Course Syllabus

AIM 6343.0G1 – Accounting Information Systems

School of Management
The University of Texas at Dallas

| Course Info | Tech Requirements | Access & Navigation | Communications | Resources |

Assessments | Academic Calendar | Scholastic Honesty | Course Evaluation | UTD Policies |

Course Information
Course #/Section AIM 6343.0G1
Course Title Accounting Information Systems
Term and Date Spring 2009 01/12/2009 – 05/13/2009

Professor Mary Beth Goodrich

Office Phone (972) 883-4775 (Office and Voice Mail)
Other Phone (972) 200-7809 (For urgent matters, only – call only after 7:00pm until
6:00am CST)
Email Address goodrich@utdallas.edu
Office Location SM 4.220
Online Office Hours By appointment
Conf. Call Hours By appointment
Website: www.utdallas.edu/goodrich

Teaching Assistant TBD

TA Office Hours TBD
TA E-mail TBD
TA Office Location TBD
TA Office Phone # TBD

About the Instructor

Please listen to Introduction in Course on webCT and see the Introductions area of Discussions.

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Required: AIM 6201 and AIM 6202 or course(s) equivalent to undergraduate accounting
principles. Basic knowledge of financial and managerial accounting is essential. Basic
computer proficiency is essential.

Course Description
This course will examine the design, control and operation of accounting information systems in
a computerized organizational environment with a strong business process orientation. The
accounting information system is at the heart of a companies’ enterprise systems. To this end,
an understanding and appreciation of accounting information systems is critical to successfully
managing, auditing and developing systems to support today’s evolving business environment.
This course offers a focused look at accounting information systems as part of enterprise
resource planning systems, with a focus on SAP and other comparable enterprise systems to
demonstrate concepts. Three key themes throughout the course are enterprise systems, E-
business, and internal control and how these components can positively impact the overall
success of a company and a company’s use of their accounting information system.

Course Syllabus Page 1

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes
The main learning objectives are:
• Explain the impact of enterprise systems, e-business and internal control on modern
accounting information systems and what is next related to accounting information
systems.
• Explain the integration of accounting with the business side of an integrated accounting
information system. Describe the roles of accountants related to accounting information
systems and of accounting information and information technology in today's business
environment. Describe the impact of accounting information systems and the power of
integrated accounting information systems such as SAP on managerial decision-making,
as well as organizational competitiveness. Explain modern practice in designing
accounting information systems and mainstream use of ERP (enterprise resource
planning) systems, such as SAP, and what is next related to accounting systems and
enterprise systems.
• Explain and describe the accounting systems development lifecycle (SDLC) and what
happens in each stage of the SDLC. Define and explain business processes, the
accounting elements within business processes, and related internal control. Be able to
explain the use of the chart of accounts and general ledger and how the business
transactions of a company feed into the general ledger and use of financial information
for external financial reporting to assist stakeholders in assessing the financial status of
the organization and help a company make decisions through the process of business
reporting.
• Be able to apply internal controls, business process analysis and assessment of whether
an accounting information system as part of the overall systems of an organization is
operating efficiently and effectively, and provides reliable financial information, while
maintaining compliance to laws and regulations. Utilize methods such as flowcharting
business modeling, and control matrices as tools for understanding, explaining, and
designing accounting information systems with a business process approach and a
focus on adding value through identifying the information needs of decision makers and
building systems to support those needs effectively and efficiently, while ensuring proper
control.

This course will be a stepping stone for other advanced enterprise systems courses such as
AIM 6338: Accounting Systems Integration and Configuration with SAP (offered on-line and
classroom), MIS 6319: Enterprise Resource Computing (on-line and classroom), AIM 6349: IT
Strategy and Control, AIM 6379: ABAP Programming (on-line and classroom), the SAP
Business Warehouse course (on-line) and other courses that are part of the Enterprise Systems
(SAP) concentration. See www.utdallas.edu/orgs/sug for more details.

Required Textbooks and Materials

Required Texts
Accounting Information Systems, 7th Edition, by Gelinas and Dull, Thomson / South-Western
Publishers, 2008, ISBN-10: 0324378823 or ISBN-13: 978-0324378825

Textbooks and some other bookstore materials can be ordered online through Off-Campus
Books or the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore online ordering site. They are also available in stock
at the UTD Bookstore and Off-Campus Books.

