2007-2008 Graduate Calendar

Accounting

 

Master of Accountancy

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Fields of Specialization

General

Information Systems (MAcc only)

Taxation (MAcc only)

Faculty Dean

Martin Kusy

Faculty of Business

Associate Dean, Graduate Studies

Donald Cyr

Faculty of Business

Graduate Faculty

Professor

Raafat R. Roubi (Accounting)

Associate Professors

Ian Adamson (Accounting), Darlene Bay (Accounting), Gail L. Cook (Accounting), Louis Culumovic (Accounting), Maureen Donnelly (Accounting), Paul Dunn (Accounting), Fayez Elayan (Accounting), Sandra M. Felton (Accounting), Hemantha Herath (Accounting), Patricia M. Myers (Accounting), Barbara Sainty (Accounting), Paul Scarbrough (Accounting), Anamitra Shome (Accounting), Linda Stillabower (Accounting), Allister Young (Accounting)

Assistant Professors

Donald Brown (Accounting), Pascale Lapointe-Antunes (Accounting), Jingyu (Jennifer) Li (Accounting), James Moore (Accounting), Alex Nikitkov (Accounting), Samir Trabelsi (Accounting)

Lecturers

Shari Leitch (Accounting), Carolyn MacTavish (Accounting)

Director of Graduate Programs

Shari Sekel

905-688-5550, extension 3916

Taro 361

http://www.bus.brocku.ca/macc

http://www.bus.brocku.ca/imacc

International Co-ordinator, Graduate Programs

Jingtao (Teresa) Feng

905-688-5550, extension 4157

Taro 365

Recruitment Officer, Graduate Programs

Andrea Navin

905-688-5550, extension 5362

Taro 360

Administrative Assistant, Graduate Programs

Mary Froese

905-688-5550, extension 4156

Taro 360

Director, Internship Programs

Cindy Dunne

 

Master of Accountancy

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Program Description

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The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program (a two term program) enables students to assimilate advanced knowledge in accounting and related aspects of business. The program encourages the development of critical thinking, analytic and communication skills. It is intended to enhance the ability of students to adapt and respond to a complex changing business environment and to develop a professional attitude, with sensitivity to related ethical questions. The overall objective is to provide a strong academic grounding that will support and encourage the expansion of knowledge for both the individual and the profession over the long term.

Students select one of (A) generalized stream, that includes one independent study with a faculty member in the student's area of interest, (B) the tax specialty stream, that includes advanced study in several areas of taxation (C) the information systems specialty stream that includes advanced study in several areas of information systems and one independent study in the area of information systems with a faculty member. In all streams, students take one or more electives or specialty courses in other business topics or in approved topics outside the business faculty.

 

Admission Requirements

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Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, with an accounting concentration including courses in advanced financial accounting, advanced management accounting, corporate tax, auditing and other business courses with an overall average of not less than 75%. Students with an undergraduate education from outside North America will be considered for the MAcc or IMAcc program (see below) depending on the applicant's background and future intentions.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

Applicants who do not have the required prerequisites may be given the opportunity to complete one or more prerequisite terms. However, acceptance to Brock for purposes of obtaining prerequisites does not constitute acceptance into the Master of Accountancy.

Part-time study is not available.

 

Degree Requirements

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Candidates for the Master of Accountancy degree shall follow a program of study that must be approved by the Chair of the Accounting Department, in consultation with the Associate Dean. The program consists of a series of courses required for all students. In addition to the required courses, students select from the general stream as outlined in Stream A, the tax specialty stream as outlined in Stream B or the information systems specialty stream as outlined in Stream C below.

 

Required Courses

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MACC 5P21 Strategic Cost Management

MACC 5P32 Global Tax Management and Planning or

MACC 5P41 Advanced Topics in the Taxation of Corporations and their Shareholders

MACC 5P91 Advanced Topics in Corporate Finance

MACC 5Y11 Integration and Analysis I

MACC 5Y12 Integration and Analysis II

MACC 5P51 Information Technology and Systems

MACC 5P61 Corporate Governance

 

Stream A: General

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The general stream provides students with a broad background in all aspects of accounting. It is expected that they will select their electives and their independent study topic in areas that allow them to develop expertise in one or more specialized disciplines such as, auditing, finance or management accounting.

In addition to the required courses, general stream students will take two half credit course electives. Students must enroll in MACC 5F91 (Independent Study) under the supervision of a faculty member in the discipline of their choice. The elective courses generally may be selected from courses offered at the 3(alpha)90 or above level (including MBA and MSc courses) by the Faculty of Business or outside the Faculty. All elective courses and the program of independent study must be approved by the Associate Dean and the Chair of the Accounting Department.

 

Stream B: Taxation

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The tax specialty stream provides students with advanced knowledge in taxation and an ability to research tax issues and communicate results efficiently and effectively. The tax specialty requires several major papers and projects that are spread across the courses in the program, offering students an opportunity to develop their research and communication skills, as well as an opportunity to investigate specialized tax issues.

In addition to the required courses, students in the tax specialty stream will take MACC 5P42, (Tax Research and Statutory Interpretation and Practice) and one-half credit elective. Tax students also will take MACC 5P43 (Tax Policy), MACC 5Y45-5Y50 (Advanced Special Topics in Taxation) and MACC 5P45 (International Taxation: The Canada/United States Model). The elective half credit course must be selected from courses offered at the 3(alpha)90 or above level (including MBA and MSc courses) in the Faculty of Business or outside the Faculty of Business, subject to the approval of the Associate Dean and the Chair of the Accounting Department.

 

Stream C: Information Systems

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The information systems specialty stream provides students with advanced expertise in information systems and technology. Students also will develop a strong understanding of the strategic role of information systems and will be able to review and assist in their design. Students will complete research and design projects in each of their specialty courses. It is expected that the required independent study project will reflect research and/or consulting activities in the information systems field.

In addition to the required courses, students in the information systems specialty stream will take MACC 5P54 (Knowledge Engineering), MACC 5P52 (E-Commerce), and MACC 5P53 (Database Design and Management). In addition, students in the information systems stream must also enroll in MACC 5P92 (Independent Study for Information Systems) under the supervision of a faculty member. The program of independent study must be approved by the Associate Dean and the Chair of the Accounting Department.

 

International Master of Accountancy

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Program Description

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The International Master of Accountancy (IMAcc) program provides international students with a broad background in all aspects of accounting with emphasis on managerial accounting and information systems. The content and program objectives are substantially the same as the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program described above with minor modifications that focus on the needs of international students. The IMAcc program is a lock-step program that includes: an intensive English language study program, a transition term, and two academic terms. Each of these terms increases students' skills and prepares them for subsequent terms.

Off Campus International Master of Accountancy Program

In conjunction with Shanghai University the Brock University IMAcc program is also offered on site in Shanghai, China. Program details can be obtained from the Director of Graduate Programs listed above.

 

Admission Requirements

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Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, with a substantial number of accounting courses, and at least the equivalent of a B academic standing. Students with undergraduate education from outside North America will be considered for the IMAcc or MAcc program depending on the applicants' backgrounds, and future intentions.

 

Business English

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All students entering the IMAcc program must complete a non-credit Business English program. This takes place for four weeks in August of each year. The objective of this Business English program is to enable development in the four key language skill areas, reading, writing, listening and speaking in a business context, prior to proceeding to the transition term and graduate courses. The program concentrates on real world examples from the North American business environment. Business English courses are offered in co-operation with Brock's ESL Services and include:

MACC 5N81 Business Reading

MACC 5N82 Business Writing

MACC 5N83 Business Listening

MACC 5N84 Business Speaking

 

Transition Term

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All students entering the IMAcc program must take courses during a one-term transitional period. This takes place in the Fall of each year. The objective of this transition term is to ensure that students have the appropriate background in North American accounting, business environment, educational delivery methods, and English to enter the IMAcc program. Students must complete the courses with satisfactory marks before they are permitted to continue with the graduate courses. Transition term courses may include:

MACC 5P01 Financial Accounting I

MACC 5P02 Financial Accounting II

MACC 5Y03 Managerial Accounting

MACC 5Y04 Corporate Finance

MACC 5P05 Marketing, Operations Management and Organizational Behaviour

MACC 5Y06 The Legal and Political Environment

MACC 5Y07 Business Communications

 

Degree Requirements

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Students in the IMACC program follow a program of study that must be approved by the Chair of the Accounting Department, in consultation with the Associate Dean. The program is lock-step and consists of the following required courses for all IMAcc students:

MACC 5P21 Strategic Cost Management

MACC 5P31 Advanced Management Accounting

MACC 5P32 Global Tax Management and Planning

MACC 5P51 Information Technology and Systems

MACC 5P52 E-Commerce

MACC 5P53 Database Design and Management

MACC 5P60 Advanced Accounting Theory

MACC 5P61 Corporate Governance

MACC 5P91 Advanced Topics in Corporate Finance

MACC 5Y11 Integration and Analysis I

MACC 5Y12 Integration and Analysis II

 

Internship Option

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A paid internship option is available to those MAcc and IMAcc students with little or no previous work experience. MAcc students will complete term one of the program prior to the internship term. IMAcc students will complete all of their academic requirements prior to the internship term. The exposure to courses in the core areas of accounting and finance provides the necessary academic background for the internship experience.Students may be admitted to the internship option upon initial MAcc or IMAcc program admission or following the first term of graduate courses. Internship students will be required to maintain a 75% overall average and achieve appropriate English language proficiency. Admission to the internship option is on the basis of marks, a review of a personal resumé and employer availability. An interview may be required. In addition to the current tuition fees, internship students are assessed an administrative fee.

 

Course Descriptions

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Note: Not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the Timetable for scheduling information:

http://www.brocku.ca/registrar/guides/grad/timetable/terms.php

MACC 5N81

Business Writing

(also offered as MBAB 5N81)

Emphasis on written business communication ­ memos, letters, e-mails, reports, proposals.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

MACC 5N82

Business Reading

(also offered as MBAB 5N82)

Vocabulary and conventions of North American business.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

MACC 5N83

Business Listening

(also offered as MBAB 5N83)

Practice with business related audio/video materials. Academic note-taking skills.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

MACC 5N84

Business Speaking

(also offered as MBAB 5N84)

Developing oral communication skills for business meetings and presentations. Recognizing cultural differences in business practices.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

MACC 5F91

Independent Study

Research and/or consulting project carried out in collaboration with a faculty adviser and relevant resource personnel. Development of knowledge in a specialized discipline and development of ability to apply the knowledge to particular issues and/or situations.

Restriction: open to MAcc students in the general stream.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5F91.

MACC 5P01

Financial Accounting I

The theory and practice of financial statement preparation including the conceptual framework for accounting choices, revenue recognition and the role of financial information in contracting. Emphasis on the measurement, reporting, and disclosure of monetary assets and liabilities. Includes complex issues such as accounting for leases, pensions, future income taxes, intercorporate investments and cash flow reporting.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P01.

MACC 5P02

Financial Accounting II

Explores the theory and practice of preparing, measuring and reporting financial information for corporations. Includes essentials of financial analysis, stock valuation using accounting information, accounts receivable, inventory, capital assets, use of derivatives and other financial instruments in hedging, shareholders' equity and shareholders' rights, and inter-corporate investments.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P02.

MACC 5P05

Marketing, Operations Management, and Organizational Behaviour

Introduction to fundamental concepts in marketing, operations management and organizational behaviour as they exist in the North American businessenvironment.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P05.

MACC 5P21

Strategic Cost Management

Identification and exploration of current and emerging issues in management accounting. Investigation and analysis of complex issues within an applied organizational setting.

Restriction: open to MAcc and IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P21.

MACC 5P31

Advanced Management Accounting

Examines various advanced topics such as cost behaviors, costing systems, accounting for decision-making, planning and control, incentive and compensation systems, decentralization, and performance evaluation.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P31.

MACC 5P32

Global Tax Management and Planning

Focuses on the fundamentals of international tax principles and rules. Provides a structural framework within which international tax issues can be examined by both governments and multinational corporations. The role of treaties in international tax planning will be discussed using the Canada-US Income Tax Convention as an example. Particular emphasis will be placed on the key provisions of the OECD Model Treaty. Other topics included will be source-based taxation, related party transactions, harmful tax competition, tax avoidance measures and the role of tax havens.

Restriction: open to MAcc, MBA and IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P32.

MACC 5P41

Advanced Topics in the Taxation of Corporations and their Shareholders

Technical and planning issues related to structures for conducting business and investment activities. Focus on various ownership categories, types of business operations and funding issues. Investigation of partnerships and trusts as part of a business or investment portfolio structure. Application of provisions of tax law and communication of results of research and analysis.

Restriction: open to MAcc students in the taxation stream.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P41.

MACC 5P42

Tax Research and Statutory Interpretation in Practice

Effective, efficient, tax research techniques. Development of analytical and critical thinking skills in the context of tax planning. Emphasis on development of research skills including discerning facts, locating authorities, assessing and applying authorities and communicating results.

Restriction: open to MAcc students in the taxation stream.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P42.

MACC 5P43

Tax Policy

Socioeconomic, legal and political analysis of the legislation, jurisprudence and literature of taxation. Evaluation and application of alternative tax systems and methods.

Restriction: open to MAcc students in the taxation stream.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P43.

MACC 5P44

Fundamentals of U.S. Tax

Fundamentals of the U.S. tax system relative to corporations and individuals. Focus on the structure of U.S. statutes. Particular emphasis on comparative U.S. and Canadian tax policy and implementation. Introduction to reference tools available for tax research in the United States.

Restriction: open to MAcc students in the taxation stream.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P44.

MACC 5P45

International Taxation: The Canada/United States Model

Tax implications of doing business in multiple jurisdictions. Investigation of the United States tax system and Canadian tax provisions regarding multinational investment, in-bound and outbound.

Restriction: open to MAcc students in the taxation stream.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P45.

MACC 5P51

Information Technology and Systems

Knowledge-based and decision support systems used in decision making for support of the enterprise at the strategic and operation management levels. Conceptual foundations and techniques for decision-making, data management, modeling and model management. Fundamentals of expert systems and the acquisition of knowledge for such systems.

Restriction: open to MAcc and IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P51.

MACC 5P52

E-Commerce

Basic grounding in concepts related to electronic commerce-based solutions (primarily business-to-consumer and business-to-business). Communications infrastructure supporting e-commerce, security and integrity issues. Architecture of e-commerce applications, strategic deployment of e-commerce for global competitive advantage. Design of a working e-commerce system required.

Restriction: open to MAcc, MBA and IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P52.

MACC 5P53

Database Design and Management

Large-scale database projects. Includes requirements analysis, selection, functional specifications, design, testing, performance evaluation and maintenance of a database system. Design of a database system required.

Restriction: open to MAcc, MBA and IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P53.

MACC 5P54

Knowledge Engineering

Conceptual foundations for building knowledge-based systems. Application of artificial intelligence, rule-based systems, other common knowledge representation techniques, knowledge acquisition methods, application of KBS in accounting systems and management. Design of a KBS required.

Restriction: open to MAcc and MBA students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P54.

MACC 5P60

Advanced Accounting Theory

Economic, ethical and behavioural foundations of accounting theory. Topics may include agency theory, efficient markets and expectancy theory.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P60.

MACC 5P61

Corporate Governance

Using examples drawn from current business practices, investigates financial reporting matters, the role and function of auditing and the board of directors, ethics, management policy and leadership. Focuses on developing critical thinking and research skills.

Restriction: open to MAcc and IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5P61.

MACC 5P91

Advanced Topics in Corporate Finance

Investigation of current topics in the world of corporate finance, both domestically and internationally. Exploration of complex issues involved with financial instruments, derivative securities, futures and international markets. Application of knowledge in a real-world environment.

Restriction: open to MAcc and IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in FNCE 5P91.

MACC 5Y03

Managerial Accounting

Introduction to management accounting information used to implement and guide management planning, control, and evaluation. Topics may include cost identification, cost behavior, cost allocation, and the use of various tools to analyze information for decision-making.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5Y03.

MACC 5Y04

Corporate Finance

Introduction to fundamental concepts in corporate finance as they exist in the North American business environment.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5Y04.

MACC 5Y06

The Legal and Political Environment

Introduction to fundamental concepts in business law and the political system as they exist in the North American business environment.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5Y06.

MACC 5Y07

Business Communications

Skill-based introduction to business communications. Structured case study analysis and the development of critical thinking, persuasive speaking and effective writing skills.

Restriction: open to IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5Y07.

MACC 5Y11

Integration and Analysis I

Integration of knowledge from various functional areas of accounting and the business disciplines in a professional context. Development of analytical, diagnostic, decision-making and presentation skills. Application of knowledge and formation of professional judgment in the context of practical problems presented in complex cases.

Restriction: open to MAcc and IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5Y11.

MACC 5Y12

Integration and Analysis II

Continuation of integration of knowledge.

Restriction: open to MAcc and IMAcc students.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5Y12.

MACC 5Y45-5Y50

Advanced Special Topics in Taxation

Emerging issues and topics in taxation. Content varies depending on the instructor and the topics at issue at the time of offering.

Restriction: open to MAcc students is the taxation stream.

Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ACTG 5Y45-5Y50.

 
Last updated: January 22, 2008 @ 10:41AM