forms of cheating. Academic Integrity Procedures (2010, p. 1 of 6)
Academic misconduct includes poor referencing, plagiarism, copying and cheating. You should familiarise yourself with your
responsibilities in relation to Academic Integrity and if you have any questions, direct them to your Course Coordinator. Information can
be found on the website at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/learning/integrity.html.

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Schedule of Learning Activities
Lecture: Seminar:
Wee
Topics SILOs Teaching Teaching Assessment
k
Week # Week #
Welcome and Introduction
1 1
Topic 1: What is accounting and why is it done?
Accounting Seminar
2 Topic 2: Statement of Financial Position 1 2 2
Activities
Accounting Seminar
3 Topic 3: Statement of Financial Performance 1 3 3
Activities + Quiz 1
Accounting Seminar
4 Topic 4: Statement of Cash Flows 1 4 4
Activities
Good No Seminars this
5 Topic 5: An introduction to budgeting 1 5
Friday week

Easter/UA Com. Week 6 – 10 April

Accounting Seminar
6 Topic 6: Accounting for internal decision making 1 6 6
Activities + Quiz 2
Accounting Seminar
7 Topic 7: Principles of Finance 2,3 7 7 Activities
Report Due
Online Quiz – Due
8 Topic 8: Financial Mathematics 2, 3 8: online 8
11.00pm 3 May
Online Quiz – Due
9 Topic 9: Valuation of Securities 2, 3 9: online 9
11.00pm 10 May
Online Quiz – Due
10 Topic 10: Project Evaluation 2, 3 10: online 10
11.00pm 17 May
Online Quiz – Due
11 Topic 11: Risk and Return 2, 3 11: online 11
11.00pm 24 May
1, 2,
Revision 12
3, 4
12
Online Quiz – Due
Topic 12: Cost of Capital 3, 4 12: online 12
11.00pm 31 May
Case Study – Due
STUDY VACATION: 1 – 4 JUNE      
11.00pm 4 June

CENTRAL EXAMINATION PERIOD: 5 – 25 JUNE       FINAL EXAM

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Learning Activity Details
Times and rooms are subject to change. To view the full time and location details for learning activities in this subject, please ensure you seek
further information available at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/timetable/.
You should also regularly check [at least once per week] the subject’s LMS site (where applicable) for updated information.

Academic Language and Learning Unit (ALLU)

The Academic Language and Learning Unit (ALLU) works closely with teaching staff in the Faculties and on the Melbourne campus and the
regional campuses to ensure that all La Trobe students – including those from non-English-speaking backgrounds – develop high-level
academic speaking, writing, reading, and numeracy skills required for successful learning in their courses. For further information, please see
the website at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/learning/

Learning Management System (LMS)

The Learning Management System (LMS) is an Internet based system which allows you access to learning materials and to interact with other
students and teaching staff in activities related to your studies from any location with Internet access. Most subjects have a LMS site into
which you are automatically added as part of your enrolment into the subject.
The LMS can be accessed at: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/lms/login/ by using your Username and Password provided to you on your
Statement of Account. If you are having trouble accessing the LMS or want to find out more about LMS, please see the website at:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/lms/

Library
The Library has many valuable physical and online learning resources that can help you with your study. On campus students should get to
know the physical Library environment by going on a Library Tour. All students should get familiar with the Library website where online
resources include:

 LibGuides [http://latrobe.libguides.com/index.php] – providing specific discipline and subject guides;

 LibSkills [http://latrobe.libguides.com/libskills] – to teach you library research and information literacy skills;
 LibChat [http://www.lib.latrobe.edu.au/] - a library discussion forum allowing you to chat with a Librarian;
 Academic Referencing Modules [http://latrobe.libguides.com/referencingmodules] – to assist you to understand
specific referencing styles;
 Academic Referencing Tool [http://www.lib.latrobe.edu.au/referencingtool/non-flash/index.php] – providing detailed
referencing examples; and,
 Assignment Calculator [http://www.latrobe.edu.au/library/assignment-thesis-support] – to assist you in time
managing your assignments and submitting on time.

Student Support Services

If you have special needs due to disability or other factors the Equality and Diversity Centre can provide advice and support. This Centre can
be contacted by telephone on (03) 9479 2900 (Melbourne); (03) 5444 7410 (Bendigo); (02) 6024 9628 (Albury-Wodonga); National Relay
Service Deaf and Hearing Impaired: T: 133677 (within Australia only). Email: Equality@latrobe.edu.au or refer to the website at:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/equality/ .
Other

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Assessment and Feedback Details
Assessment Task Due Date: Teaching weeks % SILOs Assessed
Seminar Quizzes - two Weeks 2 - 7 5% 1
Submission Details
Activities completed during weekly seminar
Grading Criteria and Feedback
See following grading criteria
Description of Task
Multiple Choice Quiz

Assessment Task <<n>> Due Date % SILOs Assessed

Report – completed in teams. Week 7 15% 1
Submission Details
Details of when and how to submit your report will be distributed via LMS and promoted in the Lecture for Week 5.
Grading Criteria and Feedback
TBA via LMS – detailed information regarding this assessment task and grading criteria will be distributed via LMS during teaching week 4.
Description of Task
Provide a ‘report’ about Social and Environmental Accounting in accordance with the instructions provided by Dr Susan Greer. Detailed
information to be provided via lectures and LMS.