Course Policies

Course Syllabus Page 2

Student Assessments
In this course, I expect that you read all discussion postings, all course notes, listen to all
PowerPoint presentations / audio, and actively engage yourself in this course, such as posting
responses to discussion postings, such as the graded module postings and posting any
questions that you may have that are general in nature.

Your active participation will have a direct impact on your success in this course. You will be
tested on the knowledge you are gaining from the textbook and all methods of learning in
webCT. I hope that you enjoy the flexibility that this on-line course will give you to somewhat
self-pace yourself, but with this in mind, you need to have discipline to stay up with course
work and what is expected. I look forward to getting to know you better. Please let me know
any comments or questions you have. Your positive approach to this course, as to life in
general, will enable you to get the most out of the course. Here’s to a great semester!

Grading Information

Weights / Grade Breakdown

Points
Posting of Introduction in discussions during first 10
week
Graded Module Postings (10 points for each of 30
the 3 modules of the course)
Team Project Planning Document (Appendix C) 20
Team Project (Appendix A) 150
0 (or – or + points)
Teaming Evaluation Points (Appendix B)
Test #1 100
Test #2 100
Cumulative Final Exam (Test #3) 100
TOTAL POINTS 510

Grading criteria

Scaled Score Letter

Equivalent
100 - 90% 510 - 459 points out of 510 A
89 – 80% 459 – 408 points out of 510 B
79 – 70% 407 – 357 points out of 510 C
Below 69% Less than 357 points out of 510 F

Grades of “-“ or will be used in borderline situations using the above grading scale. In order to
achieve a grade without a “-“ you will need to be in the above ranges.

Accessing Grades
Students can check their grades by clicking “My Grades” under Course Tools after the grade for
each assessment task is released.

Graded Participation
Posting of Introduction

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You must post your introduction in discussions by the due date and time. You can post a quick
introduction or you can use the “Get to Know You” form which will be posted in webCT. This is
worth up to 10 points. You will receive –5 points for one day to one week late or -10 points
(grade of 0) if later than one week.

Graded Module Postings

Your active participation will have a direct impact on your success in this course and will be
graded as follows:

There are 3 modules in the course and 3 corresponding parts for participation. Participation
points will be on the course content from the module and / or topics related to the team project.
You must have at least 2 value added discussion postings regarding the material – your
observations, questions, responses to other student’s questions, responses to my postings of
questions, etc. These must be posted during the time frames specified on the syllabus and
must be posted on DIFFERENT DAYS and RELATED TO DIFFERENT TOPICS so you are
demonstrating that you are keeping up with the course throughout the semester, with at least
one being a response to the posting of another person. The grading for this will be up to 5
points for each value added posting up to 10 points for each part as follows:

Grading will be as follows:

Module 1: 10 (minimum 2 postings on 2 different days and 2 different topics)
Module 2: 10 (minimum 2 postings on 2 different days and 2 different topics)
Module 3: 10 (minimum 2 postings on 2 different days and 2 different topics)

Note: You should plan to have read ALL the discussions postings by the end of the posting
timeframe (ideally on an-ongoing basis) in the Modules as part of your participation or points
may be deducted.

These must be posted during the time frames specified on the syllabus. NO LATE WORK WILL
BE ACCEPTED FOR MODULE POSTINGS.

Class Participation
Students are required to login regularly to the online class site. The instructor will use the
tracking feature in WebCT to monitor student activity. Students are also required to participate
in all class activities such as discussion board activities, chat or conference sessions and group
projects.

I strongly recommend checking ALL webCT email and ALL discussion postings daily.

Please see the graded discussions / participation requirements of the course in the
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS - Graded Participation section. It is your responsibility to
have the technical proficiency to fulfill this requirement and all requirements of the
course.

Virtual Classroom Citizenship

The same guidelines that apply to traditional classes should be observed in the virtual
classroom environment. Please use proper netiquette when interacting with class members and
the professor.

