Course Title: Evaluate organisation's financial performance

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

Course Code: ACCT5390C

Course Title: Evaluate organisation's financial performance

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6148 - Advanced Diploma of Accounting

Course Contact: Doug Gourlay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5944

Course Contact Email: doug.gourlay@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Colin Byron

colin.byron@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

The following unit is a pre-requisite for this unit:

ACCT5378C Provide financial and business performance information

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate returns to operations, determine short-term and long-term needs, and evaluate an organisation’s financial position and performance.

It applies to experienced individuals who use specialised knowledge and skills to evaluate complex financial information and make recommendations relevant to strategic organisational activity.

Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

FNSACC608 Evaluate organisations financial performance

Element:

1. Evaluate returns to operations

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Trend cash flow and profitability patterns to identify current position and expected returns from investments and projected operations

1.2 Disaggregate averaged returns to assess strengths and weaknesses in organisational performance

1.3 Evaluate investment returns against risk, profit and capital budget requirements

Element:

2. Determine short-term and long-term needs

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify resources required by organisation to meet short-term and long-term obligations, and cost using standard financial analysis techniques

2.2 Establish and review financial priorities based on reported performance and identified trends, organisational objectives and expected returns to operations and investments

2.3 Review financial options and conduct analysis of range of possible assets and liabilities to optimise capital mix to support operations and trading need

2.4 Evaluate and document organisational policy and procedures for expenditures and investments to ensure relevance to changing personnel profiles

2.5 Analyse debt to equity targets in terms of organisation’s expected performance and establish in line with organisational objectives using standard accounting techniques

Element:

3. Review performance

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Ensure forecasts made are justifiable given observed trends, information, events and assumptions, with standard errors calculated to produce levels of accuracy suitable for planning purposes

3.2 Regularly review forecasts in line with actual performance and alternative sources of information

3.3 Assess risk strategies for long-term viability and harmonise with short-term goals and obligations


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

This course is clustered (co-delivered and co-assessed) with MKTG7947C Interpret and Use Financial Statistics & Tools

 

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete this course.  This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

 

Course schedule

Week                                                            

Date                                                                                     

Content / Activity                                                   

Assessment

      1

5/2/2018      

• Course requirements 
• Course support documents
 • Canvas 
• Overview of assessment requirements including Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers 
• Grading 
• Plagiarism 
• Appeals 
• Extensions 
• Feedback 
• Privacy 
• Submission requirements 
• Resubmission policy 
• Where to get support 
• Student responsibilities

Finance function. Overriding goal of financial management
Gearing. Operational and Financial Leverage

 

      2

12/2/2018

Frequency tables and histograms (grouped data) & Relative frequency distributions / histograms. Normal distributions and their qualities.
Measures of central tendency. Determining a compound growth rate.
Measures of dispersion 
Share risk / Portfolio Risk

 

      3

19/2/2018

Risk and return (Expected return: Shares / Portfolio)

 QUIZ 1 Due

You will receive the feedback in week 3.  If required, resubmission for this assessment is due by the end of week 95

     4

26/2/2018

Correlation and regression Diversification: Systematic Vs Un-Systematic Risk
Share Beta 
Capital Asset Pricing Model

 

      5

5/3/2018

Share Beta 
Capital Asset Pricing Model

 

      6

12/3/2018

Weighted Average Cost of Capital

TASK 1HA Consultation and Feedback.
 

 

      7

19/3/2018

Working Capital: Operating / Cash Cycle & Inventory Management; EOQ & Reorder Point
 

TASK 1HA  Consultation and Feedback

QUIZ Two

You will receive the feedback in week 7.  If required, resubmission for this assessment is due by the end of week 9.

PIT STOP review task 

     8

22/3/2018 - 2/4/2018

Working Capital: Inventory management: EOQ with quantity discount and determining Safety Stock

TASK 1HA Consultation and Feedback

QUIZ three due.  

  You will receive the feedback in week 8.  If required, resubmission for this assessment is due by the end of week 10.

