Course Syllabus
Accounting for Decisions
1131-ACG2021PC1131_bbaol-15441
GENERAL INFORMATION
Professor Information
Professor's Photo
Instructor:
Prof. Desiree M. Elias
Phone:
(305) 348-7662
Office:
CSC 345 (MMC)
Office Hours:
Scheduled Virtual Chat: Wednesdays 7-8pm
Email:
Use Blackboard Messages
Course Content Access:
http://online.fiu.edu
 
Course Description and Purpose


This course provides an introduction to concepts and analysis essential to determining the income and financial position of a business enterprise. The course material will introduce the basic accounting framework and then proceed to teach principles and techniques used to record a firm's transactions and to ultimately produce the firm's financial statements. Financial statements are the business documents that companies use to report the results of their activities (i.e. their transactions) to various user groups, which can include managers, investors, creditors, and regulatory agencies. In turn, these parties use the financial statements to make a variety of decisions, such as whether to invest in or loan money to the company.

This course is a comprehensive first course in accounting for students with no previous training in accounting or business and is designed for both majors and non-majors in accounting. The student who successfully completes this class will be able to read and understand U.S. financial statements.

Course Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Facilitate students' understanding of general purpose financial statements
    according to General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Expose students to the concept of accrual vs. cash basis accounting
  • Facilitate students practice using financial data in the preparation of financial statements
  • Expose students to the professional ethics necessary in the accountant's professional activities.
  • Equip students with introductory knowledge of financial statement analysis
Major & Curriculum Objectives Targeted

Use accounting information in business decision making across all business disciplines.

Learning objectives specific to each curriculum module can be found in the textbook and also the Powerpoint slides provided by the textbook publisher, which are included in MyLab.

Teaching Methodology

With the exception of one face-to-face examination, this is a fully online course conducted using the Blackboard e-Education platform and MyLab. Therefore, students are expected to contribute as they would in a face-to-face lecture by actively contributing to class discussions by posting messages in the discussion forum, interacting with the Professor via Blackboard email and/or chat sessions, as well as performing homework problems. Assigned problems listed on the Course Calendar below are to be completed by each student on their own and solutions to select problems will be provided so that students may check their work.

Assurance of Learning

The College of Business cares about the quality of your education. For more information please visit the Assurance of Learning site to learn more on the College's commitment to this initiative.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Policies

Please review the policies page as it contains essential information regarding guidelines relevant to all courses at FIU and additional information on the standards for acceptable netiquette important for online courses.

Technical Requirements & Skills

One of the greatest barriers to taking an online course is a lack of basic computer literacy. By computer literacy we mean being able to manage and organize computer files efficiently, and learning to use your computer's operating system and software quickly and easily. Keep in mind that this is not a computer literacy course; but students enrolled in online courses are expected to have moderate proficiency using a computer. Please go to the "What's Required" page to find out more information on this subject.

This course utilizes the following tools:

1. Adobe Connect Pro
2. Pearson MyLab

For detailed information about the technical requirements, please click here.

Accessibility And Accommodation

For detailed information about the specific limitations with the technologies used in this course, please click here.

For more information about Blackboard's Accessibility Commitment, click here.

For additional assistance please contact our Disability Resource Center.

Course Prerequisites

ECO 2023, or equivalent and sophomore standing

This course has a prerequisite(s). For more information about prerequisites, click here.

Proctored Exam Policy

Please note that the information contained in this section applies only if your course requires a proctored exam.

It is the student’s responsibility to determine whether this online course requires proctored exams by carefully reviewing this syllabus. For detailed instructions please visit our Proctored Exam Resources page on the FIU Online website.

Textbook
Textbook cover

Financial Accounting (9th Edition) (Required)
Harrison, Horngren and Thomas
Prentice Hall; 9 ed, 2012.

ISBN 10: 0133052273
ISBN 13: 9780133052275

Click here to buy your textbook online at the FIU Bookstore.

The text is supplemented by MyLab, which is REQUIRED in this class. Instructions on how to register for MyLab will be made available to you separately. 

Expectations of this Course

It is expected that interactive learning and teaching will enrich the learning experience of all students, and that each student will work in partnership with the Professor to create a positive learning experience for all. Student engagement is a necessary condition for an effective learning experience, and includes contributions to debate and discussion (if any), positive interactive learning with others, and an enthusiastic attitude towards inquiry. Everyone is expected to be a positive contributor to the class learning community, and students are expected to share the responsibility of teaching each other.

