how to pass RAP.pdf

8/12/2019 how to pass RAP.pdf

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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


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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.


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BSc (Hons)in AppliedAccounting


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


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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).


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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)


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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.


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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


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BSc(Hons)in AppliedAccounting


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.


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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.


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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.


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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!!


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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


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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


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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.


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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

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how to pass RAP.pdf