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Module Code W.IGACC01.08
Principles and Aims Graduates of the IM+E Bachelor Programme in Business Administration are expected to be able to differentiate between accounting systems as well as to apply such systems based on selected cases. Moreover, graduates should be able to explain and apply the structure of a common chart of account to enterprises that belong to different industries. Thirdly, graduates can record basic cases and transactions in the respective ledger while taking into account the applicable (Swiss) legal and tax provisions. From a legal
perspective, the focus is on practice oriented problems of the relevant laws. Besides, this module deals with the effects of direct taxes on private and business decisions and processes.
Programme Business Administration with International Management + Economics
Course Bachelor
Type of Module C (core module) in the general studies programme Level of Module Basic
ECTS Credits 6 credits
Submodules 1. Accounting
2. Social Security 3. Value Added Tax
4.0 credits 1.0 credits 1.0 credits Pre-requisites Qualifications in the field of financial accounting equivalent to those stipulated for
higher secondary vocational training in Switzerland.
Follow-up modules W.IGACC02.08 (Financial Management: Reporting and Financial Analysis)
Submodule 1: Accounting
Intended Learning Outcomes
1. Understanding and applying the concepts of accounting practices;
2. Developing an understanding of financial transactions, the accounting cycle and the chart of accounts; 3. Applying basic and industry-related accounting practices according to legal provisions;
4. Understanding and basic analysis of financial reports.
Students will explore the nature of accounting in terms of basic accounting concepts, procedures and reports. The various uses of accounting information in decision-making, accounting issues concerning income and cash flows, economic resources and capital will be discussed. The course format will include lectures, discussions, exercises and problem solving sessions in introductory accounting.
Workload per semester
ECTS Credits
Contact Lessons Contact Hours Directed Study (lessons)
Directed Study (hours)
Private Study (hours)
Total study time (hours)
Workload 4 56 42.0 16 12.0 66.0 120
Percentage 35.0% 10.0% 55.0% 100%
Objectives
Knowledge Skills
Subject-specific knowledge Subject-specific skills Students
know how profit is calcualted, controlled and influenced;
know the concept of periodicity;
know the different methods of determining the value of assets and liabilities.
Students are able to analyse standard reports such as balance sheets, cash flow statements or profit and loss accounts.
Methodological knowledge Methodological skills Students
know the system of double entry bookkeeping; know the common chart of accounts.
Students
are able to use double entry accounting correctly; are able to adjust for period end (adjustment and
accrual);
are able to explain and report transactions on stock;
are able to asses a conpany’s performance based on financial reports.
Syllabus Plan and Content
Overview of financial accounting as a management tool Introduction to financial accounting
Standard reports
Common chart of accounts
Various concepts on profits and results Accounting transactions
Provisions of valuation according to IFRS (and “Obligationenrecht (OR)). Teaching and Learning
Methods
Subject-based
Activities Aims and Objectives
Directed Study Interactive teaching, practice-related class Private Study Cases, exercises, literature studies
Tuition Language English
Assessment Written examination
Reading List Charles T. Horngren, Gary L. Sundem, John A. Elliott, Donna Philbrick (9th edition). Introduction to Financial Accounting
Submodule 2: Social Security
Intended Learning Outcomes Students
1. are aware of how and to what extent governmental and legal systems may differ in countries across the world; 2. are aware of how and to what extent social security systems may differ in countries across the world;
3. appreciate the effect of bilateral agreements in theses fields and their impact on business;
3. know about the existence and role of important international organisations and their impact on international business and trade.
Objectives
Knowledge Skills
Subject-specific knowledge Subject-specific skills Students
are familiar with the governmental and legal systems of Switzerland (CH), the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA);
are familiar with the Bilateral Agreements between Switzerland and the EU, particularly the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons and the Agreement on Social Security and their impact on business.
are familiar with the systems of social security in Switzerland, the EU and Germany, and the USA. are familiar with important international trade
organizations, like the WTO, the UNICITRAL, the ILO, the WIPO and the ICC.
Students are able
to solve legal problems connected with everyday business in cooperation with legal experts; to apraise the impact of their business activities
on social security.
