An article published sometime back but still relevant for those considering the BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting Degree Program by offered by Oxford Brookes in partnership with ACCA:
Industry Sectors for P37 & 38 Submissions
Industry sectors applicable for Topic 8 & 15, pertaining to Period 37 (Nov 2018) and Period 38 (May 2019), was released on 1 Jun 2018. While this provides sufficient time for students to conduct the research and analysis, choosing an organisation within the applicable industry sector has been a challenging task for many. It should also be noted that an organisation chosen out of the specified industry sector might result in the RAP not being marked or failed.
In addressing the above, this guidance note endeavours to provide clarification on the applicable industry sectors and pointers on the choosing an organisation with in the applicable industry sector.
1. Industry Sectors in scope:
In order to understand the industry sectors under scope, it is important to be clear on the sectors not within scope or covered by an Industry Classification Benchmark (“ICB”) Code specified for the submission periods.
Below clarifies the industries scoped in and highlights the related industry sectors and the ICB codes, that should be avoided given they are not scoped in.
1770 Mining - subsectors 1771, 1773, 1775, 1777 and 1779.
In scope:
Exploration, extraction or refining of Coal, Diamonds, Gemstones, Gold and general mining companies in relation to Minerals not defined elsewhere in the mining sector.
4533 Health Care Providers
In scope:
Owners and operators of health maintenance organizations, hospitals, clinics, dentists, opticians, nursing homes, rehabilitation and retirement centres.
Out of scope:
Owners and operators Veterinary services - 5377
Manufacturers and distributors of medical devices, supplies, drugs and vaccine -4535, 4537, 4577
Companies engaged in research and development of biological substances - 4573
2730 Electronic & Electrical Equipment - subsectors 2733 and 2737.
In scope:
Makers and distributors of electrical parts for finished products and electronic products used in different industries. Such as printed circuit boards for radios, televisions, cables, wires, ceramics, transistors, electric adapters, security cameras, lasers, smart cards, bar scanners, fingerprinting equipment and other electronic factory equipment and consumer electronics.
Out of scope:
Manufacturers and distributors of computer hardware, electronic office equipment, telecommunications equipment and semiconductors – 9572, 9574, 9578, 9576
2. How to determine the ICB code of an organisation?
It is often noted organisations involve in various activities, which covers multiple industry sectors. In choosing an organisation for the Topics 8 / 15, students have to consider the principle activity of the organisation and ensure that is within the applicable industry sector. The following pointers would help in this process:
Ø Notes to the financial statements that details the principle activities
Ø Segment report that would help to understand the key product segments
Ø Reports from the stock exchange that classifies the organisation in to specific sectors
Ø Research reports that benchmark the organisation’s performance against sector specific indices
3. Applicability:
The mentioned industry sectors are applicable for the first time submission during Period 37 & 38.
The industry sectors would also be applicable for resubmission of the Research Report in the below circumstances:
Ø Change in the organisation or topic
Ø The earlier submission was before 4 submission periods
Ø Voluntary option to apply the new industry sectors
4. Further guidance:
Reference to ICB: http://www.ftse.com/products/downloads/ICBStructure-Eng.pdf
Consult the mentor before proceeding with the choice of the organisation or contact Oxford Brookes University directly at acca@brookes.ac.uk
P36 Tutoring Session 2
The Complimentary Session is intended for students preparing for the Period 36 & 37 (May & Nov 2018) Submissions and would focus on the following:
1. Structuring Part 3 of the Research Report
2. Expectations on the Analysis and Evaluation
3. Examiners’ comments
Date: 23 Feb 2018
Time: 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Venue: ACCA Singapore Office
1 Raffles Quay, #22-10A
South Tower, Singapore 048583