Shan - Bhavani Shanmugabalan Registered Mentor with the Oxford - PDF document

Research and Analysis Project Session 1 – Jun 2019 Shan - Bhavani Shanmugabalan Registered Mentor with the Oxford Brookes University and supported students successfully graduate with flying colours via his dedicated mentorship. The passion towards the mentorship and active engagement with students and members have not only contributed towards the success of the mentorship but also focus on continuous improvement. 2 1

Contents  Introduction to the Degree Program  Eligibility Requirements  Assessment Criteria & Deliverables  Selection of Topic & Organisation  Report Structure 3 Oxford Brookes University • Oxford Brookes University, being a public university, has degree awarding powers in the UK • The degree is quality assured by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the UK • Outside of the UK the degree is widely recognised by governments across the world • Consistently ranked as the best vocational / professional practice based UK university 4 2

Oxford Brookes University • It will significantly improve your position in a very competitive global labour market • Development of research and soft skills not covered in ACCA professional examinations • Better prepared for further qualifications • UK degrees are among the highest regarded internationally • Only university to have such a collaborative link with ACCA 5 Oxford Brookes University Cost / Fees : 6 3

Eligibility 1. Opted-in to the BSc. degree scheme 2. Pass Skill Level FR, AA and FM papers and successfully complete all Knowledge Level and Skill Level papers, 2 months before the start of the submission period. 3. Complete the ACCA Ethics and Professional Skills module /Professional Ethics module before the relevant deadline. 4. Complete and pass the Research and Analysis Project. 5. The degree must be completed within 10 years of the earliest of the date of your first ACCA examination pass or the date of your first ACCA exemption being granted. 7 Eligibility 5. Be up-to-date with the subscription fees, in order to maintain the status as an ACCA Student / Affiliate / Member Contact ACCA @ students@accaglobal.com for any clarifications  Recommended to have an email confirmation from ACCA on the last eligible submission period 8 4

Eligibility 9 Eligibility 10 5

Deliverables Research Report (“RR”) - 7,000 - 7,500 words 1. 2. List of Reference in accordance with Harvard Referencing Skills and Learning Statement (“SLS”) - 1,800 - 2,000 words 3. 4. 15 minute Presentation on the project to your project mentor and the submission of the slides to OBU 5. Excel spreadsheet with necessary workings to evidence your IT skills 11 Deliverables 6. A viva may be undertaken face to face or by other medium such as Skype, expected to last around 15 minutes and students could be asked about any aspect of their submission 12 6

Assessment Criteria 1. Understanding of accountancy / business models Evidence of wider reading by use of highly appropriate theory / concepts / business models. Demonstrates thorough understanding of the theory / concepts / business models by fully explaining / reviewing / evaluating the theory / concepts / business models chosen. Links theory / concepts / business models appropriately to organisation studied. Identification and full discussion of the limitations of the application of theories in the chosen context. 13 Assessment Criteria 2. Application of accountancy / business models Insightful and critical application of theory / concepts/business models to the project topic. Theory/concepts /business models applied appropriately to the research approach (e.g. for primary research questionnaires / interview questions or for secondary research justified use of effective and relevant comparator /benchmark). Very few errors in the calculations or other aspects of application of the theory/concepts/business models. 14 7

Assessment Criteria 3. Evaluation of information, analysis and conclusions High level of critical thought shown in the analysis and a rigorous approach to the evaluation of information. Full, clear and accurate analysis of the evidence gathered against the theories considered. Identification and analysis of trends relating to wider factors and / or corporate /organisational strategy. Clear conclusions are well reasoned referring to the research aim, supported by the models used and the evidence gathered in the chosen context. Where relevant, well reasoned practical recommendations made. 15 Assessment Criteria 4. Presentation of project findings Can engage reader in a highly professional manner and produce a relevant and coherent project report with appropriate structure. Good structure using appropriate headings and sub headings appropriate to subject and audience. Graphs/charts used very effectively to convey findings in a manner suitable for a business audience. 16 8

Assessment Criteria 5. Communication Use of language generally appropriate, meaning is mostly clear. Grammar, spelling and punctuation mainly accurate. Style is acceptable to a business audience. 17 Assessment Criteria 6. Information gathering and referencing Clear evidence of a range of relevant information sources. At least 2 types of source e.g. text books / journal articles / company sources /newspapers/business journals. Some on line sources must be used. Clear evidence of the use of systematic referencing. Harvard referencing is the Oxford Brookes standard, other recognised methodologies are acceptable if applied methodically. The list of references includes the references cited in the body of the text and no others. All citations used in the body of the text are included in the reference list and can be traced to source. For primary research, appropriate choice of sources, justifiable sample strategy with relevant permissions. 18 9

Assessment Criteria 7. Information technology Shows clear evidence of having accessed online information sources and having created and submitted a spreadsheet file (which incorporates and clearly demonstrates use of varied formulae). Shows clear evidence of use of other relevant software in preparing the project report. 19 Assessment Criteria 8. Self reflection Makes a reasonable attempt to address all four questions. Shows ability to reflect on judgements made / actions taken during project work. Evidence of recognising and identifying own strengths and weaknesses and personal development. 20 10

Assessment Criteria 9. Communication skills A copy of the presentation to the Mentor is included. The presentation summarises the findings, analysis and conclusions of the research report. The presentation should consist of 10-20 slides which are capable of being delivered in 15 minutes at an acceptable pace. Presentation has appropriate structure and the content is clearly linked to project report findings. 21 Topic & Organisation How to choose a Research and Analysis Project? 22 11

Topic & Organisation List of available topics 1. Period of consideration 2. Applicable industry classification for T8 & T15 3. Access to information 4. Examiners’ articles and guidance 5. Most popular topics 6. Career objectives & personal preference 7. 23 Topic & Organisation List of available topics:  Refer to page 13-14 of the Information Pack for the approved list of topics. Students have to remain within the listed topic areas and are  not able to request to undertake a RAP based on a different topic. 24 12

Topic & Organisation List of available topics: 25 Topic & Organisation Period of consideration:  All topics except 8, 15, 17 and 20, to be based on organisational activity took place in the preceding 3 calendar years. Topic 17 and 20 are based on the weak CG structures / CSR  practices identified in the preceding 5 calendar years. Topics 8 and 15, to use the most current 3 year financial  statements i.e. Company results published (in any form) 90 days before the start of submission period (1 May / 1 Nov). 26 13

Topic & Organisation Period of consideration: Annual results published (in any form) 90 days before the start of submission period 27 Topic & Organisation Applicable Industry Classification for T8 & T15: 28 14

Topic & Organisation Access to information: There is no requirement to conduct primary research although  in selecting your topic and organisation and setting your objectives you must consider whether or not you will need some primary information. Information on target organisation, competitor(s) and industry  for critical analysis and evaluation. Clear evidence of a range of relevant information sources.  29 Topic & Organisation Examiners’ articles and guidance:  2009.05 Student Accountant: Grade "A" RAP  2010.05 Student Accountant: How To Pass 2011.07 Student Accountant: Getting to grips with research in  your RAP 2013.05 Student Accountant: Presentation and slides   Information Pack & Resubmission Guide 30 15

Topic & Organisation Most popular topics: T06: Motivation T8 T6 Others T08: Financial and Business Analysis T14: Strategic Investment Decision 20% T19: Merges and Acquisitions 15% T18: Marketing 65% T17: Corporate Governance T20: Corporate Social Responsibility 31 Topic & Organisation Career objectives & personal preference:  Career objective and roles and responsibilities in the organisation Personal preference  32 16