ACG 630 Unit 1 Discussion

Conduct a preliminary search and:

·         Discuss some of the other attributes beyond analytical thinking and writing skills that many employers value.

·         Why must we have knowledge of computerized or traditional system's objectives to study that system?

·         Do roles that accountants play differ in traditional systems from their roles in computerized systems? Please discuss.

ACG 630 Unit 1 Individual Project

·         Deliverable Length:  1–2 pages

·         Description: 

The public accounting profession is quite competitive and it is through the effective use of technology that one can maintain a competitive edge. For example, an auditor can usually complete an audit engagement in less time--and be surer of his/her findings--than he/she would be without using technology in his/her audit. This will permit the auditor to charge less for his/her work and to obtain more clients. And, if his/her findings can be supported, he/she will be less likely to experience legal ramifications (from the SEC, from stockholders, and so on).

o    Discuss some other changes you think will occur in the way financial information is gathered, processed, and communicated as a result of increasingly sophisticated IT.

o    Discuss several career opportunities available to students who combine a study of accounting with course work in AISs, information systems, and/or computer science. Can you think of other jobs where these skill sets would be desirable?

o    "When we computerize an AIS, we merely change how the data is processed; we don't change what tasks are performed." Do you agree? Give examples to support your position.

ACG 630 Unit 2 Discussion

Conduct a preliminary search and:

·         Discuss why these two committees are so important.

·         Discuss components of internal control system. In your opinion, which component is the most important and why?

·         Why are accountants so concerned about their organization having an efficient and effective internal control system?

ACG 630 Unit 2 Individual Project

·         Deliverable Length:  1–2 pages

·         Description: 

Accountants can use data flow diagrams (DFDs) to depict the physical flows of data through an AIS (like document flowcharts), or the logical flow of data through an AIS (like system flowcharts). Like document or system flowcharts, their main objective is to document data flows in an orderly, graphic, and easily-understood format. But DFDs use fewer symbols than either document or system flowcharts, and do not require columns (like document flowcharts).

o    Discuss how a document flowchart assists each of the following individuals:

§  A systems analyst.

§  A systems designer.

§  A computer programmer.

§  An auditor.

§  A data security expert.

o    Flowcharting is both an art and a science. Guidelines can be used to make better flowcharts. What are these guidelines for document, system, and data flow diagram flowcharts?

o    What are the four symbols used in data flow diagrams? What does each mean?

o    Discuss why data flow diagrams are developed in a hierarchy? What are the names of some levels in the hierarchy?

ACG 630 Unit 3 Discussion

Conduct a preliminary search and:

·         Discuss the key activities in the revenue, conversion, and expenditure cycles.

·         What does an entity-relationship diagram represent? Why do accountants need to understand them?

·         There are two subsystems to the revenue cycle. Discuss what are they and what occurs within each.

ACG 630 Unit 3 Individual Project

·         Deliverable Length:  2–3 pages

·         Description: 

Batch processing occurs when similar transactions are accumulated over time and processed together. Real time processing captures each event or transaction and processes it before engaging in another transaction. If transactions are independent of one another, such as the processing of daily cash receipts, then batch processing is appropriate. If transactions are dependent on one another, such as credit sales, ticket sales, etc., then real time processing is more appropriate.

o    Time lag is one characteristic used to distinguish between batch and real-time systems. Explain. Give an example of when each is a realistic choice.

o    Resource use is one characteristic used to distinguish between batch and real-time systems. Explain.

o    Discuss how batch processing may be used to improve operational efficiency.

o    If an organization processes large numbers of transactions that use common data records, what type of system would work best (all else being equal)?

ACG 630 Unit 4 Discussion

Conduct a preliminary search and:

·         Discuss why an organization must expect the implementation of an ERP to disrupt operations.

·         Scalability has several dimensions. What are they? What do they mean for ERP installation?

·         Distinguish between the two-tier and three-tier client server model. Describe when each would be used?

