EFIN1614

ACCOUNTING

NQF level 6

[16 credits]

SCHOOL OF

ACCOUNTANCY

FIRST SEMESTER

2023

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1. WELCOMING

Dear student,
Welcome to EFIN1614, ACCOUNTING! Find below the contact details of the lecturers
who will be responsible for teaching this module, as well as other relevant staff in the
School of Accountancy department.

1.1 Contact Details of Lecturer(s)

PROF PM BRITZ
Office number I do not have an office on campus. Please make an
appointment with me via email
Consulting hours Contact arrangement before/after class or per email.
Email address: [email protected]
Phone Number 0822004292

1.2 Contact Details of Supporting Staff

Me. LEANDRA RYKAART
Email address: [email protected]
Phone Number (051) 401 2462 or 051 401 2333 (Reception)

1.2 Contact Details of Supporting Staff

Me MAMMUSO MATSHITE (B Com Accounting)
Email address: [email protected]
Phone Number (051) 401 3213 or 051 401 2333 (Reception)

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2. CONTACT SESSIONS AND VENUES

2.1 Class Time Table:

MAIN CAMPUS
DAY PERIOD TIME VENUE

Monday 7 13:10 to 14:00 LCT B

Tuesday 6&7 12:10 to 14:00 MODLEC 2

Thursday 3 9:10 to 10:00 LCT B

Please consult the UFS official class timetable (available at:

http://www.ufs.ac.za/adhoc-pages/quick-links/official-timetables) for the dates, venues
and times scheduled for contact sessions. The class timetable will also be made
available on Blackboard.

2.2 Tutorials
The tutorials are presented by senior students and the main purpose of the tutorials
are to assist students getting skilled, the technique and improve on time management
through tutorial questions, extra revision & home work questions. Furthermore, some
of the roles of the tutors are to facilitate learning, assist in stimulating the interest of
students in the subject matter, motivates, help students engage in learning and assist
when students need help with their studies.
Class test may also be written during tutorial times and written scripts handed back in
the respective venues. Written semester test scripts may also be handed back during
tutorial classes and feedback given. Class attendance will also be controlled during
tutorials.
More information on the tutorials will be communicated, when venues and times have
been finalised.

Please consult the UFS official class timetable (available at:

http://www.ufs.ac.za/adhoc-pages/quick-links/official-timetables) for the dates, venues
and times scheduled for contact sessions. The class/tutorial timetable will also be
made available on Blackboard.

NOTE: Venues and times can be amended on short notice and tutors’ names will be
announced to you. Make sure you know your tutor's name since tests scripts,
homework, etc might be handed in/back in accordance to the different tutors.

2.3 Communication & Appointments

Communication:

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Announcements will be made under “Announcements” on Blackboard. The announcement will
also be e-mailed to the student. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that his/her e-
mail address is reflected correctly on the system as well as to regularly visit the Blackboard
page for any marks, announcements, Blackboard Quizzes, etc.
Please also ensure that you work through the General Study Guide.

Appointments:
As per consultation hours or email.

3. STUDY MATERIAL
3.1 The prescribed textbooks in this module is:
 Introduction to Financial Accounting, 10th Edition, Dempsey, Watson, Joubert and
Britz.

Class Notes

Class notes will only be handed out in class and placed on Blacboard and will not be available
at the trainees office.

3.3 Class Preparation

It will be expected from a student to prepare for class. You need to read through the
chapter/section that will be lectured in class BEFORE class and/or perform the relevant
activity uploaded on Blackboard.
Since lecture time is limited, it is impossible for the lecturer to deal with everything in detail in
class. If something was not specifically dealt with in class, it does not mean that it is not
important or that it can be left out automatically!

Any additional activities (Individual/group assignments, tests/quiz, etc.) apart from semester
tests or tests written in class or revision exercises in class/homework handed in, will be
uploaded on Blackboard and it is important that you complete the uploaded tasks. These will
all form part of your predicate (Year-mark) at the end of the year. It is your responsibility to
check Blackboard on a regular basis for uploaded activities or any announcements.

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4. ASSESSMENT

Please take note that the dates, venues and times for all assessments will be made
available on Blackboard.

4.1. Assessment breakdown

Your module mark (predicate) will be calculated as follows:

ASSESSMENT TYPE (E.G. CONTRIBUTION TO MODULE

WRITTEN/ORAL/PRACTICAL) MARK (weight)

Test 1 Written semester test 45%

Test 2 Written semester test 45%
Test 3 Written semester test Replaces either test 1 or 2
Blackboard Online Quizess 10%
activities

NOTE:

Semester tests
Assessment consists of 2 compulsary semester tests during the semester. Semester
test will count 60 marks with 90 minutes time allocation. Topics to be tested will be
made known before the tests.
(Please refer to work program for tests dates and venues and also refer to the
faculty’s website for tests time table.)
PLEASE NOTE: It is possible that scheduled test dates can change. It is the student
responsibility to be updated with the latest test dates.

Class test
Class tests can be written anytime during class or tutorial times which contribute to
your predicate.

Minimum module mark for admission to the main exam & additional exam
To be admitted to the official year-end examination, a minimum module mark (Semester 1 &
semester 2 combined) of at least 40% must be obtained to enable a student to write the final
official examination. A final mark of 45% should be obtain to enter the additional exam.

NB!!
A sub-minimum of 40% is required in the examination paper (Main or Additional or
Special Exam) to pass the module. A final module mark of 50% or more to pass the
module, but an examination mark of less than 40% will result in a fail of the said
module.

Assessment of working students

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Please note that the assessment for all working students will be done in the SAME way as the
campus students. You are registered at a residential university and no exceptions will be
made.

HOMEWORK
Handing in and marking of homework
Homework about any topic may be taken in at any time at the discretion of the lecturer’s (on a
surprise basis) and will form part of your predicate.
Your homework therefore needs to be done on loose pages and stapled together so that it
can easily be handed in; do not do your homework in a book. HOMEWORK NOT HANDED IN
DURING CLASS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT A LATER STAGE. THE SOLUTION TO
THE HOMEWORK AND ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AS PER THE STUDY
GUIDE/WORK PROGRAM WILL ALSO NOT BE PLACED ON BLACKBOARD- ONLY
HAND OUT DURING CLASS TO STUDENTS WHO ATTEMPTED THE HOMEWORK AND
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

Homework or revision exercises in tutorial classes prepares you for writing tests and the
exam, therefore all homework needs to be done in writing. You may not copy homework from
a fellow student! Before handing in homework it needs to be stapled to the supplied
coversheet, if required from you. (Keep your stapler with you).
Lecturers keep uncollected homeworks for 5 working days, in exceptional cases after
predicate day, for students with a valid excuse to collect it. Afterwards it will no longer
be available.

Some questions will be given to you without a suggested solution and you will need to work
through the question in detail. The suggested solution to some questions will be provided
beforehand but you will still need to work through the question in detail without referring to the
suggested solution. Thereafter you must mark your own attempt and write down the principles
that you have learned (correcting all your mistakes).
The marks allocated for homework questions will NOT be debated as it is an impression mark.

4.3 Calculation of the Final Mark

You will write one paper of 2 hours consists of 80 marks at the end of the semester.
The final mark of this module is calculated as follows:
a) The year mark counts 50% and the examination mark counts 50%.

b) THE FINAL MARK =100% (Year mark 50% + Examination mark 50%)

5. GENERAL

5.1 Appeal Procedures and Handling of Academic issues

If a student would like to appeal any process or procedure, the following steps/protocol must
be followed:
The student must first go back to the lecturer to try and solve the problem, if the student feels
that he/she received an unsatisfactory answer he/she can then make an appointment with the
head of department.
Hereafter the case can be referred to the program director and if the student still wants to
appeal, he/she can then take the case in question to the dean of the faculty. Only hereafter
can the issue be taken to the vice-rector and lastly the vice-chancellor

NOTE:
It is your own responsibility to be aware of all the regulations and policies of the
Faculty and relevant Department, but also the general regulations of the University.

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5.2 CODE OF ETHICS

School of Accountancy: University of the Free State – Code of Conduct

This code of conduct is applicable on all students who are registered for any module
presented by the School of Accountancy. That includes all students registered for full-time
students, occasional students, and students from other faculties. It is you responsibility to be
familiar with the contents of this code and it will be presumed that you are familiar with it.

Teaching philosophy for the School of Accountancy

The vision of the University of the Free State is to be a university recognised across the world
for excellence in academic achievement and in human reconciliation. This vision forms the
foundation for the teaching philosophy of the School of Accountancy. The philosophy strives
to create a safe teaching and learning environment, encouraging critical thinking and
equipping the individual to engage in reflective and independent thinking, all within the context
of a diverse society.

The following three pillars support the philosophy:

1. Sowing the seeds for lifelong learning to encourage the individual to grow into a self-
directed learner.
2. Preparing and empowering minds to not only become future leaders in the
accountancy professions and academe, but also to be responsible and ethical citizens of the
world. This includes ethical behaviour, mutual respect and open communication channels.
3. Allows the individual creative freedom to explore alternative teaching and/or learning
methods and techniques, while developing pervasive skills, without losing sight of academic
excellence.

The following four fundamental principles, inspired by research1, guide the development and
implementation of different teaching methods and techniques used by individual academe:
1. Different learner profiles necessitate the utilisation of various teaching methods and
techniques.
2. Teaching methods and techniques that are not focussed on the accumulation of
information, but rather to enable the learner to discover, recognise and process information,
and apply knowledge to draw conclusions and solve problems.
3. Teaching methods and techniques should not only stimulate critical thinking but also
encourage learners to ask questions and equip them sufficiently to answer those questions.
4. Teaching methods and techniques should keep learners engaged and develop them
into self-directed learners.

The School of Accountancy is committed to continuously create awareness of the teaching

philosophy amongst its staff and learners as well as monitoring the effects and results of this
teaching philosophy. This monitoring includes, but is not limited to peer-evaluation, student-
evaluations, a critical analysis of throughput rates and feedback from relevant stakeholders
such as practitioners and accreditation institutions.

To conclude, compliance with the accreditation criteria of all relevant institutions (including,
but not limited to SAICA, CIMA and SAIPA) is of utmost importance to the School of
Accountancy. Building this teaching philosophy into the core of the School of Accountancy ,
and refining it as and when needed will assist in ensuring the sustainability of the School of
Accountancy and empower the School to retain its accreditations.

Rules of conduct Competency

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 Framework
Professional Behavior
As a student in the accounting and related field of studies, you will IB-6 Treats others in a
always be required to act professionally. This professional conduct professional manner
is expected in your interaction with lecturers in person, written and
other oral communication (for example, emails and telephone calls)
and in your interaction with fellow accountancy studies and across
the University.
Respect
You will be required to show respect towards all in your daily IA-8 Maintains and
interaction with them, and in particular with: enhances the
 Full time lecturers profession’s reputation
 Part time lecturers IB-1 Self-manages
 Academic trainees IB-6 Treats others in a
 Tutors and markers professional manner
 Fellow students IB – 9 Works effectively
 Support staff, for example receptionists etc.– both in as a team member
the School of Accountancy and elsewhere on Campus
 Administration personnel – both in the School of
Accountancy and elsewhere on Campus.
Respect include, amongst other, keeping to consultation hours of IB-1 Self-manages
lecturing and administrative staff, respecting the information IB-6 Treats others in a
provided to you by receptionists and administrative personnel, professional manner
ensuring that you use the proper professional communication IB-9 Works effectively
method in both verbal and written communication. Examples of a as a team member
professional e-mail, send from either a computer or cell phone can
be seen in Appendix A.
Respect further includes that no classes may be recorded in any IA-3 Acts competently
way or form without the express written permission from the with honesty and
lecturer. integrity
IB-6 Treats others in a
professional manner

Punctuality and consultation

You will ensure that you are in time for every lecture, event and IA-8 Maintains and
appointment. Lectures usually start 10 minutes past the hour and it enhances the
is your responsibility to ensure that you are on time. If you are not profession’s reputation
on time for the lecture you may be locked out by the lecturer. You IB-1 Self-manages
are therefore not entitled to lay a complaint for being locked out of IB-6 Treats others in a
a lecture if you are late. Exceptions may be made to this rule upon professional manner
PRIOR arrangement with the lecturer. IB – 9 Works effectively
If you have made an appointment with your lecturer outside his/her as a team member
consultation hours, you need to make sure that you are in time for
the appointment. If you are late the lecturer may refuse to help
you. You therefore need to show respect for your lecturer’s time.
If your lecturer is busy with a consultation or a telephone call, you
will remain outside the office until the lecturer is done and not
interrupt the consultation or the call.
You are also responsible to ensure that you are aware of all the
deadlines and due date for all modules as far assignments,
homework and re-marks are concerned. You are furthermore
responsible to stick to these deadlines except with the prior
approval of the specific lecturer. If your submission is late, you will
receive zero for the submission. This is not negotiable.
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Misuse of sick notes
It is your responsibility to be aware of the Faculty policy as far as IA-2 Protects the public
acceptable excuses are concerned for alternative tests. You are interest
not allowed to misuse the alternative test process due to IA-7 Protects
insufficient preparation for tests. The application forms for the confidential information
alternative tests need to be completed before the alternative is IB-1 Self-manages
written. IB-9 Works effectively
as a team member
Use of Cell phones and other electronic devices
The use of cell phones is prohibited in all classes and should be IB-1 Self-manages
switched off. Exceptions will be made in the case where cell IB-6 Treats others in a
phones are used as part of the assessment strategy of the specific professional manner
module. Other electronic devices such as IPads’ tablets and
Laptops are allowed as long as they are used for academic
purposes only.
Re-mark of homework, tests and exams
Students are expected to consider the re-marking of homework, IA-2 Protects the public
tests and exams carefully. The policies and procedures for every interest
module’s remark will be communicated to you in the study guide. If IA-3 Acts competently
you have missed the deadline for the submission of a remark the with honesty and
lecturer has the right to refuse your request. You should also note integrity
that, even though you may have requested the remark of a small IA-7 Protects the
portion of your homework, test or exam, the lecturer has the right to confidentiality of
remark the entire paper and you may consequently receive less information
marks. IA-8 Maintains and
Fraudulent attempts to gain additional marks like adding or enhances the
changing answers on your script/homework will be viewed as profession’s reputation
unethical and you will consequently be subjected to a disciplinary IB-1 Self-manages
hearing. IB-8 Plans and
effectively manages
teams and performance
IB-9 Works effectively
as a team member
University of the Free State policies and procedures
You are responsible to familiarize yourself with the policies and IA-2 Protects the public
procedures of the University of the Free State. These policies and interest
procedures were designed to be fair to all students and are equally IA-3 Acts competently
applicable to all students. You will therefore be expected to comply with honesty and
with all the policies and procedures of the University of the Free integrity
State. The policies and procedures you should be aware of IA-7 Protects the
include, but is not limited to: confidentiality of
 Appeal process for the handling of academic issues information
 Pre-requisites for registration of modules IA-8 Maintains and
 The Faculty of Economic and Management enhances the
Sciences test policy profession’s reputation
 General rules IB-1 Self-manages
IB-8 Plans and
effectively manages
teams and performance
IB-9 Works effectively
as a team member
Academic honesty
You will be expected to act honestly in class and in completing all IA-2 Protects the public

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assessments. You will familiarize yourself to the following policies interest
and procedures: IA-3 Acts competently
 The SAICA open book policy and its level of with honesty and
application, for all modules that are open book. integrity
 The University policy on Plagiarism. IA-7 Protects the
 The University policy on disciplinary hearings. confidentiality of
You will complete all assessments individually EXCEPT when an information
assessment is specifically stated as being a group assignment. IA-8 Maintains and
You will not attempt to illegally obtain any notes, text books, test enhances the
banks or other assessments. profession’s reputation
You will not make illegal copies of text books and you acknowledge IB-1 Self-manages
that if an illegal copy of a text book is found in your possession, it IB-8 Plans and
will be confiscated immediately and not returned to you. effectively manages
You will not be allowed to use another student’s username and teams and performance
password to submit electronic assessments. You are furthermore IB-9 Works effectively
not allowed to use another student’s username and password to as a team member
gain access to online assessments to gain an understanding of
what the assessment is all about.
You are not allowed to complete an assessment on another
student’s behalf. You are also not allowed to request another
student to submit any assessment on your behalf.
Prohibited behavior
The following actions and behavior are prohibited: IA-2 Protects the public
 The actual or implied threatening of the personal interest
safety of either University personnel or students; IA-3 Acts competently
 Carrying and use of weapons; with honesty and
 Discriminating against any personnel member or integrity
fellow student; IA-7 Protects the
 Harassment, including sexual harassment; confidentiality of
 Assaulting or battery of any personnel member or information
fellow student; IA-8 Maintains and
 Sexual abuse; enhances the
 Stalking of personnel members or fellow students; profession’s reputation
 Intimidation of personnel members or fellow IB-1 Self-manages
students; IB-8 Plans and
 Being intoxicated during official class times; effectively manages
 Damaging University property; teams and performance
 Damaging personnel property of personnel or fellow IB-9 Works effectively
students; as a team member
 Theft;
 Unauthorized entry to property and building;
 Smoking within 5 meters of a public building;
 The use of unprofessional language;
 Disruptive behavior and conduct;
 Any criminal activities.
You will be expected to demonstrate individual honesty,
accountability and responsibility in all your endeavors in the School
of Accountancy.

Appendix A – Example of professional e-mail

When you write an e-mail, please make sure that you use proper e-mail etiquette. This means
that your e-mail should have a subject, a name of a person to whom you address the e-mail

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and your own name at the end to properly end the communication. Please see the example
below:

If an e-mail is received which does not conform with this etiquette, the query will not be
answered. You can NEVER write an entire e-mail in only capital letters, as it means that you
are shouting at the person you are communicating with.
Please note that these guidelines can and should also be followed when sending an e-mail
from your cell phone.

Acceptance of the Code of Ethics

In the absence of proof to the contrary, you as a student at the School of Accountancy agree
to take full responsibility for your own learning, and you undertake to faithfully study on your
own and to participate in all assessment opportunities (for example homework, assignments,
tests and examinations). You further declare that you have read and understood the Code of
Ethics of the School of Accountancy and that you shall abide by the principles as set out in
this code. If you disagree with any portion of the Code of Ethics, or if you refuse to comply
with the principles as set out in the Code, it is your responsibility to inform the Head of School
of Accountancy of this in writing by 1 March 2023. In the absence of any written objection on
your part, your silence will be considered as you having read the Code of Ethics and agree to
comply with the content of the Code.

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