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Module Descriptions

Advanced Corporate Reporting (ACC09915)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
You will learn about a number of complex areas of financial accounting for tangible assets, intangible assets, and financial instruments including recognition criteria, principles of measurement and alternative valuation models. You will also cover the preparation of financial statements for group companies, cash flow statements and look at how accounting legislation continues to try and improve the reporting of financial performance.

Description of module content:
Conceptual frameworks, accounting standard setting and other forms of regulation
Recognition criteria and principles of measurement for more complex accounting items e.g. non-current assets, financial instruments
Alternative valuation models
Business combinations including acquisition accounting, subsidiaries, associates, segmental reporting and discontinued operations.

 

Advanced Management Accounting (ACC09912)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
On completion of this module you will be able to apply specialist techniques such as activity based costing, lifecycle costing, target costing and throughput accounting. In addition you will understand the concept of relevant costing and management attitude to risk in decision making. You will be able to apply current budgeting theories (Zero Based Budgeting and Activity Based Budgeting) and use forecasting techniques, examples of which are Time Series, Regression and the Growth Model. You will gain an increased understanding of standard costing which builds on previous knowledge through becoming familiar with current thinking on the standard setting process and relevance of standard costing. Finally, you will be able to assess divisional performance using a range of measures while taking into account the problems of inter divisional transfer pricing on the measurement of performance.

Description of module content:
Specialist Techniques (Activity Based Costing, Lifecycle Costing, Target Costing, Throughput Accounting; Decision Making (Relevant Costs, Multiple Limiting Factors and Risk); Pricing (Economists Model, Generic Strategies, Customer Specific Pricing); Budgeting (Budget Theory, Zero Based Budgeting, Activity Based Budgeting, Forecasting Techniques to include Time Series, Regression and Growth Model); Standard Costing (Planning and Operational Variances, Mix and Yield, Learning Curve, Relevance of Standard Costing in a Just in Time and Total Quality Environment); Performance Measurement (Measurement of Divisional Performance to include Return on Investment, Residual Income and Net Present Value, Transfer Pricing, Management Behaviour).

 

Corporate Accounting (ACC08909)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
Introduction to limited company financial statements and International Financial Reporting Standards. You will learn to produce an income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement in accordance with IASB standards. You will also learn about ratio analysis and analysing financial statements.

Description of module content:
Limited Company accounting regulation, Accounting for equity issues, taxation, provisions, events after the reporting period, foreign exchange rate gains and losses, related parties, inventory, and contracts with customers. Analysing financial statements, preparation of financial statements including income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement.

 

Corporate Financial Management (ACC09911)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
The knowledge and skills required by a finance manager in a national or international business. You will explore the key areas of the finance function in a very practical way with the conceptual framework in the background and examine the issues involved and the ways in which the finance function can add value to the governance of the company

Description of module content:
The role of the financial function; impact of the economic environment on the financial management; the investment decision and risk; evaluation of alternative sources of long and short term financing; the cost of capital and asset valuation; treasury risk management.

 

Hong Kong Taxation (ACC09913)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
This module will provide you with a knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of direct taxation in Hong Kong. You will also learn to evaluate the tax implications of corporate planning and decision making.

Description of module content:
The bulk of the module’s content involves the Hong Kong taxation system, its purpose, requirements and principles.
The module will cover salaries tax including charges, deductions, allowances and planning; properties tax; profits tax including charges, taxable income, treatment of losses, partnerships and planning personal assessment; stamp duty – computation, exemption, relief and planning; other special tax planning issues.

 

Auditing (ACC09919)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
You will learn about the purpose, role and regulation of internal and external audit. You will learn about the audit process from initial planning through to final reporting including the design of tests and collection of audit evidence as well as related theoretical and ethical issues.

Description of module content:
Rationale of auditing; legal and professional framework of auditing; audit risk and materiality; analytical reviews, substantive testing and audit evidence; evaluation and testing of control procedures; sampling methods in audit testing; letters to auditee management; audit of non-current and current assets, liabilities, income, expenditure, reserve movements and reserve balances; events after the reporting period, going concern questions and audit closure procedures; audit reports; auditing postulates; ethics, responsibilities and public expectations of auditors.

 

Hong Kong Law (ACC09920)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
In this module you will focus on understanding, evaluating and applying business and corporate law relating to business issues and problems. Integral to your learning experience is also understanding the constitutional framework and corporate governance of companies and its relationship with external agencies.

