Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module BUSS2071: CORPORATE FINANCIAL REPORTING

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

BUSS2071: CORPORATE FINANCIAL REPORTING

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2015/16 Module Cap Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to NN43
Tied to N420
Tied to N200

Prerequisites

  • ECOS1081, Introduction to Financial Accounting.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop the technical skills introduced at level one. The module addresses the preparation of financial statements for a single company and a company group, including the application of relevant International Financial Reporting Standards.

Content

  • The IFRS framework.
  • Preparation of the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cashflow statement for a single company to reflect complex accounting adjustments.
  • Accounting for tangible assets (current and non current).
  • Accounting for provisions including deferred taxation.
  • Revenue Recognition.
  • Supplementary disclosure including segmental reporting and related party transactions.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS)
  • Accounting for business combination
  • Interpretation of published financial reports.
  • Professional ethics and the reporting accountant.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understand the underpinning concepts which govern the preparation of financial statements.
  • Understand the importance of professional ethics to the preparation of high quality corporate reports.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to prepare complex accounting adjustments in line with accounting standards.
  • Be able to explain accounting adjustments to non-accountants.
  • Be able to prepare a basic set of accounts for a group.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication and numeracy through the examination and summative assignment.

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

  • Lecture delivery will cover the technical material underpinning the course as preparation for seminars which will enable students to develop the skills of accounts preparation and interpretation.
  • The formative assessment seeks to ensure that the development of the higher interpretative skills required in the assignment and examination are actioned by students before Christmas and can be supported through feedback. This reflects the teaching order whereby the workshops supporting the interpretation of financial reports are timetabled in term one and the formative assessment leads directly on from this class contact.
  • The summative assignment is in the form of a 2000 word professional report which seeks to assess the learning outcomes related to the practical application of the skills to 'live' corporate data through the critical analysis of the financial performance and risk of FTSE listed company.
  • The examination addresses the students understanding of the key concepts introduced in the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 weekly 1 hour 22
Seminars 8 4 in term 1, 4 in term 2 1 hour 8
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written examination 2 hours 30 mins 100%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written report 2000 words max 100%

Formative Assessment:

End of term 1,500 word assignment involving either the analysis of corporate reports or the development of financial reporting advice regarding complex standards to a company.


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