Policy on Server Unavailability or Other Technical Difficulties

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The university is committed to providing a reliable online course system to all users. However, in
the event of any unexpected server outage or any unusual technical difficulty which prevents
students from completing a time sensitive assessment activity, the instructor will extend the time
windows and provide an appropriate accommodation based on the situation. Students should
immediately report any problems to the instructor and also contact the UTD eLearning Help
Desk: http://www.utdallas.edu/elearninghelp, 1-866-588-3192. The instructor and the UTD
eLearning Help Desk will work with the student to resolve any issues at the earliest possible
time.
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Technical Requirements
In addition to a confident level of computer and Internet literacy, certain minimum technical
requirements must be met to enable a successful learning experience. Please review the
important technical requirements and the web browser configuration information.
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Course Access and Navigation

This course was developed using a web course tool called WebCT. It is to be delivered entirely
online. Students will use their UTD NetID account to login to the course at: UTD Galaxy:
http://galaxy.utdallas.edu or at http://webct6.utdallas.edu. Please see more details on course
access and navigation information.

To get started with a WebCT course, please see the Getting Started: Student WebCT
Orientation.

UTD provides eLearning technical support 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The services include
a toll free telephone number for immediate assistance (1-866-588-3192), email request service,
and an online chat service. The UTD user community can also access the support resources
such as self-help resources and a Knowledge Base. Please use this link to access the UTD
eLearning Support Center: http://www.utdallas.edu/elearninghelp.

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Communications
This WebCT course has built-in communication tools which will be used for interaction and
communication. Some external communication tools such as regular email and a web
conferencing tool may also be used during the semester. For more details, please see
communication tool information.

Another communication tool available to students is live voice chat in the 3D virtual world of
Second Life. Instructions for accessing the UTD SOM Island in Second Life can be found at
http://som.utdallas.edu/somResources/eLearning/faculty/secondLife.php.

Interaction with Instructor: The instructor will communicate with students mainly using the
Announcements and Discussions tools. Students may send personal concerns or questions to
the instructor using the course email tool. The instructor will reply to student emails or
Discussion board messages within 3 working days under normal circumstances.

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Course Syllabus Page 5

Student Resources

The following university resources are available to students:

UTD Distance Learning: http://www.utdallas.edu/oee/distance/students/cstudents.htm

McDermott Library: Distance Learners (UTD students who live outside the boundaries of
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, or Tarrant counties) will need a UTD-ID number to access all
of the library’s electronic resources (reserves, journal articles, ebooks, interlibrary loan) from off
campus. For UTD students living within those counties who are taking online courses, a Comet
Card is required to check out materials at the McDermott Library. For more information on
library resources go to http://www.utdallas.edu/library/distlearn/disted.htm.

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Team Project Planning Document

This will be posted in the course to be completed by the team. The purpose of the Team
Project Planning Document is to assist students with teaming and communications in an on-line
course (as the Instructor, I have a few tips that should help with this). Only one person will
submit the team project planning document.

Team Project
Please see Appendix A. Only one person will submit the team project.

1. Work as a team to complete the Team Project Planning Document (APPENDIX C).
a. To complete the Team Project Planning Document, you should decide
whether you will use the Mock Case Study (Provided by the Professor in
webCT) or a project of your own choosing, such as a company one of the
team members works with that would provide a real-life application of the
materials in the course.
2. Complete the Team Project Outline (APPENDIX A).
a. Submit for FREE Feedback (strongly recommended)
b. Submit for FINAL GRADE.
Each individual on the team will complete their Team Evaluation Form (APPENDIX B)

You will be assigned to a team. You will have two (2) weeks from the start of class to let me
know if there’s a concern with the make-up of your team and that you would like to request to be
reassigned (such as too many conflicting time zones, etc.). A private team discussion area will
be set up on the discussion board for internal group communications. A team chat room can
also be created for each team to use. A web conference system is available for use.

A private discussion area will be set up on the discussion board for internal group
communications. A group chat room can also be created for each group to use. A web
conference system is available for use. Teams can schedule a live web conference for team
work. Please see communication tool information for instructions on making a reservation and
other web conference information. Meeting spaces have also been set up on the UTD SOM
Island in the virtual world of Second Life. Instructions for accessing the island can be found at
http://som.utdallas.edu/somResources/eLearning/faculty/secondLife.php.

Assignment submission instructions

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You will submit your assignments (in the required file format with a simple file name and a file
extension) by using the Assignments tool on the course site. Please see the Assignments link
on the course menu or see the icon on the designated page. You can click each assignment
name link and follow the on-screen instructions to upload and submit your file(s). Please refer to
the Help menu for more information on using this tool. Please note: each assignment link will
be deactivated after the assignment due time. After your submission is graded, you may click
each assignment’s “Graded” tab to check the results and feedback.