Description of module content:
Importance of Law in the business environment; the Hong Kong Legal System and its application to business; law of commercial associations, agency relationships, partnerships, incorporated bodies; formation, constitution and cessation of different business entities; management and administration of companies, powers and duties of company officers, appointment and removal; control of company, role and function of auditors and regulators; external regulation of companies; law of Tort, duty of care, professional liability, negligence, ethical responsibilities; Bills of Exchange; shares and debentures, secured loans and charges; Law of contract; Employment Law.

 

Corporate Strategy (SOE09910)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
Corporate strategies have to deal with an increasingly global competitive environment where successful firms are able to anticipate and respond to the environment by using their resources and capabilities to formulate effective strategies. In this module you will gain an in-depth understanding of the concepts and analytical frameworks necessary for an organisation to conduct a strategic analysis and assess the strategic choices it can make in formulating strategy. You will be encouraged to relate theory to current examples of strategy making and to analyse and review case studies and articles on real world strategic developments.

Description of module content:
Stages in the Strategic Management Process; analysing the External Environment: the macro-environment, industry and competitor analysis; assessing the organisation’s resources, capabilities and core competencies; SWOT analysis; Business-Level strategy: achieving and sustaining competitive advantage; directions of growth and Corporate Level strategy; International strategy choices; strategic development methods: organic development alliances and mergers and acquisitions; alternative approaches to strategic decision- making: planned and emergent strategy.

 

Information Systems for Business & Accounting (ACC09112)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
On this module you will gain a broad understanding of business and accounting information systems and their uses and application in a modern day business context. You will gain an appreciation of how organisations use information systems to achieve corporate objectives. With new information technology related innovations occurring frequently you will learn how the business world is being radically transformed. In addition, you will gain an understanding of the associated business related issues such as security and control that arise through the adoption of the new technologies. You will also learn how modern information systems are constructed and how they are tailored to meet individual organisational needs.

Description of module content:
Understanding Management and Accounting Information Systems; organisation Strategy and Information Systems; IT infrastructure and Emerging Technologies; the Internet, Digital Markets and E-Business; Information Systems Security; Enterprise Applications using information systems with auditing; solving business problems and decision-making; acquiring and developing Information Systems.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility (ACC10907)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
This module covers three integrated parts: ethics, sustainability reporting and corporate governance. For the ethics part, you will examine the theories of ethics and their applicability to business and the accounting professions and evaluate business and professional practice from a moral and ethical viewpoint. For the sustainability reporting part, you will examine the efforts of institutions to manage environmental and sustainable issues, discuss the problems of identifying, measuring and disclosing social and environmental information, and evaluate the current practice of sustainability reporting. For the corporate governance part, you will examine the impact of financial reporting and auditing on corporate accountability, review corporate governance frameworks, theory and models, and assess current corporate governance systems in the context of accountability, social responsibility and corporate citizenship.

Description of module content:
Introduction to corporate social responsibility; ethical behaviours, theories of ethics and moral reasoning; ethics for the accounting and auditing professions; sustainability and sustainable development; corporate and stakeholder responsibility for social and environmental issues ; social accounting and auditing, and sustainability reporting; social and environmental reporting standards and guidance; cases in social and environmental reporting; accountability theory and corporate governance frameworks, theories and models; corporate governance practices and expectations gaps in corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

 

Innovations in Management Accounting (ACC10903)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
The module focuses on the effectiveness of management accounting today as a planning, control and decision making aid. You will learn about how management accounting is continually being redeveloped to reflect the developments taking place in the environment within which businesses operate. You will also investigate the divergence between theory and practice, ensuring that views of opposing views of authors are investigated in depth.

Description of module content:
We consider and investigate the main topics that are affecting the development of management accounting. This includes a focus on budgeting, as traditional budgeting is being viewed by many organisations as being archaic and counter productive. The area of large scale investment decisions is also one which is in constant development as companies find limited usefulness from traditional investment appraisal techniques. We also investigate some topical themes in performance measurement and management, such as shareholder value, activity based management, environmental management and the developments in quality.

