Technology Education Key Learning Area
Business, Accounting and Financial Studies
Curriculum and Assessment Guide (Secondary 4-6)
Jointly prepared by the Curriculum Development Council and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority
Recommended for use in schools by the Education Bureau HKSARG
2007 (with updates in November 2015)
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Contents
Page
Preamble i
Acronym iii
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Rationale 2
1.3 Curriculum Aims 3
1.4 Interface with the Junior Secondary Curriculum and Post-secondary Pathways
3
1.5 Cross-curricular Links 4
Chapter 2 Curriculum Framework 5
2.1 Design Principles 5
2.2 Learning Targets 6
2.3 Learning Objectives 6
2.4 Learning Outcomes 7
2.5 Curriculum Structure and Organisation 8
Chapter 3 Curriculum Planning 29
3.1 Guiding Principles 29
3.2 Progression 30
3.3 Curriculum Planning Strategies 31
3.3.1 Catering for learner diversity 31
3.3.2 Promoting life-wide learning 32
3.3.3 Flexible use of learning time 33 3.3.4 Making student learning more meaningful 33 3.3.5 Integrating curriculum planning and learning with
assessment
33 3.3.6 Collaboration with other senior secondary subjects 34 3.3.7 Examples of curriculum planning 35
3.4 Curriculum Management 37
3.4.1 Understanding the curriculum and student needs 37
3.4.2 Roles of curriculum leaders 37
3.4.3 Managing change 38
3.4.4 Resources management 38
3.4.5 Planning for effective progression 38 3.4.6 Capability building and professional development 38
Chapter 4 Learning and Teaching 39
4.1 Knowledge and Learning 39
4.1.1 Views of knowledge 39
4.1.2 Views of learning and teaching 39
4.1.3 Roles of teachers and students 41
4.1.4 Effective pedagogy and teaching for understanding 41
4.2 Guiding Principles 42
4.3 Approaches and Strategies 43
4.3.1 Engaging in the decision-making process 43 4.3.2 Selection of learning and teaching approaches 44 4.3.3 Choosing an appropriate instructional strategy 46
4.3.4 Meaningful assignments 48
4.4 Classroom Interaction 49
4.4.1 Types of classroom interaction 49
4.4.2 Direct instruction complemented with questioning 49
4.4.3 Group activities 50
4.5 Catering for Learner Diversity 50
4.5.1 Students with different learning styles and abilities 50
4.5.2 Gifted students 51
Chapter 5 Assessment 53
5.1 The Roles of Assessment 53
5.2 Formative and Summative Assessment 53
5.3 Assessment Objectives 54
5.4 Internal Assessment 55
5.4.1 Guiding principles 55
5.4.2 Internal assessment practices 57
5.5 Public Assessment 58
5.5.1 Guiding principles 58
5.5.2 Assessment design 59
5.5.3 Public examinations 60
5.5.4 Standards and reporting of results 60
Chapter 6 Learning and Teaching Resources 63
6.1 Purpose and Function of Learning and Teaching Resources 63
6.2 Guiding Principles 63
6.3 Types of Resources 63
6.3.1 Textbooks 64
6.3.4 The Internet and other technologies 65
6.3.5 Community resources 65
6.4 Flexible Use of Learning and Teaching Resources 67
6.5 Resource Management 68
Appendix Examples of Learning Activities 71
Glossary 85
References 89
Membership of the CDC-HKEAA Committee on Business, Accounting and Financial Studies
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Preamble
The Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB, now renamed Education Bureau (EDB)) stated in its report1 in 2005 that the implementation of a three-year senior secondary academic structure would commence at Secondary 4 in September 2009. The senior secondary academic structure is supported by a flexible, coherent and diversified senior secondary curriculum aimed at catering for students’ varied interests, needs and abilities. This Curriculum and Assessment (C&A) Guide is one of the series of documents prepared for the senior secondary curriculum. It is based on the goals of senior secondary education and on other official documents related to the curriculum and assessment reform since 2000, including the Basic Education Curriculum Guide (2002) and the Senior Secondary Curriculum Guide (2009). To gain a full understanding of the connection between education at the senior secondary level and other key stages, and how effective learning, teaching and assessment can be achieved, it is strongly recommended that reference should be made to all related documents.
This C&A Guide is designed to provide the rationale and aims of the subject curriculum, followed by chapters on the curriculum framework, curriculum planning, pedagogy, assessment and use of learning and teaching resources. One key concept underlying the senior secondary curriculum is that curriculum, pedagogy and assessment should be well aligned. While learning and teaching strategies form an integral part of the curriculum and are conducive to promoting learning to learn and whole-person development, assessment should also be recognised not only as a means to gauge performance but also to improve learning. To understand the interplay between these three key components, all chapters in the C&A Guide should be read in a holistic manner.
The C&A Guide was jointly prepared by the Curriculum Development Council (CDC) and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) in 2007. The first updating was made in January 2014 to align with the short-term recommendations made on the senior secondary curriculum and assessment resulting from the New Academic Structure (NAS) review so that students and teachers could benefit at the earliest possible instance.
This updating is made to align with the medium-term recommendations of the NAS review made on curriculum and assessment. The CDC is an advisory body that gives recommendations to the HKSAR Government on all matters relating to curriculum development for the school system from kindergarten to senior secondary level. Its membership includes heads of schools, practising teachers, parents, employers, academics from tertiary institutions, professionals from related fields/bodies, representatives from the HKEAA and the Vocational Training Council (VTC), as well as officers from the EDB. The HKEAA is an independent statutory body responsible for the conduct of public assessment, including the assessment for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). Its governing council includes members drawn from the school sector, tertiary institutions and government bodies, as well as professionals and members of the business community.
The C&A Guide is recommended by the EDB for use in secondary schools. The subject curriculum forms the basis of the assessment designed and administered by the HKEAA. In this connection, the HKEAA will issue a handbook to provide information on the rules and
1 The report is The New Academic Structure for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education – Action Plan for Investing in the Future of Hong Kong.
regulations of the HKDSE Examination as well as the structure and format of public assessment for each subject.
The CDC and HKEAA will keep the subject curriculum under constant review and evaluation in the light of classroom experiences, students’ performance in the public assessment, and the changing needs of students and society. All comments and suggestions on this C&A Guide may be sent to:
Chief Curriculum Development Officer (Technology Education) Curriculum Development Institute
Education Bureau
Room W101, 1/F., West Block
Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre 19 Suffolk Road
Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Fax: 2768 8664
E-mail: teched@edb.gov.hk
Acronym
ApL Applied Learning
C&A Curriculum and Assessment CDC Curriculum Development Council
EDB Education Bureau
EMB Education and Manpower Bureau
HKALE Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination
HKCEE Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination HKDSE Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education
HKEAA Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority HKedCity Hong Kong Education City
HKSAR Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
IT Information Technology
KLA Key Learning Area
OLE Other Learning Experiences P1/2/3/4/5/6 Primary 1/2/3/4/5/6
S1/2/3/4/5/6/7 Secondary 1/2/3/4/5/6/7
SBA School-based Assessment
SLP Student Learning Profile
SSCG Senior Secondary Curriculum Guide VTC Vocational Training Council
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Chapter 1 Introduction
This chapter provides the background, rationale and aims of Business, Accounting and Financial Studies (BAFS) as an elective subject in the three-year senior secondary curriculum, and highlights how it articulates with the junior secondary curriculum, post-secondary education, and future career pathways.
1.1 Background
Technology Education (TE) in the Hong Kong school curriculum focuses on how human beings solve their daily problems and how the processes involved can be replicated and transferred to solve new problems. It is an essential area of study for all students in Hong Kong.
In the 21st century, technology has become an integral part of our life. Citizens of today require much more than a basic ability to read, write, and do simple mathematics. To live in the modern world, we must understand how technology affects us. In this regard, we must be equipped to use technology effectively and flexibly to solve daily problems with positive attitude at home, in the community, and around the world; and to create new solutions, products, and services for the well-being of humankind.
By studying the related subjects developed in TE Key Learning Area, our students will be better prepared to meet the uncertainties and challenges of the future with regard to social, economic, ecological, scientific and technological changes, both locally and globally. Their studies in this area will help them to lead a healthy lifestyle in adulthood and to contribute to building a caring and harmonious society.
Building on the strengths of the existing TE curriculum and catering for social, economic and technological development, Business, Accounting and Financial Studies is one of the five elective subjects developed under Technology Education Key Learning Area in the senior secondary curriculum.
The Senior Secondary Business, Accounting and Financial Studies Curriculum and Assessment Guide incorporates the key recommendations in the Curriculum Development Council’s Senior Secondary Curriculum Guide (CDC, 2009) and Technology Education Key Learning Area Curriculum Guide (Primary 1 – Secondary 3) (CDC, 2002), as well as its final report on the Holistic Review of the School Curriculum: Learning to Learn – The Way Forward in Curriculum Development (CDC, 2001). These three documents outline the overall direction for both education and curriculum development in Hong Kong, and seek to promote lifelong learning and whole-person development.
1.2 Rationale
Response to changing social and economic forces
The main pillars of the Hong Kong economy are financial services, producer services, logistics and tourism. To maintain both our competitive edge and economic sustainability as a service-oriented and knowledge-driven economy, Hong Kong needs a workforce which can transform ideas into high value-added services.
Business is the process of creating value through commerce and production. Business education aims to nurture students’ interest and talent in business by developing in them the necessary knowledge and skills, positive values and attitudes to create value through identifying needs, generating ideas and transforming them into business opportunities.
Capacity for lifelong learning
The school curriculum should equip students with the abilities and attitudes to become independent learners. At senior secondary level, business education develops in students the intellectual breadth and capacity for lifelong learning to cope with the demands of an increasingly complex world.
Qualities of citizenship
Business and financial activities constitute an integral part of our daily lives as we work, consume, save and invest. Besides providing students with knowledge and skills for dealing with business and financial activities in adult life, business education should also aim to promote qualities of citizenship. Students should be given opportunities to develop ethical and responsible behaviour so that they can fulfil their roles effectively as consumers, investors, employees and/or entrepreneurs in adult life. Students are expected to take social and ethical considerations into account in analysing and evaluating business issues. In a fast-changing and knowledge-based local and global economy, they need to possess a variety of intellectual and communication skills, as well as positive values and attitudes, so that they can act competently, confidently, and ethically in both familiar and novel situations. They also have to be conversant with the business environment, so as to make effective decisions, not only as members of the business world, but also as socially responsible citizens.
Accounting as an integral part of business education
In tackling business problems, one needs to draw upon knowledge and skills from different business areas, such as accounting, finance and management. Students need a solid foundation to understand and integrate knowledge and practice from the various areas that play a contributory role. In the business environment, accounting serves as a language of business for both internal and external communication. People use accounting information, together with other business knowledge such as finance, marketing, and human resources, in making business decisions. The business curriculum should, therefore, enable students to acquire a common body of business knowledge, including accounting, to deal with the
1.3 Curriculum Aims
The overall aims of the Business, Accounting and Financial Studies (BAFS) curriculum are:
to provide students at senior secondary level with fundamental business knowledge and skills, and develop their positive values and attitudes, so that they can fulfil their roles competently and confidently as consumers, investors, employees and/or entrepreneurs;
to develop students’ generic skills in research, analysis, leadership, team-building, communication, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving and transfer them to different domains; and
to explore different aspects of business to prepare students for life, for learning and for employment.
1.4 Interface with the Junior Secondary Curriculum and Post-Secondary Pathways
The importance of business and financial services in Hong Kong makes the study of business, accounting and finance important for developing students to become valuable human beings with an entrepreneurial spirit in the future. At junior secondary level, as suggested in the Technology Education Key Learning Area Curriculum Guide (P1–S3) (CDC, 2002) students are expected to be equipped with some of the basic concepts of business and management through selected themes embedded in other TE curricula, and through co-curricular activities which give them some exposure to business.
After completing basic education, students are expected to have developed an interest in knowing more about the business world and be prepared to make informed decisions on their choice of subjects in their senior secondary studies. The study of BAFS at the senior secondary level will provide students with essential business knowledge and skills for higher education/tertiary studies in business and for various careers.
The linkages between the curriculum at the senior secondary level and future studies/careers are shown in the figure below:
Figure 1.1 Post-secondary pathways
Career Development For example :
Accounting ( e.g. auditor , financial controller , chief accountant ) Finance ( e.g. financial analyst , financial planner ) Management ( e.g. chief executive officer , general manager )
Education ( e.g. teachers , academics , educators )
Sub-degrees
( including associate degrees , higher diplomas and diplomas ) e.g. Business Administration ,
Finance , Tourism 4-year Bachelor Degrees
e.g. Business Administration , Accounting , Finance ,
Information Systems
HKDSE ApL
Professional Qualifications e.g. Accounting , Finance , Human Resources Management ,
Marketing , Banking
Core Subjects :
Chinese Language
English Language
Mathematics
Liberal Studies
Elective Subjects :
BAFS , X2 , (X3) , (X4)
Different areas of studies, for example :
Business, Management and Law
Services
Media and Communication
1.5 Cross-curricular Links
The trend towards globalization requires one to possess knowledge and skills across a wide range of disciplines, such as technology, science, languages and humanities, to solve business problems. Through the BAFS curriculum, students can build a solid foundation in business, and by studying the subject in combination with other electives in a complementary way, they can also gain exposure to a range of knowledge and skills. To this end, students may, for example, study BAFS together with Information and Communication Technology in
Chapter 2 Curriculum Framework
The curriculum framework for Business, Accounting and Financial Studies (BAFS) embodies the key knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that students are to develop at senior secondary level. It forms the basis on which schools and teachers can plan their school-based curriculum and design appropriate learning, teaching and assessment activities.
2.1 Design Principles
The design of the BAFS curriculum is based on the learning goals and overarching design principles of the senior secondary curriculum as explained in Booklet 1 of the Senior Secondary Curriculum Guide (CDC, 2009):
Prior knowledge
To provide effective progression from the junior secondary to the senior secondary curriculum, BAFS is based upon the prior knowledge, skills, positive values and attitudes that students will have acquired in basic education.
Balance between breadth and depth
In BAFS, the compulsory part serves as a broad-based foundation for students to gain a holistic picture of business before they choose to extend their studies in specialised modules in the elective part.
Balance between theoretical and applied learning
The BAFS curriculum balances theoretical and applied learning to cater for students’ learning needs, interests and aptitudes. Students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have acquired to solve business problems.
Balance between essential learning and a flexible and diversified curriculum
In the BAFS curriculum, the compulsory part provides students with essential business knowledge and concepts, preparing them to further their studies through the elective part or Applied Learning (ApL) courses.
Learning how to learn and inquiry-based learning
To develop students’ capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning, the BAFS curriculum provides them with a solid foundation in business studies and develops their independent learning and generic skills to meet the rapidly changing business environment.
Progression
In BAFS, students are expected to study the compulsory part to explore their interests first and then progress to their chosen studies.
Smoother articulation to multiple progression pathways
The BAFS curriculum prepares students to pursue further academic and vocational/professional education and training through articulation to a range of post-secondary and university level programmes, or to enter the workplace.
Greater coherence
Cross-curricular elements are incorporated into the BAFS curriculum to strengthen its connections with different subjects.
2.2 Learning Targets
BAFS equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills, positive values and attitudes to contribute to the business sector and society at large. The learning targets of the curriculum are to enable students to:
understand and critically evaluate local and global business issues, not only as members of the business world but also as responsible and effective citizens;
appreciate the pace of change in the business world, so that they become reflective, self-motivated and self-managed lifelong learners, who can act proactively and make informed decisions in an ever-changing environment;
be equipped with an understanding and capability to search for, interpret, analyse and make use of information for business development; and
develop an awareness of and interest in business for planning their academic and career development.
2.3 Learning Objectives
Through the study of the BAFS curriculum, students will be able to develop knowledge and understanding of:
the intertwined relationships of different business areas;
the dynamic environment in which businesses operate, where changes influence planning and decision-making;
the importance of accounting in managing a business;
the functions of management in formulating effective strategies for businesses; and
the importance of managing personal finance.
Students are expected to develop generic skills, in particular, the ability to:
use information technology to locate, select, and organise relevant business information for decision-making;
investigate, analyse, and evaluate business issues from a variety of perspectives;
communicate business information and issues effectively; and
work in a team situation and assume a leadership role.
Students are expected to develop positive values and attitudes so that they may:
behave responsibly in controlling their personal finances.
2.4 Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
apply concepts and knowledge in an integrated manner to attain specified goals for business ventures and solve problems encountered in the business context;
identify opportunities, generate innovative ideas and manage resources for business development;
analyse how management reacts to the dynamic business environment in formulating strategic plans;
evaluate the management efficiency and financial performance of businesses to make personal and/or business financial decisions;
apply the management concepts related to human resource, finance and marketing in business decision-making; and
use accounting information effectively to monitor business performance and suggest means to add value to human and financial resources.
Skills
collect, process and analyse business information necessary for strategic planning and business development;
apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in evaluating business issues and making ethical decisions;
demonstrate effective communication, team-building and interpersonal skills in business projects; and
use basic business application software and apply ICT skills in business projects.
Values and attitudes
be socially responsible and caring, in particular when playing the roles of consumers / employees / entrepreneurs / investors in the business world, and in society at large;
appreciate themselves as valuable human capital and enhance their commitment to society; and
be reflective and self-motivated lifelong learners to meet the demands of the rapidly changing business world.Employees
Entrepreneurs
Investors Consumers
Scenarios:
How to propose business and management strategies in response to rapidly changing business environment
Why accounting is the language of business for communication?
Scenarios:
How to become a smart investor How to evaluate investment and business environments How to assess management efficiency and financial performance of businesses Accounting
Business
Environment Management
Personal Finance
Scenarios:
What is the desirable business environment for entrepreneurship?
What are the financial and business management skills required of entrepreneurs?
How can we use accounting information for monitoring business performance?
Scenarios:
What are the consumer rights and responsibilities?
What areas of business knowledge are required in determining consumption strategies?
How does the business environment affect consumer behaviours?
How do businesses use marketing strategies to affect consumer behaviours?
2.5 Curriculum Structure and Organisation
The BAFS curriculum is built upon a contemporary business curriculum structure planned in line with the fast-changing local and global social and economic circumstances. It draws on a range of business-related disciplines (such as finance, accounting and business management) to highlight their complex interrelationships. The learning elements are interrelated, to mirror the real business world.
It is considered that an integrated understanding of the essential business areas: business environment, accounting, management and personal finance will prepare students well for dealing with their personal financial concerns when they engage in business and financial activities such as consumption, work and investment in adulthood. The emphasis on different roles as consumer, employee, entrepreneur and investor will enhance their understanding of business knowledge as a whole, and enable them to view business-related decisions from different angles.
Figure 2.1 Major roles when engaging in business and financial activities
The curriculum comprises a compulsory and an elective part to strike a balance between
Decision-making
Knowledge and Skills
Values and Attitudes
Multiple Perspectives
Compulsory Part – Holistic View of Business
Business Environment
Basics of Personal Financial Management
Introduction to Accounting
Introduction to Management
Elective Part – In-depth Study in a Focused Area
Accounting Module
Financial Accounting
Cost Accounting
Business Management Module
Financial Management
Human Resources Management
Marketing Management Progression in knowledge and
understanding through:
increasing knowledge of financial statements preparation and financial analysis related to different forms of business ownership, and other important aspects of accounting
ability to apply cost accounting concepts and principles for management decision-making
increasing ability to make use of accounting information together with knowledge acquired in the compulsory part for tackling business problems
Progression in knowledge and understanding through:
increasing understanding of the key management areas
increasing ability to integrate the knowledge and skills developed in the compulsory part and business
management module to analyse business situations from various perspectives
increasing ability to make strategic decisions for enhancing management efficiency and optimising the financial performance of businesses
OR in the elective part whenever appropriate.
Figure 2.2 Curriculum structure
Linkage between the compulsory and elective parts
The compulsory part of the BAFS curriculum covers four main areas, namely: Business Environment, Introduction to Management, Introduction to Accounting and Basics of Personal Financial Management. They provide a threshold, in terms of knowledge and skills, for students’ future studies or careers.
The elective part, which builds upon the knowledge and skills in the compulsory part, provides students with an opportunity to pursue a more in-depth study in a focused area.
Students can choose either Accounting or Business Management, according to their interests and inclinations.
An integrated and contextual approach to organise learning elements in the compulsory and elective parts is recommended. The purpose is to enhance students’ understanding of how to apply principles, concepts, models and skills from interrelated areas of business in authentic / simulated contexts. The individual learning elements can be introduced in a flexible manner by linking, elaborating or re-examining them in greater depth in topics in both the compulsory and elective parts through case studies of different business entities.
Fine-tuning and updating the curriculum
The New Academic Structure (NAS) review was conducted in 2012 after the completion of first cohort of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. The BAFS curriculum was reviewed and recommendations including trimming of curriculum contents were announced for bettering student learning. The learning elements, topics and explanatory notes presented in this section have been updated in line with the trimmed curriculum..
Figure 2.3 Overview of the learning elements of the curriculum framework
COMPULSORY PART
Business Environment
Hong Kong Business Environment
Forms of Business Ownership
Business Ethics and Social responsibilities
Introduction to Management
Management Functions
Key Business Functions
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Purposes and Role of Accounting
The Accounting Cycle
Uses of Financial Statements
Accounting
Assumptions, Principles and Conventions
Basic Ratio Analysis
Introduction to Accounting
Time Value of Money
Consumer Credit
Personal Financial Planning and Investment
Stock Trading as an Investment
Basics of Personal Financial Management
ELECTIVE PART
Books of Original Entry and Types of Ledgers
Period-end
Adjustments Relating to the Preparation of Financial Statements
Financial Reporting for Different Forms of Business Ownership
Control System
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Financial Analysis
Incomplete Records
Cost Classification, Concepts and Terminology
Marginal and Absorption Costing
Cost Accounting for Decision-making
Financial Analysis
Budgeting
Sources of Financing
Capital Investment Appraisal
Working Capital Management
Risk Management
Functions of Human Resources
Management
Development of a Quality Workforce
Role of Marketing
Marketing Research
Customer Behaviour
Marketing Strategies for Goods and Services
Marketing Management
Accounting Module Business Management Module
OR
Human Resources Management Financial
Management Financial
Accounting Cost Accounting
The Compulsory Part
Topics Explanatory Notes
1(a) Business Environment
Hong Kong Business Environment
- Describe the role and importance of business in the Hong Kong economy.
- Analyse the recent developments and characteristics of the Hong Kong economy.
- Evaluate how economic, technological, cultural, physical, social, political and legal factors affect business decisions.
Forms of Business Ownership - Distinguish between the major forms of business ownership: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited company, joint venture, franchise and public enterprise.
- Evaluate the pros and cons of the different forms of business ownership.
- Describe the characteristics of multinational corporations in Hong Kong.
Business Ethics and Social Responsibilities
- Explain why and how a business should be ethically responsible to various stakeholders.
- Describe how business ethics and social responsibilities affect business
decisions.
1(b) Introduction to Management
Management Functions - Explain the importance of management.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of
The Compulsory Part
Topics Explanatory Notes
leading and controlling.
- Apply the following principles of effective management: division of work, unity of command, unity of direction, authority and responsibility, and management by objectives.
Key Business Functions - Describe the role and importance of the following key business functions:
human resources management, financial management, operations management, marketing management, information management and risk management.
- Explain the interrelationship and integrated nature of different business functions in solving business problems.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Describe the characteristics of SMEs.
- Explain the importance of SMEs to the Hong Kong economy.
- Explain the importance of entrepreneurship in business development.
1(c) Introduction to Accounting
Purposes and Role of Accounting - Explain the importance of accounting and its relevance to decision-making.
- Describe the functions of accounting.
- Describe the flow of the accounting cycle.
The Compulsory Part
Topics Explanatory Notes
The Accounting Cycle
Double entry system- Explain the accounting equation and demonstrate how transactions affect it.
- Apply the principles of double entry to the recording of business transactions in ledger.
Trial balance - Explain the functions and limitations of a trial balance.
- Balance off the accounts and prepare a trial balance.
Financial statements - Prepare income statement and
statement of financial position for sole proprietorships.
Uses of Financial Statements - Explain how information in financial statements can assist decision-making.
- Explain the uses and limitations of financial statements.
Accounting Assumptions, Principles and Conventions
- Explain the meaning of the following:
business entity, going concern,
historical cost, consistency and accrual.
Basic Ratio Analysis - State the general functions of accounting ratios.
- Calculate and interpret the following ratios: working capital/current ratio, quick/liquid/acid test ratio, gross profit ratio, net profit ratio and return on capital employed.
- Evaluate the liquidity and profitability
1(d) Basics of Personal Financial Management
Time Value of Money - Explain the concepts of compounding, discounting, present value and future value.
- Apply the concepts of present value and future value to compute net present value.
- Distinguish between nominal and effective rate of return.
Consumer Credit - Compare different types of consumer credit.
- Explain the importance of maintaining a good personal credit record.
Personal Financial Planning and Investment
- Identify the basic characteristics and the relationship between risk and return of the following investments:
savings/term deposits,
bonds/debentures and stocks.
- Explain the importance of personal financial planning at different life stages.
- Describe the rights and responsibilities of employees and self-employed persons under Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme.
- Describe the rights and responsibilities of individual investors and consumers of financial services.
Stock Trading as an Investment - Explain the factors affecting share prices.
- Describe the platforms of stock trading in Hong Kong: Main Board and Growth
The Compulsory Part
Topics Explanatory Notes
Enterprise Market (GEM).
- Describe the importance of Hang Seng Index (HSI).
The Elective Part – Accounting Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
2(a) Financial Accounting
Books of Original Entry and Types of Ledgers
- Explain the functions of books of original entry and ledgers.
- Record transactions in books of original entry and post to ledger accounts.
- Identify the major types of ledgers.
Period-end Adjustments Relating to the Preparation of Financial Statements
- Differentiate between cash accounting and accrual accounting.
- Distinguish between bad debts and allowance for doubtful accounts.
- State the meaning and objectives of providing depreciation in accounting.
- Distinguish between capital and revenue expenditures.
- Compare the commonly used methods of depreciation: straight-line,
reducing-balance and depreciation based on usage; and explain the effect of depreciation charge (including disposal) on profits.
- Apply the following to determine the value of inventory:
(i) lower of cost and net realisable value (ii) sale or return
(iii) weighted average cost
- Prepare adjusting entries at the close of accounting period and show their effect on income statement and statement of financial position.
The Elective Part – Accounting Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
Financial Reporting for Different Forms of Business Ownership
Financial statements - Prepare income statement and statement of financial position for sole
proprietorship, partnership and limited company.
Accounting for partnership - Prepare appropriation account and current accounts for partnership.
- Define goodwill and explain the factors affecting its valuation.
- Prepare the necessary adjustments to capital and/or net assets arising from changes in profit-sharing ratio, admission and retirement of partner(s) at the
beginning or end of a financial period.
- Prepare the necessary accounting entries required in dissolution.
Accounting for limited company
- Explain the nature of share capital (preference shares and ordinary shares), loan capital (debentures), reserve and provision.
- Prepare journal and ledger entries relating to the issue of ordinary shares and debentures fully paid on application.
- Prepare appropriation account and calculate the balance of retained profits for limited company.
The Elective Part – Accounting Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
Control System
Bank reconciliation statement
- Explain the functions of a bank reconciliation statement.
- Identify reasons for discrepancies between cash book and bank statement balances and prepare a bank
reconciliation statement.
Correction of errors - Identify the types of accounting errors and their effects on accounting records.
- Prepare correcting entries and, where appropriate, a suspense account.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- Explain the meaning, importance and shortcomings of the following principles and conventions: business entity, going concern, historical cost, consistency, accrual, matching, realisation, prudence, materiality, objectivity, timeliness and money measurement.
- Apply the relevant accounting principles and conventions in accounting situations.
Financial Analysis - Calculate ratios and comment on a company’s profitability, liquidity, solvency, management efficiency and return on investment: mark-up, inventory turnover, average trade receivables collection period, average trade payables repayment period, trade receivables turnover, trade payables turnover, earnings per share, total assets turnover, gearing ratio, dividend cover and price-earnings ratio.
The Elective Part – Accounting Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
- Explain the functions and limitations of accounting ratios in financial analysis.
Incomplete Records - Determine profits or losses from statement of affairs.
- Calculate the cash and inventory value from incomplete record.
- Prepare income statement and statement of financial position from incomplete records.
2(b) Cost Accounting
Cost Classification, Concepts and Terminology
- Explain the general nature of cost accounting and its importance for financial decision-making.
- Distinguish between direct and indirect costs, fixed and variable costs, and factory and administrative overheads.
Marginal and Absorption Costing
- Prepare income statement under marginal and absorption costing.
- Compare the advantages and
disadvantages of adopting marginal and absorption costing.
The Elective Part – Accounting Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
Cost Accounting for Decision-making
- Identify the nature of various cost items and their relevance to decision-making:
sunk costs, incremental costs and opportunity costs.
- Apply costing concepts and techniques in business decisions e.g. ‘hire, make or buy’, ‘accept or reject an order at a special price’, ‘retain or replace
equipment’, ‘sell or process further’, and
‘eliminate or retain an unprofitable segment’.
- Conduct cost-volume-profit analysis to assess the effects of changes in costs, selling price and units sold on the breakeven point and target profit.
The Elective Part – Business Management Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
3(a) Financial Management
Financial Analysis - Explain the role of financial management in running an organisation.
- Assess business performance from a range of accounting ratios in terms of profitability, liquidity, solvency and management efficiency.
Budgeting - Explain the purposes of budgeting.
- Describe the usefulness and limitations of budgetary control.
- Identify the causes of budgeting variance and propose remedial action.
Sources of Financing - Compare different sources of financing:
debt and equity financing, short-term and long-term financing, and internal and external financing.
- Apply the basic principles for selecting financing methods.
Capital Investment Appraisal - Evaluate financial and non-financial factors affecting capital investment decisions.
- Apply the basic capital investment appraisal methods to evaluate capital projects: payback period, net present value (NPV) , internal rate of return (IRR) and accounting rate of return (ARR).
- Compare the usefulness and limitations of
The Elective Part – Business Management Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
Working Capital Management - Explain the importance of working capital management.
- Describe the basic principles of cash management and the relevance of cash budgeting.
- Analyse the factors affecting the formulation of accounts receivable and accounts payable policies.
- Explain the objectives of inventory management and apply simple inventory control techniques: Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and re-order level methods.
Risk Management - Identify different types of risk faced by business firms and analyse their impact on business activities.
- Demonstrate an understanding of various types of insurance protection available to business.
- Explain the following risk management strategies: risk avoidance, risk
assumption, risk reduction and risk transfer.
3(b) Human Resources Management
Functions of Human Resources Management
Manpower planning - Explain the importance of manpower planning for an organisation.
- Describe the manpower planning process.
The Elective Part – Business Management Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
Staffing - Describe the recruitment process.
- Compare different methods of recruitment.
Performance appraisal - Describe the objectives of performance appraisal.
- Describe the basic steps in performance appraisal.
Reward management - Describe the characteristics and advantages of monetary and non-monetary rewards.
- Compare different forms of compensation.
- Explain the purposes of benefits.
Training and development - Explain the objectives of training and development.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different modes of training.
Development of a Quality Workforce
- Apply the following motivation theories to enhance staff efficiency and reduce absenteeism:
(i) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory
(ii) Herzberg’s Dual-factor Theory (iii) McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y - Suggest appropriate internal
communication programmes to enhance employee relations.
The Elective Part – Business Management Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
Role of Marketing - Explain the marketing concept.
- Discuss the importance of marketing as a business function.
- Describe the planning, organising, implementing and controlling of marketing activities.
- Discuss the objectives, strategies and resources of the marketing process.
Marketing Research - Explain the importance and major objectives of marketing research.
- Apply basic principles for designing marketing research: data collection methods and sampling techniques.
Customer Behaviour - Describe the customer decision-making process.
- Analyse the factors which affect customer decisions.
- Identify the major business customers:
producers, resellers, governments and institutions.
- Distinguish between business and consumer markets.
Marketing Strategies for Goods and Services
Target markets - Explain different types of market segmentation methods.
- Explain the factors affecting the determination of target market: market niche and positioning.
The Elective Part – Business Management Module
Topics Explanatory Notes
Marketing mix - Explain the concept of marketing mix.
- Illustrate different pricing, promotion, product and place strategies for goods.
- Apply various marketing mix strategies to different stages of the product life cycle.
- Explain the characteristics of services and their effect on marketing mix design.
- Compare the differences between traditional marketing strategies and e-marketing strategies.
Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Explain the importance of CRM to the marketing process.
- Evaluate the factors affecting customer loyalty and develop marketing strategies to enhance customer loyalty.
Time Allocation
The suggested time allocation for the various topics is a rough indication intended for teachers’ reference only. The sequencing and percentage of time given to each topic do not imply a hierarchical order of relative importance. For effective learning and teaching, teachers are encouraged to employ cases or themes to integrate learning elements from related topics in the curriculum. The actual time allocated may be used flexibly according to students’ abilities and teachers’ approaches and strategies.
Topics Suggested percentage
of lesson time (%) (For 2016 HKDSE &
onwards) Compulsory Part
Business Environment
Introduction to Management
Introduction to Accounting
Basics of Personal Financial Management
8 9 15
8 Sub-total about 40%
Elective Part (Students select ONE module) Accounting Module
Financial Accounting
Cost Accounting
45 15 Sub-total about 60%
Business Management Module
Financial Management
Human Resources Management
Marketing Management
20 16 24 Sub-total about 60%
Total
(Assumption: Total lesson time = 250 hours)2 100%
2 The lesson time for Liberal Studies and each elective subject is 250 hours (or 10% of the total allocation time) for planning purpose, and schools have the flexibility to allocate lesson time at their discretion in order to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness and cater for students’ needs.
“250 hours” is the planning parameter for each elective subject to meet local curriculum needs as well as requirements of international benchmarking. In view of the need to cater for schools with students of various abilities and interests, particularly the lower achievers, “270 hours” was recommended to facilitate schools’ planning at the initial stage and to provide more time for teachers to attempt various teaching methods for the SS curriculum. Based on the calculation of each elective subject taking up 10% of the total allocation time, 2,500 hours is the basis for planning the 3-year senior secondary curriculum. This concurs with the reality check and feedback collected from schools in the short-term review, and a flexible range of 2400±200 hours is recommended to further cater for school and learner diversity.
As always, the amount of time spent in learning and teaching is governed by a variety of factors, including whole-school curriculum planning, learners’ abilities and needs, students’ prior knowledge, teaching and assessment strategies, teaching styles and the number of subjects offered. Schools should exercise professional judgment and flexibility over time allocation to achieve specific curriculum aims and objectives as well as to suit students' specific needs and the school context.
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Chapter 3 Curriculum Planning
This chapter provides guidelines to help schools and teachers to develop a flexible and balanced curriculum that suits the needs, interests and abilities of their students, and the context of their school, in accordance with the central framework provided in Chapter 2.
3.1 Guiding Principles
It is of the utmost importance that school management, BAFS panel chairpersons and the teachers concerned to discuss, plan, and collaborate in designing and implementing the BAFS curriculum to facilitate student learning, cultivates their generic skills, positive values and attitudes with reference to the following principles:
Alignment for a broad and balanced whole-school curriculum
The provision of a wide range of elective subjects in the senior secondary curriculum aims to widen the knowledge base for student selection and to provide opportunities for in-depth study of individual subjects in preparation for students’ further studies and careers. To achieve the overall goals of senior secondary education as stipulated in the Senior Secondary Curriculum Guide (CDC, 2009), schools should design and develop a broad and balanced school-based curriculum by offering elective subjects from various Key Learning Areas, including the Technology Education Key Learning Area, to complement or supplement student learning as a whole. In other words, the traditional way of grouping subjects in a specific stream (e.g. science / arts / business only) can be replaced by a mixture of elective subjects from various KLAs together with BAFS to widen student choice and whole-person development. In addition, the offering of related Applied Learning (ApL) courses may be considered to cater for diverse student learning abilities and interests. Schools may also consider collaborating with other schools to form networked classes for effective implementation.
