ACCT 303: Accounting for Decision Making Master Syllabus
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Course Description
Students will examine accounting functions and the value they bring to a business and the economy overall. Students will develop an understanding of basic accounting functions internal and external to the business including financial, cost, and tax accounting as well as internal and external audit. Students will learn how information generated by those functions can be used to support decision making in the business. Specifically, students will study accounting from the viewpoint of managers and users of accounting information including using financial statement information to make financing, operating, and investing decisions, recognizing how the structure of the tax system and body of tax law impacts business decision making, using managerial accounting information to make operating and compensation decisions, and understanding the importance of internal and external audits to the business and the capital markets.
Required Course Materials
- Custom Textbook and e-resources available thru McGraw Hill (Text and e-resources can also be purchased at the GMU book store).
- Computer webcam and microphone per Costello Requirements.
- Laptop per Costello Requirements.
- Simple calculator 4 function.
Canvas
This course will be taught in Canvas.
Undergraduate Program Learning Goals (those in bold are addressed in this course)
Our students will be competent in their discipline.
Our students will be aware of the uses of technology in business.
Our students will be effective communicators.
Our students will have an interdisciplinary perspective.
Our students will be knowledgeable about global business and trade.
Our students will recognize the importance of ethical decisions.
Our students will be knowledgeable about the legal environment of business.
Our students will be knowledgeable about team dynamics and the characteristics of effective teams.
Our students will understand the value of diversity and the importance of managing diversity in the context of business.
Our students will be critical thinkers.
Accounting Learning Goals
- Students will record, analyze, interpret, and communicate financial and non-financial information for users of such information in accordance with applicable professional authoritative literature.
- Students will assess risks inherent in financial and non-financial information and provide appropriate assurance to users of such information and they will be able to develop, validate, and evaluate processes and controls which serve to ensure the integrity of financial and non-financial information.
- Students will understand the environment and role of the accounting profession in the proper functioning of commerce, and in society at large, and the ethical and regulatory responsibilities associated with that environment and role.
- Students possess the following technical competencies: (1) research skills to access, understand, and apply relevant professional authoritative literature; (2) decision modeling skills to identify issues, analyze alternatives, and implement solutions related to financial and non-financial; and (3) technology and data analysis skills to manage financial and non-financial information.
Course Learning Objectives
ACCT 303 students will be competent in their discipline. More specifically, they will be able to:
- Apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to analyze business transactions record them through general journal entries, adjusting entries, and closing entries.
- Gain an understanding of the environment in which a business operates and the role of the accountant and other stakeholders.
- Develop the skill of communicating financial information to users through the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
- Gain an understanding of the importance of ethics for accountants and the need for compliance with regulatory standards.
- Record economic transactions using double-entry bookkeeping.
- Construct basic financial statements.
- Use fundamental accounting principles for revenue and expense recognition, inventory, and cost of sales.
- Understand the regulatory environment in which a business operates and the roles of auditors and tax, managerial, and financial accountants in meeting the business’s obligations.
- Explain different types of taxes and taxing jurisdictions, the tax formula, and common business decisions affected by tax considerations.
- Use managerial accounting data to make operating structure decisions for the business. Preparation of budgets.
- Recognize the importance of ethics for accountants and the need for compliance with regulatory standards
Approach to Learning
The course utilizes a mixture of lecture, class discussions, and interactive projects. Students are expected to read the assigned chapters in advance of class. Student participation in class discussions is strongly encouraged and expected.
Teaching Philosophy
The college experience is great. You have the opportunity to develop skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Learning principles and concepts are far superior to memorizing material for a test. Class lectures and assignments will help you learn the concepts, but you are ultimately responsible for your educational career. Work hard to master the concepts in this course so you can enjoy the benefits throughout life.
Prior Accounting Knowledge
This course builds upon ACCT 203 or the equivalent financial and managerial accounting courses accepted via transfer. Thus, students are expected to apply the concepts learned in these prior classes to the material in this course.
