Spring 2006
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ACCT |
321 |
Intro - Accounting Systems |
10944 |
LEC |
001 |
TR |
3 |
1000-1115 |
57/60 |
230 |
BUE-D |
CWA |
Pearson |
College of B&E
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTING
Tentative class syllabus Always under construction and revision at www.be.wvu.edu/divacctg/pearson
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Accounting 321 |
Dr.
Timothy A. Pearson PHD CPA Director Division of |
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Office:
300 B&E |
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Office hours: T&Th 900-1000, 1130-noon and by appointment |
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Expected Student Background: Students
enrolled in Accounting 321 should be accounting majors who have recently completed
the Accounting Principles course sequence Accounting 201/202 (within one
calendar year) with a B or better in each course. Students in Accounting 321
should also have completed Accounting 311 Intermediate Financial Accounting I
or be concurrently enrolled. Students enrolled in Accounting 321 not meeting
this criterion should immediately set up a meeting to discuss their situation
with the Instructor. If you do not meet this criterion and fail to gain
approval from the instructor you may be dropped from the course or receive a
failing grade at the end of the semester.
Statement of Course Objectives for Introduction to Accounting Information Systems: Students of accounting must understand the role of the accountant in managing the accounting information system to provide timely relevant reports for financial statement users. Accounting as the language of business puts a special burden on accountants to record, report and communicate useful information to decision makers. A strong understanding of manual accounting procedures must precede the use of computerized techniques to ensure that the computer processes produce reliable accounting records.
Computerized accounting systems permit 'instant' changes to the accounting records of a business entity. In light of this, the accountant must understand the impact of the use of computers on the accounting procedures and controls that are designed to minimize errors and prevent fraud. Computer software can automate much of the mundane bookkeeping processes of manual accounting systems (e.g. posting, trial balance preparation) but computers cannot replace the judgment and insight of knowledgeable accountants. Computer software permits the accountant to focus more on understanding the impact of accounting entries and methods on financial reports. By employing accounting software more of the accountant's efforts can be focused on assisting management in understanding the impact of financing, investing and operating decisions on financial statements and other measures of performance. In addition, management can be advised of the impact or potential impacts of accounting policy choices and proposed accounting standards.
In this course, we will work with a well
known accounting software tools to illustrate the automation of the accounting
cycle. We will use
Course Overview: In order to accomplish the objectives for the course you will complete a number of manual and computerized applications of the accounting cycle. Homework will be assigned, collected, graded, and returned for class discussion. Three quizzes and completing several tutorials and projects including a final comprehensive project are also required. As outlined in the tentative daily schedule which follows;
First, we will review the
manual application of accounting information systems and computerized
accounting cycle processes,
Next, we will complete two
comprehensive manual accounting projects,
Finally, we will extend our
accounting knowledge and utilize a computerized accounting to re-complete
aspects of the manual projects and illustrate various features of
accounting software tools involving the
books, accounts and controls for a company
CLASS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Student Responsibilities
1. Daily Assignments: All homework must be submitted to the instructor in class and in person to receive credit. Each student is expected to have read the assigned material and completed the written or computer work assigned for each class date PRIOR to class discussion. We will focus class discussions on the assigned reading and related computer and written work. Therefore, it is obvious that unprepared students invariably experience more difficulty than is necessary and will also be more likely to perform poorly in the class. You must work the assigned exercises, problems, cases and projects in written or computerized form as instructed.
2. Class Participation You are expected to be an active participant in discussions of the assigned readings, and related computer and written work. In addition you are expected to be attentive and treat your fellow students with respect. See outline of Classroom Etiquette expectations. The effort required to be successful in learning this material is in concert with difficulty of the task. Our time together in our class sessions constitutes only a small fraction of the amount of time you should expect to dedicate to this course. Thus, this course will constantly require you to analyze and interpret in order to expand beyond the static simplicity of solitary exercises into the relevant context of business and its reality. It is expected, therefore, that assigned readings, written and computer homework will be completed before being covered in class so that everyone is prepared and able to participate in the discussions.
