SMU Classification: Restricted

ACCT224
Financial Reporting & Analysis
Course Outline, Term 1 AY2022-23
(G1, G2, G3, G4 sections)

A. Instructor and Contact Information

Dr. Tracey Chunqi Zhang (traceyzhang@smu.edu.sg)

Office: Room 5028, Level 5, School of Accountancy
Tel: +65 6828-0104

Midterm Exam Arrangement: tentatively midterm is scheduled to be in-class exam during week
9. However, if pandemic situation worsens off and remote midterm exam is required by the University
policy, we will have a common midterm exam on Oct 15, 2022 (Saturday).

Consultation: details to be announced

Switch sections: To protect fair opportunity for class participation and group-based learning, please
attend class for your enrolled section and do not switch section. Advance approval is required if you
have a valid reason to switch section. To maintain fairness, switching exam date is not allowed. Refer
to part H.2 of this outline for the detailed policy.

Teaching Assistants: details to be announced

G1 Mon 12-3:15pm
G2 Tue 12-3:15pm
G3 Wed 12-3:15pm
G4 Fri 12-3:15pm

TA weekly consultation: Each TA will hold a weekly online consultation. Schedule and link will be
announced later. Feel free to join any TA consultation. TA Consultation is held weekly with the
exception of week 8 (recess week) and week 14 (revision week).

TA Workshops: There will be several TA Workshops, including revision workshops for midterm and
final exam. Details will be announced in class later.

B. Course Prerequisites

Students are allowed to take this course only after completing ACCT111/101 (Financial Accounting)
If you have not yet successfully completed these courses or are concurrently taking them, the onus is
on you to acquire the requisite prior knowledge on your own.

The body of prior knowledge that will be assumed throughout this course includes:

 double-entry bookkeeping and accounting journal entries;

 the accrual accounting process;
 accounting for inventories and property, plant and equipment;
 accounting for bonds issued with discount/premium;
 accounting for share capital (par and no-par value) and share repurchases;
 the construct of key financial statements (statements of comprehensive income, financial
position, cash flow, and changes in equity);
 present value and discounted cash flow concepts and calculations;
 financial ratios commonly employed in financial statement analysis;
 the capital structure of a firm and its implications; and
 the cost of capital of a firm (cost of debt, cost of equity, and weighted average cost of capital).

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C. Course Description

This course provides an in-depth examination of corporate accounting issues and financial reporting
standards as well as the analysis and interpretation of financial statements prepared under those
standards. Emphasis will be given to the application and interpretation of Singapore Financial Reporting
Standards (International) (referred to as SFRS (I)), which is equivalent to International Financial
Reporting Standards (referred to as IFRS).
Topics covered include: financial reporting framework, presentation of financial statements, accounting
standards and disclosure requirements, classification of income, quarterly reporting, segment reporting,
changes in accounting policies and methods, accounting for non-current assets (including asset
revaluation, assets held for sale, discontinued operations, investment property, biological assets, and
intangible assets), impairment of assets, leases, provisions and contingencies, deferred tax, revenue
recognition, and employee benefits.

D. Learning Goals, Course Objectives and Skills Development

This course contributes to the development of the following learning goals and objectives of the School’s
Bachelor of Accountancy program:
Learning Goal 1 (Accounting Competencies):
 Learning Objective 1.1 – Our students can recognize, develop, measure, record,
validate and communicate financial and other related information.
 Learning Objective 1.2 – Our students can analyse, synthesize and evaluate financial
and other related information for decision making in a management context.
At the end of this course, students are expected to be able to:

1. Identify, understand and apply the relevant financial reporting and disclosure principles and
requirements for annual and interim reporting applicable to Singapore corporations.

2. Prepare a complete set of financial statements, with accompanying notes to accounts, in compliance
with relevant financial reporting standards and disclosure requirements in Singapore.

3. Identify, understand and apply the relevant accounting principles and financial reporting standards
applicable to Singapore corporations for the recognition, measurement, derecognition, presentation
and disclosure of revenues, expenses, gains, losses, assets, liabilities and owners’ equity pertaining
to more complex business transactions and events such as those involving changes in accounting
policies and estimates, accounting errors, assets held for sale, discontinued operations, corporate
restructuring, leases, provisions and contingencies, post-reporting-period events, asset revaluation,
investment property, biological assets, intangible assets, impairment of assets, deferred tax,
revenue recognition, construction contracts, and real estate sales.

4. Identify, understand and apply the relevant financial reporting standards and disclosure
requirements applicable to Singapore corporations for segment reporting.

5. Understand the usefulness and limitations of alternative financial metrics, and know how to compute
and apply them to evaluate a company’s operating performance and financial position.

6. Perform an in-depth analysis of a set of company financial statements, including making appropriate
analytical adjustments thereto, in order to evaluate the company’s operating performance and
financial position as well as assess its ability to service its financial obligations.

However, learning outcomes should be beyond just technical accounting competencies. In particular,
this course seeks to develop your versatility, individual competencies and awareness of ethics and
responsibilities through the various class and assessment activities:
 analytical and communication skills;
 ability to work in teams;
 ability to engage in active learning; and
 awareness of ethical and social responsibility considerations in business decision making.

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E. Learning Approach

The pedagogical approach to this course consists of:

 Instructor-facilitated Learning – principally through class lessons and class activities

 Individual Learning – through pre-class preparation, readings and homework
 Collaborative Learning – through participation in class discussions and teamwork in the project

F. Textbook and Other Resources

Suggested Textbook
Spiceland, Sepe, Nelson, Tan, Low and Low, “Intermediate Accounting” 2nd Global
edition (Jul 2018), McGraw-Hill Education (referred to as Spiceland).

Reference book
Kieso, Weygandt, and Warfield, “Intermediate Accounting” 4th Global edition (Jun 2020), Wiley.

Accounting Standards and other relevant regulations:

 Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (International), known as SFRS (I), issued by the
Accounting Standards Council (ASC) – always use the most recent standard (the current year
volume) from https://www.asc.gov.sg/pronouncements/singapore-financial-reporting-standards-international/
 SFRS (I)s are equivalent to IFRSs. A list of examinable IFRSs, Interpretations, and EDs can be
found in Annex 1.
 The Basis of Conclusions for each standard can be downloaded from ASC too. Under “Singapore
Financial Reporting Standards (International)” current year volume, scroll down to “Other
supporting documents” Basis for Conclusions on IFRS Standards.
 Relevant Singapore statutes – available on http://sso.agc.gov.sg:
 Accounting Standards Act (Chapter 2B)
 Companies Act (Chapter 50)
 SGX Listing Manual (by the Singapore Exchange) – available on http://www.sgx.com.

G. Lesson Plan

Class sessions are 3 hours per week and will include a review of study materials, class discussions and
other learning activities where appropriate. Course materials will be published in SMU eLearn
https://elearn.smu.edu.sg/

The following is a brief course schedule. A detailed lesson plan can be found in Annex 2.

 The Financial Reporting Environment

 Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Statements
 Change in Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates, and Errors.
 Accounting for Non-Current Assets
 Impairment of Assets
 Accounting for Leases (both Lessees and Lessors)
 Provisions, Contingencies, and Events after Reporting Period
 Deferred Taxation
 Revenue Recognition
 Employee Benefits and Retirement Benefit Plans

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 SMU Classification: Restricted

H. Assessment

Class Activities and Assignments 16%

Progress Assessment 20%
Team Project 14%
Final Exam 50%
Total 100%

To pass this course, a student is required to obtain an overall total mark of 50% or better.
A brief description of each assessment component is provided below. Further details of assessment
requirements and criteria will be made known in class progressively during the term.

H1. Class Activities and Assignments (16%)

I. Post-class online quizzes (3%): there will be several post-class online quizzes (MCQ and short
questions) throughout the term and collectively accounts for 3% of your assessments. Students have
multiple opportunities to complete the online quizzes. The purpose of post-class quizzes is to remind
students the importance of consistency in learning.

II. Post Class Homework (3%): You will be assigned several homework assignments during the term.
Homework submission will be assessed for effort, completeness and compliance with the submission
requirement (refer to the homework submission guideline). Do make an effort to clarify any doubt early
in the course. In addition, selective homework assignments may be assessed for process. In other
words, you will be given credit if you have provided entries and computations that demonstrated you
understood the concepts and process even if your numbers are incorrect.