Assessment Task <<n>> Due Date % SILOs Assessed

Online Quizzes Weeks 8 -12 10% 3
Submission Details
Via LMS
Grading Criteria and Feedback
One mark per correct answer
Description of Task
Online Multiple Choice Tests

Assessment Task Due Date % SILOs Assessed

Case Study 11.00pm 4 June 10% 2, 3
Submission Details
Via LMS
Grading Criteria and Feedback
See following grading criteria
Description of Task
Technical Interpretation; Analysis; Identification of relevant data; Analysis of data; Identifying the relevant elements of the problem;
evaluating the relationship; Performing the applicable calculation; Justify any assumptions in interpreting the data in written format;
Interpreting the result and recommending a course of action.

Assessment Task Due Date % SILOs Assessed

Final Examination As per exam timetable 60% 1, 2, 3,
Grading Criteria and Feedback

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See following grading criteria

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Detailed Grading Criteria
ILO 1 – Part 1: Analyse, interpret and communicate accounting information contained in basic financial statements and internal reports (final examination).
Part 2: Prepare a report in accordance with the issue presented to you concerning social and environmental reporting.
SIL
O Very Good / (A 80-100%)
1 Part 1:
An answer which is relevant to
the question and is
demonstrably well founded in
theory, logic or fact. The
answer is complete and
accurate and, where relevant,
contains theoretical and/or
empirical insights in relation to
the analysis of the main points.
Part 2:
The structure and expression
of the report is clear and
concise; it is well set out. The
arguments are well supported,
stated logically and relevant
references and materials
clearly presented.
Good / (B 70-79%)
Part 1:
An answer which is relevant to the
question and which is
demonstrably well founded in
theory, logic or fact. The answer is
complete and accurate and
contains some exposition of the
main points.
Part 2:
The structure and expression of the
report is well presented and clear.
The claims made are substantiated
and relevant references and
materials are included.
Satisfactory / (C 60-69%)
Part 1:
An answer which is relevant to the
question and which is demonstrably
well founded in theory, logic or fact.
The answer is substantially complete
and accurate.
Part 2:
The report substantially answers the
issue identified, and the argument is
complete and logically argued.
Clearly expressed and assertions are
supported with references.
Pass (marginal) / (D 50-59)
Part 1:
An answer which is relevant to the
question and which has some
theoretical, logical or factual basis.
The answer however is significantly
incomplete or inaccurate.
Part 2
The report barely addresses the
issue and and argument is not
often clear or well expressed. Key
issues are identified but assertions
are not always well supported.
Fail (unsatisfactory)
/ (F 0-49)
Part 1:
The answer is either: non-
existent; indecipherable;
irrelevant; or
incorrect.
Part 2:
The report is poorly set out
and presented and the ideas
are not clearly conveyed and
poorly expressed. Key issues
are not clearly identified and
the assertions made are often
unsupported.
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ILO 2 – Assessment Criteria for written Tutorial Assessments and Exam Questions

Criteria
Criteria Excellent / (A 80-100%) Very Good / (B 70-79%) Good / (C 60-69%) Pass / (D 50-59) Fail / (F 0-49)
No.

1 Understanding, Develops a convincing risk profile for a Clearly explains how the Identifies and distinguishes Identifies some factors that Does not identify
Identification and portfolio, consistently linking risk factors to structure of the portfolio between different types of determine risk for a portfolio, the relevant risk
explanation of the degrees of exposure and explains the determines its risk profile, and risk factors that determine but does not attempt to explain factors for a
determinants of the risk exposure in an evaluative way. explains the exposure in a risk for a portfolio, and the difference between portfolio or what
of a portfolio of convincing way, including the attempts to explain the link different types of risk factors determines the risk
investments. likely effects of the identified between the factors and and how they differ in terms of of a portfolio.
risk factors. portfolio risk their effect on the risk of a
portfolio.

2 Description of how a Expertly describes the process and Comprehensively describes the Adequately describes the Attempts a description of Unable to describe
portfolio of investments principles of portfolio construction, process and principles of process of portfolio portfolio construction, which how to select
should be selected to demonstrating how systematic and portfolio construction, including construction, identifying its includes a reference to the investments for a
meet the needs of an unsystematic risk factors need to be the need for diversification, and underlying precepts, and need for diversification. portfolio.
investor accounted for in investor preferences in relates portfolio selection to justifying the need for
portfolio selection. systematic and unsystematic diversification.
risk factors.

