Admission and Unit Information - Master of Commerce (Accounting)

This unit is concerned with understanding theory construction and research in accounting. It aims to equip students with an understanding of contemporary accounting research, which emanates from different theoretical perspectives and philosophies. A further aim is to critically evaluate recent research throwing light on theory construction, professional development and applications to accounting and related areas.

This unit examines the different theories advanced to explain accounting. Current accounting theories are also considered and critically reviewed together with the broader issues raised by their application. Empirical and behavioural research in accounting is explored by way of validation and contextualisation of accounting theories.

Systems analysis and design refers to the process of examining a business situation with the intent of improving it through better procedure, methods and technology. Systems analysis and design provides a structured methodology for developing or improving information systems in business. The methodology does not necessitate the use of computers, although most contemporary business information systems are computerised.

The major sources of information on which to base judgements on borrowing capacity, liquidity, managerial effectiveness, and investment potential remain the financial statements of an organisation. This unit is a result of the claim made by Foster, an authority in the finance field, that developments in the fields of accounting, economics, finance and statistics (as they relate to financial statement analysis) are understood well enough to permit financial statement analysis to be studied intensively.

The Unit develops students' critical and analytical skills. Students undertake and complete a research essay in areas relevant to the business environment and/or theoretical development. Research essays are offered in consultation with staff who posses research interests and experience in relevant areas and the ability to apply business and industry needs.

The unit develops students' critical and analytical skills. Students undertake and complete a research essay in an area relevant to the business environment and/or theoretical development. Research essays are offered in consultation with staff who posses research interests and experience in areas and the relevant ability to apply business and industry needs.

The unit develops students' critical and analytical skills. Students undertake and complete a research project in an area with relevance to the business environment. Research projects are offered in consultation with staff who possess research interests and experience in the relevant areas of business and industry.

The purpose of this unit is to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the range of contemporary and emerging practices and issues associated with international dimensions of accounting, auditing and financial management.

In the same way that the medical profession learns from autopsies, the accounting profession can learn from examining corporate collapses. This unit provides valuable lessons in accounting by examining booms and busts of previous periods and reviewing the reports of inspectors and forensic accountants who have identified deficiencies in accounting methods, internal controls and auditing.

This unit is intended to expand disciplinary perspectives in auditing and assurance services and to give guidance for research in auditing. It examines the differences in philosophies and methods and compares contemporary and traditional approaches to assurance services. The unit also incorporates an examination of "white collar crime" and explores the role of expert witnesses and audit documentation.

Contemporary management accounting systems (MAS) have been criticized for providing misleading information in changing operational environments. MAS should assist operations management with performance measures that reflect new technologies and balanced for the organizational stakeholders. This unit examines the roles of management accounting and the impact of changes on those roles. It also examines various aspects MAS design to link the organizational strategy formulation to management control.

The public sector is a common feature of our modern society. There are a variety of entities in the public sector which account for a large proportion of national output and employment in many countries including Australia. This unit examines the role of government entities in our society, decision-making processes and their accountability structures with an in-depth examination of various accounting, reporting, auditing, financial management and control techniques used by them.

Good corporate governance is crucial to the sound functioning of the economic systems. Not only has the topic succeeded in attracting much attention to adopt best practices in improving corporate performance and sustainable economic growth, but also it has drawn attention to the importance of high level of transparency and accountability to the various stakeholders. This unit is concerned with the role of accounting and auditing in the corporate governance process.

This unit reflects the expanding scope of corporate accountability, the rise of corporate environmentalism and the role of stakeholder pressures such as regulation in driving changes to organizational performance measurement and reporting. It provides students with an appreciation of the range of organisational stakeholders and the changing expectations for social and environmental responsibility and accountability. In particular, students will explore issues relating to social and environmental accounting, triple bottom line measurement and disclosures and corporate governance.

This unit focusses on the role that Accountants play in the effective management of businesses, using consulting problems and "real" case studies involving a wide range of business related issues.