ANSWERS to common QUESTIONS about the class:
BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLASS:
1. Read the syllabus (Ryan Syllabus 310-W12.doc) and Student Assignments_W2012.doc
thoroughly and understand them. The answers to 90% of your questions are there.
2. Read the chapters, consult the book website http://webcom8.grtxle.com/index.cfm , download
and read the power point presentations from: http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/rhayes
3. The professor will not discuss your grades or homework with you during class time for
confidentiality reasons. See the professor after the class ends.
4. If you have questions about your homework, your exams, or your grades, contact the professor
before the next class date after the event giving rise to the questions. For example, if you need
to discuss your exam, talk to the professor before the next class meeting following the one when
you received your graded exam back.
5. Class assignments, homework, and exams are discussed during class sessions. You are
responsible for this information. The professor will not repeat information for the benefit of
those who do not attend classes. If you cannot attend class, make arrangements with a classmate
to copy their notes.
NO MAKE-UP EXAMS and NO LATE HOMEWORK: The professor will not offer make up exams.
He will not accept late homework no matter the excuse. If you cannot take the exams or turn in the
homework as scheduled, let the professor know in advance of the class due date for alternative
arrangements.
HOMEWORK:
1. Read the syllabus (Ryan syllabus 310-W12.doc) and Student Assignments_W2012.doc
thoroughly and understand them. Homework assignments are discussed in detail in these
instructions.
2. Homework is turned in at the first of the class. Make a copy of your homework for yourself as
we will go over the solutions in class.
3. Homework is found at the end of the chapters in the text. The professor will give you specific
details.
4. Review Readings and Assignments, page 4 of this syllabus, for homework and due dates.
Homework and assignments are due Tuesday of the week indicated and are stated in bold italic
font.
5. Target financial statements. Use three years Income Statement and four years balance sheet.
Note that Target has a fiscal year, that is, the balance sheet for 2010 ends Jan 29, 2011, fiscal
year 2009 ends January 30, 2010, etc. Statement of Operations just says 2010 for 2010, 2009 for
2009, etc. When calculating the ratios for the “revenue” or “sales” figures use “Total Revenues”
from Target Statement of Operations NOT “Sales”.
EXAMS: There are two exams – Midterm and Final. The questions are 60% multiple choice and 40%
short-answer or essay.
Acct 310 Syllabus
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NOTES ON CLASS Questions
Acct 310 Syllabus
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Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Reading and assignments
Review of accounting cycle – Christy’s Lemonade Stand
Journal entries, adjusting entries, posting, trial balance, income statement, statement of
retained earnings, balance sheet
Review of the Income Statement and Balance Sheet – format, information and importance
Readings: Chapters 1 and 2
Statement of Cash Flows; DuPont Formulas – ROSE
Homework 1: Review Problem due
Review the accounting cycle, review the categories of ratios, comparability
Profit Margin Analysis: common sizing and trend analysis – where costs are “out of line”
Ways to improve revenue, revenue variations
Revenue recognition rules, how to increase revenue and analysis
Readings: Chapters 3 and 4
Homework 2: Horizontal and Vertical analysis of Balance Sheet and Income Statement
for Target
Cost structure, cost behaviors, and cost analysis
Costs/expenses – direct costs and indirect costs, variable and fixed costs
Standard costing method/ABC costing method
Review income statement – revenues, sales, COGS, expenses, profit
Gross margin, contribution margin
Operating leverage – capital intensive, labor intensive
Readings: Chapters 5 and 6
In Class Case: ABC Case
Homework 3: Profitability, Effectiveness, Solvency, and Liquidity ratios for Target
Effectiveness ratios, Internal Control
Time Value of Money, Capital Budgeting
Readings: Chapters 15, 7, 8, 9
Homework 4: ABC Costing Problem
Types of financing available, Financial Data research
Solvency ratios, Financing choices and use of financial leverage
Readings: Chapters 10 and 11
Homework 5: Operating Leverage Problem (Elliot Page, Inc.)
Financial leverage and solvency
Cash flows and liquidity Midterm February 14
Readings: Chapters 12
Due: Internal Control Report
Financial statement projection
Income statement and balance sheet
Comprehensive financial analysis
Projecting cash flows
Readings: Chapters 13 and 14
Due: Capital Budgeting Case- Rowe (Case #1)
Earnings management and fraud
Readings: Chapter 16
Corporate Governance and Sarbanes Oxley Act
Annual Report Project Presentations
Readings: Chapter 17
Due: Peer Evaluations, Annual Report Paper
Forecasting Case (Case #2)
Annual Report Project Presentations
Acct 310 Syllabus
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