Course Repeat Limits
Students must achieve a “C” grade to satisfy Costello degree requirements. Students are not allowed to make more than three attempts to achieve these requirements. Please visit the Office of Student Success and Academic Services at ENT 008, (703) 993-1880, masonbus@gmu.edu for any questions regarding this policy.
Student Responsibilities
You are expected to participate fully and engage in the use of all learning resources.
Prepare for and attend all classes.
Prepare for and attend all Friday recitations.
Student Expectations
- Read and annotate the chapter prior to class.
- Take the smart book prior to class or videos.
- Attempt practice problems(homework). Complete them timely. Be sure to practice them multiple times.
- Complete all assignments timely.
- Complete the homework timely, ask questions of the Professor, in drop in lab or in recitation sessions.
- Complete recitation problems, ask questions of the Professor, in drop in lab or in recitation sessions.
- Complete the end of chapter quiz timely.
- Complete supplemental problems.
- Actively participate in the live recitations held each Friday in person or during the week online.
- Complete recitations timely Ask questions.
- Use available resources to help you learn the material. See drop-in lab hours posted in recitation section. See recitation sessions posted in the recitation sections.
- Be sure to take advantage of all learning resources and class time periods. Ask questions and interact with other students, Professor and GTA.
- Practice, Practice, Practice.
- Be professional and respectful always.
- Ensure you are receiving email to your GMU address. Check regularly for email and class announcements.
- Note that no exams, assignments, assessments, or projects will be allowed to be resubmitted. After the due date has past the assignment is closed and may not be reopened.
Participation
This course covers a lot of material, and the material builds upon itself. Be sure to interact in the Professor in class, in recitation sessions, and lab. Attendance may be taken in face to face sections. Videos will be used in Asynchronous sections.
Professionalism
The classroom should be an environment of mutual respect. Different points-of-view or differences of opinion should be addressed in a respectful manner. Additionally, students should contribute to—rather than detract from—the learning environment. Students are expected to always communicate with the professor and university personnel and other students in a respectful and professional manner (e.g., no “text message” emails). Professionalism also includes taking responsibility for one’s actions. Sending rude, nasty, or unwarranted emails is also considered lacking in professionalism. Students who act unprofessionally will receive up to a 4% final grade deduction at the sole discretion of the professor.
Grading
Letter grades will be assigned based on total points earned by students completing all course requirements as follows:
| Points | Letter Grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam 1 | 100 | |
| Exam 2 | 150 | |
| Exam 3 | 200 | |
| Exam 4 | 200 | |
| Smart Book | 25 | |
| Participation | 25 | |
| Homework | 100 | |
| Recitation | 100 | |
| Quiz | 100 | |
| Extra Credit | 20 points max | |
| Total Points | 1000 |
The final grade will be based on the following scale:
| A+ | 98.00 - 100% |
| A | 93.00 – 97.99% |
| A- | 90.00 – 92.99% |
| B+ | 87.00 – 89.99% |
| B | 83.00 – 86.99% |
| B- | 80.00 – 82.99% |
| C+ | 77.00 – 79.99% |
| C | 70.00 – 76.99% |
| D | 60.00 – 69.99% |
| F | 0 – 59.99% |
Canvas Grading
Canvas is a communication tool for grades. The grading found there may not be weighted according to the syllabus for homework, quizzes, participation, and exams. Blackboard is a means to quickly communicate to students their raw unweighted scores on a variety of assessments. Proper weighting of assignments will be revealed as the assignments are completed throughout the semester.
Exams Valued at 650 Points
You must take all four of the exams in the platform assigned to your section. You will be allowed a limited timed period to take an exam. All exams must be proctored by GTA and Instructors in the class room for face-to-face students and using Proctorio for Asynchronous sections.
Failure to take any exam timely in the platform assigned to your section will result in a grade of “zero” being awarded for that exam.
Students who miss an exam will receive 0% on that test. However, students who experience a rare emergency outside their control may receive an accommodation if they provide substantial written documentation of the emergency. If such an emergency arises, students must contact the professor by email before the start of the exam and provide written evidence as soon as possible after the exam. The professor has the final judgment whether an absence is extraordinary and whether to excuse an absence. Students who miss exam 2 or 3, without an approved excuse, are not permitted to complete the last assignment.