III. Class Participation (10%): Class participation include contributing to class discussions, asking &
answering questions in class, participating in-class activities such as in-class exercises and in-class
problem facilitation, participating in online discussions, and demonstrating appropriate and
responsible behavior in all interactions with the instructor and other students (including having proper
etiquette during virtual class).

To assist me in assessing your class participation, it is in your interest that you bring along and display
your name placard (in large font) whenever physical face-to-face class is held.

Good class participation includes having the proper attitude and professional behavior, as well as
observing and adhering to the following policies/protocols:
i) Students need to make appointments in advance with the instructor for consultations. During
consultations, students should prepare themselves for the questions to ask, demonstrate that
they have read the relevant class notes and textbook for answers to the related questions, and
have carefully thought through the issues.
ii) Students are expected to refrain from hogging class time or asking irrelevant questions just for
the sake of scoring participation point.
iii) Students can stay updated with ACCT224 FAQ for clarification of common inquiries.
iv) As university students, you are expected to engage in classroom discussion in a mature and
constructive manner.
v) Exhibiting SMU CIRCLE values and avoiding disruptive behaviors. SMU Circle Value Points are
given to each student. Disruptive class behaviors will result in deduction of SMU Circle Value
Points. Common examples of disruptive behaviors include, but are not limited to:
 Persistent lateness
 Ringing mobile phone or other devices
 Chatting/Talking when the instructor or others are speaking
 Engaging in behavior or activities that distract the instructor or the class
 Inordinate or inappropriate demands
 Rude and disrespectful behavior

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H2. Progress Assessments (20%):

There will be one mid-term paper during the term. The midterm will be conducted closed book. Details
and format of the midterm exam will be announced closer to the midterm exam date.

You must take your midterm exam only during the exam time schedule for your enrolled class
time slot. If you are absent for the midterm exam held during your enrolled class time slot, the following
policies will apply:

(a) If you are absent due to a temporary illness for which you are granted short-term medical leave by
a doctor, and you notify me and produce supporting documentation (i.e. a valid medical certificate)
within 48 hours of the test, then your score for the midterm exam will be based on a percentile
standing (across all my class sections) for the midterm exam that is equivalent to your percentile
standing in your final exam test. For example, if you attain the 50th percentile in your final exam,
you will be graded for the midterm exam that you missed as if you also attained the 50th percentile
for the midterm exam). You will not be permitted to take the midterm exam that you missed
at an alternative class time slot, and there will be no other make-up test for you.

(b) If you are absent due to: (i) a critical illness resulting in your hospitalization; (ii) death or terminal
illness of an immediate family member (i.e. parent or sibling) that imposes a substantial burden of
care upon you; or (iii) participation in a major competition in which you represent SMU or your
country; and you notify me and produce supporting documentation as early as it is reasonably
possible, then (1) I will favorably consider granting you an option to take a make-up midterm exam
at another date (which may be an alternative class time slot in the same week); or (2) if I do not
grant you such an option, your score for that test will be based on your percentile standing in your
final exam, similar to (a) above.

(c) If you are unable to produce any supporting documentation within the stipulated time, you will get
zero mark for that test.

H.3 Team Project (14%):

Form yourselves into project teams of 5 members each. All group members should be enrolled for
the same class section. Please finalize your team members and let your TA know by the end of
Week 4. Details on the project requirements will be announced in Week 4. Each team is to submit a
written project report to me. University-recommended sanctions and penalties will be imposed for any
plagiarism or academic integrity violation in this project. All project reports will be checked with
plagiarism detection software.

Please do not assume that the project for this term would necessarily be similar to that for
previous terms.

H.4 Final Exam (50%):

The final exam will be three-hour and closed-book, and will cover cumulatively all materials discussed
throughout the course, including all lessons, class discussions, homework, and tests. The exam will be
common for all students regardless of which class section or instructor you are enrolled with.

ACCT224 Final Exam is linked to the strategic credit for ICAEW Professional Level Paper
Financial Accounting and Reporting- IFRS. ACCT224 Final Exam Paper is reviewed by the ICAEW
Examiner each term.

