MBA 613: Financial Reporting and Decision Making Master Syllabus
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Course Description
This course will provide students with an understanding of the principles of financial accounting and reporting. Students will gain knowledge and skills needed to prepare the financial statements of a business and to conduct analysis of financial statements to assist in business decisions. To this end, the course explores the informativeness of accounting numbers and the contexts in which these numbers are more (or less) informative.
Required Text and Materials
Text: Financial Accounting, Libby, Libby & Hodge, 10th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2020 with Connect Homework Subscription, from McGraw-Hill
“A letter from Prison” – HBS case studies
Course Websites
MB Program Learning Goals
Knowledge of Functional Business Disciplines: Demonstrate knowledge of all core functional areas of business and an ability to integrate them into a meaningful firm level perspective.
Analytical Decision Making: Demonstrate the ability to analyze uncertain complex management situations using appropriate tools, techniques, and information systems for decision making.
Ethics and Responsibility: Demonstrate knowledge of ethical decision making considerations, corporate social responsibilities and sustainability practices.
Course Objectives
- To provide students a framework to understand how financial reporting depicts underlying economic events
- To enable students to prepare financial statements for a business
- To enable students to conduct financial statement analysis to assess profitability, liquidity, and solvency of a business
- To provide students with an understanding of how different accounting methods impact financial statements
- To allow students to recognize the role of ethical decision making in an accounting context
Grading
Letter grades will be assigned based on total points earned by students completing all course requirements as follows:
| Item | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Midterm Exam | 25% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Weekly Canvas exercises (Individual work) | 10% |
| Financial Statement Analysis – Connect Assignment (group work) | 8% |
| A letter from prison case (group work) | 7% |
| Connect Homework Assignments (Individual work) | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
The final grade will be based on the following scale:
| Grade | % Earned |
|---|---|
| A | 94-100 |
| A- | 90-93 |
| B+ | 87-89 |
| B | 84-86 |
| B- | 80-83 |
| C | 70-80 |
| F | Below 70 |
Connect Homework Assignments
(under “Assignments” on Canvas) are to be completed and submitted by the due date in Connect – this is individual and not group work. Usually these dates are set after the week in which the material is covered in class. They are scored automatically and comprise 10% of course grade. Financial Statement Analysis Assignment is a group assignment. Solutions to all Connect Assignments are available only after the due date.
Do these assignments through the Connect links on Canvas and not directly through Connect website so that your scores are reflected on Canvas. Assignments are due by midnight on the day prior to class days (starting from Week 2).
Weekly Exercises on Canvas
(under “Assignments” on Canvas) are problems and exercises that students will complete on Canvas. These are usually based on chapter material covered earlier in that class or in prior class. These are also due by midnight on the day prior to class days (starting from Week 2).
HBS Case Studies
These are based on the questions posted for the case studies. Students work in groups in submitting these.
Pre-Class (recorded) Lectures
Every week will have an assigned pre-class lecture material (audio or video file) posted on Canvas. It is important to listen/view this material prior to class as it will not be covered in class and the class discussion will build on that material.
Additional Problems on Connect
Additional problems on Connect are not required to be submitted. If you need more practice with the homework type of problems, these are the ones to try. Solutions are available on Connect for these problems.
Grade Expectations
To attain an “A” grade, a good performance in exams is required. A good approach to exams would be to attain mastery of:
- Problems solved in lectures
- Assignments for each chapter in the text book and additional problems
- Relevant examples and other material in the text
Student Expectations
- Read the assigned chapters before we discuss the material in class.
- Be professional and respectful at all times.
- Ensure you are receiving email to your George Mason address.
Extra Credit
No provisions exist for obtaining extra credit in MBA 613.
Missed Exam
Make-up exams are not given. In the event of an extraordinary circumstance, notify your instructor by email prior to the scheduled exam time. A make-up exam may be administered with documented support of an extraordinary circumstance.
Connect Website
The McGraw-Hill Connect website contains Connect Assignments to submit and LearnSmart. LearnSmart is an interactive and adaptive learning module which students may use to help in understanding the textbook material. Use of LearnSmart is optional.
Connect assignments are completed and submitted by all students prior to the due date. Links are provided on Canvas to the Connect assignments.
If you experience problems when working with the Connect website, please contact Connect Technical Support at (800) 331-5094.
