MODULE DESCRIPTOR TITLE
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TECHNIQUES
SI MODULE CODE 44-6936-00L
CREDITS 20
LEVEL 6
JACS CODE N400 - Accounting
SUBJECT GROUP FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING & MANAGEMENT
ACCOUNTING - SBS
DEPARTMENT Finance, Accounting and Business Systems
MODULE LEADER Diane Jamieson
NOTIONAL STUDY HOURS BY TYPE
Tutor-led Tutor-directed Self-directed Total Hours
36 72 92 200
MODULE AIM(S)
• To develop students' critical understanding of the meaning and purpose of forensic accounting and the role of the expert witness
• To facilitate a critical awareness of the nature and extent of financial dispute resolution
• To enable students to apply techniques used in forensic accounting engagements, including the identification and quantification of admissible evidence and the quantification of damages
• To enable students to think critically, evaluate evidence and come to reasoned conclusions
MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES
By engaging successfully with this module a student will be able to Upon completion of this Module, you should be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the meaning and purpose of forensic accounting and an expert witness
2. Assess and evaluate the role of the expert witness in forensic accounting engagements
3. Appreciate the nature and extent of financial dispute resolution
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the application of techniques used in forensic accounting engagements, including the identification and quantification of admissible evidence and the quantification of damages
INDICATIVE CONTENT
These are examples of the content of the module • The role of the expert and courtroom skills
• Loss of profits calculations • Financial and business analysis • Financial valuation techniques • Professional negligence actions • Personal injury claim
• Matrimonial disputes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
Students will be supported in their learning, to achieve the above outcomes, in the following ways
Learning and Teaching Methods Lectures
Lectures provide information and knowledge about theories and techniques, and will help students to develop an initial understanding and form the basis for study. Lectures will introduce a range of key issues facing a variety of organisations, and provide a framework for independent research, reading and study.
Seminars
Seminars will utilise a variety of formats, but will emphasise the discussion of the impact of, and possible responses to, forensic issues. Such seminars will build upon the prior research and reading undertaken by students, and may involve group discussion or presentations. They will also allow students to put their learning into practice and check their learning through a variety of problem-solving exercises and critical discussions. The situational aspects of the Module will be strongly case study based and the majority of the classes will involve problem questions which are based upon practical “real world” scenarios.
Guest lecturers will also be integrated into the module to demonstrate how the topics dealt with in this module relate to the forensic accounting discipline as a whole.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - Blackboard
The module has a dedicated Blackboard site, which students are expected to access on a regular basis. The Blackboard site is used to communicate information to students outside of contact sessions (via the 'Announcements' page). In addition, the blackboard site includes:
• An electronic (PDF) version of the module handbook • Links to lecture/PowerPoint slides
• Details regarding assessments
• Additional topical and contemporary information with direct links to external websites. Blackboard will be used to provide a link to additional resources for each topic, including where appropriate, links to appropriate websites and video clips.
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY AND METHODS
Students will have the opportunity to test and evaluate their learning through formative and summative assessment. A variety of formative assessment methods will be used, e.g. analysis of case studies, mock cross examinations.
The assessment package reflects the practical nature of the subject and students will be assessed on the basis of a written expert report of 3,000 words and their ability to present and be cross-examined on the information and opinions included within the written
report. Time will be allocated for staff and students to work through each other’s expectations and understanding of the module’s summative assessment tasks. Task
No.
