ACC4051 : Contemporary Issues in Business, Accounting and Finance
ACC4051 : Contemporary Issues in Business, Accounting and Finance
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Kirsty Munro
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Available to students on NN14/NN49 only
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
None
Aims
The module aims to develop research skills of analysis and evaluation in the context of contemporary issues in business accounting and finance through an individual topic of choice.
Outline Of Syllabus
What is research into contemporary issues in business, accounting and finance.
Choosing a topic.
What is a literature review.
Developing and writing a research project.
Students will be required to complete a total of 6,000 words project, comprising a 2,000 literature review and 4,000 research project in which the student will be address a contemporary issue, of their choice, relevant to business, accounting and finance. The project will be an in depth study of a specific issue or topic and thus will focus on depth of analysis rather than broad subject coverage.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To develop further students’ knowledge, understanding and perspective on contemporary issues in business, accounting and finance.
Intended Skill Outcomes
To develop further students’ abilities to use research and academic literature as a framework to consider issues and to assess the linkage between theory and practice.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 95:00 | 95:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | 8 x 2 hour PiP workshops in Semester 1 across 4 weeks at beginning of semester; and 2 x 2 hour workshops in Semester 2 across 2 weeks. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 70:00 | 70:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | 3 Drop-in Clinic Sessions in Semester 1, and 3 Consultancy Session in Semester 2 before students submit their research project - PIP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 4 | 0:30 | 2:00 | 2 in-person meetings per Semester. To be arranged between students and advisors. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | For Stage 3 cohort in May 2023; PIP |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
As an individual research project the module requires few lectures and instead workshops will be used. Lecture materials will be used to provide a framework that set the parameters of the study as well as support from the central library and skills team. The early part of the module will assist students with identifying a topic and developing their project plan. Students will receive formative feedback on their project proposal. A project supervisor will be appointed for each student who will provide guidance and support to the student.
Due to the rather prescriptive aspects of some of the professionally orientated modules in years 2 and 3 of this degree programme, it is envisaged that students will need some extra support in understanding and adapting to the more open-ended, discursive and analytical nature of what will be required for the project. The contact time and significant drop in surgeries will be directed towards providing that support. Much of the student learning will take place through reading and analysing issues and researching for the assessment.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 20 | Literature review of 2000 words |
| Essay | 2 | M | 80 | Final written research project of 4,000 words. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal | 1 | M | Feedback provided on research proposal and literature review draft |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The lecture materials will be front loaded so as to take place before the placement. The literature review (2,000 words) will be completed during semester one and submitted before placement.
During and after the placement, students will research and write their project, supported by a project supervisor.
Completion of a 4,000 word project will allow students to explore an issue relevant to their overall programme of study. The project will also allow/require students to develop their skills and abilities to:
• research the subject area
• apply depth of analysis and discussion
• analyse the linkage between the literature and practice
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ACC4051's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- ACC4051's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.