Coherent and clear discussion

Assignment brief

Semester:

E15

Module Code:

PM106

Module Title:

Introduction to Accounting

Programme

BSc (Honours)

Level:

Level 4

Awarding Body:

University of Plymouth

Module Leader

Asare Amaning

Format:

Report

Presentation:

No

Any special requirements:

All work should be submitted on the Student Portal along with an acceptable Turnitin Report. The assignment should be submitted in groups, minimum of three and maximum of four members, the leader of the group must make full submission with all members’ ID on cover sheet, each other member must only submit the cover sheet with his or her ID first, followed by other members ID and names.

Word Limit:

2,500 words (with 10% plus or minus leeway). This must be strictly adhered to, 10% marks will be lost if not adhered to.

Deadline date for submission:

TBD

Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment

Describe and analyse the different types of business entities and the role of accounting information in a business context.

Percentage of marks awarded for module:

This assignment is worth 50% of the total marks for the module

Assessment criteria

Explanatory comments on  the assessment criteria

Maximum marks for each section

Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion

·         Relevant, accurate content, demonstrating research, as required by the assessment task.

·         Coherent and clear discussion of the different forms of business

·         Clear comparison between financial and management accounting

·         Critical discussion of the different sources of finance

70%

Referencing Style

  • Full in-text referencing using the Harvard citation style.
  • Structured reference list or bibliography using the Harvard referencing method

10%

Content, style, relevance, originality

Clear demonstration of rigorous research from recognised authoritative sources. Audience focus; report format

10%

Introduction, conclusion and recommendation

·         Coherent and concise  introduction, conclusion and clear recommendations

10%

Assignment Task:

You are a semi senior member of staff at the Accounting firm called Grant Thornton You have been appointed to deal with a couple Mr and Mrs Hosey, new prospective clients who have just retired from their employment after a long service. The have retired with a tidy sum of money and are planning to start a business they can call their own or control.

This couple who want to set up a business have no idea as to what type of business they want to get into let alone the form of business entity available to them

As a Semi-Senior member of the accounting staff, you are required to write a report to be delivered by your firm to this couple explaining the issues below:

  • Explain the different forms of business units(sole proprietorship, partnership, limited company) available, highlighting the benefits and limitations of each                (Marks: 20)
  • Explain financial accounting and management accounting, highlighting the differences between the two strands of accounting                                                                          (Marks: 20)
  • Assuming that you have not been given any information about the funds the couple have available. Explain the sources of finance available to a business owner, looking at Short-term sources, Medium-term sources and Long-term sources of finance giving examples of each.

 (Marks: 30)

  • Style, layout, format (Report writing format expected) and relevance      (Marks: 5)
  • Introduction, conclusion and Recommendation                                                 (Marks: 15)
  • Referencing – Harvard Style                                                                                         (Marks: 10)

Total marks for assignment: 100

Standard marking system for use when marking coursework assignments for all programmes at GSM.

Indicative Grade

UK% marks

Characteristics.

Distinction

70%+

Very high standard of critical analysis using appropriate conceptual frameworks.

Excellent understanding and exposition of relevant issues.

Clearly structured and logically developed arguments.

Good awareness of nuances and complexities.

Substantial evidence of well-executed independent research.

Excellent evaluation and synthesis of source material.

Relevant data and examples, all properly referenced.

Merit

60-69%

High standard of critical analysis using appropriate conceptual frameworks.

Clear awareness and exposition of relevant issues.

Clearly structure and logically developed argument.

Awareness of nuances and complexities.

Evidence of independent research.

Good evaluation and synthesis of source material.

Relevant data and examples, all properly referenced.

Pass

50-59%

Uses appropriate conceptual frameworks.

Attempts analysis but includes some errors and / or omissions.

Shows awareness of issues but no more than to be expected room attendance at classes.

Arguments reasonably clear but underdeveloped.

Insufficient evidence of independent research.

Insufficient evaluation of source material.

Some good use of relevant data and examples but incompletely referenced.

Pass

40-49%

Adequate understanding of appropriate conceptual frameworks.

Answer too descriptive and or any attempt at analysis is superficial containing errors and omission.

Shows limited awareness of issues but also some confusion.

Arguments not particularly clear.

Limited evidence of independent research and reliance on a superficial repeat of class notes.

Relatively superficial use of relevant data sources and examples poorly referenced.