ACCT 303 Accounting for Decision Making

Master Syllabus Fall  Asynchronous

Courses  2022

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.

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:

1. Students will record, analyze, interpret, and communicate financial and non-financial information for users of such information in accordance with applicable professional authoritative literature.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 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 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 School of Business degree requirements. Students are not allowed to make more than three attempts to achieve these requirements. Please visit ENT 008 for any questions regarding this policy.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

You are expected to participate fully and engage in the use of all learning resources.

For asynchronous classes:

In the Weekly Module tab

Read and annotate the chapter in the text

Complete the Smart book questions.

Watch and complete all video lecture materials.

Watch all video interaction from the Meet the Professor sections recorded live and available live weekly.

Participate fully.

Use all of the learning resources

Complete the assignments timely,

Complete the homework timely,

Complete the end of chapter quiz timely,

Complete supplemental problems .

Complete recitations timely.

You may optionally attend or  review the video for  the recitation sections. Be sure to complete the weekly recitation problems in the Recitation tab on the left.

Be sure to use and engage all the learning resources available in lieu of scheduled classes; you must complete the video assignments and all videos assigned.

All Course materials will be posted in Blackboard. Students are required to regularly check the course website for updates and announcements. Be sure to regularly check email and course announcements for updates and due date reminders.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

1. Asynchronous students will activate their cameras for all sessions.

2. Use the Read & Study tabs for each module. These resources should be accessed first.

3. Take the smart book prior to class.

4. Attempt homework problems. Complete them timely. Be sure to practice them multiple times.

5. Complete smart book, homework end of chapter quiz and recitation problem timely.

6. Ask questions via Meet the Professor sessions, lab sessions and via e-mail.

7. Use available resources to help you learn the material.

8. Be sure to take advantage of labs, recitation sessions, and Meet the Professor sessions to ask questions and interact with other students.

9. Practice, Practice, Practice

10. Be professional and respectful always.

11.  Ensure you are receiving email to your GMU address. Check regularly for email and class announcements.

12. 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. No re-takes are allowed.

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:

Item	Format	Points
Exam 1	Online/Respondus	100
Exam 2	Online/Respondus	225
Exam 3	Online/Respondus	275
Smart book	Online	25
Video Lectures	Online	25
Homework	Online	50
Quiz	Online	50
Recitation	Online	50
Write out Assignment 1	Online	75
Write our Assignment 2	Online	125
Total Points		1000

The final grade will be based on the following scale:

BLACKBOARD GRADING:

Blackboard 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 : There are 3 exams worth a total of 600 points.

You must take all three 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 and will require Respondus Lockdown Browser.

Failure to take any exam in the room/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.

*Please note: For students who miss an exam or write out problem 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. Webcam and Microphone will be used in Respondus lockdown browser, be sure to show your ID Prior to the start of the exam. A practice exam to ensure proper set up has been added to the course. Students not showing identification cards will be assigned a “zero” for the exam. You must have a reliable internet connection and functioning audio and video, or your exam will not be graded, and you will earn a zero for the 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.

During the exam you agree not to:

1. Wear a hat.

2. Wear sunglasses.

3. Use headphones of any type.

4. Use a cell phone or any other electronic device. This will result in an F for the exams.

5. Use any resource of any type have any type of communication with any other person.

EXAM POLICIES:

For Asynchronous students All online exams in accounting 303 will require the use of Respondus Lockdown Browser; a functional webcam and microphone must be on at all times.  There are no exceptions.

No notes, cheat sheets, or textbooks, no resources of any kind except a 4-function calculator may be used during an exam.

STUDENT ID:

You must present your student identification card at each examination. Webcam and Microphone will be used in Respondus Lockdown browser, be sure to show your Id Prior to the start of the exam.  Students not showing identification cards will be assigned a “zero” for the exam.

ENVIRONMENT:

An environmental check that shows the entire work surface (desk) and a 360 view of the room. You must be alone when taking the exam. If a person enters the room while you are taking an exam the student will earn a zero and an honor code referral.

You will be asked to show any blank scrap paper (front and back) to the Respondus 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, Respondus will have a calculator for your use.  you will show your calculator during the environment check.

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 (including Online exams) 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.

A practice exam is available for you up until the due date to ensure you have set up Respondus Lock Down Browser properly.

USE OF CELL PHONES:

Stow your cell phone out of the room you will be taking the exam prior to logging into Respondus. 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.