Due to the large number of topics covered, there is a high demand of time and effort in this course. This course moves quickly and you must be willing to put in serious time and effort in order to take advantage of this. Students have reported studying between 10 -15 hours per week to successfully pass the class. Assignments from the text and other resources are listed below for each class session. Students are expected to pace their learning according to the posted course assignments.

Notification of the availability of online teacher evaluations will be sent to you a few weeks before the end of the semester. Student feedback is required for the University’s accreditation status and as such completion of these evaluations is an expectation of this course. The Professor may request proof that you have completed the evaluation.

COURSE DETAIL
Course Communication

Communication in this course will take place via Blackboard Messages.

Messages are a private and secure text-based communication that occurs within a Course and among Course members. Users must log on to Blackboard to send/receive/read messages. The Messages tool is located on the left side Course Menu (Blackboard user interface). It is recommended that students check their messages routinely to ensure up-to-date communication.

You should be opening Blackboard daily and reviewing Messages, Announcements and Discussion Board postings. Also, periodically copies of Announcements will be forwarded to your FIU email address in addition to posted on Blackboard. Please ensure to review your FIU email account daily as well. Do not use the Professor’s university email (delias@fiu.edu) unless there is an emergency.

Virtual office hours (chats) will be held each Wednesday during the semester for a one-hour period from 7:00pm to 8:00pm using the Adobe Connect feature in Blackboard (Refer to “Participation” section below).

For more information on professional writing and technical communication click here.

Participation

Keep in mind that forum discussions are public, and care should be taken when determining what to post. Use the Blackboard Discussion Forum to introduce yourself, communicate and interact with the other students.

Your attendance in weekly Adobe Connect online chats will be recorded and credit will be assigned accordingly. There will be 12 weekly chats in total corresponding to each chapter covered. The first two chats will not be counted towards you grade; in addition, two other chats will be dropped from the total participation grade. As such, attendance in eight chats will count towards your grade.

If you cannot attend the chats during the scheduled time, then you will be responsible for listening to the recorded chats on Adobe Connect and providing a summary of the chats to the Professor at the end of the semester for credit. Details regarding the required content to be included in these summaries will be provided by the Professor during Week 2 of class.

The Adobe Connect Pro Meeting is an online meeting room in which you can interact with your Professor and fellow students by sharing your computer, screens or files, chat, broadcast live audio and take part in other interactive online activities. We will be utilizing this tool to conduct weekly meetings and to provide instructor office hours.

Requirements for using Adobe Connect Pro Meeting:

  • Disable any window pop-up blocker.
  • Adobe Flash Player is required to successfully run your Connect Pro meeting. You can test your computer to make sure that you are set up with all of the tools you will need to participate in the meeting.
  • Use of a combination headset and microphone  with USB connection is recommended to ensure quality sound and reduce technical difficulties.

    Please click here for additional information on Adobe Connect (Tutorials & Help).
Homework

Homework is a key part of this course and is critical to your success.

Homework will be assigned for this class via MyLab. For each chapter there will be certain recommended homework assigned for practice and certain problems assigned for credit due by 7:00pm EST on Wednesdays.

Quizzes and Exams

In order to mitigate any issues with your computer and online assessments, it is very important that you take the "Practice Quiz" from each computer you will be using to take your graded quizzes and exams. It is your responsibility to make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements.

Please note assessments in this course are not compatible with mobile devices and should not be taken through a mobile phone or a tablet. If you need further assistance please contact FIU Online Support Services.

QUIZZES
There will be weekly quizzes given on the dates indicated in the schedule below.  The purpose of the quizzes is to help you review material covered in class and pace your study according to the class schedule. The quizzes will be taken online using MyLab and are based on homework assignments and lecture notes.  Each quiz is due by end of the day on Sundays noted in the Weekly Calendar.

  • There will be 11 online quizzes to be taken via MyLab that cover one chapter each.
  • The quizzes will have a duration of 60 minutes each.
  • Since the quizzes are online, they are open-book and open-note quizzes. You will have two opportunities to complete each quiz.
  • Correct answers will be released after the quiz availability window expires.
  • UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES  WILL MAKE-UP QUIZZES BE ALLOWED

EXAMS
One face-to-face Midterm Exam will be given during the course:

  • Proctored Midterm Exam covering Ch. 1-7 @MMC, GL139 from 11:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, 3/2
  • The face-to-face Midterm Exam has a duration time of 2 hours and is comprised of 50 multiple choice questions (each worth 2 points).
  • It is closed-book and closed-notes
  • REFER TO THE “MIDTERM EXAM” FOLDER ON BLACKBOARD FOR OPTIONS CONCERNING MAKEUP OF THIS EXAM FOR STUDENTS WHO CANNOT ATTEND THE EXAM IN PERSON.

The online Final Exam is to be completed via MyLab:

  • The online Final Exam has a duration time of 2.5 hours, is comprised of 50 multiple choice questions (each worth 2 points), and must be completed in only 1 attempt.
  • Since the Final Exam is online, it is an open-book and open-note exam.
  • The final grades will be released after the exam availability window expires.
  • UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES  WILL A MAKE-UP FINAL EXAM  BE ALLOWED
Project

The course project is an individual assignment and it will entail compiling and reviewing financial statements. Project details and requirements will be provided to the class by the end of Week 4.

Grading
Course Requirements Weight
Midterm Exam 30%
Final Exam 25%
Quizzes 15%
Homework 15%
Project 5%
Participation 10%
Total 100%

 

Letter
Grade
% Range Letter
Grade
% Range Letter
Grade
% Range
A 93 < 100 B- 80 < 83 D+ 67 < 70
A- 90 < 93 C+ 77 < 80 D 63 < 67
B+ 87 < 90 C 73 < 77 D- 60 < 63
B 83 < 87 C- 70 < 73 F < 60
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Student Code of Conduct Agreement

THIS DOCUMENT WILL BE COMPLETED THROUGH AN ONLINE SURVEY BY EVERY STUDENT IN CLASS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF THE CLASS.

Academic Honesty Policies
Values are a critical component of culture. Ethics is the way those values are carried out in our behaviors, and are embodied as principles in our Student Code of Standards, and our Student Code of Academic Integrity. The Florida International University Student Code of Standards: A University is a learning community that follows a tradition of more than 1000 years. Florida International University is such a community dedicated to generating and transmitting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service. As a member of this community:

  • I will respect the tradition of academic inquiry, the University’s rules of conduct, and its mission
  • I will respect the opinions and differences of all members of the FIU community
  • I will practice civility and avoid behavior that undermines the normal functioning of the University
  • I will respect the rights and property of the University and its members
  • I will be diligent and honest in my personal and academic endeavors

Student Code of Academic Integrity
Every student must respect the right of all to have an equitable opportunity to learn and honestly demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students must adhere to a standard of academic conduct, demonstrating respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. As a student in the College of Business class ACG 2021, Accounting for Decisions:

  • I will not represent someone else’s work as my own
  • I will not cheat, nor will I aid in another’s cheating
  • I will be honest in my academic endeavors
  • I understand that if I am found responsible for academic misconduct, I will be subject to the academic misconduct procedures and sanctions as outlined in the Student Handbook

I have read this document, agree with and accept its content.

Academic Misconduct

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT SECTION 2.44

Policy

Students at Florida International University are expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity in every aspect of their lives. Honesty in academic matters is part of this obligation.

Academic integrity is the adherence to those special values regarding life and work in an academic community. Any act or omission by a student which violates this concept of academic integrity shall be defined as academic misconduct and shall be subject to the procedures and penalties set forth herein.

Definition of Academic Misconduct: The term "academic misconduct" is academic dishonesty and shall include the following acts and/or omissions:

a. Cheating, which is the unauthorized use of books, notes, aids or assistance from another person with respect to examinations, course assignments, field service reports, class recitations, or possession of examination papers or course materials, whether originally authorized or not. Any student helping another cheat may be found guilty of academic misconduct.

b. Plagiarism, consisting of the deliberate use and appropriation of another’s work without any indication of the source and the passing off of such work as the student’s own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials taken from another is guilty of plagiarism.

c. Misrepresentation by lying to a member of the faculty, staff or administration to increase one's grade.

d. Misuse of computer services by the unauthorized use of any computer or computer project number or alteration or destruction of computerized information or files or unauthorized appropriation of another's program(s).

e. Bribery by offering money or any item or service to a member of the faculty, staff or administration to gain academic advantage for one's self or another.

Conspiracy by planning or acting with one or more fellow students, any member of the faculty, staff or administration or any other person to commit any form of academic misconduct together.

g. Falsification of records, tampering with or altering in any way any academic record used or maintained by the University.

h. Academic dishonesty in general by any act or omission not specifically mentioned above and which is outside the customary scope of preparing and completing academic assignments and/or contrary to the above stated policies concerning academic integrity. Any violation of this section shall require first a determination as to whether the act or omission constitutes academic misconduct.

Procedures

Students found violating the Academic Misconduct Policy will receive (1) zero credit in the related assignment, (2) lose any points given from curving the midterm and/or final exams if any and (3) their final letter grade dropped by one full letter grade for every assignment found in violation.

Also, at the Professor's discretion matters relating to academic misconduct may be referred to the Office of the Provost for Academic Affairs. Acts of academic misconduct may be alleged by faculty, staff or students.

Two actions that may be taken are:

Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the University, preventing readmission to the institution. This sanction shall be recorded on the student's transcript.

Suspension: Temporary separation of the student from the University for a specific period of time.

 

During the first week of class each student will be required to sign a Statement of Understanding between Professor and Student acknowledging his or her agreement to abide by the Student Codes of Standard and Academic Integrity.

Additionally the following two documents should be used by every student in business classes that require individual or group written assignments:

  •  Certification of Authorship Assignment Cover Page (Individual)

  • Certification of Authorship Assignment Cover Page (Groups)

For details of other School of Accounting policies and procedure go to SOA POLICIES


NOTE: Intensive Auditing of the course may be conducted to prevent academic misconduct.

COURSE CALENDAR
Weekly Schedule

The course runs Monday to Sunday.
Office Hours/Chats are Wednesdays noted below from 7:00-8:00pm EST.
Homework is due on Wednesdays noted below by 7:00pm EST.
Quizzes are due on Sundays noted below by 11:59pm EST.

Date Topic Tasks
Week 1:
Jan 7-Jan 13
Review course, Blackboard and MyLab sites

Refer to Week 1 folder in Blackboard

Read Chapter 1: The Financial Statements

Chat 1 (not graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 1/9

Blackboard Practice Quiz

Introduce Yourself

Register for MyLab

MyLab PRACTICE HW Ch. 1
Week 2:
Jan 14-Jan 20
Read Chapter 2: Transaction Analysis

Chat 2 (not graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 1/16
MyLab PRACTICE HW Ch. 2

Quiz Ch. 1-2 due 1/20
Week 3:
Jan 21-Jan 27
Read Chapter 3: Accrual Accounting & Income

Chat 3 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 1/23
MyLab HW due 1/23

Quiz Ch. 3 due 1/27
Week 4:
Jan 28-Feb 3
Read Chapter 4: Internal Control & Cash

Chat 4 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 1/30
MyLab HW due 1/30

Quiz Ch. 4 due 2/3
Week 5:
Feb 4-Feb 10
Read Chapter 5: Short-Term Investments Receivables

Chat 5 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 2/6
MyLab HW due 2/6

Quiz Ch. 5 due 2/10
Week 6:
Feb 11-Feb 17
Read Chapter 6: Inventory & Cost of Goods Sold

Chat 6 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 2/13
MyLab HW due 2/13

Quiz Ch. 6 due 2/17
Week 7:
Feb 18-Feb 24
Read Chapter 7: Plant Assets & Intangibles

Chat 7 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 2/20
MyLab HW due 2/20

Quiz Ch. 7 due 2/24

Complete "Midterm Exam Location" survey in Blackboard before 2/20
Week 8:
Feb 25-Mar 3
Chat Midterm Exam Review (not graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 2/27

Proctored Midterm Exam covering Ch. 1-7 @MMC, GL139 from 11:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, 3/2

Week 9:
Mar 4-Mar 10
Read Chapter 8: Liabilities

Chat  8 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 3/6
MyLab HW due 3/6

Quiz Ch. 8 due 3/10
Week 10:
Mar 11-Mar 17
SPRING BREAK (No Chat)
Monday
Mar 18

LAST DAY TO DROP WITH A "DR" GRADE

Week 11:
Mar 18-Mar 24
Read Chapter 9: Stockholders' Equity

Chat 9 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 3/20
MyLab NW due 3/20

Quiz Ch. 9 due 3/24
Week 12:
Mar 25-Mar 31
Read Chapter 10: Long-Term Investments & International Operations

Chat 10 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 3/27
MyLab HW due 3/27

Quiz Ch. 10 due 3/31
Week 13:
Apr 1-Apr 7
Read Chapter 11: The Income Statement & the Statement of Stockholders' Equity

Chat 11 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 4/3
MyLab HW due 4/3

Quiz Ch. 11 due 4/7
Week 14:
Apr 8-Apr 14
Read Chapter 12: The Statement of Cash Flows

Chat 12 (graded)
begins 7:00pm EST 4/10
MyLab HW due 4/10

Quiz Ch. 12 due 4/14
Week 15:
Apr 15-Apr 21
No Chat- Study for Final Exam Project due 4/21
Submit in Blackboard through Assignment Dropbox
Week 16:
Apr 22-Apr 27
Chat Summaries due 4/24

(MyLab) Online Final Exam covering Ch. 8-12 available 4/22-4/27