Professor Contact
To contact the instructor, Email is the preferred communication method. Please communicate with me using only your George Mason email address.
Student Responsibilities
You are expected to have read the assigned readings before responding to any posted discussion questions and attempting the related assignments. The amount of effort you put into studying the assigned materials before attempting classwork would determine the quality of your responses to questions, as well as how much you learn about the course topics. We encourage you to not only read the assigned materials but to analyze them carefully. Think about each reading from both a conceptual and a practical perspective.
Communication
Students must use their George Mason email accounts to receive important University information, including messages related to this class and correspondence with the instructor. See Masonlive to obtain your personal George Mason e-mail account. George Mason policy requires faculty to communicate exclusively through the Mason email system. This means your instructor can respond to email from your George Mason account only and cannot respond to emails you send from your personal or work email.
Students who anticipate missing a deliverable due date for religious reasons should inform the instructor in advance as soon as possible. You can find the University semester schedule and religious holidays at academic calendar and religious holiday calendar.
Honor System and Code
George Mason is an Honor Code university. Please see the Office for Academic Integrity for a full description of the Mason Honor Code and the honor committee process. The principle of academic integrity is taken very seriously and violations are treated gravely. Three fundamental and rather simple principles to follow at all times are that: (1) all work submitted be your own; (2) when using the work or ideas of others, including fellow students, give full credit through accurate citations; and (3) if you are uncertain about the ground rules on a particular assignment, ask for clarification.
Violations of the George Mason Honor Code include but are not limited to: (i) using someone else’s work which includes spreadsheet models, and submitting them as their own; (ii) using a case solution from any source.
Note that in this course consultation with fellow students is permitted only in In class exercises and case studies. Any communication with a fellow student or anyone else during the designated exam time period is deemed a violation of the Honor Code.
In particular, while it is appropriate to use the Internet as a research tool, lifting information off the Internet without proper citations is unacceptable and will not earn any points.
School of Business Recommendations for Honor Code Violations
Spring 2019
Graduate Students
| Type of Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|
| For example: Lying, plagiarism, cheating, or stealing in academic matters | An F in the class | An F in the class and dismissal from program |
| If the violation is considered to be egregious* | An F in the class and dismissal from program | An F in the class and dismissal from program |
** Preliminary determination of nature of violation qualifying as “egregious” is made by faculty and referred to the Program Director and Associate Dean of Graduate programs for further consideration if found in violation by Office of Academic Integrity (OAI).
School of Business Standards of Behavior
The mission of the School of Business at George Mason University is to create and deliver high quality educational programs and research. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni who participate in these educational programs contribute to the well- being of society. High quality educational programs require an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and a commitment to truth, excellence, and lifelong learning. Students, program participants, faculty, staff, and alumni accept these principles when they join the School of Business community. In doing so, they agree to abide by the following standards of behavior:
- Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others
- Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community
- Accountability for personal behavior
Integrity is an essential ingredient of a successful learning community. Ethical standards of behavior help promote a safe and productive community environment, and ensure every member the opportunity to pursue excellence. School of Business can and should be a living model of these behavioral standards. To this end, community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these standards into every aspect of their experience at the School of Business. Through our personal commitment to these Community Standards of Behavior, we can create an environment in which all can achieve their full potential.
Disability Statement
Students with disabilities who require special accommodation should contact the Disability Services ((703) 993-2474) and should inform the instructor of their needs so it can be taken into consideration. Please take care of this during the first two weeks of the semester.
Diversity
George Mason University promotes a living and learning environment for outstanding growth and productivity among its students, faculty and staff. Through its curriculum, programs, policies, procedures, services and resources, George Mason strives to maintain a quality environment for work, study and personal growth. These goals apply to online learning at George Mason University equally as it does to classroom learning.
An emphasis upon diversity and inclusion throughout the campus community is essential to achieve these goals. Diversity is broadly defined to include such characteristics as, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation. Diversity also entails different viewpoints, philosophies, and perspectives. Attention to these aspects of diversity will help promote a culture of inclusion and belonging, and an environment where diverse opinions, backgrounds and practices have the opportunity to be voiced, heard and respected.
