how to pass rap.pdf
TRANSCRIPT
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
1/20
How to Pass your RAP
A presentation for students taking the OBUBS
RAP .
Please note : the best advice is to read and
follow carefully guidance on the RAP
provided on the ACCA website. The followingslides provide further useful information.
China: 2012
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
2/20
Key features of the RAP
RAP consists of 2 parts:
1. A Research Report (RR)based on a topic chosen by thestudent from an approved list of topics based on the
curriculum covered in Papers F1-F9.6500 word maximum length,and a recommended structureand content: graded A,B,C (Pass)or F(Fail)
2. A Skills and Learning Statement(SLS) 2000 word max.
length -pass or fail.
Both parts must be passed: they are designed to enablestudents to demonstrate the required personal/transferable skills.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
3/20
BSc (Hons)in AppliedAccounting
Key features of the RAP
Transferable skills on successful completion of RAP:
problem solving/analysis/evaluation
effective written /oral communication
self managed learning
completing an independent research project
information gathering/referencing
using information technology
NB all the above primarily evaluated in research report
Evaluated in skills and learning statement.
Reflecting on learning
Effects on future professional development & employment roles
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
4/20
Key features of the RAPAssessment
A set of processes measuring the outcome of studentslearning in termsof knowledge acquired, understanding developed and skills gained.
RAP assessed by a team of OBU markers/ moderators
ALL failed /marginal papers are moderated, plus a sample of all passgrades(A,B,C grades)
An external examiner reviews ALL moderated projects.
OBU BSc.Examination Board approves RAP results and awardsBSc.degree.
Mentors :
not involved in the assessment process
provide valuable feedback to students after presentation of RR (beforethe final document including SLS is submitted to OBU).
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
5/20
Key features of the RAP:
Assessment of the Research Report:4 Technical & Professional Skills: Understanding of accountancy /business models Application of accountancy /business models Evaluation of information ,analysis/ conclusions Presentation of project findings
3 Graduate Skills communication
information gathering and referencing use of information technology
Research Report : Graded A,B,C (PASS) or F (FAIL)
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
6/20
Key features of the RAP
Assessment of the Skills and Learning Statement:
1. Self reflection : answers to 4 specific questions
2. Communication Skills - including presentation to mentor.
SLS is pass / fail;Overall assessment
Grade attained for RR is awarded
If student passes RR but fails SLS, then on successful resubmissionof SLS only, original grade for RR is awarded.
Student failing RR but passing SLS must resubmit RR only (either theoriginal topic or new topic).
Student failing both resubmits both
3 attempts only are permitted.
Successful RESITS OF RR are capped at C grade.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
7/20
Self Reflection: the 4 questions:
1. What did you learn from meetings with your mentor, including
presentation you gave?2. How well do you think you have answered your research questions?
3. How have you demonstrated your interpersonal & communicationskills during project work?
4. How has undertaking RAP helped you in your accountancy studiesand / or current job?
Subject to 2000 word maximum: 350-650 words per question
Skills and Learning Statement
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
8/20
BSc(Hons)in AppliedAccounting
Key features of the RAP
RAP : a guided enquiry
Student chooses topic from approved list
Student benefits from guidance on ACCA website, articlesin Student Accountant, published texts on the RAP, plus
meetings with their mentor;
Student actively reflects on the experience of undertaking
the RAP and knowledge /skills/ behaviours developed as a
result- learning from experience;
Mentor encourages /supports student initiative and
reinforces students responsibility for learning.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
9/20
Key features of RAP
Research :
to investigate, to inquire ,to explore, to find out, toreview, to look into :
The topic area is defined by the approved RAPtopic list;
The student chooses topic and organisation,
defines specific objectives related to theorganisation chosen, and judges what type ofinformation is required and how it will beobtained to meet research report objectivesand the assessment criteria.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
10/20
Key Features of the RAP
Research Report is a form of Applied Business Research :
This implies a systematic investigation/ enquiry into a
problem or issue:a systematic approach to data collection;
interpretation, analysis and evaluation of information
gathered to provide either increased understanding of, or
answers to the original problem /issue studied.
