Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding and broad knowledge of the conceptual and regulatory frameworks, concepts, standards and assumptions

Before 10am on:

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20 working days after deadline (L4, 5 and 7)
15 working days after deadline (L6)
10 working days after deadline (block delivery

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Unit title & code

Financial reporting and analysis   AAF042-6

Assignment number and title

Main assessment 2

Assignment type

Written report

Weighting of assignment

60%

Size or length of assessment

3,000 words

Unit learning outcomes

1.Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding and broad knowledge of the conceptual and regulatory frameworks, concepts, standards and assumptions that underlie the preparation of published corporate reports in order to assess their usefulness for decision making.

2.Demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

Apply a range of analytical and interpretive skills to critically evaluate the annual corporate report and assess the impact of different concepts, regulations and alternative treatments on its usefulness for decision-making.

What am I required to do in this assignment?

You are to write a 3000-word report as though you were a consultant writing to the board of directors of a listed company from the financial industry. Your report should include the following:

(i)A very brief background to your company (key features) and key objectives (10%)

(ii)Critically discuss why accounting standards on their own are not a complete regulatory framework (10%)

(i)Critically discuss why Corporate Reporting is necessary in context of the capital markets (25%)

(ii)Corporate Governance – This should include a critical analysis & discussion on how effective the Corporate Governance system has been implemented. It should NOT be a repetition of the Corporate Governance policies (25%)

(iii)Critically analyze some of the major strengths and weaknesses of current cost accounting (applying replacement cost) (20%)

You must support all your arguments and analysis with sound academic evidence and cite the academic materials properly using Harvard reference system. (10%) 

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)

In order to pass Assessment 2 you will need to:

Discriminate between the various conceptual and regulatory frameworks, financial regulations, concepts, alternative theories and treatments and make value judgments on their impact on the decision usefulness of corporate reports and corporate governance.

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

Your work should show a critical insightful evaluation of the topic under discussion. There should be high level of creativity, and independent thought.

Extensive evidence of advanced applications and/or empirical results, where applicable, informed extensively by current research and practice in the area

The  conclusions should be outstanding, logical and consistent with the corporate objectives, key opportunities and problems and financial performance and the performance of main competitors

Overall, the work should be Outstanding, well-directed presentation, logically and coherently structured, using correct grammar, spelling and  accurate referencing and presentation.

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

 Your assignment will be marked according to the threshold expectations and the criteria on the following page.

 You can use them to evaluate your own work and consider your grade before you submit.

A very brief background to your company (key features) and key objectives (10%)

 The background information provided demonstrates basic awareness of relevant information required, key information of the case missing, scope of the report not defined

The background information provided demonstrates sound awareness of relevant information required, key information of the case missing, scope of the report not defined

The background information provided demonstrates very sound awareness of relevant information required, key information of the case missing, scope of the report not defined

The background information provided demonstrates excellent awareness of relevant information required, key information of the case missing, scope of the report not defined

Why accounting standards on their own are not a complete regulatory framework (10%)

Demonstrates basic awareness and discussion of why accounting standards on their own are not a complete regulatory framework

Demonstrates sound awareness and discussion of why accounting standards on their own are not a complete regulatory framework

Demonstrates very sound awareness and discussion of why accounting standards on their own are not a complete regulatory framework

Demonstrates excellent awareness and discussion of why accounting standards on their own are not a complete regulatory framework

Why Corporate Reporting is necessary in context of the capital markets (25%)

Demonstrates basic awareness and discussion of why Corporate Reporting is necessary in context of the capital markets

Demonstrates sound awareness and discussion of why Corporate Reporting is necessary in context of the capital markets

Demonstrates very sound  awareness and discussion of why Corporate Reporting is necessary in context of the capital markets

Demonstrates excellent awareness and discussion of why Corporate Reporting is necessary in context of the capital markets

Critical analysis & discussion of how effective the Corporate Governance system has been implemented (25%)

Demonstrates basic awareness and discussion of how effective the Corporate Governance system has been implemented

Demonstrates sound  awareness and discussion of how effective the Corporate Governance system has been implemented

Demonstrates very sound awareness and discussion of how effective the Corporate Governance system has been implemented

Demonstrates excellent awareness and discussion of how effective the Corporate Governance system has been implemented

The major strengths and weaknesses of current cost accounting (applying replacement cost) (20%)

Demonstrates basic awareness and discussion of the major strengths and weaknesses of current cost accounting (applying replacement cost)

Demonstrates sound awareness and discussion of the major strengths and weaknesses of current cost accounting (applying replacement cost)

Demonstrates very sound  awareness and discussion of the major strengths and weaknesses of current cost accounting (applying replacement cost)

Demonstrates excellent awareness and discussion of the major strengths and weaknesses of current cost accounting (applying replacement cost)

Referencing (10%)

Basic referencing  t the work using the Harvard Referencing System 

Good referencing   throughout the work using the Harvard Referencing System

Good referencing   throughout the work using the Harvard Referencing System

Good referencing   throughout the work using the Harvard Referencing System