Master of Management (Accounting and Finance) (MC-MGMTAFN) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

1. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be adept at obtaining, analysing, synthesising and evaluating evidence for management decision making in accounting and finance.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Describe and explain the body of knowledge, including recent developments, influencing markets and guiding the management of organisations
• Evaluate the impact of a variety of cultural and environmental factors on the organisation and in the market
• Identify and apply methods for researching business related problems

2. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be strategic and critical thinkers in relation to business and commerce related issues and in developing solutions to problems in organisations and in society.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Explain critically analyse and reflect on factors that influence decision making in firms and the economy
• Identify strategic issues and solutions in relation to economic problems and activity within firms
• Apply knowledge of theory to analyse real and hypothetical problems in different markets both domestically and internationally
• Demonstrate creativity and initiative in the application of knowledge to problem solving and innovation

3. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be effective decision makers in business and commerce.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Apply basic mathematical and/or statistical techniques to analyse business data
• Apply research techniques to business related problems
• Evaluate the applicability of various theories and techniques to business related problems
• Employ a range of tools of analysis pertinent to the evaluation of evidence in business sector
• Use evidenced-based research techniques to support decisions
• Apply ethical principles and corporate governance strategies to address real world issues and problems
• To demonstrate a capacity to successfully work independently with personal accountability
• Execute a project requiring research or real-world application

4. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be competent in professional knowledge and skills necessary for entry into the accounting and finance professions, including the capacity to satisfy the educational requirements of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA) and CPA Australia.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Critically analyse and think strategically about accounting and finance analysis issues and problems
• Identify, critically evaluate and develop solutions to accounting and finance issues emerging from changes in practice, changes in the factors affecting financial markets and changes in accounting or financial regulation
• Understand and apply principles, theories and models pertaining to the accounting and finance disciplines
• Appraise recent developments in the accounting and finance disciplines
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of accounting and finance in its different contexts and organisational settings
• Evaluate and manage risks and returns in financial markets
• Interpret and evaluate financial data in making investment decisions including the accounting information that supports these decisions
• Apply appropriate theories and statistical tools of analysis to financial decision making
• Explain the impact of a range of financial factors that influence financial decision making for a firm or asset

On successful completion of this degree students should have enhanced their skills in:

• Critical evaluation of evidence in support of an argument or proposition;
• Problem identification and solving in finance through the application of appropriate financial theories, principles and data;
• Communication of accounting, finance and commerce related ideas, theories and solutions to peers and the wider community;
• Ability to synthesize ideas, theories and data in developing solutions to accounting and finance problems;
• Ethical practice through a knowledge of corporate governance processes and implementation;
• Business research skills including the retrieval of information from a variety of sources;
• Statistical reasoning in finance though application of financial theories to real world cases;
• Demonstrate a capacity to successfully engage in collaborative activities such as group based work and activities; and
• Interpret and communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.