Course Syllabus
Contact Information
ACCT-5353_Syllabus-Spring 2025_201.pdf
Course Details
Course Purpose
This course integrates the financial accounting knowledge you gained from previous classes, including basic ratio analyses using financial statements, and teaches you how to use financial information to conduct various analyses in evaluating a firm. We will focus on using financial reports from real publicly traded companies. As generative AI is a current trend, this course will require you to use AI (e.g. ChatGPT) to gather data and conduct analyses. However, using AI is not allowed for mid-term and final exams. After completing the course, you will be able to analyze and evaluate a real-world company, you will also have a good idea about a specific industry that we cover. The knowledge you learn will be helpful for whatever jobs you choose; it should also help your investment decisions. In addition, you will be able to apply generative AI efficiently for your work.
Course Objectives
The activities, content, and assignments in this course will help you be able to do the following:
- Read, interpret, and explain financial statements of for-profit entities.
- Compute and interpret financial ratios and other metrics to gauge firm performance.
- Differentiate between accounting methods and restate financial statements to adjust for differences in accounting.
- Conduct and interpret profitability analysis and compare performance across companies.
- Analyze and interpret a company's credit risk.
- Forecast a company's financial statements under simple assumptions.
- Conduct basic valuation analysis for a public company.
- Use generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT and related) effectively and efficiently.
Course Prerequisites
Undergraduate accounting degree or equivalent.
Course Materials
- The text is available in both hard copy and electronic format. The web link to purchase a hard copy of the book directly from the publisher is: https://cambridgepub.com/book/financial-statement-analysis-valuation-7e#purchase
- You may choose to use a used edition of the text. However, if you do so you still need to purchase access to the 6th edition of MyBusinessCourse (MBC) online activities. This will include the MBC homework as well as required videos and review problems.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing Analysis Project (OAP) | 200 | 20% |
| Homework - Case Study |
120 (20 each) |
12% |
| Presentation - Homework |
90 (18 each) |
9% |
| Participation | 90 (15 each) | 9% |
| Mid-Term Exam | 250 | 25% |
| Final Exam | 250 | 25% |
| Total | 1000 | 100% |
Scale
In assigning grades, I consider the overall class performance in determining the final grade cut-offs. However, the following are minimum cut-offs to earn the grades indicated:
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Format
The course is divided into 7 weeks. Considering the intensive schedule of the course, the course will be delivered in a self-study-lecturing-practice format. Students will be assigned a “Prerequisite Review (Homework Week 0)” homework focusing on basic financial analyses, this homework is due on the Friday before the Week 2 class. During the first two classes, we will focus on advance methods in conducting ratio analyses based on information from the financial statements. We will also learn about forecasting methods. During the second three classes, we will conduct deeper analyses including valuation and examining footnote disclosures. The last week is reserved for review, preparing for the final exam, and final Ongoing Analysis Project (OAP) report. To prepare for this class, I summarize what you need to do below:
Prerequisite Review (Week 0)
You need to review key concepts, such as financial ratio calculations, that you have learned previously. To assist with your review, you must complete the "Homework Week 0" and submit it through Canvas no later than the Friday before Week 2 class. This initial assignment is designed as a simple review of the basic ratio analysis of a selected public company. Additionally, AI applications are integrated into your Week 0 homework with detailed step-by-step guidance.
- Major AIs and Purpose:
1. ChatGPT: Quickly interprets textual data in financial reports.
2. FinChat: Accurately calculates financial ratios.
This integration streamlines data analysis, bridging theoretical concepts with practical application.
Group Formation (Week 1)
The group is already formed before the class, you can find the group information in OAP Group List under “Start Here” section in Canvas. Each group will turn in a group financial statement analysis project (Ongoing Analysis Project: OAP) at the end of the semester. Throughout the semester, you are expected to work together for your homework presentation and OAP report.
Homework Upload (Week 2 and on)
Starting the second week, you will be expected to submit homework before each class session. Most homework assignments will be linked to your Ongoing Analysis Project (OAP). In these tasks, you will work with a selected public company (the same as the Week 0 assignment) to calculate advanced financial ratios and address company specific questions. The majority of the homework questions will be based on materials covered in the preceding week. Furthermore, every homework assignment integrates the application of Artificial Intelligence. Step-by-step guidance will be provided to help you effectively apply AI tools in your analyses. The deadline for your homework is 11:59 am on the day of the next class. Please note that if you submit your homework after the deadline, 1 point will be deducted, and an additional 1 point will be deducted for every additional 2 hours late. The homework solution will be posted on Wednesday at 1:00 pm.