ACG 630 Unit 4 Group Project

·         Deliverable Length:  1–2 pages (individual); 1–2 pages (group)

·         Description: 

At the beginning of the 21st century, as businesses prepared for Y2K, companies were implementing a new computer system which was Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The company where you work wants to implement an ERP system, however, part of management wants to implement it using the “big-bang” approach and the other part of management wants to use the “phased-in” approach. Evaluate the benefits and risk using both approaches.

Individual Portion:

o    ERP implementations are at risk to extensive cost overruns. Discuss three of the more commonly experienced problems area.

o    Describe four advantages and four disadvantages of implementing an ERP system at a multinational corporation.

o    Why might a firm decide to implement only certain modules in an ERP system rather than a complete implementation?

Please add your file.

Group Portion:

ERP brings together all the functions of a company using one software program. When the “big-bang” approach is used, this is when the old system is shut down and the new ERP system is up and running, like going cold turkey. The “phased-in” approach is when only parts of the ERP system is implemented and when that part is up and running then the next part will be phased in.

As a group, complete the following:

o    After the core of an ERP system has been implemented, any of the modules may then be implemented separately. What is the implication of being able to implement an ERP system on a piece-by-piece basis?

o    Describe how an enterprise system can assist an organization in optimizing its value system.

o    Consider a business process that you have experienced at work, as a customer, or as a student. Examples might include any process in a work setting such as payroll and purchasing, or any process with which you have interacted, such as ordering from a Web site, obtaining a loan, eating at a restaurant, or registering for classes at your college or university. Describe the degree to which the steps in the process are integrated. What is/was the impact of that integration on you and on the organization?

Please add your file.

ACG 630 Unit 5 Discussion

Conduct a preliminary search and:

·         According to the above scenario, how do you explain to the intern why REA diagram is not appropriate?

·         Discuss the four rules for designing an REA diagram? Include a definition for each.

·         Discuss how adopting a value chain perspective reveals advantages of adopting an REA approach to information system development.

ACG 630 Unit 5 Individual Project

·         Deliverable Length:  10–12 pages

·         Description: 

Select a publicly traded company using the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) EDGAR System at http://sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html and submit to the instructor for approval. Please note that each student must research a different company. Once the instructor has approved the company selection, obtain the Annual Report (Form 10K) and Proxy Statement (Form DEF 14A) of the company for the immediate past fiscal year. Review these documents in addition other financial information available on the company’s Investor Relations Web site to evaluate the following items.

Internal Controls

o    Review the report of the independent registered public accounting firm on internal controls. Explain components of the report that meet the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and the PCAOB.

o    Explain management’s responsibility relative to internal controls and maintaining the integrity of the accounting information systems.

o    Discuss the implications of computer technology on the internal control structure and auditing procedures. Develop data flow diagrams and accounting cycle flow charts that illustrate the relationship between information systems and the accounting process.

o    Describe at least two audit tests and procedures designed specifically to assess control risks and the integrity of internal controls over accounting information systems.

Accounting Information System

o    Summarize the primary information flows within the business environment and evaluate the relationship between traditional accounting records and their magnetic equivalents in computer-based systems.

o    Explain and analyze the differences between batch and real-time processing and the impact of these technologies on transaction processing.

Prepare a 10-12 page research paper (excluding title page, abstract, references page, and appendices) in APA format that presents the findings of your analysis of the company’s SEC filings. Your paper should also discuss the following:

o    Explain of the benefits of adopting an REA approach to information systems compared to a traditional approach.

o    Discuss the general functionality and key elements of ERP systems and understand of the key considerations and risks associated with ERP implementation.

o    Explain the Internal control system, its role in a business and its significance in the auditing process.

o    Discuss the use of computer assisted auditing techniques within GAAS, PCAOB, and COSO requirements for audits of publicly traded companies.

In addition to the SEC Forms, a minimum of five (5) peer-reviewed academic or professional references must be used in the paper.

This assignment will also be assessed using the Common Assessment criteria provided here.