3 Explanation of “cost of Defines the ‘cost of capital’, in relation to its Defines the ‘cost of capital’ in Defines the ‘cost of capital, Defines the ‘cost of capital’, but Unable to define
capital”, how it is purpose/function, identifies its components, relation to its purpose/ explains its calculation, but is is unsure of its calculation and the ‘cost of capital,
calculated and how it and explains its calculation in relation to function, identifies its unsure of its purpose in application. and does not
should be used in projects evaluation, and the circumstances components and explains its project evaluation. attempt to explain
project evaluation. of its appropriate application in project calculation, but explains its it significance or
evaluation. application imprecisely in calculation.
relation to project evaluation.

4 Application of the Evaluates the advantages and disadvantages
concepts of cash, time of different methods of project evaluation,
and risk in assessing the and explains the significance of the
merits of alternative differences in relation to the concepts of
methods of project cash, time and risk, and the circumstances
evaluation. under which one or more discounted cash
flow methods of project evaluation should
be used in preference to others.
Evaluates the advantages and
disadvantages of different
methods of project evaluation,
and explains the significance of
the differences in relation to the
concepts of cash, time and risk.
Clearly distinguishes between
discounted cash flow methods
and other methods of project
evaluation, and explains the
significance of these
differences based on the
concepts of cash, time and
risk.
Makes some distinction Does not
between discounted cash flow adequately
methods and other methods of compare and
project evaluation. contrast alternative
methods of project
evaluation.

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ILO 3 – Assessment Criteria for calculation questions in Tutorial Assessments, Case Study Assignment and Exam
Criteria
Criteria Excellent / (A 80-100%)
No.
1 Employment of Selects appropriate formulas,
required calculations i using the correct variables and
to value debt and applying the formulas correctly
equity securities, to the calculation, with no
determine the cost of numerical calculation errors, no
capital and evaluate rounding errors and appropriate
projects. presentation of results.
2 Interpretation of Interprets the meaning of
results of calculations results and explains the
in making investment implications of results for
and funding decisions. investment and funding
decisions of the firm, in relation
to the types of decisions they
would support, and evaluates
the decisions against the
interests of the firm.
Very Good / (B 70-79%)
Selects appropriate formulas,
using the correct variables and
applying the formulas correctly
to the calculation, with no
numerical calculation errors,
but with rounding errors
and/or inappropriate
presentation of results.
Interprets the meaning of
results and explains the
implications of results for
investment and funding
decisions of the firm, in
relation to the types of
decisions they would support.
Good / (C 60-69%)
Selects appropriate
formulas, using the correct
variables and applying the
formulas correctly to the
calculation, but with
numerical calculation
errors (from incorrect use
of the calculator).
Interprets the meaning of
results, and explains how
those results should be
used in making investment
and funding decisions for
the firm.
Pass / (D 50-59) Fail / (F 0-49)
Selects appropriate formulas Does not select
but some errors in appropriate
determining the variables to formulas for
be used in the formulas; OR required
uses the correct variables in calculations.
the correct formulas, but
with some errors in
transcribing and using the
formulas.
Interprets the meaning of Incorrectly
results, but does not l explain interprets results of
how those results should be calculations, or
used in making investment omits any
and funding decisions for the interpretation.
firm.
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Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
The University has a comprehensive policy framework to which both staff and students must adhere. You should familiarise yourself with
those policies, procedures and guidelines likely to affect you especially the following:
 Academic Integrity.
 Academic Progress.
 Assessment and Feedback.
 Extension to Submission Dates.
 Late Submission of Assessment Tasks.
 Occupational, Health and Safety [OHS].
 Privacy.
 Special Consideration.
 Student Charter.
 Use of Electronic Mail.
The relevant policies, procedures and guidelines can be found on the website at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/policy/

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means being honest in academic work and taking responsibility for learning the conventions of scholarship. La Trobe
University views this seriously as evidenced by the following extract:
Academic honesty is a fundamental principle in teaching, learning, research and scholarship. The University requires its
academic staff and students to observe the highest ethical standards in all aspects of academic work and it
demonstrates its commitment to these values by awarding due credit for honestly conducted scholarly work, and by
penalising academic misconduct and all forms of cheating.
Academic Integrity Procedures (2010, p. 1 of 6)
Academic misconduct includes poor referencing, plagiarism, copying and cheating. You should familiarise yourself with your responsibilities in
relation to Academic Integrity and if you have any questions, direct them to your Course Coordinator. Information can be found on the
website at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/learning/integrity.html

Special Consideration
Special Consideration is the term used to describe a process that applies an equity measure to ensure that where any temporary adverse
circumstances beyond the control of a student, that impact negatively on that student’s ability to demonstrate their learning achievement for
an assessment task, is taken into account.
Eligibility to apply for Special Consideration does not automatically imply eligibility to receive it. Certain criteria must be satisfied in order to
receive Special Consideration. Note that special consideration is not available for students who sit the final examination.
Please refer to the relevant policies, procedures and guidelines website at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/policy/

Extensions, Late Submissions and Penalties

There are policies and procedures to guarantee fair, consistent and transparent treatment of late submission of assessment tasks provide
equity around extensions to submission dates and penalties associated with not submitting assessment by the due date and time.
Please refer to the relevant policies, procedures and guidelines website at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/policy/

La Trobe University 12