Accounting Analytics

Code

BUSI4359

School

Nottingham University Business School China

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn China

Summary

The objective of this module is to learn important concepts related to the business processes, internal controls, and software used to generate accounting transactions and to learn techniques used by practicing accountants to analyze this transactional data.  Upon completion of this course should be able to:
•    Follow the life cycle of an accounting analyst;
•    Understand how enterprise systems record and retrieve accounting information;
•    Understand how to use a variety of tools to analyze accounting transactions;
•    Use a variety of tools to identify possible breakdowns in internal controls and fraud;
•    Determine the means to get adoption of accounting analytics;
•    Communicate ideas and findings efficiently and effectively in proper business form.

In order to receive graduate credit, the students must write a series of substantial papers to demonstrate an understanding of the life cycle of an accounting analyst. These paper/projects/presentations will bridge the student’s academic learning at the University with his or her paper/project/presentation experience. These will accordingly draw heavily upon the content of the module and is not something that the student could prepare solely by conducting library research.
 

Target Students

Business School MSc students meeting pre-requisites and subject to compliance with module choice requirements, as listed in the degree programme specification. In addition, other MA/MSc students meeting pre-requisites and subject to the discretion of the Director of MSc Programmes

Classes

• One 2-hour seminar each week for 5 weeks
• Two 2-hour-30-minute lectures each week for 8 weeks

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester

Assessment

• 60% Coursework 1: Group Project Written Report (3,000 words)
• 40% Coursework 2: One Individual Written Report (1,600 words)

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives & Outcomes Please tick all that apply - including at least one under each heading

Below changes do not impact the overall learning goals and objectives of the MSc Professional Accounting Programme.
Knowledge and understanding: This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:

The use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications

Information systems and business intelligence - the development, management, application and implementation of information systems and their impact upon organisations

Communications – the comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in business and management, including the use of digital tools

The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges 
and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.

Intellectual Skills: This module develops:

Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately

Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions

Using information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills

Transferable (key) Skills: This module develops:

Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports

High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; conflict  resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience
 

Conveners

• Dr Chuan Lin