Methodological knowledge Methodological skills
Students are able to research, understand and put into pratice relevant legal rules.
Knowledge about communication and social relationships Social skills
Students demonstrate legal competence when dealing with administrations (especially in the field of social security) and insurance companies.
Self-related knowledge Self-related skills
Students are aware of their limits when faced with legal problems in the field of social security and are able to consult and commission legal experts in time. Syllabus Plan and Content
Introduction to international business law
Governmental and legal systems in Switzerland, the EU, and the USA International organizations (in partular WTO, UNCITRAL, ILO, WIPO, ICC) Bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU (general)
Workload per semester
ECTS Credits
Contact Lessons Contact Hours Directed Study (lessons)
Directed Study (hours)
Private Study (hours)
Total study time (hours)
Workload 1 12 9.0 4 3.0 18.0 30
Percentage 30.0% 10.0% 60.0% 100%
Bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU (particularly free movement of persons, social security) Systems of social security in Switzerland, the EU and Germany, and the USA
Teaching and Learning Methods
subject and problem-based
Activities Aims and Objectives
Directed Study Problem and case-oriented lessons, case studies, single, partner and group work, short student presentations of cases prepared during private study periods.
Private Study Not specified
Tuition Language English Assignments and
Assessment
Written examination
Reading List F. Dessemontet. T. Ansy (2004, 3rd edition). Introduction to Swiss Law. Zürich: Kluwer/Schulthess
A. Adams (2008, 5th edition). Law for Business Students. Essex/UK: Pearson
Submodule 3: Value Added Tax
Intended Learning Outcomes Students
1. are able to assess the impact and consequences of taxes on individual and corporate activities generally and to work out solutions for basic tax issues;
2. are able to apply tax law regulations to basic tax issues; 3. are able to take an appropriate part in tax discussions;
4. are able to reflect on their actions and recognise the limits of their knowledge. Objectives
Knowledge Skills
Subject-specific knowledge Subject-specific skills Students
are able to explain the system of Swiss tax law and to apply its general terms (tax sovereignty, tax payer, object of tax, tax basis and tax calculation) accordingly;
are familiar with the different kinds of Swiss direct and
Students are able to identify and to assess tax relevant issues in business and legal models.
indirect taxes and apply them to basic national tax issues;
know the OECD Model Convention and apply it to basic international tax issues;
are familiar with the basics of EU VAT.
Methodological knowledge Methodological skills Students are able to distinguish between facts and the
application of law.
Students are able
to identify the relevant tax law regulations, to understand them and to apply them in practical circumstances;
to distinguish between the procedural and the material aspects of tax law.
Knowledge about communication and social relationships Social skills Students are able
to act as competent partners for external advisers in tax law discussions;
to understand the importance of appropriate contact with tax authorities and to contribute towards a relationship conducive to mutual understanding.
Self-related knowledge Self-related skills
Students are able to recognise their own limits in solving tax issues and to call in tax specialists at the appropriate time.
Syllabus Plan and Content 1. Swiss tax law
General Swiss tax system (tax sovereignty, tax payer, object of taxes, tax basis, tax calculation), Swiss direct taxes (taxation of individuals and corporates), Swiss withholding tax and stamp duty, taxes related to immovable property, inheritance and gift taxes and basics of Swiss VAT.
Links to civil law, financial accounting. 2. International taxation
OECD Model Convention (residence, qualification and taxation of different kinds of income). Links to civil law.
3. EU VAT
Basics of EU VAT (intra community transfers). Links to financial accounting.
Teaching and Learning Methods
subject-based / problem-based
Activities Aims and Objectives
Directed Study Interactive teaching, practice-related class Private Study Cases, exercises, literature study
Workload per semester
ECTS Credits
Contact Lessons Contact Hours Directed Study (lessons)
Directed Study (hours)
Private Study (hours)
Total study time (hours)
Workload 1 12 9.0 4 3.0 18.0 30
Percentage 30.0% 10.0% 60.0% 100%
Tuition Language English Assignments and
Assessment
Written examination
Reading List Course materials: summaries (slides), Swiss tax laws (according to necessity and availability in English), OECD Model Tax Treaty will be handet out.