Meeting student needs and developing their full potential
For effective planning of the BAFS curriculum and to achieve the curriculum aims, learning targets, learning objectives and learning outcomes specified in Chapter 2, the following questions can be considered:
How can the curriculum be organised to achieve the aims, learning targets, learning objectives and broad learning outcomes? (Refer to Sections 1.3, 2.2– 2.4.)
How can the curriculum be organised to cater for the different learning needs of students? (Refer to Sections 3.3 and 3.4.)
How can the curriculum be organised to facilitate students’ decisions on progression in their studies? (Refer to Section 3.2.)
How can ‘assessment for learning’ be promoted? (Refer to Chapter 5.)
Maximising available human and other resources
The school management and BAFS panel chairpersons must be flexible in deploying appropriate teaching and administrative staff, time-tabling, and the use of school facilities and equipment, to provide the necessary professional and logistic support for carrying out various BAFS-related student learning activities outside the classroom. Alternatively, such activities can be incorporated in school or community events as enrichment for students’ other learning experiences.
3.2 Progression
The BAFS curriculum expects students to study the compulsory part before they proceed to more in-depth study in their chosen elective module. Schools may employ different ways of organising the three-year BAFS curriculum to provide more room for student learning and use the learning time effectively.
As students are promoted from junior to senior secondary education, it is essential for them to make informed decisions about their studies, in line with their inclinations, learning styles, abilities and interests. Schools may utilise a flexible curriculum framework to enable students to explore their preferences among the various elective subjects in S4. This will help them to gather more information before progressing to S5–6. The compulsory part of BAFS provides students with a macro view of business. Students may either apply their acquired knowledge and skills, positive values and attitudes through further studies in the elective part of the curriculum or transfer to other subjects, as illustrated in the following figure.
Figure 3.1 Progression for BAFS S4
Exploring different inclinations
Elective Subject X
(e.g. ICT, DAT) + BAFS
(Compulsory Part) + Elective Subject Y (e.g. ICT, DAT)
making informed decisions about further
studies S5 and S6
Engaging in different areas of interest
Option 1 BAFS (Elective Part)
+
other elective subject(s) or
Option 2 BAFS (Elective Part)
+
Business related ApL course(s)
or
Option 3 Business related
ApL course(s) + other elective
subject(s)
Other options
After completing the compulsory part of BAFS, students will need to select either the
“Accounting” or the “Business Management” module in the elective part. To help them to make decisions about their further studies, schools may conduct an induction programme to explore their interests. For instance, an induction programme for the elective part could include activities such as sample lessons, guest lectures or visits related to the “Accounting”
and “Business Management” modules, as indicated below.
Figure 3.2 Examples of induction programme
Activities Accounting Module Business Management Module
Overview of the Elective Part
Overview of the Accounting Module
Overview of the Business Management Module
Sample lessons Suggested topics in
Financial Accounting and/or Cost Accounting
Suggested topics in Financial Management, Marketing Management, and/or Human Resources Management
Guest lectures
A professional accountant from a business enterprise e.g. financial controller, chief
accountant
An entrepreneur or Chief Executive Officer from the business sector
Extra-curricular activities Visits to financial institutions or corporations Focus: accounting, human resources, marketing, etc.
3.3 Curriculum Planning Strategies
Students vary in many respects, and so do teachers and schools. In planning the BAFS curriculum, implementation strategies may be based on students’ ability, teachers’ expertise, the availability of school facilities and resources, and the time-tabling patterns in schools. The following suggestions provide ideas as to how schools may plan the curriculum to cater for students with different abilities and interests, to integrate learning with life-wide learning experiences and assessment, and to make student learning more meaningful.
3.3.1 Catering for learner diversity
Students differ in their abilities, inclinations, interests, motivation and learning styles.
Guidance should be provided to help students explore their inclinations and develop their potential to the full. BAFS includes two modules: “Accounting” and “Business Management” in the elective part to cater for such student differences. Schools are encouraged to offer both elective modules, from which students may choose one. In addition, schools may design a range of learning activities outside class hours to fulfil students’
different learning needs.
Example
Schools can be flexible in designing learning and teaching activities. The following example illustrates how a school might arrange different activities for two groups of students. The first group of students is more inclined to self-directed learning, while the second group prefers interactive activities. In addition to the regular lesson time, each group will have additional learning activities based on their learning styles to enhance their learning in BAFS.
Group A Group B
e.g. simulated business competitions, independent reading, challenging learning tasks
e.g. guidance tutorials, role-plays, debates,
visits, seminars
3.3.2 Promoting life-wide learning
Schools may arrange their time-tables in a way that involves student participation in life-wide learning activities in authentic contexts. As the learning activities may take half a day or longer, schools may consider allocating a long session on a weekly basis for activities such as visits to firms or business talks. Such an arrangement will give teachers flexibility in planning and arranging life-wide learning or extended activities for their students.
Example
To support student learning with life-wide learning experiences, teachers may organise the following activities during their weekly long sessions:
a visit to a flea market to enrich students’ understanding of entrepreneurship;
participation in business competitions or events;
visits to different banks or financial institutions and collecting information on various financial products and services; and
attending tradeshows or exhibitions.