3. Class Organization Bring your class handouts and the appropriate text materials with you to class each meeting, as we will refer to them frequently during class. We may use videos and current news articles to relate our course material to real world situations. Pay close attention to the Tentative Daily Schedule as it lists the due dates for all significant graded work. We may also be meeting in the B&E Computer Lab on the first floor of the B&E building for a some classes if space and time permit. It is very important that you arrive on time in the computer lab with the appropriate materials in order to practice the material demonstrated in class
4. Attendance: Attendance is YOUR responsibility, and you are responsible for all material covered in class. (A seating chart will be made to enable the instructor to more easily learn the names of all students.) Any announcements or changes in the syllabus, etc. will be made IN CLASS. If absent, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get notes, etc., from a fellow classmate or the instructor.
5. Academic Integrity and Professional Behavior: The College of Business and Economics and Division of Accounting have high expectations for student academic performance and professional behavior. The faculty and staff agree that honesty, integrity, and respect for others are fundamental expectations in our program. Students are expected to behave ethically with respect to their course related responsibilities and conform to the WVU Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Cases of academic misconduct will not be tolerated, including all forms of cheating (including but not limited to; submitting another person's work as your own, plagiarism, copying other student's work during exams or quizzes) and will be handled according to the WVU Student Code. Students are reminded that there are serious penalties that may be imposed if it is determined that cheating has occurred, including course failure and expulsion from the university.
Office Hours and Outside Help: You are encouraged to come to the regularly scheduled office hours, on Tuesday and Thursday from 900-1000 or 1130-noon with any questions or concerns that you may have concerning the course or questions concerning the application of course content to other courses. You are reminded that the instructor is also available by appointment. In addition, voice mail and email are very effective ways to communicate with your instructor. A Graduate Student will also be appointed to hold additional office hours in 335 B&E. It is possible that both graduate and undergraduate accounting majors will be available for informal tutoring through their respective student organizations; Beta Alpha Psi, the Accounting Club, and the MPA Club. Any available tutoring will be announced during the term, as information becomes available.
Special Note: Any or all of the material in the syllabus is subject to change by the instructor. All changes will be announced by the instructor in class and electronically and all students are responsible for these changes.
1. Homework As previously stated and reemphasized here, the assigned reading material, and written or computerized solutions to exercises, problems and cases must be completed BEFORE coming to class on the dates shown on the Tentative Daily Schedule. Periodically handouts may be distributed with exercises to complete before the next class period. The assignments are considered to be the minimum necessary to develop an understanding of the material. Although it is understood that you may not always have the correct solution to every exercise or problem, it is important that you make a real effort to complete each assignment. Homework collections may be made and could include handwritten, computer output and computer files. If reviewed they will be graded for effort, completeness and accuracy. Poor attendance and/or poor performance on the daily preparation can dramatically lower your course grade. All homework submitted for grading should properly identify the work being submitted, student identification (name, ID#, course section) and be prepared with sufficient care and clarity so that the instructor can evaluate the work. Missed or late homework may not be made up.
2.Exams and Quiz Six quizzes and one exams will be administered during the semester. The quizzes cover text material, handouts, in class exercises, pop quizzes, discussions, and computer-based or online materials. The main content of the quizzes will be primarily problem solving in nature. The exams will be comprehensive in nature. Students should be prepared to apply their knowledge to rigorous accounting and systems problems. Tentative dates and times are outlined in the daily schedule. Changes in the schedule may occur and be announced in class. Missed quizzes and exams may not be made up.
3. Manual and Computer Projects from -Rockford Corporation, System
Understanding Aid, and Computerized Accounting Using Microsoft Great Plains
Dynamics
Several significant projects are to be completed
during the semester. The Rockford Corporation, System Understanding Aid
and Computerized Accounting Using Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics are combined
manual and computerized accounting practice cases which involves following the
accounting policies and procedures of an existing companies to analyze and
record transactions and adjustments in journals, post to ledgers, prepare trial
balances, worksheets and financial statements. The practice cases will be worth
in total 30% of your grade. Each of these cases involves a good deal of
time outside of class to complete. You should plan to spend about 35-45 hours
on these assignments and projects.. The
projects will be graded for quality, completeness and accuracy. Missed or late projects will not be accepted after the
stated due date.
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Grading |
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Attendance and Participation is expected of all students. If you miss more than two consecutive classes or have two or more unexcused absences your final grade will be dropped by a full letter grade. However - up to 2% may be added to your final point total for consistent attendance and valuable contributions to class discussions but there is no guarantee of grade improvement. Failing to adhere to classroom etiquette expectations can result in a 10% drop in your final grade. |
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Assigned homework, in
class exercises --various dates See
schedule |
5% |
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The Manual Accounting Process Part 1 Quiz
(#1) See schedule |
5% |
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The Manual Accounting Process Part 2 Quiz
(#2) See schedule |
5% |
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Rockford Corporation project |
15% |
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Rockford Corporation Quiz Part 1 Quiz (#3)
See schedule |
5% |
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Rockford Corporation Quiz Part 2 Quiz
(#4) See schedule |
5% |
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System Understanding Aid project |
15% |
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System Understanding Aid Quiz (#5) See
schedule |
5% |
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Computerized Accounting Using
Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics projects
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15% |
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5% |
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Final
Exam |
20% |
Projected Grading Scale:
92% - 100% A
excellent
90% - 91% A-
88% - 89% B+
82% - 87% B good
80% - 81% B-
78% - 79% C+
72% - 77% C fair
70% - 71% C-
68% - 69% D+
62% - 67% D poor
60% - 61% D-
59% or less F failing
Anyone involved in academic dishonesty will
receive an unforgivable "F" in the course. Academic dishonesty includes
(but is not limited to) claiming credit or allowing someone to claim credit for
working on group work when no significant contribution has actually been made.
Course Materials
A) Three Required Texts and Materials:
1) Intermediate
Accounting, Rockford Corporation: An Accounting Practice Set, 11th Edition
Donald E. Kieso, Jerry J. Weygandt, Terry D. Warfield
ISBN: 0-471-22638-6
Paperback 145 pages February 2003
2)Systems Understanding Aid,
5th Edition 2001,
Arens & Ward,
Publisher: Armond
Dalton Publishers, Inc
ISBN:
0-912503-16-5
3)Computerized Accounting Using Microsoft
Great Plains Dynamics
2nd Edition
2001, Arens & Ward
Publisher: Armond
Dalton Publishers, Inc
ISBN:
0-912503-15-7
B)Access to
Chapter 3 of Intermediate Accounting 11th edition or newer by Kieso,
Weygandt, & Warfield
C) Access to MS
Word, Excel, Access and Microsoft Great
Plains Dynamics
D) Regular
reliable access to email and the internet
Additional Materials: Each student will need a flash drive, CDR or at least two 3 1/2 inch high density diskettes. You will need to backup your work on a regular basis. The Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics software and data files are included with your text to set up and used a home or in the B&E computer lab. It is installed in the B&E computer labs. You will periodically e-mail results, turn in printouts and/or diskettes. Some versions of the Rockford Corporation may include a disk at no additional cost to the student if purchased new. It is possible to use the provided software to complete the project but if you choose to use the software you should notify the instructor before using.
When necessary handouts will be distributed in class to facilitate classroom discussion or to modify and/or enhance lecture or textbook materials. Articles from professional publications may be distributed in class or put on reserve at the library to provide for additional discussion material or to illustrate real life applications of what we are working on in class.
B & E Lab Use Instructions: You must follow all B&E lab use rules. The class and Great Plains software is loaded on the B&E network so must be accessed there or on your own PC. The software & files needed to complete the projects are installed in the B&E Lab. See the text and packaging for hardware and installation requirements if you wish to install the software at home.
Backing up and restoring data files: It is critical for the assignments and projects that you understand how to back up and restore your work. You may wish to make more frequent backups than described in your texts. Wherever you are told to backup the data you may also make a separate copy of your data files to another disk. You may wish to utilize more than one extra disk. You may wish to 'backup' more frequently if you have partially completed a tutorial or problem and wish to have an extra copy of your work to date to be able to complete the work. As you work through the tutorials and problems your data files are temporarily saved on the designated drive of the machine you were working on. These data files must then be backed up to a diskette. The new files do not automatically replace the previous information on your diskette so you may wish to delete off the old files or reformat your diskette to make room for newer back-ups.
Electronic Communication Class Policies: A course web page will be use for electronic distribution of class materials and announcements. Some materials will only be made available in hard copy form due to the nature of the materials. Students are also expected to provide a valid email address for class communication purposes. Most assignments can be completed by submitting he necessary files as email attachments.
West Virginia University's administration, faculty and staff are committed to social justice. I concur with commitment and expect to foster a nurturing learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect and non-discrimination. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration. If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).
Tentative Daily Schedule
Rockford Corporation (RC)
System Understanding Aid (SUA)
Computerized Accounting Using Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics (GP)