AC102: Assurance, Governance and Ethics

Module code: AC102

Module provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting; Henley Business School

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Mrs Kate Jones, email: kathryn.jones@henley.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AC110 (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: na

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 28 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is targeted primarily at students planning a career in accounting, and has a practical and commercial focus. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the assurance process, specifically in relation to the assessment of internal controls and gathering of evidence on an assurance engagement. The module also aims to introduce students to the basic principles of professional ethics.

The module lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Ammselaxmy Manickadass.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Explain the concept of assurance and the reasons for assurance engagements 
2. Explain the nature of internal controls and identify weaknesses in control systems
3. Select methods of obtaining assurance
4. Explain the importance of ethical behaviour
5. Work in a structured and managed environment
6. Summarise and present information clearly and concisely in a prescribed format

Module content

1. Concept of and need for assurance and governance
2. Obtaining and planning an engagement
3. Evidence and sampling
4. Internal control and internal audit
5. Revenue. purchase and payroll systems
6. Substantive procedures and audit documentation
7. Written representations
8. Professional ethics, principles and codes.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures will be used for the exposition of the main concepts, principles and techniques associated with the discipline. Seminars will focus on formative question practice and discussion of examination style.

This module may be taught in a different semester if you are studying at our campus in Malaysia.

For students studying at our campus in Malaysia: This module may be taught in a different semester and the breakdown of study hours may differ to those set out in the Study Hours table (please refer to the Module Handbook for the correct breakdown). In addition, you will be required to complete an additional 40 hours of study, taking the total number of study hours to 240 for this module. This is to comply with the Malaysian Quality Agency (MQA).

Study hours

At least 30 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

A minimum mark of 40% is required for a University pass.

This module contributes to the Assurance module of the ACA Professional stage knowledge level. In order to apply for ICAEW credit for prior learning, a minimum mark of 50% must be obtained on this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

A Question Bank of MCQ questions forms part of the core text for this module. In addition, exam style formative questions are provided for all main topic areas. Feedback in the form of answer plans, marking guides, assessment Q&As, mock MCQ tests, mock exams, and lecturer advice is also provided to assist students to reflect on and improve their performance.

Reassessment

Additional costs