 

Current Issues in Finance (ACC10916)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
The module provides you with updated current issues in finance; topics can vary from year to year. The aim of this module is to enhance your understanding of current finance theories and their applications in the business world. The issues are also linked to various research areas in finance with an emphasis on the interplay between the corporation and the financial markets. While you are required to conduct research relating to these issues, this gives you the opportunity to critically analyse the theories and apply them.

Description of module content:
Current issues will vary over time. Indicative topics are as follows:
Empirical evidence of efficient market hypothesis, hedge funds and exchanged-traded funds, the role of derivatives in corporate financial management, strategic financial management, and current developments in international finance.

 

Dissertation (ACC10933)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
The dissertation module enables you to develop research skills by undertaking a well-researched piece of critical analysis on a topic relevant to your programme. You will have the opportunity to explore a chosen topic in depth, relating it to the literature and previous research studies and to integrate your findings across subject disciplines. You will be supported and guided by an individual supervisor.

Description of module content:
Description of module content There will be a series of introductory lectures to explain the dissertation process and research methods. These will cover: 1. Research methods; the differences between Primary research and Secondary research 2. How to develop research aims and objectives; 3. The process of a literature review; 4. The dissertation structure: Abstract, Literature review, Methodology, Referencing, Analysis of research findings, Conclusions & Recommendations and List of References. 5. Research ethics: ensuring that students adopt an honest approach and treat research subjects fairly. There will be regular contact between student and supervisor. Students will plan their dissertations, read the literature, conduct the research, analyse the data collected and write up their findings.

 

Module Descriptions

Accounting & Financial Management (ACC08901)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
Students will be introduced to the theory and practice of management accounting, financial accounting and financial management. This will provide a foundation for future studies of accounting and financial management.

Description of module content:
Comparison of management and financial accounting, along with costing, variance analysis and CVP analysis. The context and purpose of financial reporting, the use of double entry system, recording transactions and events and the preparation of basic financial statements, investment appraisal, working capital management, tactical decision making and cost estimation.

 

Financial Institutions, Markets & Services (FIN08911)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
The module aims to provide those of you who are thinking of a career in almost any area of financial services with a good understanding of the financial services industry, the financial services sector, financial institutions, and financial products and advice. Almost every specialist area of financial services develops from a sound knowledge of these key aspects. The module provides you with the opportunity to acquire a good understanding of the financial institutions (e.g. banks, insurance companies) and how they function, financial markets (e.g. stock market, payments market), and financial services provided to customers (e.g. investment services, insurance).

Description of module content:
Money and the flow of funds in the economy-functions of money; definitions of money; money transmission and clearing; payments markets; Financial sector-banking and non-banking financial intermediaries; regulation and self-regulation; retail, wholesale and central banking; Financial markets-capital markets, money markets and other markets; financial instruments in financial markets; Financial intermediation-financial needs of lenders and borrowers and how they are reconciled; risk, term and return; Electronic financial services-cost/convenience match; growth in remote services; meeting the financial needs of customers through remote services; Researching and analysing financial information – institution websites, industry reports, share information and price tracking, financial press reports and data; calculating yields and interest rates.

 

Advanced Management Accounting (ACC09902)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
On completion of this module you will be able to apply specialist techniques such as activity based costing, lifecycle costing, target costing and throughput accounting. In addition, you will understand the concept of relevant costing and management attitude to risk in decision making. You will be able to apply current budgeting theories (Zero Based Budgeting and Activity Based Budgeting) and use forecasting techniques, examples of which are Time Series, Regression and the Growth Model. You will gain an increased understanding of standard costing which builds on previous knowledge through becoming familiar with current thinking on the standard setting process and relevance of standard costing. Finally, you will be able to assess divisional performance using a range of measures while taking into account the problems of inter divisional transfer pricing on the measurement of performance.

Description of module content:
Specialist techniques (activity based costing, lifecycle costing, target costing, throughput accounting; Decision making (relevant costs, multiple limiting factors and risk); Pricing (economists model, generic strategies, customer specific pricing); Budgeting (budget theory, zero based budgeting, activity based budgeting, forecasting techniques to include time series, regression and growth model); Standard costing (planning and operational variances, mix and yield, learning curve, relevance of standard costing in a just in time and total quality environment); Performance measurement (measurement of divisional performance to include return on investment, residual income and net present value, transfer pricing, management behaviour).

