AF7006 - Accounting and Finance

The module is delivered through a combination of tutor-directed learning, group learning and independent learning. In the taught sessions, an interactive approach will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and participants’ own experiences. Throughout, the emphasis will be on high levels of participation, both individually and within small groups or teams.

Participants can therefore expect the reflective-practitioner approach to learning to be embedded in all sessions through undertaking activities which facilitate them to apply theory to ‘real-life’ situations, critically analysing and making recommendations for appropriate ways forward for the organisation/individual. The module aims to provide impact to your day to day professional role and sessions will be structured to ensure that you can take the learning from the module and apply it directly in your workplace.

Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the discussion board on the e-learning platform.

Independent learning will centre upon the students identifying and pursuing areas of interest in relation to the subject and by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that will include extended reading, reflection, research etc.

Critical reflection on knowledge, experience and practice underpins the learning and teaching philosophy along with the explicit development of competence. You are particularly encouraged to bring examples from the workplace into the classroom to share with each other and with the tutors. The module will also incorporate sessions delivered by external practice experts as well as from academic experts in the field drawn from the Business School.

The module is delivered by an experienced teaching team who will provide ongoing advice and guidance on the module and your progress. You will be supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan which outlines the structure and content of the formal sessions, and also appropriate tutor-directed learning and independent reading. The module is also supported by an online Blackboard site which includes learning materials and additional resources. Peer learning is an important part of the MBA programme and you will be encouraged to form learning sets to enable effective peer support for learning.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
On completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of key aspects of accounting (both financial and management) and finance (corporate).

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
On completion of the module you will be able to:
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the ethical and practical implications of accounting and finance.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
On completion of the module you will be able to:
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the code of ethics and code of conducts required of professionals and organisations;
4. Demonstrate a critical awareness of multicultural teamwork.

Formative assessment: This will take place through group work, assignment discussion and reflection, discussion board activity on the e-learning platform, case study activity, and theory/practice related discussions. Criteria will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected and how you will be assessed on your performance. You are required to demonstrate self-reflection and reflective practice where appropriate. Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module, particularly in relation to seminar tasks. You should, however be aware that formative feedback can, and will, occur in any communication with an academic tutor.

Summative assessment: A 3000 word individual assignment on an accounting and finance topic of strategic importance. The assignment is weighted at 100% and assesses all the module learning outcomes.

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Understanding how accounting and finance can be used for strategic advantage can help you advance to senior positions. This module will develop your knowledge and critical appreciation of the key components of accounting and finance and enable you to apply these within the context of a successful commercial organisation. The module will include key concepts in relation to investment and financing decisions, operational controls, and financial health and growth. You will be able to build your knowledge starting with how to choose and appraise an investment decision; dealing with operational matters that keep the business running; using finance and accounting techniques to strategically manage the direction of the business and finally, to understand how corporate expansion can successfully and sustainably take place. Reflective of the research strength within the Business School within responsible business, you will be encouraged to engage with CSR and ethical decision making.