For the team project assignment, one group member will submit the assignment for the group
and all group members will be able to view the results and feedback once it’s been graded

Teaming Evaluation Form

Please see Appendix B. This is due by all students as specified in the TOPICS AND
SCHEDULE SECTION.

Online Tests/Quizzes

Test #1 and #2 will be timed, on-line exams. The on-line tests are open book and open notes,
but you need to prepare for them like they were closed book and closed notes because they are
timed exams.

You can access quizzes/exams by clicking the Assessments link on the course menu or see the
quiz/exam icon on the designated page. Each quiz is timed and can be accessed only one time
within the scheduled time window. Please read the on-screen instructions carefully before you
click “Begin Assessment”. After each quiz is graded and released, you may go back to the
Assessments page and click “View All Submissions” to review your exam results.

If you do not take the exam during the specified testing window, you will receive a 0 on the
exam. If you have conflicts with the testing window, you need to let me know as soon as
possible BEFORE the testing window closes.

Self-Quizzes
There will be several self-quizzes available for you to take. These are not graded. These are
good to take as there are some questions from the quizzes will be similar to ones you may see
on the exams and can test your knowledge once the respective section of the course is
completed.

Proctored Final Exam Information

This course requires a proctored final examination. An on-campus class exam session is
scheduled Friday, May 8th from 9am-9pm and Saturday, May 9th from 9am-5pm. Time and
room information will be announced later under course Announcements.

Students who are not able to attend this exam session with the instructor can arrange an
individual proctored exam with a testing service of their choice at a date within this required
exam time window: (April 30 – May 9). For local students, testing services are available at the
UTD Learning Resources Center. Students who find UTD geographically inconvenient may use
a preapproved testing service at a convenient location. All individually arranged proctored
exams must be completed within the stated exam time window. Student using either the UTD

Course Syllabus Page 7

testing service at the Learning Resources Center or an outside testing service must inform the
instructor, as well as the SOM eLearning Team (som-elearning@utdallas.edu). A proctored
exam form must be completed and sent back to the SOM eLearningTeam before April 5, 2009.
Please go to the Proctored Exam Information page to download the Proctored Exam Form
and find all the detailed information and procedures on arranging a proctored exam. All
completed exams must be received by May 11, 2009 to allow timely grade reporting to the UTD
Registrar.

The SOM eLearning Team requests all students who need to use testing services strictly follow
the proctored exam scheduling deadlines. If any student fails to submit the exam form on time,
the student will be required to come to campus and attend the scheduled class exam session
(or seek the instructor’s approval for any special arrangements).

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Academic Calendar
NOTE: All assignment are due at Midnight (12:00pm) CST (Central Standard Time)
on the date due.
This course outline should serve as your guideline for where you should be in the completion of
the materials for this course. All course information will be posted in webCT and it is your
responsibility to keep up with the material and submit materials as requested by the time
requested.
Topics What you need to do
Unit Week - Reading /
Starting Assignments and
Other Activities
Module 1 Participation
Discussion Postings must be completed from (1/12– 2/15 )

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1 1/12 Syllabus Get to know your
classmates and team
Overview of Accounting Information mates: Read and post
Systems intros, webCT chat or
webCT email, regular
Meet students and review your team or private reply to
assignment – (GROUPS area). intros, etc.

Chapter 1 –
Introduction to
Accounting
Information Systems
2 1/19 Enterprise Systems Contrasted to Post your Intros in
Traditional Automated and Manual Discussion Area by
Accounting Information Systems 1/19

Accounting Systems Development Life Ch. 2 – Enterprise

Cycle (SDLC) “PADIO” Systems
Part I: Systems Planning and Analysis
Part II: Systems Implementation & Ch. 17 – Acquiring
Operation and Implementing
Accounting
Information Systems
3 1/26 General Database Concepts Ch. 6 – Relational
Databases and SQL
Different Approaches to Business Process
Modeling with a focus on Semantic Finalize Teams on
Modeling and REA Modeling / ER 1/29
Diagrams
4 2/2 Documentation Techniques – Ch. 4 – Documenting
Flowcharting, DFDs, and other techniques Information Systems
– with a focus on Flowcharting