Any standard non-programmable financial calculator (Casio, HP etc.) may be used in the exam.
However, all laptops, computer notebooks, mobile phones, PDAs, iPads, tablets, phablets, iPods, MP
players, or other similar electronic devices with document storage capability are strictly not allowed.

At SMU, the dates and times of all final exams are announced well in advance of each term’s course
bidding by the Registrar’s Office. Requests by students to take the final exam on other than the officially
scheduled date and time will not be approved.

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A Note on Filing for ‘I’ Grade

Students absent for the final exam will need to comply with University policies if they wish to request for
an ‘Incomplete’ (‘I’) grade. There will be no make-up exam.
Students filing for ‘I’ grade should not expect that their requests would be automatically granted.
Request for an ‘I’ grade will generally not be granted unless the student has performed satisfactorily for
all the other components of the course, including having attended classes at least 80% of the time,
having sat and obtained satisfactory grades for all tests, and having satisfactorily completed all
homework assignments. This means that you cannot, for instance, produce a medical certificate
for a temporary illness for a test and then again for the final exam and still expect to get an ‘I’
grade.
Ultimately, the decision to grant the “I” grade rests with me, and I will not typically grant it unless there
is strong demonstrable evidence based on actual performance throughout the term that the student
would have otherwise been very likely able to perform satisfactorily in the final exam had he/she sat for
it.

No questions verbatim from past year papers or published test banks will be used for the graded
continuous assessments and examinations in the course.

I. Academic Integrity

All work (whether oral or written) submitted for purposes of assessment must be the student’s own
work. Penalties for violation of the policy range from zero marks for the component assessment to
expulsion, depending on the nature of the offense.
When in doubt, students should consult the instructors of the course. Details on the SMU Code of
Academic Integrity may be accessed at https://oasis.smu.edu.sg/Pages/DOS-WKLSWC/UCSC.aspx.

J. Copyright Notice

Please note that all course materials are meant for personal use only, namely, for the purposes of
teaching, studying and research. You are strictly not permitted to make copies of or print additional
copies or distribute such copies of the course materials or any parts thereof, for commercial gain or
exchange.

For the full copyright notice, please visit: https://smu.sg/Copyright-notice or OASIS -> CAMPUS
LIFE & EXCHANGE -> CONDUCT & DISCIPLINE -> UNIVERSITY COUNCIL OF STUDENT
DISCIPLINE

K. Accessibility

SMU strives to make learning experiences accessible for all. If you anticipate or experience physical
or academic barriers due to disability, please let me know immediately. You are also welcome to
contact the university's disability services team if you have questions or concerns about academic
provisions: included@smu.edu.sg. Please be aware that the accessible tables in our seminar room
should remain available for students who require them.

L. Emergency Preparedness for Teaching and Learning (EPTL)

As part of emergency preparedness, Instructors may conduct lessons online via the ZOOM or WebEX
platform during the term, to prepare students for online learning. During an actual emergency,
students will be notified to access the WebEx/Zoom platform for their online lessons. The class
schedule will mirror the current face-to-face class timetable unless otherwise stated.

Prepared By: Tracey Chunqi Zhang, 25 May 2022

Vetted By: Seow Poh Sun, 9 Jun 2022
Updated By: Tracey Chunqi Zhang, 8 Aug 2022
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Annex 1: Table of IFRSs and equivalent SFRS (I)

Below is a list of IFRSs (equivalent SFRS (I)), Interpretations (equivalent SFRS (I) INT), and Exposure
Drafts (ED) which are required readings and will be examinable in this course.

IFRS Equivalent SFRS(I) Title of Standards

Preface Preface Preface to Financial Reporting Standards
Framework Framework The Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting
IAS 1 SFRS(I) 1-1 Presentation of Financial Statements
IAS 8 SFRS(I) 1-8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
IAS 10 SFRS(I) 1-10 Events after the Balance Sheet Date
IAS 12 SFRS(I) 1-12 Income Taxes
IAS 16 SFRS(I) 1-16 Property, Plant and Equipment
IAS 17 SFRS(I) 1-17 Leases
IAS 19 SFRS(I) 1-19 Employee Benefits
IAS 20 SFRS(I) 1-20 Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government
IAS 23 SFRS(I) 1-23 Borrowing Costs
IAS 24 SFRS(I) 1-24 Related Party Disclosure
IAS 26 SFRS(I) 1-26 Accounting and Reporting by Retirement Benefit Plans
IAS 34 SFRS(I) 1-34 Interim Financial Reporting
IAS 36 SFRS(I) 1-36 Impairment of Assets
IAS 37 SFRS(I) 1-37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
IAS 38 SFRS(I) 1-38 Intangible Assets
IAS 40 SFRS(I) 1-40 Investment Property
IAS 41 SFRS(I) 1-41 Agriculture
Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (including
IFRS 5 SFRS(I) 5
Implementation Guidance)
IFRS 8 SFRS(I) 8 Operating Segments (including Implementation Guidance)
IFRS 15 SFRS(I) 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (including Illustrative Examples)

IFRS 16 SFRS(I) 16 Leases (including Illustrative Examples)

Equivalent
Interpretations Title
SFRS(I) INT
SIC-10 SFRS(I) INT 1-10 Government Assistance – No Specific Relation to Operating Activities
SIC-32 SFRS(I) INT 1-32 Intangible Assets – Web Site Costs
IFRIC-1 SFRS(I) INT 1 Changes in Existing Decommissioning, Restoration and Similar Liabilities
IFRIC-10 SFRS(I) INT 10 Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment
IFRIC-12 SFRS(I) INT 12 Service Concession Arrangements

The following two IFRSs will not be covered in this course but students are expected to read on their own and
know them as prior knowledge attained from their introductory Financial Accounting course:
IAS 2 SFRS(I) 1-2 Inventories
IAS 7 SFRS(I) 1-7 Cash Flow Statements

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Annex 2: Detailed Lesson Plan

This lesson plan may be subject to change as the term progresses.

Seminar #
Topic Readings
Week #

Seminar 1 Course briefing

Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Statements IAS 1.

Week 1  Format and Presentation of Financial Statements. Spiceland Ch. 2 & 3
 Statement of Comprehensive Income
 Classificatory Earnings Management
 Special, Exceptional, and Extraordinary Items.
 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates, and IAS 8.
Errors. Spiceland Ch. 16
 Prospective versus Retrospective application

Seminar 2 Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Statements IAS 8

(continued) Spiceland Ch. 16
Week 2  Retrospective Restatement
IAS 34.
 Interim and Year-to-date Financial Reporting.
IFRS 8.
 Segment Reporting.
IAS 24
 Related Party Disclosure
Spiceland Appendix
3A (p149)& 2A (p80)

Accounting for Non-Current Assets I IAS 16.

 Property, Plant & Equipment under cost model (revision) IAS 40
 Property, Plant & Equipment under revaluation model. Spiceland Ch. 6 & 7

Seminar 3 Accounting for Non-Current Assets I (continued) IAS 40

 Investment Property IFRS 5.
Week 3  Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Spiceland Ch. 6 & 7
 Discontinued Operations

Clarification & HW

Seminar 4 Impairment of Assets. IAS 36.

 Impairment of individual asset Spiceland Ch. 7
Week 4  Impairment Reversal
 Concept of Cash-Generating Unit (CGU).
 Impairment of Cash-Generating Unit (CGU).

Seminar 5 Accounting for Non-Current Assets II IAS 38

 Internally Developed vs. Purchased Intangibles. SIC-32.
Week 5  Research and Development Costs. IAS 20.
 Government Grants and Assistance. IAS 23.
 Capitalization of Borrowing Costs. IAS 41
 Biological Assets Spiceland Ch. 6 & 7

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Seminar #
Topic Readings
Week #

Seminar 6 Leases and Other Liabilities IFRS 16

 Leases as rights-of-use asset Spiceland Ch.11
Week 6  Changes in Lease accounting standard and Impact
 Identify a lease
 Accounting for Leases by Lessee

Seminar 7 Leases and Other Liabilities (continued) IAS 37.

