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11 Mar 2009

Period 17 of the Research and Analysis Project (RAP) saw the start of the submission and assessment of the new, redefined project required for the BSc (Hons) degree in applied accounting awarded by Oxford Brookes University.

The failure rate was higher than in previous years. Of the 1,126 projects received, just over half passed - a pass rate of 52% compared with a normal pass rate of over 70%.

The new project is significantly different from the previous project; this higher than usual failure rate was a reflection of this and of the fact that many students had not realised that a change had been made and therefore submitted their old project.

The new project is now worth 30 credits instead of 15, which puts it more in line with a UK undergraduate dissertation. The project is now graded and can therefore count, at the margin, towards the class of degree awarded - but only by improving it (not by lowering a mark). The new project is more demanding; both sections must now be larger, and must be written within a business context. Go to the ACCA/Oxford Brookes Degree Partnership page for the new degree information pack.

Why did students fail the RAP?

The information pack contains the following, crucially important paragraph which relates primarily to Topic 8, attempted by nearly 64% of students: 'Your RAP will focus on accounting and/or business issues within an organisation. It is very important to remember that the reported financial performance of an organisation - whether in the private or public sector - is the outcome of the organisation's business activities. A private sector company usually competes against other companies to sell its goods and services, and its success in doing so is reflected in the company's financial statements and financial performance indicators. Therefore, in order to explain why a company's financial performance has changed, you must look into the company's business environment and identify those actions taken by the company, its competitors, government, etc which have led to changes in the company's business performance.'

A large proportion of students who failed did not recognise this need for business context, which is a new requirement. Since Topic 8 is the most popular project, future editions of student accountant will feature advice on how achieve a good grade.

Also, many students failed the report because they failed to focus on one organisation. The main focus of your project research must be an analysis and evaluation of the issues within your chosen topic area in the context of your chosen organisation.

Why did students fail the Skills and Learning Statement (SLS)?

A large proportion of students also failed the new SLS, which is significantly different from the old Key Skills Statement.

The purpose of this section is clearly explained in the project information pack, which states: 'The SLS is the opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have developed the key 'graduate' skills of self-reflection and communication.'

So how can these skills be demonstrated? To demonstrate self-reflection, you must answer the four questions detailed in the project information pack, namely:

• What did you learn from the meetings with your project mentor, including the presentation that you gave to your mentor?
• How well do you think that you have answered your research question(s)?
• How have you demonstrated your interpersonal and communication skills during the project work?
• How has undertaking the RAP helped you in your accountancy studies and/or current employment role?

Many students did not do this and therefore failed. To demonstrate and develop your communication skills, you have to deliver a presentation to your project mentor. It is vital that this presentation is clearly linked to the RAP findings.

How to pass the RAP next time

To pass next time, first - and crucially - you must read the project information pack, as this contains essential project guidance. It really is impossible to pass the RAP unless Sections 6 to 11 of the pack, and the appendices, are read and fully understood.

Second, it will help considerably to read one of the excellent study guides published by BPP and Kaplan Publishing.

Third, if you failed this time, read the marker's and moderator's comments - they are designed to help you. Also, unlike previous RAPs, you now only need resubmit the part that you failed.

Finally, you must pass the Professional Ethics Module by the submission period deadlines. You cannot graduate unless this module has been passed, no matter when you registered.