5 2/9 Fraud, Ethics and Internal Control Team Project

Planning Document
Internal Control and its role in Accounting due (Appendix C) (one
and Business and Accounting Information per team) 2/9
Systems Development – COSO, ERM,
Sarbanes-Oxley, and other guidelines that Ch. 7 – Controlling
impact the focus on internal control Information Systems:
Introduction to Internal
Control

Take the Module 1

Self-Quizzes
2/16 Exam #1 (Exam Window 2/16 – 2/23) Exam must be taken
by 2/23!
Module 2 Participation
Discussion Postings must be completed from (2/23 – 3/29)

Course Syllabus Page 9

6 2/23 Controlling Information Systems and IT Ch. 8 – Controlling
Processes Information Systems:
IT Processes
Business Process Controls (Application
Controls) and Control Matrices Ch. 9 – Controlling
Information Systems:
Business Process
Controls
7 3/2 Sales / Collection Process Ch. 10 – The Order
Entry / Sales (OE/S)
Sales Process - Order Entry / Sales Process
Process
Ch. 11 – The Billing /
Collection Process – Billing / Accounts Accounts Receivable /
Receivable / Cash Receipts Cash Receipts (B / AR
/ CR) Process
8 3/9 Acquisition / Payment Process Ch. 12 – The
Purchasing Process
Part A: Purchases
Part B: Accounts Payable / Cash Ch. 13 – The
Disbursements Process Accounts Payable /
Cash Disbursements
(AP / CD) Process
3/16 Spring Break Enjoy!
9 3/23 Acquisition / Payment Process (cont.) Ch. 14 – The Human
Resources (HR)
Part C: Human Resources Business Management and
Processes and Payroll, Fixed Assets, Payroll Processes
Financing
Projects can be turned
in to professor for free
feedback any time
from 3/16 to 3/24

Take Module 2 Self-

Quizzes
3/30 Exam #2 (Exam Window 3/30 – 4/6)
Exam must be taken
by 4/6

Proctored Exam
Forms due 4/5 by
GMBA Office if you
are taking the exam at
a time other than the
pre-arranged time at
UTD.
Module 3 Participation
Discussion Postings must be completed from (4/6 – 4/29)
10 4/6 The Conversion (or Production) Cycle Ch. 15 – Integrated

Course Syllabus Page 10

 Production Processes
(IPP)
11 & 4/13 E-Business
12 Ch. 3 – Electronic
General Ledger, Financial Reporting, and Business (E-Business)
Management Reporting Systems Systems

A question for you: What’s next in Ch. 16 – General

accounting information systems? Ledger and Business
Reporting (GL / BR)
Process
Take Module 3 Self-
Quizzes

4/20 Project Submission Week Final Team Project

Submission due,
Appendix A (one per
team) 4/20
TEAMING
EVALUATION
FORMS DUE,
Appendix B (individual
assignment) 4/25

11 4/27 Continuation of previous material

&
12
(cont.)
Final Exam (cumulative, proctored final MUST be taken by
exam; closed book; closed notes) – 1 ½ 5/9!
4/30 – 5/9 hours long -– details on testing location
and date to be confirmed on webCT. Final Exam MUST be
Scantron Form 882-E required for final. taken and received in
(Exam Window 4/30 – 5/9) the GMBA Office (at
least by fax and also
original mailed) by
Proctored Final Exam Date: 5/11!
* Friday, May 8th from 9am-9pm
* Saturday, May 9th from 9am-5pm
Room: TBD
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Scholastic Honesty
The University has policies and discipline procedures regarding scholastic dishonesty. Detailed
information is available on the UTD Judicial Affairs web page. All students are expected to
maintain a high level of responsibility with respect to academic honesty. Students who violate
University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the
possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Since such dishonesty

Course Syllabus Page 11

harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic
dishonesty will be strictly enforced.

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Course Evaluation

As required by UTD academic regulations, every student must complete an evaluation for each
enrolled course at the end of the semester. An online instructional assessment form will be
made available for your confidential use. Please look for the course evaluation link on the
course Home Page towards the end of the course.