Task
Description
Task Type Task
Weighting % Word Count / Duration In-module retrieval available 1 Individual Report Coursework 60 3000 words No 2 Individual Presentation Coursework 40 20 minutes No
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Learning Outcome Fail Pass 2:2 2:1 First 1 and 2 Inappropriate or insufficient application of appropriate skills and knowledge Applies skills and knowledge but not necessarily in an entirely appropriate manner Applies some key skills and knowledge appropriately
Applies key skills and knowledge appropriately
Applies all skills and knowledge appropriately 3 and 4 Inaccurate selection of data and inappropriate application of methods and procedures Poor knowledge of the topic Inadequate selection of data or application and explanation of methods and procedures Limited knowledge of the topic Appropriate data selections Competent attempt in the application and explanation of methods and procedures Clear knowledge of the topic Good data selections Good attempt in the application and explanation of methods and procedures Good understanding of the topic Excellent data selections Excellent attempt in the application and explanation of methods and procedures Excellent understanding of the topic 5 Inadequate analysis Failure to identify any issues Inadequate demonstration of practical application Poor, inadequate or inappropriate conclusions Poor analysis Some issues identified Limited demonstration of practical application Some attempt to provide an appropriate conclusion Sound analysis Identification of some key issues Competent attempt at demonstrating practical application Competent attempt to provide an appropriate conclusion Critical and reasoned analysis Identification of key issues Good attempt at demonstrating practical application Critical and reasoned conclusion Perceptive and insightful analysis Identification of key and potential issues Excellent attempt at demonstrating practical application Perceptive and insightful conclusion
FEEDBACK
Students will receive feedback on their performance in the following ways Formative Feedback
• Each class will provide students with the opportunity to discuss their answers to the seminar questions with their tutor and fellow students. So, at each session students will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on their work.
• Outline seminar 'answers' will be posted on Blackboard so that if students miss a seminar, they will still be able to receive some feedback on their answers and raise any queries at the next seminar.
Summative Feedback
• Summative feedback is to be provided following the submission of the first coursework task. Specific individual feedback will be provided to the students on prepared assessment feedback sheets, along with comments from the tutor, detailing the standard of their report writing, technical knowledge, and ability to integrate a wide range of relevant points. The students will also have an opportunity to meet with the tutor(s), after the return of the coursework scripts, for individual feedback and guidance. The feedback from this will enable the students to be well placed to tackle the second module assessment task.
• Students will receive immediate verbal feedback on their individual presentation and cross examination (Task 2). This will be followed up with written feedback relating to their submissions and they will be given the opportunity to meet with the tutor(s) for individual feedback.
LEARNING RESOURCES (INCLUDING READING LISTS)
The module leader liaises closely with the university learning centre to ensure a wide variety of the latest books and articles are available to aid your studies. You will also be able to utilise the online journals database via the learning centre website. The module guide will outline key readings along with utilising the Talis reading list system.
Electronic copies of all teaching materials will be placed on Blackboard along with sample assessments, formative work, weblinks and additional resources.
There are no compulsory text books for this Module. However, it is envisaged that students will read widely as part of their studies.
Recommended Texts:
Brennan, N. and Hennessy, J. Forensic Accounting
Lagerberg, G and Butter, C. Litigation Support: The PricewaterhouseCoopers' guide to forensic analysis and accounting evidence
Taylor, J. Forensic Accounting
Woolf, E. and Hindson, M. Audit & Accountancy Pitfalls Particular forensic accounting related websites are as follows:
Expert Witness Institute: www.ewi.org.uk
SECTION 2 'MODEL A' MODULE (INFORMATION FOR STAFF ONLY) MODULE DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT INFORMATION MODULE STATUS - INDICATE IF ANY CHANGES BEING MADE
NEW MODULE No
EXISTING MODULE - NO CHANGE Yes
Title Change No
Level Change No
Credit Change No
Assessment Pattern Change No
Change to Delivery Pattern No
Date the changes (or new module) will be implemented n/a
MODULE DELIVERY PATTERN
Module Begins Module Ends
08/Aug/2011 15/Apr/2012
17/Sep/2012 30/May/2013
Is timetabled contact time required for this module? Yes Are any staff teaching on this module non-SHU employees? No MODULE ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
Does the Module Require Either
Overall Percentage Mark of 40% Yes
Overall Pass / Fail Grade No
FINAL TASK
According to the Assessment Strategy shown in the Module
Descriptor, which task will be the LAST TASK to be taken or handed-in? (Give task number as shown in the Assessment Strategy)
Task No.2
MODULE REFERRAL STRATEGY
Task for Task (as shown for initial assessment strategy) Yes Single Referral Package for All Referred Students No