*Please note: For students who miss an exam for an extraordinary reason as described above, the professor reserves the right to administer the student a different exam from their classmates’ exam.
You must present your student identification card at each examination. Students not showing identification cards will be assigned a “zero” for the exam. Face to Face students must be in the class room to take your exam. You may use a basic, non-programmable calculator if you wish. Students found using a programmable/text entry calculator (this includes graphics calculators) will be in violation of the honor code and will receive a “Zero.”
By entering the assessment, you are confirming your understanding of the GMU honor code and you are willingly abiding by it and are confirming that you will report any instance of violation. Also, you are confirming that you have honestly completed any GMU required safety protocols.
During the exam you agree not to:
- Wear a hat.
- Wear sunglasses.
- Use headphones of any type.
- Use a cell phone or any other electronic device. This will result in an F for the exams.
- Use any resource of any type have any type of communication with any other person.
Exam Policies
No resources of any kind are allowed.
No notes, cheat sheets, or textbooks, no resources of any kind except a 4-function calculator may be used during an exam.
Face to Face Exams will be held in class and will be proctored by your instructor and GTA.
Your instructor may choose to use the Proctorio Technology as described below.
Asynchronous Exams will be held online using proctoring technology.
Practice exams are located under the Exams tab. The purpose is for you to become familiar with the Proctorio set up with web cam and to affirm your understanding of the Honor Code.
Proctorio is a Learning Integrity resource
This course will use Proctorio, a browser-locking and remote proctoring solution designed to protect the integrity of this course’s assessments, within some of your Connect assignments. As your instructor, I’ve chosen the secure exam settings required by this course, and only I will make a judgment as to any potential academic integrity violation.
Assignments with Proctorio
You’ll be able to see which assignments in Connect include Proctorio settings because they will be clearly labeled with “Proctoring Enabled” in the assignment title. The settings that I use may vary depending on the assignment. When you start a proctored assignment, the settings in use will be indicated.
Proctorio Minimum System Requirements
Proctorio offers a flexible service, which may include recording of video, audio, and screen activity or none of the above. The Proctorio system requirements are dependent on the exam settings and may require a webcam and a microphone. Test takers are encouraged to use a practice exam to test their system prior to taking an exam. Virtual machines and proxy connections will not work.
Equity and Fairness
The reason I’ve chosen to enable Proctorio settings for specific assignments in this course is to make education more equal by allowing each student to earn the grades they deserve. The US Federal Government also requires that all schools have a process in place for verifying student identity to protect against Federal Student Aid (FSA) fraud.
Privacy
Proctorio is a trusted resource for remote proctoring because of the company’s commitment to student privacy. Proctorio uses single sign-on through Connect, and only I or approved individuals, here at our institution, will have access to your exam data. Proctorio never requires personally identifiable information from students, and Proctorio will never sell your data to third parties. Read more about Proctorio’s approach to privacy.
Student ID
You must present your student identification card at each examination. Students not showing identification cards will be assigned a “zero” for the exam.
Environment
You will be asked to clear your computer and un pin any applications from the desk top prior to taking an exam. You must show any blank scrap paper (front and back) to the proctor in the environment check prior to starting the exam. Please use a blank sheet of paper. Only non-programmable calculators are allowed on exams.
Exam Material
Failure to return the complete exam to the instructor, both after it is completed and after its distribution in class or taking pictures of the exam at any time either through manual or electronic means is considered an act of academic dishonesty and a violation of the Honor Code.
Taking pictures of the exam, writing down exact test questions or answers, communicating with students in other or the same sections regarding exam content, or otherwise compromising the integrity of the exam will result in a failing grade in the course and referral to the Office of Academic Integrity. Students who do not adhere to these policies will receive an “F” grade in the course and referral to the Office of Academic Integrity.
Exam Material
Turn your cell phone off and Stow your cell phone out of site prior to taking the exam. The use of cell phone during an exam for any purpose is considered a violation of the Honor Code. Students who use the cell phone in any form during the exam will receive a grade of F for the exam and will be referred to the Honor committee for sanctions.