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 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. The Smart book is available for completion up until a due date. After the due date the student may use the recharge function in connect to study this material.

Video Lectures 2.5 for a total of 25 points

There are several sources of videos for the asynchronous student. The videos consist of instructor lectures, linked in , you tube and Connect videos.  Please be sure to view ALL of them in each module. There will be questions answered for some. As there is no specific class time set, these learning resources are meant to be used asynchronously as a way for the student to gain a better understanding of the material.

HOMEWORK 5 points each for a total of 50 points

These are low level assessments 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.

END OF CHAPTER QUIZZES 5 points each for a total of 50

An End of Chapter quiz will be required for all students. Each quiz will be for 5points for a total of 50 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 50 points from quiz assessments.

RECITATION  5 points each for a total of 50

The student must attend/review the recitation session. Then complete 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.

Write out Problems a total of 200 points

There are two write out problems. The problems will have limited access see the syllabus and limited amount of time to complete. The write out problem are longer work out problems similar to homework and recitation problems. No resources except a simple calculator is allowed to complete the problem. The student will have two attempts within the given time limit. Please be prepared or you may run out of time.

HONOR CODE STATEMENT:

ACCT 303 has a “zero tolerance” for Honor Code violations.  You are expected to understand and follow the Honor Code of the GMU University Catalogue.  The hallmarks of the accounting profession are integrity, objectivity, and independence.  Cheating in this class will result in a failing grade, being reported to the Honor Code Committee, and being prevented from graduating or possible expulsion from the school.

There is an Honor Code exam under the Exams tab for all online sessions. The purpose is for you to set up Respondus lockdown browser with web cam and to affirm your understanding of the Honor Code. All ACC 303 students must complete this task prior to the first exam.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

The accounting profession is based on the foundation of sound honest and ethical principles. Cheating of any sort will not be tolerated.  Even small acts of dishonesty will be fully punished. Students caught cheating will be referred to the GMU Honor Code Office. Students caught cheating will receive a failing grade in the course. Students who are aware of cheating but fail to report it are in violation of academic honesty policies in this course. These students can expect to receive the same sanctions listed above as the students who cheat.

HONOR CODE:

To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the George Mason University community and with the desire for greater academic and personal achievement, we, the student members of the University Community have set forth this:

Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, and/or lie in matters related to academic work.

Cheating definition:

Cheating encompasses the unauthorized use of, access to, or provision of academic work in an attempt to misrepresent a student’s actual efforts.  This includes, but is not limited to, submitting another individual’s work as one’s own, soliciting solutions/assignments from online websites, unauthorized collaboration, or failing to adhere to requirements (verbal and written) established by the professor of the course.

· Using or possessing any unauthorized material/assistance in any academic work.

· Using cell phones, unauthorized web sites or unauthorized software, unauthorized notes during an exam.

· Obtaining help or information from a friend/classmate or any other person.

· Accessing online or off-line sources/information during an on-line exam/quiz.

· Giving help or information/work to a friend/classmate this includes not sharing any software or worksheets with any other student.

· Purchasing or attempting to purchase an essay/assignment/code/answers/Chegg solutions.

· Using your previous course work and/or old exams.

· Sharing work even after the semester is over.

Plagiarism Definition

Plagiarism is defined as using another individual’s ideas or words without attribution or credit.  It also includes using one’s own prior work that has been submitted for credit or published in another venue as a new submission without citation.  Using the ideas of others without proper attribution or citation is unethical and a violation of the Honor Code.

Stealing

Stealing from an academic perspective means obtaining unauthorized access to educational materials.  These materials might be tests or quizzes from faculty members, or they may be the work product of another student.  Subcategories of stealing include but are not limited to:

· Removing an exam or other academic work from a classroom without authorization

· Taking photos of exams/academic work without authorization or permission

· Taking someone else’s work without their knowledge

Lying

Lying in an academic context refers to providing information known to be false as a way to bypass classroom expectations or gain an unfair advantage in completing academic work.  Subcategories of lying include but are not limited to:

· Fabricating or providing false sources, data, information, documents, and/or official correspondence