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University Policies

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and
regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each
student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations
which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct and
discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered
students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules
and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1, Chapter VI,
Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the university’s Handbook
of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the
Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in
interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship.
He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules,
university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating
the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or
criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done
by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of
individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to
applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s own work
or material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one of the

Course Syllabus Page 12

following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying academic records. Students
suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any
other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism
(see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which
searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some
issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. The
university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a student’s U.T.
Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it
originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of
confidence in the identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted
information. UTD furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all
communication with university personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T.
Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other
accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration
procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements
from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any student. You must do the proper
paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to
attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and
Activities, of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious
effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or committee with
whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”). Individual faculty members
retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be
resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy
of the respondent’s School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided
by the respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the
grievance is not resolved by the School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal
to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an
Academic Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of
the academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Course Syllabus Page 13

Incomplete Grade Policy
As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at
the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete
grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long
semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is
not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a
grade of F.

Disability Services
The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities
equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the
Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments
necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be
necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals (in the case of
dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment requirement may be
substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation for a student who is
hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility impairments may have to be
rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or university may need to provide special
services such as registration, note-taking, or mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty
members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals
requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for
the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are
exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will
be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time after the
absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student
who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be penalized
for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed
period may receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of
observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has
been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the

Course Syllabus Page 14

student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief executive officer of the institution, or
his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into account the
legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of
the chief executive officer or designee.

Off-Campus Instruction and Course Activities

Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and
University policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information
regarding these rules and regulations may be found at the website address given below.
Additional information is available from the office of the school dean.
(http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm)

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the
Professor.

Top

Course Syllabus Page 15

 APPENDIX A
AIM 6343 – Team Project Outline
• Have the information in one Word document or points will be taken off.

1. PLANNING STAGE (15 points):

a. With most accounting information systems projects, there is a Planning Stage.
Give some of the reasons why it is important to review this project in focus and
some of the components of a systems implementation planning stage (refer to
SDLC and PADIO). (5 points)
b. What parts of the book are you related to your case such as topics, chapters, etc
upon a review of course content. Be specific. (5 points)
c. Give a brief history of the company (you are completing this case on). (5 points)
2. ANALYSIS STAGE (100 points) - Select one key business process that feeds the
company’s accounting information system (such as order to cash, purchase to pay, hire
to paycheck), or a key accounting process (such as month-end close, consolidations,
cost center accounting processes – this would be difficult to apply to the mock case
study) that has a priority information systems need in the company and complete the
following:
a. Explain the process and why the process (your team has chosen) is the focus of
the project in more detail. Talk about all the systems the company uses in
conjunction with the accounting information system (feeds to the accounting
system) as a whole and how these systems are used for decision-making and
how they support the business processes. (10 points)
b. Provide a narrative or summarize the process in your own words and complete a
table of entities and activities. (20 points)
c. Flowchart the process (using the narrative and table of entities and activities) and
use other methods from this chapter to document the specific business process
(Consult Chapter 4 of the textbook). (30 points)
d. Give the detailed accounting transactions that occur in this business process
along with the account coding / chart of accounts coding related to these entries
(Consult Chapter 16 on G/L and chart of account coding and applicable
chapter(s) from 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and/or 15). (5 points)
e. Use method(s) other than flowcharting to document the specific business
process. Explain why you are using the other method(s). (optional)
f. Complete a Control Matrix (such as like Figure 9.1, page 286) of the process to
be used in conjunction with the flowchart created (Consult chapter 9 in the
textbook and Document – Business Process Controls in the Course Materials
Section). (30 points)
i. Explain the present and missing controls in detail (such as Exhibit 9.1
ii. Explanation of Cell Entries for Control Matrix in Figure 9.1, page 287).
iii. Have an annotated version of the flowchart (such as Figure 9.2 on page
288) to show where the controls exist as related to the flowchart
g. Explain any systems or control weaknesses currently in the business process
under evaluation (summary of 2 sections right before this). This will include any
higher level controls that are not designated on the flowchart and can recap the
concerns from the control matrix. (5 points)
3. DESIGN STAGE - Determine alternatives that could assist this company and explain
what those alternatives (explain in detail at least 2 alternatives) would do to improve the
company. Put some detail into the analysis, such as researching specific alternatives

Course Syllabus Page 16

 (such as comparing 2 ERP systems, Quickbooks to another system, etc). Make sure
your recommendations relate to the project and relative size of the company. (20
points)
4. Summarize your recommendations to management. (5 points)
5. Make sure everyone on the entire team works on and participates to some degree on all
parts of the project and reads through the entire document to make sure all parts of the
project are completed and the project flows well. (can lose significant points up to -50
points on each submission if the parts do not flow together).
6. Have a professional work product with a Table of Contents. Since this is an electronic
submission, hyperlinks to the specific sections of the paper is recommended (if you
know how), but is not required. (5 points)
7. Bibliography and footnoting is mandatory. In lieu of footnoting, you can use
parenthetical references. Please follow the MLA standard. I recommend getting the
MLA Handbook or doing research to ensure compliance to this. Cite all works properly.
www.Turnitin.com is used for all submitted materials for plagiarism purposes. Consult
the plagiarism document on the webCT site. If you have questions on what is proper,
ask me! (can receive an F (0) on the project if done incorrectly and/or referral to
Academic Integrity Office)
8. You must have at least 5 outside sources (other than the textbook) for the paper. (5
points)

NOTE: If your team would like to do a slightly different project, please write up a Case Study
similar to this one for my review and approval.

Have fun with the subject matter and be creative – with analyzing systems and processes, it is
essential to be creative in order to facilitate valuable changes and not just “pave the cow paths”.

Late submission points for late team project work:

Late by one day = -10 points
Late by two days = -20 points
Late by three days = -30 points and -10 points for each day later

The teaming evaluation form (Appendix B) must be completed and submitted by the due date
and time as specified in the Syllabus (the same form will be attached in the Assignments area of
the course). In addition to losing points for late submission, points could be deducted for less
than team effort or additional points could be given for above and beyond effort.

Late submission points for late teaming evaluation forms will be deducted as follows:
Late by one day to one week = -5 points
Late by over one week = -10 points
Never turned in = 0 on the project

Course Syllabus Page 17

 APPENDIX B
TEAMING EVALUATION FORM

This part of the team project is confidential. Explain the SPECIFIC work each person did and
consider contribution, quality, effort, time, flexibility, leadership, results, timely completion, knowledge,
experience, creativity, initiative, concern for team, delivering a quality product that flows well and is
professional. I will be looking at the scores from each team member to get an idea of the effort each
person put towards the project. If the scores for an individual are consistently low, this could amount to
points being deducted or a failing grade on the Team Project and other teamwork. Form MUST be typed
and submitted through webCT assignments.

My Name
Team Name
(List Team Members in alphabetical order of last names, including yourself).
Score:
Above and beyond – A+ = went above and beyond in some way and deserves a score higher than the
majority of the team (explain why they deserve above and beyond status)
Full contributor – A = should get all the team points because they gave a fair effort (explain why they are
a full contributor)
Less than full - If less than a full contributor, say whether they gave a B, C, D or F effort and you give
support for why you scored them there - why they were not a full contributor.

Ranking: Rank each team member from 1 to X with 1 being overall the best team member (rank yourself
also). Note: no person can have the same number!
Team Member’s Name Score of Team Ranking
Member
Team Member #1
Team Member #2
Team Member #3
Team Member #4
Team Member #5

Explain the SPECIFIC work (i.e. sections of the paper) that each person did on the project and the
strengths of each team member, INCLUDING you.

What did you like about the group work and did YOU and YOUR TEAM do that worked well?

What would YOU do to improve YOUR work and what could the TEAM have done better?

Course Syllabus Page 18

 APPENDIX C
AIM 6343 Team Project Planning Document
Complete the following as a team and submit as a team (one submission per team) by the
due date / time. See the detail that follows on guidelines to complete this.

