This is an advanced course that examines positive theories of financial reporting.  Empirical research relating to the use of accounting in contracts, accounting discretion, and the relationship between accounting information and firm value is critically analysed.  The course also examines the key theoretical perspectives essential to the understanding of empirical accounting research.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

This is an advanced course which examines positive theories of financial reporting.  Empirical research relating to the use of accounting in contracts, accounting discretion, and the relationship between accounting information and firm value is critically analysed.  The course also examines the key theoretical perspectives essential to the understanding of empirical accounting research.

This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to further advance their research skill by taking undertaking directed studies in Commerce. At the end of this course, students should be able to\

1. understand and critically analyse contemporary theoretical and empirical research in financial accounting; and

2. demonstrate the ability to access, process and analyse data used in contemporary empirical accounting research.

Research-Led Teaching

This entirety of this course concerns contemporary research in accounting in fields within which the course convenor is an active researcher.

Required Resources

Technology

You will be required to use the statistical application package Stata in this course. This software is available in most Information Commons computing facilities, and can also be made available on all staff and PhD student computers in offices within the CBE domain.

Recommended Resources

There is no prescribed textbook for this course, however students may wish to access one of the many introductory texts on the use of the Stata statistical package.

Copies of all scholarly articles studied in this course will be made available on Wattle. The weekly reading list will be provided in (or before) Week 1, and contains background reading, core papers (those discussed directly in class) and further reading.

Referencing Requirements

Referencing is to be effected using the Harvard (Author-Date) system, details of which are available at: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/learning-development/academic-integrity

It is of crucial importance that all written work submitted clearly distinguishes the candidate's own work / words from those of other authors. If you have any queries regarding the appropriate method of referencing the content of any of your assessment items please ask the convenor.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups and individuals

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

Any student identified, either during the current semester or in retrospect, as having used ghost writing services will be investigated under the University’s Academic Integrity Rule.

COMMUNICATION

Email and the Wattle Course Website

Email and the Wattle course website are the preferred ways of communication.

If necessary, the lecturer and tutors for this course will contact students on their official ANU student email address. Students should use this email address when contacting staff as spam filters used by ANU may not allow other email addresses to be received. Information about your enrolment and fees from the Registrar and Student Services' office will also be sent to this email address.

 

Announcements

Students are expected to check the Wattle site for announcements about this course, e.g. changes to timetables or notifications of cancellations.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to Empirical Accounting Research Methods Stata Module I
2	Accounting and Analyst Forecasts
3	Analyst RecommendationsStata Modules II, III and IV (the exact timing of Stata Labs throughout the course may vary but will be confirmed when the final reading list is released )
4	Real Earnings Management
5	Accruals Anomaly and Related Topics
6	Earnings Quality and its Relation to Stock PricesStata Modules V, VI VII
7	Managers and Analysts	Practical Research Assignment Part 1 Due  Monday 18 September 10am
8	Managers, Shareholders and Employees
9	Accounting and Debt Markets
10	Classification Shifting and Non-GAAP Earnings (or Student Defined Topic)
11	Firm Characteristics and Financial Reporting (or Student Defined Topic)
12	Review and Presentation of Practical Research Assignments	Practical Research Assignment Presentations During Class TimePart 2 Due Monday 6 November 10am

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Seminar Critiques	30 %	01/08/2023	09/08/2023	1
Practical Research Assignment – Part I	15 %	18/09/2023	28/09/2023	1,2
Practical Research Assignment – Part II	40 %	06/11/2023	01/12/2023	1,2
Seminar Presentation Slides, Presentations and Discussions	15 %	24/07/2023	09/08/2023	1

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

Not applicable.

Assessment Task 1

Seminar Critiques

Our weekly seminars will be conducted on campus. Each student will be required to lead the class discussion on an academic paper on at least three occasions (the required number of presentations will be finalised in Week 1 once enrolment numbers are confirmed) and must prepare a written critique on that paper. One or more critiques completed during the course will be based on a very recent paper that you have selected (after discussion with the Convenor) that you believe is of practical relevance beyond that of academic researchers. While you are not expected to present a complete ‘lecture’ on your topic, you should prepare a small number of PowerPoint slides highlighting key issues / tables / equations / diagrams relevant to your readings. Marks are not awarded for the presentation. For the papers that you are assigned as the discussion leader, you will also be required to submit a written critique of the paper, of approximately 4 pages (1.5 spaced) in length. The written submission is due by 12 noon on the day prior to the seminar (email submission is preferred). You will be assessed on your demonstrated understanding of the assigned article(s) and their relevance to key issues studied in this course. Your grade will also reflect the extent to which you have responded to feedback provided with respect to assessment submitted earlier in the course. Further information will be available by the end of Week 1.