 

Advanced Corporate Reporting (ACC09905)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
You will learn about a number of complex areas of financial accounting for tangible & intangible assets and financial instruments and provisions including recognition criteria, principles of measurement and alternative valuation models. You will also cover the preparation of financial statements for group companies.

Description of module content:
Conceptual frameworks, accounting standard setting and other forms of regulation; Recognition criteria and principles of measurement for more complex accounting items e.g. fixed assets, financial instruments and provisions; Alternative valuation models; Business combinations including acquisition accounting, subsidiaries, associates, segmental reporting and discontinued operations.

 

Corporate Financial Management (ACC09901)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
The knowledge and skills required by a finance manager in a national or international business. You will explore the key areas of the finance function in a very practical way with the conceptual framework in the background and examine the issues involved and the ways in which the finance function can add value to the governance of the company.

Description of module content:
The role of the financial function; Impact of the economic environment on the financial management; The investment decision and risk; Evaluation of alternative sources of long and short term financing; The cost of capital and asset valuation; Treasury risk management.

 

Marketing Financial Services (FIN09903)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
The objective of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the principal features of a critical area of management and strategy within the financial services sector where, due to the very competitive nature of the business environment, marketing is extremely important.

Description of module content:
The role of marketing and its development within financial services; The macro and micro marketing environment and the way in which the forces have influenced marketing strategy within the sector; The features of financial services marketing - intangibility, inseparability, heterogeneity, perishability, fiduciary responsibility and two-way information flows; The marketing mix with the additional elements of the services mix; Segmentation strategies and their importance, particularly within the personal financial services sector; The importance of service quality as a route to differential advantage; Recent marketing developments within the sector with particular reference to the impact and importance of information technology in areas such as product development and delivery.

 

Hong Kong Taxation (ACC09903)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
This module will provide you with a knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of direct taxation in Hong Kong. You will also learn to evaluate the tax implications of corporate planning and decision making.

Description of module content:
Hong Kong taxation system, its purpose, requirements and principles; Salaries tax including charges, deductions, allowances and planning, properties tax, profits tax including charges, taxable income, treatment of losses, partnerships and planning personal assessment; Stamp duty – computation, exemption, relief and planning; Other special tax planning issues.

 

Corporate Risk Management (FIN09904)

What you will learn and what this module is about:
All organisations are faced with a variety of risks on an on-going basis. Sometimes these risks will result in losses to the business while, at other Times, they will present the business with the chance to generate substantial returns. If losses are to be avoided or, at least, minimised and returns achieved, these risks need to be managed effectively. In this module you will look at the nature of the risks with which organisations are faced and how these should be managed to the overall benefit of the business and its stakeholders.

Description of module content:
Features of risk, level of risk, classification of risk, cost of risk, organization of risk; Essentials of risk management, risk identification methods, risk analysis and evaluation, physical and financial control methods; Risk behavior analysis, risk and decision-making; Loss prevention and reduction, loss accumulation; Contingency planning, business continuity planning, disaster recovery concept and techniques; Insurance and non-insurance transfer, limitations and constraints of insurance, advantages of insurance; Risk financing, full and partial retention alternatives, captives; The emerging concept of enterprise risk management.

 

Module Descriptions

Trimester 1 Marketing Research & Communications (2)

Students will develop a critical awareness, knowledge and understanding of the theory and key concepts of marketing research and communications, their practical application across a range of marketing contexts and classical and contemporary approaches to consumption and consumer behaviour.

 

Trimester 1 Brand Management

This module introduces the fundamentals of strategic brand management. You will develop your knowledge and a clear understanding of brand management concepts. In undertaking this module, you will develop an ability to demonstrate understanding and application of key theories, principles and practices of brand management. Through analysis and critical evaluation of strategic brand management theory, you will be able to fully appreciate the value of brand to organisations. The key learning and associated skills you build up through participation and interaction during lecture, tutorial and independent learning will cumulate in your ability to develop strategies for the development and maintenance of brands.

 

Trimester 2 International Marketing

You will learn about the theory relating to the macro environment and explore the relationship between marketing in the home market and developing into international markets as a small, medium or large scale organisation. The social, cultural and trading environments are analysed and supported by international marketing research theory and concepts to help you gain a greater understanding of the differences between home and international markets. Having established a fuller understanding of the differences, you will evaluate the decision to enter international markets, followed by the development of the international marketing mix, implementation, monitoring and control and the evolving impact of technology on business development and international marketing.