Team # and Name (make up

a fun name)
Proposed Team Project
Company and Topic
Brief description of the vision
for project
Team Members and all
contact information (email,
phone #s, etc) and main
strength(s) of each member,
location / time zone of each
member
Roles on the Team and who is
doing which:
Project Manager
Communications Manager /
Instructor Interface
Project Contact
Project Compiler
Official Editor
Works Cited Guru
Main way the team will stay
in contact and date(s) of the
week the team will definitely
touch in.
Team Meetings Scheduled and
how these will be done
Team Agreed to Interim
Deadlines
Breakdown of Syllabus,
Appendix A and who is
working on what
Everyone on the team has
read over the Syllabus, Team
member introductions,
Planning Document detail, and
Appendix A of the Syllabus
and any questions

Course Syllabus Page 19

 Detail to complete the above
AIM 6343 Team Project Planning Document (descriptions)
• Think about companies that you work with and a key business process that feeds the
accounting information system (AIS) such as (sales / collection (order to cash),
acquisition / payment (purchase to pay), human resources (hire to paycheck), or
conversion (such as the production of finished goods) or an accounting process such as
consolidations, month-end or year-end closing, cost accounting, etc.

• Using any company of your choice – either one that uses SAP or some other Enterprise
System (such as Oracle / PeopleSoft, Infor, JD Edwards, Great Plains) or one that could
possibly benefit from an enterprise resource planning / enterprise system, e-Business
concepts, and/or additional focus on internal control.

• For communications, you have many options, you can set up a conference call line for
free at freeconferencecall.com, you can use the Elluminate system, webCT chat, Instant
Messenger in a number of systems, or other asynchronous methods. I recommend that
you try at least several synchronous methods throughout the semester. I am happy to
meet with the team. Please set up a time with me.

Team # and Name List out the team # from the GROUPS area and the Name the team
(make up a fun name) agreed on.
Proposed Team Project Discuss as a team whether you want to use the Mock Team Project and
Company and Topic all the companies each of you work for or if know someone that works
for and decide on a company and a business process you can focus on
that feeds the Accounting Information System.
Brief description of the Explain what you are hoping to get out of the project (as a team)
vision for project
Team Members and all For each team member:
contact information
(email, phone #s, etc) Name, email address (outside of webCT), phone numbers (such as cell
and main strength(s) of #, work #, home #), main strengths (IT, Accounting, business
each member, location / processes, work experience, doing flowcharts, other analysis
time zone of each techniques, etc), location / time zone
member
Roles on the team and I am suggesting some responsibilities for each category. Each person
who is doing which: on the team should have at least one of these roles in addition to
completing work on the project. Please let me know if your breakdown
or responsibilities are different.
Everyone on the team should: proof read the project, understand every
aspect of each section of the paper, etc.
Project Manager This person will lead the project, breakout the work along with the
team, ensure people are operating to deadlines and provide direction.
Communications Setting up meetings. If there is something that needs to be
Manager / Instructor communicated out, this person will make sure everyone gets the
Interface message. Also, this person will be the main contact with the professor
for submitting *FREE* feedback and questions on behalf of the team
(although anyone can let me know about any questions you have).

Course Syllabus Page 20

 Project Contact This person is the main person who is in contact with the company and
business process in focus. Usually, this is the person that works for
the company and provides the needed background information on the
project. The rest of the team will generally “interview” this person to
complete the project. This will be N/A if you use the Mock Case Study
Project Compiler Combines all the sections of the project from all on the team. Needs to
determine a method of version control of the project to make sure the
latest and greatest gets to the professor, etc.
Official Editor Responsible for having the first pass on making sure the project flows
well, etc.
Works Cited Guru Responsible for researching MLA Format and making sure the team is
following guidelines for proper footnoting and bibliography reference.
Main way the team will My suggestion is that you use the webCT PRIVATE team discussions
stay in contact and area (of course the instructor can see it, too), Secondary will be
date(s) of the week the regular email, we will touch in on Mondays and Thursdays for sure each
team will touch in / week and shoot for daily, Each team member will respond with a posting
Team guidelines once it is read or reviewed to confirm understanding of meeting, that
work was reviewed, etc.
Team Meetings We will meet on the following dates and times:
Scheduled and how August 23 at 8:00pm on freeconferencecall.com line that Mei set up
these will be done September 3 at 12 noon on webCT chat
October 3 at 8:00pm on Elluminate

Team Agreed to Interim State these

Deadlines
Breakdown of Syllabus, Breakdown Appendix A and a main person who is doing the work and a
Appendix A and who is support person / reviewer
working on what
Everyone on the team Each person state you have done this and state any questions you have.
has read over the
Syllabus, Team member
introductions, Planning
Document detail, and
Appendix A and B of
the Syllabus and any
questions

Course Syllabus Page 21