· Providing a false excuse for missing a test or class

GMU School of Business has a “zero tolerance” for Honor Code violations.  You are expected to understand and follow the Honor Code of the GMU University Catalogue. The accounting profession is based on the foundation of sound honest and ethical principles. Cheating of any sort will not be tolerated.  Even small acts of dishonesty will be fully punished. Students caught cheating will be referred to the GMU Honor Code Office. Students caught cheating will receive a failing grade in the course and may be expelled from the School of Business Students who are aware of cheating but fail to report it are in violation of academic honesty policies in this course. These students can expect to receive the same sanctions listed above as the students who cheat.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

The Office of Disability Services (located in Room 2500 Student Union Building I) provides a wide variety of academic support services to all currently enrolled GMU students who have any type of mental or physical disability of either a temporary or permanent nature. These services include assistance with course accommodations, adaptive equipment, individualized exam administration, taped textbooks, wheelchair repair, library needs, registration, handicapped parking, accessible housing, and transportation, as well as many other needs. If you feel that you may need assistance of this nature, call the Center at (703) 993-2474. In addition, you should notify me about any special needs as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION:

The Mason Alert system at GMU works to alert you in the event of an emergency. Please visit the Mason Alert website to sign up for this service.

TIME COMMITMENT:

The university recommends 12 hours of weekly study for a challenging course during a normal semester. Most students who pass this course invest a significant amount of time studying outside of class.

PROFESSOR CONTACT:

Students should ask questions about class concepts in Meet the Professor or during office hours. The best way to contact me is via email [email protected]. Most weekdays I will respond within 24 hours. On weekends the response time may be as late as the following business day.

Before contacting the instructor regarding McGraw Hill issues, you must do the following:

1. If experiencing difficulty in McGraw Hill, please 'troubleshoot' with your Browser.

2. If you are still having issues (either with accessing an assignment or an error within a question) you MUST contact Technical Support: Before contacting the instructor regarding Publisher issues, you must do the following:
1. If experiencing difficulty, please 'troubleshoot' with your Browser.
2. If you are still having issues (either with accessing an assignment or an error within a question) you MUST contact Technical Support: McGraw Hill

call 800-331-5094

email & chat mhhe.com/support

M-R 24 hours

F 12am- 9 pm

S 10am-8 pm

Su 12 pm-12 Am

3.

STUDENT ACCOMODATIONS AND DIVERSITY:

Students with disabilities who require special accommodation should contact the Student Disability Resource Center Office of Disability Services or 703-993-2474 and should inform me of their needs so it can be taken into consideration. All academic accommodations must be arranged through the DRC. Please take care of this during the first week of the module. Mason offers counseling and psychological services that can provide assistance if you find yourself overwhelmed by life and/or want training in academic or life skills.

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, 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.

Title IX: 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 Mason’s Title IX Coordinator by calling 703-993-8730 or email [email protected].  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 Mason is 703-380-1434.

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 from me 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 Blackboard and/or via e-mail. Inability to access the course webpage or failure to read e-mails cannot be an excuse for late submissions or non-completion of assignments.

School of Business Minimum Computing Requirements for the Academic Year

Please see the tab on blackboard updating this polices for the current year

All School of Business Undergraduate Students must have access to a portable computing device that meets the following minimum standards. Students are required to bring their laptops to class if asked by the instructor. Phones of any sort are not acceptable in place of a laptop, and also a keyboard is required.

•Operating System: Windows Operating System 10 or newer is required. Mac users are required to install a Windows partition on the hard drive to run the Windows operating system.

It is the responsibility of Mac users to install and create this Windows partition as business courses require the usage of software that runs on Windows (partition may slow laptop performance)

oExamples of partitions that can be used are VMware Fusion or Bootcamp (https://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/)

•Memory: 8 GB (recommend 10GB or higher)

•Video/audio streaming capability: Students must have a video camera and microphone that feed or stream audio and video in real time to or through the internet. Instructors may ask students to activate the camera and microphone for class activities.

•Hard drive free space: at least 120 GB free space (recommend 250 GB free space or higher) •Network Capability: wireless capability required (recommend wired network capability also) •Software: All Mason students can download Windows operating system and VMware Fusion for free from the Microsoft Imagine Premium and Vmware - OnTheHub (available once semester begins and registered in a Business School class)

MS Office ProPlus (available for free for students at    http://masonlive2.gmu.edu/MicrosoftStudentAdvantage/) Note: the non-Professional version is not acceptable because it does not include MS Access.

Antivirus Software (available for free for students at      http://itservices.gmu.edu/downloads/index.cfm) oInternet browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended)