Unit Outline

In today’s data economy, businesses are blessed and cursed with an abundance of data. This proliferation of data is creating new professions and changing existing professions. One profession that is witnessing a rapid change due to the explosion of data is accounting. While there exists a plethora of data available to businesses, accounting data remains a source of data that is reliable, relevant and accessible for all organisations. This unit will introduce students to the very recent changes ushered in by the big data revolution to the accounting profession, introduce students to how data analytics is being applied to accounting data, develop their skills in analysing and presenting accounting data to management and also develop their abilities to critically evaluate the underlying accounting systems and processes related to both the collection, creation, processing and production of accounting data within organisations.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Apply data analytics to accounting data to solve business problems.
2.	Critically evaluate data analytics inputs, processes and outputs.
3.	Create compelling stories based on data analytics using data visualization tools.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Business Analytics Plan	Week 4	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Full Analytics Report for Decision Support	Week 7	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Data Storytelling and Strategic Insights Presentation	Week 12	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Business Analytics Plan

Task Description:

For the role play assignment, students will take on the role of a business analyst tasked with responding to a fictional scenario. They will analyze a dataset provided by a manager, identify key insights related to business profitability, and draft a detailed response outlining their findings, limitations, and recommendations. The assignment focuses on applying analytical skills to a real-world business context and communicating results effectively in a professional format.

Task Length:

1,000 words

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Critically evaluate the inputs, processes and outputs produced in an analysis.	LO3
2	Apply data analytics to correct identified errors in a report.	LO1
3	Communicate errors in a report to junior level staff in a manner that is clear but also constructive.	LO3
4	Present the findings of your report in a manner that is appropriate for the context of the case study.	LO2
5	Write a report that summarises your findings and that is appropriate for presentation to senior management.	LO2

Assessment Task 2: Full Analytics Report for Decision Support

Task Description:

In this assignment, you’ll analyse a dataset provided within a business scenario, such as assessing financial health indicators for a company’s potential expansion. Conduct a thorough analysis and prepare a report that includes your approach, findings, and recommendations. This report should address the business questions, showcase data mastery, and provide actionable insights to inform management’s decision.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Use Microsoft Excel to apply relevant metrics and calculations to an accounting dataset, analysing financial health indicators for business insights.	LO1
2	Utilise Tableau to create a clear, insightful visualisation based on the analysed accounting data, enabling a visual understanding of financial trends or risks.	LO2
3	Write a comprehensive report that integrates the data analysis and visualisation, presenting insights to inform management decisions and address accounting-related business problems.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Data Storytelling and Strategic Insights Presentation

Task Description:

In this assignment, you’ll work within an accounting scenario, such as presenting financial performance insights to support strategic planning. Your task is to tell a compelling data-driven story that effectively communicates insights to management. Deliverables include a Tableau dashboard, an online presentation, and a concise executive summary that highlights key findings and recommendations.

Task Length:

1. Dashboard: 4 – 6 visualizations 2. Online presentation: 5 – 8 mins 3. Executive summary: 500 – 700 words

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the impact of data analytics to the accounting profession	LO1
2	Use Microsoft Excel to analyse accounting data	LO2
3	Use Tableau to create data visualisations using accounting data	LO2
4	Critically evaluate inputs, processes and outputs of data analytics in accounting	LO3
5	Reflect on the challenges and limitations of accounting data for data analytics	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.