      9

9/4/2018

Working Capital: Receivables Management
 

TASK 1HA Consultation and Feedback

QUIZ four due.  

  You will receive the feedback in week 9.  If required, resubmission for this assessment is due by the end of week 11.

 

     10

16/4/2018

Capital Budgeting: NPV Cash Flow Construction 
TASK 1HA Consultation and Feedback

PIT STOP review task 1HA 

     11

23/4/2018


Capital Budgeting & Risk; NPV Pure Play method for determining project specific risk

TASK 1HA Consultation and Feedback

PIT STOP review task 1HA 

      12

30/4/2018

Evaluation of financial leases. Lease Vs borrow and buy

TASK 1HA Consultation and Feedback

QUIZ Five Due

You will receive the feedback in week 12.  If required, resubmission for this assessment is due by the end of week 14.

PIT STOP review 

      13

7/5/2018

 TASK 1HA Consultation and Feedback

 

      14

  14/5/2018

 Consultation and Feedback

TASK 1HA SUBMISSION by the end of this week. If required you will receive the necessary feed back in weeks 15 & 16. The resubmission for this work is due by week 16 up to the end of week 17.

    15

21/5/2018

 Consultation and Feedback

 

     16

  28/5/2018

Deferred and resubmitted assessments

Re-submissions of TASK 1HA

      17

  4/6/2018

Re-Submission

Re-Submission 

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • evaluate returns to operations using standard financial analysis and accounting techniques, and following organisational policy and procedures
  • determine long-term and short-term organisational needs
  • review and monitor financial performance across an organisation
  • assess risk strategies and make recommendations regarding financial performance

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

  • discuss techniques for developing long-term and short-term plans, and determining financial priorities
  • explain the purpose and key features of standard financial analysis techniques and business review processes
  • explain the role of audits in evaluating financial performance
  • discuss ethical considerations in evaluating financial performance
  • identify and explain the key features of financial legislation relating to the evaluation of financial performance
  • identify and explain the key principles of:
    • cash flow and budgetary control
    • cost–benefit analysis and use of forecasting techniques
    • internal control, including statutory requirements
  • outline the key features of organisational structures and lines of management authority
  • discuss strategies for risk identification and management

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the accounting field of work and include access to:

  • a range of common office equipment, technology, software and consumables
  • an integrated financial software system and data

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions.  You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course. 


Assessment Tasks

This course is clustered (co-delivered and co-assessed) with MKTG7947C  Interpret and Use Financial Statistics & Tools

 

The cluster will have 2 assessments.

Assessment 1 comprises 5 Knowledge quizzes that will be conducted at the end of each major topic (approx 2 to 3 weeks between each). They will consist of questions that will test your understanding of the Topic. To be successful in completing each quiz, you will need to achieve a score of 70%. If you are unsuccessful you will be able to re-sit the Quiz.

Assessment 2 will be an holistic case study. The case study will be discussed extensively in class and students will have the opportunity to work on it during the last weeks of the Semester. It will be due at end of the semester in week 15 and will cover the application of all the topics.

 

You must successfully complete all tasks to be deemed competent in this course.


Assessment Matrix

Submission Requirements

 

You should:

 

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. 
  • Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
  • Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

 

Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.

More Information:  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for Special Consideration.  Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.

More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration

 

Resubmissions (VE Programs):

If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. 

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

Grading & re-submissions

Successful re-submissions will contribute a CAG only (Competency Achieved Grading) result to your overall grade for the course.

Adjustments to Assessment

In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

 

Marking Guide (Competency):

 

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

 

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.

 

 

Marking Guide (Grading)

 

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:

 

Final Grades table:

 

 

CHD

Competent with High Distinction

 

 

CDI

Competent with Distinction

 

 

CC

Competent with Credit

 

 

CAG

Competency Achieved – Graded

 

 

CA

Competency Achieved – Not Graded

 

 

NYC

Not Yet Competent

 

 

DNS

Did Not Submit for assessment

 

       

 

 

Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview