Course Catalogue

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This course provides an introduction to judgement and decision-making research in accounting and auditing. As part of this course, students are expected to develop an appreciation and understanding of what psychological and behavioural issues may influence accounting and audit judgement and their effect on decision outcomes. The course will also illustrate ways for avoiding potential decision biases and producing more effective professional decisions.

10 x 2-hours seminars

4 x 1-hour tutorials

2 x 2-hour workshops

A number of asynchronous activities will take place online.

D3 or above in Financial Accounting 2 or equivalent.

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1. Written assignment, including essay; Group; 3650 words; 40%; ILOs 2, 5.

2. Written assignment, including essay; Individual; 2100 words; 60%; ILOs 1-4.

This course aims to provide students with an introduction to judgement and decision-making studies in accounting and auditing. The course aims to offer opportunities for students to:

■ Develop understanding of various factors affecting professional judgement and effective decision-making;

■ Evaluate the research and theories on judgement and decision-making in accounting and auditing;

Develop ability to identify potential shortcomings and suggest remedies to improve effectiveness of judgment and decision-making processes.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate alternative theoretical approaches to judgement and decision-making and how they can inform accounting and auditing judgement.

2. Evaluate the effects of heuristics and biases and the role of contextual factors, cognitive styles and preferences in affecting and shaping judgement and decision-making processes in accounting and auditing.

3. Assess the various ways in which accounting/auditing decisions can be made in multiple decision-maker settings and critically evaluate the role of interpersonal interactions in accounting and auditing judgment.

4. Analyse case (or real world) situations in order to critically evaluate accounting/audit judgement processes, to identify key theoretical constructs informing specific decision patterns, to diagnose decision-making fallacies and to provide suggestions for improvement.

5. Work collaboratively in a group to produce a combined piece of coursework, by liaising with other group members, allocating tasks and co-ordinating group meetings.