Due date: The due date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date. This assessment task is assessed weekly.

Return date: The return date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date. This assessment task is returned in the week following submission. All students will have received feedback on at least one Seminar Critique before August 31 (census date).

Assessment Task 2

Practical Research Assignment – Part I

The practical research assignment will require you to conduct empirical research on a sample of real firms. This assignment will be completed in two stages.

In Part 1 (Assessment Task 2) candidates will be required to:

• identify a research topic relating to the relation between properties of analyst forecasts and financial reporting
• identify and analyse literature relevant to the topic, and prepare a spreadsheet table classifying relevant papers according to numerous criteria
• develop at least one testable hypothesis
• obtain, process and analyse archival data used to test the hypothesis (this will require candidates to merge data from different sources and to develop advanced skills in data manipulation)
• design appropriate empirical tests of the hypotheses, execute these tests and analyse results
• Write up findings in the form of a preliminary report, emphasising the motivation for the study, the essential logic behind the hypothesis, the properties of the sample and the initial test results

Further information will be available by the end of Week 2.

Candidates will be given extensive and specific feedback on the Preliminary Report (i.e Part 1), which they are then required to implement in completing Assignment Part 2 (Assessment Task 3), which requires the candidate to write up their final results in the form of a scholarly journal article. The course convenor will be available to meet with students to discuss the progress of their assignment throughout the semester. Students are encouraged to talk to the convenor regularly about the progress of their project.

Assessment Task 3

Practical Research Assignment – Part II

The practical research assignment will require you conduct empirical research on a sample of real firms. This assignment will be completed in two stages.

In Part 1 (Assessment Task 2) candidates will be required to:

• identify a research topic relating to the relation between properties of analyst forecasts and financial reporting
• identify and analyse literature relevant to the topic, and prepare a spreadsheet table classifying relevant papers according to numerous criteria
• develop at least one testable hypothesis
• obtain, process and analyse archival data used to test the hypothesis (this will require candidates to merge data from different sources and to develop advanced skills in data manipulation)
• design appropriate empirical tests of the hypotheses, execute these tests and analyse results
• Write up findings in the form of a preliminary report, emphasising the motivation for the study, the essential logic behind the hypothesis, the properties of the sample and the initial test results

Further information will be available by the end of Week 2.

Candidates will be given extensive and specific feedback on the Preliminary Report (i.e Part 1), which they are then required to implement in completing Assignment Part 2 (Assessment Task 3), which requires the candidate to write up their final results in the form of a scholarly journal article. The course convenor will be available to meet with students to discuss the progress of their assignment throughout the semester. 

In the final 1 or 2 teaching weeks, candidates will be required to present their draft research project to the class. While the presentation is not formally assessed, the mark awarded for the final written submission of the research assignment will take into account the extent to which the written submission addresses feedback provided during the development of the research project.

Assessment Task 4

Seminar Presentation Slides, Presentations and Discussions

On at least two occasions you will be asked to lead the class discussion of particular paper without the need to submit a written critique. However, you will be asked to present a summary and analysis of the paper using Powerpoint, and to lead discussion of the paper during and after the presentation. On other occasions (i.e. when another student is leading the class discussion), you must participate actively and thoughtfully in the discussion of that paper.

You will be awarded a grade reflecting the frequency and quality of your contributions to these seminar discussions throughout the course. The grade awarded will reflect your demonstrated understanding of and ability to critically analyse contemporary theoretical and empirical research in financial accounting, and to formulate well-reasoned and coherent arguments in reaching well-considered conclusions. The quality and clarity of your presentation slides will also affect the grade for this component of the assessment. You will be given regular feedback on your performance in this regard.

The mark awarded for this assessment task is independent of that awarded under Assessment Task 1, meaning that the assessment of this task focuses on your performance when discussing papers for which you do not need to present a written critique.

Due date: The due date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date. This assessment task is assessed on the basis of your weekly contributions to class discussion throughout the semester.

Return date: The return date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assignments may be returned to students via email (seminar critiques, presentation slides) or via Wattle / Turnitin (Practical Research Assignments Part I and II).

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

There is no provision for the resubmission of assignments.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students