 Accounting for Leases by Lessor IAS 10.
Week 7  Other issues under Lease accounting Spiceland Ch. 9
 Provisions and Contingencies
 Constructive Obligations.
 Guarantees and Lawsuits
 Events after the Reporting Period

Week 8 Recess week

Seminar 8 Midterm Exam

Week 9
Revenue Recognition. IFRS 15
 IFRS 15: major changes and five-step model Spiceland Ch. 5
 Identify the contract with a customer
 Identify the performance obligation.
 Determine the transaction price (Deferred, variable and
contingent consideration)

Seminar 9 Revenue Recognition (continued). IFRS 15

 Allocate transaction price to performance obligations. Spiceland Ch. 5
Week 10  Recognize revenue as/when a performance obligation is
satisfied
 Long term contracts – Percentage-of-completion, Cost
Recovery Methods
 Other revenue recognition issues

Seminar 10 Deferred Taxation. IAS 12.

 Accounting profit vs. Taxable profit. Spiceland Ch.12
Week 11  Current tax vs. deferred tax.
 Taxable temporary differences & Deferred tax liability
 Deductible temporary differences & Deferred tax asset
 Tax base of an asset

Seminar 11 Deferred Taxation (continued). IAS 12.

 Tax base of a liability. Spiceland Ch.12
Week 12  Tax base practice
 Other Deferred Tax Issues

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Seminar #
Topic Readings
Week #

Clarification
Seminar 12

Week 13 Conceptual
The Financial Reporting Environment.
 The Principal-Agent Problem in Accounting. Framework 2018.
 Promulgation of Accounting Standards – IASB, FASB, ASC. Spiceland Ch. 1
 Objectives of Financial Reporting.
 Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting Accounting
 The Legislation of Accounting Standards in Singapore. Standards Act.
 Financial Disclosure Requirements under: Companies Act
– Companies Act. (s199-209B).
– Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (International).
– Singapore Exchange (SGX) Listing Manual. SGX Listing Manual
– SGX Corporate Disclosure Policy.

Employee Benefits and Retirement Benefit Plans

 Short term employee benefit, IAS 19
 Termination Benefits IAS 26
 Post-employment Benefits: Defined contribution Spiceland Ch.13
 Post-employment Benefits: Defined benefit
 Other long term employee benefit

Week 14 Pre-exam Study Week

Week 15 Exam week

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Annex 3: Course Guidelines

ACCT 224 Homework Submission Guidelines

1. Selective homework questions are required for submission online (eLearn dropbox). You must be able to
demonstrate the submitted assignment is completed by yourself. Copying homework answers is
counter-productive.
2. For each assignment dropbox, submit one PDF attachment. If you have multiple pages, combine those
pages into one PDF file instead of submitting multiple attachments. To convert your handwritten
homework into one multiple-page PDF file, you can choose to use scanning devices or use a scanning
app on your mobile devices. You can consider free app such as camscanner etc. or paid app as
Scanner Pro.
3. Your homework submission will be assessed for completeness (not accuracy) and compliance with the
submission requirement. Late or incomplete submission or submission failing to comply with the above
requirements will be penalized. In addition, selective homework assignments may be assessed for
process. In other words, you will be given credit if you have provided entries and computations that
demonstrated you understood the concepts and process even if your numbers are incorrect.

ACCT 224 FAQ Guidelines

Questions frequently asked by prior students and common inquiries received this term will be archived in
ACCT224 FAQ. The goal is to provide a clean list of important questions/answers and distribute
information fairly to every student. This FAQ is updated throughout the term and is considered as an
extension of the classroom. Make sure you stay updated.

ACCT 224 FAQ is only accessible when you log in with your SMU GoogleDocs account (your personal
Google account will not allow access). In eLearn, click tab “Bookmark” and then “GoogleDocs”.
After you logged in, use this link
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sHzjfzLj8tZo70n00y_ZCQ8320tuQQ3tD1WeUkY87eU/edit?usp=s
haring

If you can’t log in from eLearn, follow these steps to log in with your SMU GoogleDocs account.
Step 1: click "switch account" (do not click "request access”)
Step 2: log in with your SMU email address, but remove the school suffix. only ....@smu.edu.sg because
GoogleDocs cannot handle the suffix.
Step 3: in the pop up window (SMU single sign on), key in your user name (not the full email address) and
password.