Graded Resources and Assignments
Smart Book 2.5 points each a total of 25 points
Smart book is an interactive review of the chapter and is open throughout the module for completion. It is recommended that the student read the chapter; annotate the chapter and then complete the smart book. It is anticipated that this should take around 60 minutes depending on the amount of time spent reading and annotating the chapter ahead of time.
Participation – Video and Use of Materials
This course covers a lot of material, and the material builds upon itself. Asynchronous students have many learning resources available to them. Please be sure to enter the module and use the resources. The resources are tracked.
Homework 10 points each for a total of 100 points
These are low level learning resources with unlimited attempts (up until the due date) meant for the student to use as learning resources. Be sure to complete and submit these assignments timely. Once the assignments and homework due dates have passed no retakes are allowed.
Recitation 10 points each for a total of 100
The student is highly encouraged to attend the recitation session. Points are earned thru the completion of the recitation problems. 10 of recitations are required to gain the maximum points. All recitations are highly suggested as the content is very important. Please submit work timely per the syllabus.
End of Chapter Quizzes 10 points each for a total of 100
An End of Chapter quiz will be required for all students. Each quiz will be for 10 points for a total of 100 points. The student will access the quiz online and have two attempts to complete the assessment. There will be no make ups for quizzes not accessed prior to the due dates. A total of 10 quizzes will be included in the final grade for a total of 100.
Appendix 1: ACCT 303 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What do students need to do to pass this course?
Success in the business world is based on outcomes, and this class is designed to help students succeed in the “real world.” This class is hard, and there are no shortcuts to earning a passing grade. Studying many hours for this course outside of the classroom is a necessary (but not sufficient) condition to earn a “C” grade or higher. Students should spend 15-20 hours per week outside of the classroom preparing for this course. However, please note that final grades are assigned based on competency and performance on exams and assessments.
What information will be on the exams?
Exams will cover material from all learning resources to include, the textbook, class sessions, interactive tutorials, quizzes, recitations and homework assignments and supplemental problems. . Please be aware that many exam questions will be conceptual in nature. Students must apply concepts discussed in class to test questions of various types. Questions test concepts, and students who master concepts do very well on the exams. Students who try to memorize multiple-choice questions usually struggle with the exams.
What is the penalty for cheating in this course?
Cheating penalties range from failing the course (minimum) up to permanent expulsion from George Mason University.
How do students and the professor communicate in this course?
Please email the professor with administrative questions, but do not email through Blackboard. Remember that all communication should be professional. Students who have questions about course material should ask those questions via email or virtual office hours.
What happens if a student has an emergency during the semester?
Please contact the professor immediately. Students must always provide written documentation of emergencies outside their control for any accommodation considerations.
Is there a study guide for this course?
Study materials for this class include your textbook, the PowerPoint slides on the publisher’s website, the notes you take, the feedback you receive from the activities, etc.
Appendix 2: Test Policies
Students must take exams at regularly-scheduled times. See the syllabus for times specific to this section Students must bring their GMU ID. The professor reserves the right to take a picture of a student on test day if he or she questions a student’s identification. Students cannot wear a hat on test day.
Only non-programmable calculators are allowed on exams. Students who do not bring their own calculator on exam day will have to complete the exam manually and will not be given any additional time or allowed to share calculators from classmates.
No food or drink is allowed on test days. Exception: Students may bring a clear water bottle to class.
If a student leaves the classroom or virtual classroom, or TA’s office with an exam, the student will automatically fail the class and be referred to the Office of Academic Integrity.
Taking pictures of the exam, writing down exact test questions or answers, communicating with students in other sections regarding exam content, or otherwise compromising the integrity of the exam will result in a failing grade in the course and referral to the Office of Academic Integrity. Students who do not adhere to these policies will receive an “F” grade in the course and referral to the Office of Academic Integrity.
Exams and online assignments are one time only assessments, there is no pausing the timer or leaving and coming back to finish later, These Assessments will automatically submit once started and the student has one attempt and may not back track on questions.
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