Course Resources Archive

This module offers students the opportunity to explore a topic of interest to them within the accounting or finance to a much greater depth than previously experienced in other modules, through a self-determined and managed dissertation on a relevant topic of their own choosing.

Students will be guided clearly to define and justify a research problem in relation to its applicability and importance to the accounting environment. This will enable them to develop and critically apply concepts and theories acquired throughout their programme of study, and critically evaluate the practical application of academic accounting and financial knowledge. They will learn to work independently and manage their time over a period where they are likely to face conflicting demand form their programme of study. They will develop skills in reflective analysis, to evaluate the approach they have identified for their work to identify its strengths and weaknesses, and will communicate and present their ideas coherently in writing, developing clarity of argument and the selection and use of supporting evidence.

A student passing this module should be able to demonstrate:

1. A deep understanding of some of the contexts in which accounting operates – for example, the legal, ethical, social and natural environment; the accountancy profession; the capital markets; the public sector; (PLO1)
2. Understanding of the contemporary theories and empirical evidence concerning accounting and financial management, and an ability to evaluate them in a number of contexts – for example, accounting and society; accounting and sustainability; (PLO4)
3. Advanced development of skills in critically evaluating and analysing arguments and data, drawing reasoned conclusions; (PLO5)
4. The ability to manage learning independently, including being able to find, extract and analyse data from many different sources, and acknowledge and reference these appropriately; (PLO6)
5. Skills in the use of communications and information technology in finding, analysing and communicating information – for example, through the use of spreadsheets , and online databases; (PLO7)
6. Communication and numerical skills including the ability to present quantitative and qualitative information, together with analysis, argument and commentary, in form which will be understood by its intended audience. (PLO8)

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.