ACCT 224 Discussion Forum Guidelines

For homework related questions and discussion addressed to your peers, please post queries on
relevant eLearn discussion sub-forum. The purpose of eLearn discussion forum is to provide a
platform for peer learning. From past experience, eLearn forum is messy as a common platform
for inquiries to instructors due to editing restrictions.

Please participate in online discussion forum (asking or answering questions) in a responsible manner.
Students are expected to refrain from asking irrelevant questions or posting redundant replies
just for the sake of scoring participation points. Overposting without significant contribution will
negatively affect participation assessment. The TA will note any Overposting on the discussion forum.
You are also encouraged to reply to other students’ posts, but make sure your replies have significant
and genuine contribution beyond what’s already been replied, asked, or discussed.

ACCT224 Term 1 AY 2022-2023 (Prof. Tracey Zhang) – updated 8 Aug 2022 Page 11

Attribute
F to D/D+
Well below average
Consistency Has never or hardly ever
heard him/her speak in
(in class class. Offers little or no
participation) contribution even when
called. Presence not felt in
class.
Quality Participation (if any) limited
to asking short and simple
(of class questions, regurgitating
contribution) known or obvious facts, or
providing comments that are
not meaningful or relevant to
the discussion.
Maturity and Shows disrespect and
Collegiality intolerance for others.
Makes sly comments that
(in-class reflect a desire to smear
decorum) others, or conversely to
merely impress and flatter
others. Engages in personal
activities that distract the
class.
Haughty, obnoxious, insolent
and self-centered. Views
participation solely as a
means to enhance his/her
own personal standing and
performance at the expense
of others.
ACCT224 Term 1 AY 2022-2023 (Prof. Tracey Zhang) – updated 8 Aug 2022
SMU Classification: Restricted
Annex 4: Assessment Rubric for Class Participation
Indicative Score: Grade / Descriptor
C-/C/C+
Fair
Makes some effort to speak
in class, albeit sporadically.
Typically contributes to the
discussion only when called.
Presence weakly felt in
class.
Asking marginally thoughtful
questions, or occasionally
contributing comments or
answers that demonstrate a
basic understanding of the
subject matter.
Shows only very modest
respect and tolerance for
others. Somewhat indifferent
to the comments of others,
but avoids making
destructive comments.
Somewhat indifferent and
oblivious to the presence of
peers. Overly concerned
with scoring participation
points, with little or no regard
to the value of cooperative
interaction or relation with
peers.
B-/B
Average
Takes some initiative to
contribute, albeit
occasionally to the class
discussion. Presence
somewhat felt in class.
Asking moderately thoughtful
questions, or contributing
meaningful comments or
answers that demonstrate an
acceptable understanding of
the subject matter.
Shows moderate respect
and tolerance for others.
Considers thoughtfully the
comments of others, but
offers little or no constructive
comments. Displays
acceptable interpersonal
skills.
Recognizes the presence of
peers. Gives moderate
regard to the value of
cooperative interaction and
relation with peers.
B+/A-
Good
Takes good initiative to
contribute consistently to the
class discussion. Presence
keenly felt in class.
Asking in-depth questions
while also contributing
insightful comments and
answers that add value to
the class discussion.
Shows good respect and
tolerance for others.
Considers thoughtfully the
comments of others, and
occasionally offers
constructive comments.
Displays good interpersonal
skills.
Cordial and sincere. Values
the importance of peers.
Contributes to the collective
responsibility and
cooperative interaction
among peers.
A/A+
Excellent
Contributes consistently and
enthusiastically to the class
discussion, without
appearing domineering.
Presence positively felt and
welcomed by peers.
Contributing very thoughtful
and insightful comments and
solutions that significantly
enhance the overall class
learning experience as well
as peers’ understanding of
the subject matter.
Shows high respect and
tolerance for others.
Periodically offers
constructive comments.
Displays excellent
interpersonal skills. Skillfully
exhibits decorum without
wavering on professional
integrity and judgment.
Very cordial and sincere.
Shares ideas selflessly.
Views participation no longer
as a means to score points
but to engage in a friendly,
cooperative and mutually
enriching conversation.
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