GoproBEC Syllabus.doc

GOPRO EDUCATION GROUPSHANGHAI CPA TRAINNINGCPA-BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND CONCEPTSSYLLABUS18TH SESSIONMay 23June 20, 2010INSTRUCTOR: Jun GaoTENTATIVE TEACHING SCHEDULE (including course content and outline)18Th 5/23 BECDateTopicClass Handout Expected5/23Module 38- Business StructuresStudy Note-Business Structure5/30Module 44- Cost MeasurementModule 45- Planning, control and AnalysisStudy Note- Cost Measurement 6/6Module 43- Performance MeasuresModule 41- Financial ManagementModule 42- Risk Management and Capital BudgetingNo Study Note6/20Module 40-Economics & StrategyModule 39- Information TechnologyStudy Note- Information TechnologyREQUIRED TEXT:WILEY CPA EXAM REVIEW As you probably already know, BEC is the only CPA exam section which does not contain simulations. Another bonus to BEC is that it is the smallest section as far as study time and content are concerned - but please do not take this to mean that BEC is the easiest or doesnt require the same amount of effort and concentration as other sections. In fact, CPA exam candidates have often experienced trouble passing BEC simply because they did not take the section seriously enough - dont let that be you!BEC is a 2.5 hour exam consisting of three multiple choice testlets of 30 M/C each. As with all other sections, your testlet questions will be based on performance in the previous testlet. So if youre getting really hard multiple choice questions, that means youre doing well! It also means that you need to answer fewer questions correctly as harder M/Cs are worth more.For time management purposes, you should be allocating about 1.5 minutes to each M/C (45 minutes per testlet).Alert: According to the AICPA, “the CPA Exam will be transformed” when planned changes to both the exams structure and content are implemented on January 1, 2011.Pls log on to Gopro BBS to search for more details.The AICPA BOE has assigned the following target weights to each section:Business structure: 17% - 23%Economic concepts: 8% - 12%Financial management: 17% - 23%Information technology: 22% - 28%Planning and measurement: 22% - 28%What can you expect to see in BECs five different areas?Business structure: legal structures for business, LLCs and LLPs, formation, capitalization, profit and loss allocation, legal obligations, and authority of owners and managementEconomic concepts: business cycles, inflation and deflation, market influences on business strategies, foreign currency, hedging, and exchange rate fluctuationsFinancial management: financial modeling, short and long-term financing, liquid asset management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and fixed/variable rate loansInformation technology: roles of business information systems, roles and responsibilities within the IT function, IT fundamentals, systems operation, master file maintenance, disaster recovery, data management, ecommerce, POS transactions, and electronic data interchangePlanning and measurement: planning and budgeting, strategic and operational planning, forecasting and projection techniques, performance measures, benchmarking, cost measurement, and factors affecting production costsWeve said it before and well say it again: the most important thing to keep in mind with BEC is that just because its small doesnt mean it requires any less effort. Focus just as you would with the other sections, give it your all, and dont forget to do your homework!SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: Check GoPro Student Companion System weekly for announcements or course materials, discussion forums. More supplements for students to download:1. Wiley CPA Examination Review Practice Software 15.0 Complete Exam /Uploads/files/Wiley-software-15.rar2. Gregory Mankiw - Principles of Economics 5th Ed/Uploads/files/Gregory%20Mankiw%20-%20Principles%20of%20Economcs%205th%20Ed.rar3. Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Chinese Version)/Uploads/files/萨班斯法案中文版全文.rar4. 2009-2010 Wiley BEC update can be found in the Student Account of Gopro.5. Some course practice materials will be provided by GoPro customer services department.Any other information, pls pay attention to Gopro BBS & Gopro Student Account.GOPRO LEARNING EXPERIENCES SUPPORTED BY THE COURSE: Ethical leadership. This course will emphasis on improving student thinking and reasoning skills, and this includes ethical reasoning. The learning experience will help our students elevate their professional ethical leadership, and the manner in which recognized practices are conducted. Technical excellence. Technical excellence includes the technical knowledge of professional accounting procedures covered in the course, the ability to solve unstructured problems, and the ability to use the technology necessary in the business world. Professional orientation. Professional orientation includes the ability to communicate your findings to others, as well as the ability to work effectively in teams. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION & NATURE OF THE COURSE: This course is a mixture of lecture and active learning. The courses note-taking handouts (students are responsible for the printing) are reviewed and discussed in class, and then students complete the selected problems either individually or in group. You should bring a calculator to class every day in order to participate in the problem solving activities. The textbook study is also a significant portion of this class. The topics covered in the course are listed on the course outline at the end of this syllabus. Please be noted: CPA review is a course that will require a significant commitment of your time. Our instructors only play a role in amplifying students efforts and improving efficiency in the whole course of the preparation. COURSE POLICIES: 1. Attendance. Regular attendance is expected and roll will be taken. Excessive absences can result in a students forced withdrawal of the students course retaking right, as stated in the Universitys attendance policy. 2. Time management. Students have the responsibility to come to the class on time, so it is for the leaving. Excesses of late-coming or early-leaving without a proper cause or absence in notifying GoPro staff will result in losing a students course retaking rights. 3. Disturbances in class. The classroom is a place for learning. A student should not bring any personal affairs. Any attitudes or opinions regard