Where possible,it should lead to recommendations of
practical benefit /value to manager/s of the organisationstudied.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
11/20
Key features of RAP:1.Information Gathering
Nature and type of information required will bedetermined by choice of project topic and
research report objectives set.Primary data : original data collected byresearcher to answer a specific question. Ifprimary data is required from staff within your
chosen organisation ,then permission from asenior member of staff in that organisationMUST be obtained before you commence-asearly as possible!!
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
12/20
2.Information gathering
If you need to collect primary data, the design of yourresearch instruments (e.g. questionnaires, interviews) mustbe supported by relevant academic literature based on
methods of research and the topic area. You also need tocomment on:
data collection methods e.g. focus groups, interviews,questionnaires
sample size & outline of sampling strategy
response rates and any problems arising eg non-responses and their implications
you MUST discuss ethical issues in data collection andhow you resolved them
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
13/20
3. Information Gathering
Secondary data :data which is available and hasbeen collected by others, which may berelevant to you in answering your research
questions; e.g. books, journal articles, pressarticles , company annual reports.
You MUST use relevant academic sources
both to understand issues in the organisationstudied, AND
to support analysis /evaluation of informationand ensure that research report objectiveshave been met.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
14/20
4. Information gathering :Referencing
You MUST reference information sources in your Research
Report : this is an important graduate skill
acknowledges the work of others
allows the reader to check your sources and evaluate your
use of them
avoids plagiarism (representing otherswork as your own)
demonstrates the breadth /depth of yourreading/understanding in the topic area.
Use the Harvard Referencing System -see Information Pack
for guidance.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
15/20
5.Information gathering:analysis and evaluation
Information gathered from the various
sources used must be thoroughly analysed
and evaluated, using relevant accounting/business concepts, theories, models etc in
order to enable you to judge how well the
objectives of your research report havebeen met.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
16/20
Qualities of ExcellentResearch Reports
Specific and achievable report objectives
Logical structure underpinned / guided by a clearly explainedappropriate overall research approach
Systematic approach to information gathering, relevant to thetopic ,issues in the organisation studied and reportobjectives.
Analytical / evaluative approach, applying relevant
concepts/theories /models etc from accounting /businessliterature both in the design of the overall researchapproach AND in an overall evaluation which meets thestated report objectives.
Accurate and complete referencing of all information sources-
both in the text and a list of references.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
17/20
Research Report:Overall Research Approach
The structure /framework guiding your researchreport:
the overall research approach links what youare attempting to find out
the methods you are using to gather therequired information
the analysis and evaluation carried out toanswer your research questions
conclusions / recommendations which ensurethat your research report objectives have beenmet.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
18/20
Overall Research Approach-links to:
Original problem /issue - topic /organisation chosen
Specific research questions /report objectives
Relevant literature from accounting/ business concepts/theories /models
Methods of information gathering used /limitations /ethical
issues
Analysis /evaluation based on accounting /businessconcepts/theories /models to answer research questions
/meet report objectives
Conclusions /relevant recommendations
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
19/20
Planning the ResearchReport
Take full account of RR constraints: 6500 words, single
organisation focus, approved topic list, assessment criteria
Follow recommended structure and content for RR
Set realistic ,achievable research questions /report objectives
Read ,understand and apply relevant academic literature-
both in designing overall research approach, and in
analysing /evaluating information gathered to meet report
objectives
Reference your work fully and accurately.
-
8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf
20/20
RAP: role of the mentorWhy do students fail RAP?
Poor planning & preparation: poor knowledge/ understanding of guidance-see ACCA website!! http://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/pdf/bscpack2011_12.pdf
http://www.accaglobal.com/en/student/qualification-resources/bsc/rap-
dates/resubmission.htmlProblems with primary research/choice of topic : difficult to get access to
information required;
Poor /inadequate information sources poor / inadequate referencing;
Research Report is descriptive rather than analytical;
Skills and Learning statements do not address the 4 specific questions /describe events rather than reflect / evaluate on what they did /theirown strengths and weaknesses/what they have learned from doingtheir RAP.
How might this knowledge of the main causes of failure help you to pass?
http://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/pdf/bscpack2011_12.pdfhttp://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/pdf/bscpack2011_12.pdf