Homework Presentation (Week 2 and on)
Starting in the second week, students are expected to present how to apply Artificial Intelligence to related homework questions in class. There are five function areas of AI application in your homework (1. Data Extraction, 2. Computation & Modeling, 3. Analysis & Visualization, 4. Comprehension & Interpretation, 5. Results Comparison & Validation). Each week, we will assign one functional area to each group. Groups will take turns presenting different functional areas in different weeks. Within each group, one student (or a volunteer) will be responsible for delivering the presentation. Each group will have 5 minutes to present. However, all group members are expected to participate and assist in answering questions during the presentation. Every student must present at least once before the course concludes. You need to upload your presentation slides in Presentation of Homework section of Canvas no later than the beginning of each class.
In-Class Exercise (Week 1 and on)
Each week, we will conduct in-class exercises. We will primarily work on selected homework questions each week and provide additional exercise questions for practice. All exercise questions (mainly on previous week’s materials) will be conducted on the MyBusinessCourse platform. Please note that your participation score also depends on your performance in these in-class exercises.
Online Tutorial Session (Selected Week)
An online tutorial session is normally conducted on Thursdays from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM by TA to help answer questions that you have from the lecture and the homework. We will notify the event in advance. The session is not mandatory to attend, but it is informative. For example, it will be helpful for those who do not know how to download and extract information in a company’s 10K and conference call (The Zoom Link is provided in the first page). The session will be recorded. The TA will also share examples of reports and offer guidance on report writing and the use of worksheets.
Ongoing Analysis Project (OAP) (Week 1 and on, due on Week 7)
The Ongoing Analysis Project (OAP) is a group project focused on a company chosen by your group from the list I provided. You are expected to work on it every week. The final group OAP report is due after Week 6 class (i.e., during Week 7). For the OAP report, you will assume the role of a professional consultant, analyzing the company’s background, industry landscape, competitive position, risks, financial performance, and valuation. Since the questions are similar to the homework questions, you can use either the Homework template or the OAP template we provided to work on the OAP questions. A detailed grading rubric will be available on Canvas, and an example report will also be provided for reference. The use of AI tools is encouraged in your OAP report. Since this project spans a long period, I will ask your progress report periodically. You are required to submit an OAP progress report indicating your group's progress and key findings during the regular class in Week 5. The due date for the final completed OAP report is after the last day of week 7 class.
Exams
There will be two exams, mid-term exam will be conducted in class during regular class time. Please note that Week 0 materials will also be covered in the Midterm Exam. Final exam will be conducted outside of the class. If the assigned time does not fit your
schedule, please let the TAs and the instructor know in advance. If the reason you provide is acceptable, we will arrange a different time for you. The scheduled dates for midterm and final exams:
-
- Mid-term Exam: The mid-term exam is conducted in class during the regular class time in Week 4. Exam covers materials from Week 0 to Week 2.
- Final Exam: May 2nd-8th: The exam system opens at 13:00 pm May 2nd and due at 11:59 pm Friday, May 8th.
Practice Question Bank
For your review and exam preparation, we provide a weekly practice question bank. While you do not need to submit these exercises each week, working through them will both reinforce your understanding of each chapter and help you succeed on the mid-term and final exams. The practice question bank includes two sections: one for exercise questions and another for quiz questions, both of which can be found on Canvas in the "Resource" section in each week. You will be asked to answer some questions in the next class.
Resources-Learning Materials
We provide supplementary learning materials, including a Study Guide (textbook summary) and Summary of Module. If you need more materials, we also provide Excel Review Questions with solution and Textbook Slides. Study Guide provides a comprehensive summary of all the key points covered in your course textbook. It highlights essential concepts, definitions, and explanations, ensuring you grasp the fundamental ideas required for your studies. Summary of Module consolidates the major frameworks presented in each chapter, helping you understand the overarching structure of each chapter. All course materials can be found in the Resource section of Canvas.