 

Trimester 2 Direct and Digital Marketing

This module is about Direct and Digital Marketing. You will learn about database marketing and a number of electronic media: email, web-sites and the internet, social media mobile marketing and other electronic media. Direct Marketing (DM) covers DM media such as direct mail and telemarketing; also the use in DM of traditional media such as direct response advertising in newspapers and TV.

 

Trimester 3 Digital Storytelling

Within the context of Digital Storytelling the following topics will be covered:

• Cinema, Television, Video Games, Cross-Media Production & Responsive Environments
• Visual Literacy & Digital Literacy
• Linear Narrative, Non-linear Narrative & Interactive Narrative
• Localisation and Internationalisation
• Cultural Influences with specific reference to European, North American and Asian Media

 

 

Trimester 3 Technoculture and Society

Students will develop a holistic understanding of the impact and influence of technology culture within society. Students will undertake a creative journey that connects the past, the present and the future as a means to understand the experiences and perceptions people have towards technology. Students will generate design fictions with a focus to the future and emerging technologies, using research through design approaches and design anthropology. The aim of this module will be to broaden critical thinking and to be comfortable with ambiguity as you research, ideate and innovate. Finally, students will develop a professional competence that understands the importance of influence, integrity, and responsibility to the process of design.

 

 

 

 

 

Module Descriptions

Trimester 1 Marketing Research & Communications (2)

Students will develop a critical awareness, knowledge and understanding of the theory and key concepts of marketing research and communications, their practical application across a range of marketing contexts and classical and contemporary approaches to consumption and consumer behaviour.

 

Trimester 1 Brand Management

This module introduces the fundamentals of strategic brand management. You will develop your knowledge and a clear understanding of brand management concepts. In undertaking this module, you will develop an ability to demonstrate understanding and application of key theories, principles and practices of brand management. Through analysis and critical evaluation of strategic brand management theory, you will be able to fully appreciate the value of brand to organisations. The key learning and associated skills you build up through participation and interaction during lectures, tutorials and independent learning will cumulate in your ability to develop strategies for the development and maintenance of brands.

 

Trimester 2 International Marketing

You will learn about the theory relating to the macro environment and explore the relationship between marketing in the home market and developing into international markets as a small, medium or large-scale organisation. The social, cultural and trading environments are analysed and supported by international marketing research theory and concepts to help you gain a greater understanding of the differences between home and international markets. Having established a fuller understanding of the differences, you will evaluate the decision to enter international markets, followed by the development of the international marketing mix, implementation, monitoring and control and the evolving impact of technology on business development and international marketing.

 

Trimester 2 Direct and Digital Marketing

This module is about Direct and Digital Marketing. You will learn about database marketing and a number of electronic media: email, websites and the internet, social media, mobile marketing and other electronic media. Direct Marketing (DM) covers DM media such as direct mail and telemarketing; also, the use in DM of traditional media such as direct response advertising in newspapers and TV.

 

Trimester 3 Social Marketing

• Defining social marketing - where the concept originated, how it has evolved, who carries out social marketing, who benefits
• Understanding the social marketing environment; analysing the factors within the macro/ micro environment and understanding the competition.
• Understanding the target audience (upstream/downstream); and how behaviour change theory applies here
• Assessing Social Marketing formative research – how it is conducted and why it is critical. Setting objectives and goals for planning.
• Assessing Social Marketing Research - what is the best methodological approach to understand the problem
• Assessing Social Marketing Communications – what are the best methods for communicating the message
• Analysing contemporary issues within the field of social marketing

 

Trimester 3 Retail Marketing

This module will help you to develop an understanding of retail marketing theory and practice. A clear appreciation of the environment of retailing and the retail industry is the aim of this module in particular the highly dynamic and competitive arena that retailers of all types and sizes operate within. This includes non store retailing such as financial services. Module context will relate to topic areas such as consumer behaviour and retail marketing, the retail marketing mix, segmentation, retail brands, services retailing, location decisions, store image & display, on line retailing.

 

Trimester 3 Live Project

This module enables you to work in a team on an appropriate project brief in collaboration with a business or not-for–profit organisation. You will research and present realistic proposals according to the given development, issue or problem in the brief. In so doing you should develop a range of employability skills including business report writing, persuasive business presentation skills, self and peer assessment of your teamwork skills, research and problem solving.