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 following slides provide further useful information. China: 2012 Key features of the RAP RAP consists of 2 parts: 1. A Research Report (RR)based on a topic chosen by the student from an approved list of topics based on the curriculum covered in Papers F1-F9. 6500 word maximum length,and a recommended structure and 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 enable students to demonstrate the required personal /transferable skills. BSc (Hons)in Applied Accounting 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 Key features of the RAP Assessment A set of processes measuring the outcome of students’ learning in terms of 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 pass grades(A,B,C grades) • An external examiner reviews ALL moderated projects. • OBU BSc.Examination Board approves RAP results and awards BSc.degree. Mentors : • not involved in the assessment process • provide valuable feedback to students after presentation of RR (before the final document including SLS is submitted to OBU). 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) 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 resubmission of SLS only, original grade for RR is awarded. • Student failing RR but passing SLS must resubmit RR only (either the original topic or new topic). • Student failing both resubmits both • 3 attempts only are permitted. • Successful RESITS OF RR are capped at C grade. Skills and Learning Statement 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 & communication skills during project work? 4. How has undertaking RAP helped you in your accountancy studies and / or current job? Subject to 2000 word maximum: 350-650 words per question BSc(Hons)in Applied Accounting Key features of the RAP RAP : a “ guided enquiry” • Student chooses topic from “approved list” • Student benefits from guidance on ACCA website, articles in 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 student’s responsibility for learning. Key features of RAP Research : to investigate, to inquire ,to explore, to find out, to review, to look into : The topic area is defined by the approved RAP topic list; The student chooses topic and organisation, defines specific objectives related to the organisation chosen, and judges what type of information is required and how it will be obtained to meet research report objectives and the assessment criteria. 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 organisation studied. Key features of RAP: 1.Information Gathering Nature and type of information required will be determined by choice of project topic and research report objectives set. Primary data : original data collected by researcher to answer a specific question. If primary data is required from staff within your chosen organisation ,then permission from a senior member of staff in that organisation MUST be obtained before you commence-as early as possible!! 2.Information gathering If you need to collect primary data, the design of your research instruments (e.g. questionnaires, interviews) must be supported by relevant academic literature based on methods of research and the topic area. You also need to comment on: • data collection methods –e.g. focus groups, interviews, questionnaires • sample size & outline of sampling strategy • response rates and any problems arising eg nonresponses and their implications • you MUST discuss ethical issues in data collection and how you resolved them 3. Information Gathering Secondary data :data which is available and has been collected by others, which may be relevant to you in answering your research questions; e.g. books, journal articles, press articles , company annual reports. You MUST use relevant academic sources • both to understand issues in the organisation studied, AND • to support analysis /evaluation of information and ensure that research report objectives have been met. 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 others’ work as your own) • demonstrates the breadth /depth of your reading/understanding in the topic area. Use the Harvard Referencing System -see Information Pack for guidance. 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 have been met. Qualities of Excellent Research Reports Specific and achievable report objectives Logical structure underpinned / guided by a clearly explained appropriate overall research approach Systematic approach to information gathering, relevant to the topic ,issues in the organisation studied and report objectives. Analytical / evaluative approach, applying relevant concepts/theories /models etc from accounting /business literature both in the design of the overall research approach AND in an overall evaluation which meets the stated report objectives. Accurate and complete referencing of all information sourcesboth in the text and a list of references. Research Report: Overall Research Approach The structure /framework guiding your research report: • the overall research approach links what you are attempting to find out • the methods you are using to gather the required information • the analysis and evaluation carried out to answer your research questions • conclusions / recommendations which ensure that your research report objectives have been met. Overall Research Approachlinks 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 /business concepts/theories /models to answer research questions /meet report objectives Conclusions /relevant recommendations Planning the Research Report 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 literatureboth in designing overall research approach, and in analysing /evaluating information gathered to meet report objectives Reference your work fully and accurately. RAP: role of the mentor Why do students fail RAP? Poor planning & preparation: poor knowledge/ understanding of guidancesee ACCA website!! – http://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/pdf/bscpack2011_12.pdf – http://www.accaglobal.com/en/student/qualification-resources/bsc/rapdates/resubmission.html Problems 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 /their own strengths and weaknesses/what they have learned from doing their RAP. How might this knowledge of the main causes of failure help you to pass?