“Learning from Corporate Scandals: Understanding Accounting Policies and Internal Controls”

Final Memo Guidelines
I feel it is necessary that you be aware of how fraud happens and what to watch out for regarding account policies and internal controls that may raise red flags. I also feel it is important that you have an understanding of the large corporate scandals that have shaped the way accounting and business is done today.
For your final, I want a memo that is a 2-page maximum. As business majors, I feel it is important to start learning to be concise and to the point with your writing. Think of it as turning a memo into your boss. Your boss or manager is going to want something to the point, he or she does not usually have time to read extra fluff.
In your memo, I want you to reflect on the accounting policies and/ or internal control concepts that were broken or disregarded in the scandal or fraud. Think back to topics covered in class, refer to at least 5 concepts that we covered in class during the semester. You do not need to give definitions of the concepts, instead use them in referring to the scandal or fraud that demonstrates your knowledge on the topic.
You may choose from the following documentaries to watch/articles to read. You will need to choose one to do your memo on. If you are interested in something that is not in this list, email me to have your topic approved. (If you wish to watch documentaries on the ones that have articles that is fine, please send me what you wish to watch for approval)
Topics to choose from:
Enron: https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2002/apr/theriseandfallofenron.html
Collin Street Bakery Article: https://features.texasmonthly.com/editorial/just-desserts/
Bernie Madoff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO4CIPuaTJ4
WorldCom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbhULPi6CQk
There are plenty of other cases- if you wish to choose one just send me an email and we can discuss.