Self and Peer Evaluation
At the end of week 7, you are required to complete two evaluation forms: a self-evaluation form and a peer evaluation form. The peer evaluation uses a rating scale from 1 to 5, along with a supplementary comment box, to assess your contribution to the group project (OAP report). Additionally, you must complete a self-evaluation form using a 1 to 5 rating scale. This form includes a self-reflection on what you have learned in this course, as well as a participation assessment of your work on homework and the OAP report. The due date is May 4th (11:59 pm).
Cheat Sheet Policy
For mid-term exam, you are allowed to bring a one-sided, handwritten A4 cheat sheet (8.27 inches × 11.69 inches). However, you can still bring a course file named by “Summary of Module” (provided in Resource section in Canvas) to the midterm exam with cheat sheet. Please note you are not allowed to put additional notes on the Summary of Module sheet. The cheat sheet must be prepared by you and should not include any printed, photocopied, or digitally produced content. It may contain formulas, key concepts, summaries, or other relevant information to assist you during the exam. However, the use of additional notes, textbooks, electronic devices, or other reference materials is strictly prohibited.
Attendance and Participation
You will get the most out of this class if you actively engage with the course content, your fellow classmates, your TAs, and your instructor. There are various ways you can earn participation points:
- Engage in Live Sessions.
- In-Person Class: Sign the class attendance sheet
- In-Person Class: Put up your Name Stand (remember to return your Name Stand to TAs after class)
- Online Class: Turn on your camera, keep it on throughout the entire class.
- In-class excise submission.
- Self and Peer Evaluation (evaluating group members), due at the end of week8. Each group member’s contribution to the OAP project is counted toward your participation grade. Additionally, you are also required to complete a self evaluation form.
- Earning points when you miss a class. If your work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, you need to notify your TAs and your instructor with a reason. You can make up your participation in the following
way:- You need to write a one-page summary of key takeaways from that week’s materials and also finish the in-class exercise you missed. You need to email your report to the instructor and the TAs. The deadline is midnight (11:59 pm) of the Sunday before the next class. Do not worry if the system indicates that your submission is late; I can adjust that manually.
Course Policies
Communication Plan
- If you have general questions about assignments, class logistics, due dates, etc., please post a question in the HELP BOARD in the “Start Here” You can post questions about the course here throughout the semester.
- Go to Start Here: click on Course Overview to view the video and understand the course roadmap.
- If you have a personal question (grades, feedback, requests for special accommodation, etc.) please send TAs and me a private message via email. In the subject line, write “ACCT 5353 - Section Number" before your subject. For example, if you have a question about a grade, your email subject would read “ACCT 5353 Section Number – grade inquiry”. It would be helpful if you could send a screenshot of the issue. Please note that TAs and I will not respond to your email if you do not use the correct subject title. Please also note that if you send your inquiry to my email, you are likely to get a response from me within a few hours. If you send me an email using the Canvas course website, I may not be able to respond to your email within a day.
- If you have questions regarding your account at myBusinessCourse, please go to "My Tickets" which can be found in a dropdown box below your name at the top right-hand side of the screen. You can fill out a request for customer support here: mbcsupport@cambridgepub.com
- If you have general tech questions, please contact OU IT at needhelp@ou.edu.
- All emails sent by your professors will be sent to the email registered in your name at the University of Oklahoma.
- If you wish to also receive course emails at another email address, go to your profile in Canvas and you can add 1 or more alternate emails to your account.
Late Policy
Except in extremely rare circumstances (e.g., documented proof of hospitalization etc.) and except as noted below with respect to alternatives to joining a Live Session, no late submissions will be accepted.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
The overall goal of this course is your learning. In order to demonstrate that you have reached this goal, the work you turn in needs to be your own. This includes putting written work into your own words and citing your sources, as appropriate to avoid plagiarism. If you work in a group, seek assistance from a tutor, use a resource on campus, and/or use online resources (including AI software), the work you turn in must be your own, demonstrating your own understanding of the material that you have gained through the learning process.
If you have questions about academic integrity or plagiarism, please ask: my aim is to foster an environment where you can learn and grow, while also maintaining academic honesty and a clear representation of your learning and ideas. Penalties for serious offenses include a zero on the assignment and egregious offenses can even result in expulsion from the university, so it is important to understand expectations. Visit the OU Integrity Office for more information on what constitutes plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University of Oklahoma Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
OU Fire Safety on Campus Video
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|