Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module ECOS1191: ASSURANCE

Department: Business School (Economics and Finance) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

ECOS1191: ASSURANCE

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2013/14 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to N400

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To ensure that students understand the assurance process and fundamental principles of ethics, and are able to contribute to the assessment of internal controls and gathering of evidence on an assurance engagement.

Content

  • The concept, process and need for assurance
  • Internal controls
  • Gathering evidence on an assurance engagement
  • Professional ethics

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Have an understanding of the concept of assurance, why assurance is required and the reasons for assurance engagements being carried out by appropriately qualified professionals
  • Have an understanding of the processes of internal control assessment and sample identification
  • Be familiar with methods of assessing the quality of assurance evidence and their persuasiveness
  • Have an understanding of issues of professional ethics and code of conduct
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to document an organisation’s internal controls and identify weaknesses in internal control systems
  • Be able to select sufficient and appropriate methods of obtaining assurance evidence and recognise when conclusions can be drawn from evidence obtained or where issues need to be referred to a senior colleague
Key Skills:
  • Be able to understand the importance of ethical behaviour to a professional practice.
  • Be able to explain issues relating to integrity, objectivity, conflicts of interest, conflicts of loyalty, confidentiality and independence.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning will be based on knowledge transfer from lectures, seminars and personal study; investigation of cases and real world organisations which will underpin the seminars will encourage students to develop awareness of cultural differences and apply these to development of their skills in managing themselves and others in such contexts.
  • Seminar activities and discussions will provide the technical awareness of topics in a comprehensive form.
  • The examination will test students’ understanding of the main concepts and technical treatments through problem solving and reflection on learning.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 4 Per Week 2 Hours 20
Seminars 4 Weekly 2 Hours 8
Case discussions 1 Annual 2 Hours 2
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Online computer based examination 1 hour 30 minutes 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Online tests


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University