Notice of Mandatory Reporting of Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence and Stalking: As a faculty member, I am designated as a “Responsible Employee,” and must report all disclosures of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking to Mason’s Title IX Coordinator per University Policy 1412. You may seek assistance from George Mason’s Title IX Coordinator, Jennifer Hammat, by calling (703) 993-8730 or email cde@gmu.edu. If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please contact one of Mason’s confidential resources, such as Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) at (703) 993-3686 or Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS) at (703) 993-2380. The 24-hour Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence Crisis Line for George Mason is (703) 380-1434.
Resources and Support
Course support
Preparedness is a major facilitator for a heightened learning experience in an online course. For help on Canvas tools like Collaborate, Kaltura, Respondus Lockdown Browser and other resources, please refer to courses support or tutorials for additional information. If you encounter any difficulties accessing Canvas or your course you can reach the Technical Help Desk at the following email: courses@gmu.edu.
Library Resources
The Libraries at George Mason University strive to provide the best possible collections of research resources and scholarly materials in all formats for our users throughout the university community, supporting the University’s goals of learning, teaching, and research. The School of Business has a dedicated librarian liaison and more information is available at library resources. The University Libraries also provides resources specifically for distance students, including the ability to e- reserve materials. For more information on these services and the process to e-reserve texts, see Mason Online University Libraries.
Writing Center
The George Mason University Writing Center is committed to supporting writers in the George Mason community and offers free writing support to Mason students. You can now sign up for an Online Writing Lab (OWL) session just as you would sign up for a face-to-face session in the Writing Center, which means you set the date and time of the appointment! Learn more about the Online Writing Lab (OWL).
Student Services
If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Disability Services at (703) 993-2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through the Disability Services. George Mason offers counseling and psychological services that can provide assistance if you find yourself overwhelmed by life, want training in academic or life skills, or the like.
University Policies
The University Catalog is the central resource for university policies affecting student, faculty and staff conduct in university affairs.
Information regarding weather related changes in the University’s schedule (e.g., closing or late opening) will be provided on the George Mason website and via MasonAlert. Changes to schedule or deliverable due dates, if any, will be communicated via email and on Canvas.
George Mason student privacy is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and is an essential aspect of this course.
Copyright
Any audio or visual recording of lectures, reuse or remix of course materials, or further dissemination of course content is not permitted without prior written consent of the course instructor and George Mason University unless the recording is part of an approved accommodation plan.
Disclaimer
Any changes to assignments or course schedule will be announced on Canvas and/or via e-mail. Inability to access the course webpage or failure to read emails cannot be an excuse for late submissions or non-completion of assignments.
Weekly Schedule
[HW # in the last 2 columns are for reference only; these are available on Connect)
| Week | Topics | Graded Homework [Due dates on Connect] | Additional Problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Introduction Pre-Class Lectures: |
E1- 1, 3, P1- 1 | E1-4, 5, 7, AP1-1 |
| 2 |
Ch. 2: Investing and Financing Decisions and the Accounting System Pre-Class Lectures: Submit group member names by email |
P2-3 (excluding parts 4 and 6) M3-3, 4; E3-2, 5 | E2-4, 5, 9, AP2-2 M3-7, 8, E3-6, AP3-4 |
| 3 |
Ch. 4: Adjustments, Financial Statements, Quality of earnings Pre-Class Lectures: |
E4-10, P4-7 (only #2) | P4-2, 4 CP5-6 |
| 4 |
Midterm Exam 7:20-8:35 PM Financial Statement Analysis - [Chapter 13] |
Financial Statement Analysis: E13-2, P13-4, 8, CP13-5 | |
| 5 |
Ch. 12: Statement of Cash Flows Pre-Class Lecture: Statement of Cash Flows part 1 Financial Statement Analysis questions – group work due |
E12-7, P12-1 | E12-3, 4, AP12-1 |
| 6 |
Ch. 6: Receivables Pre-Class Lecture: Accounts Receivable Letter from Prison – group case due |
E6-11, 13, 18 E7-8, 14, 16 | E6-10, 14, 19 P7-3, 5 |
| 7 |
Ch. 8: Property, Plant and equipment; Intangibles Ch. 11 Owners’ Equity Pre-Class Lecture: Equity Bonds – An introduction |
E8-11, M8-7, P810 M11-6, E11-13 (1), 23 |
E8-8, AP8-7 E11-16 |
| 8 | Final Exam 7:20-10:00 PM (if online through Respondus Lockdown browser on Canvas) |
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