The integration of computerised accounting in the accounting curriculum as an educational learning curve for students entering the business world

At universities, educating students on real-life practices is one of the key drivers in a changing academic environment. Academic institutions encourage the study of the learning environment and ensure that appropriate strategies are in place for educating students. A first-year Accounting I student stated the importance of computerised accounting: ‘Computerised accounting is used in the workplace and therefore using it in varsity, grants students a view on how things will be after completion of their respective degrees.’ Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the perceived acquisition of information technology (IT) knowledge and determine the skills required for students to convert the knowledge gained into actions as a learning curve for accounting students entering the business world. The results indicated that students’ knowledge of Accounting I increased with the integration of computerised Accounting in the Accounting I Curriculum.

[1]  M. C. Clarke,et al.  Changes in entry-level university students' attitudes to computers from 1985 to 1997 , 1998 .

[2]  K. Barac South African training officers' perceptions of the knowledge and skills requirements of entry-level trainee accountants , 2009 .

[3]  A. AhmadA. Ahmad,et al.  International Journal of Academic Research , 2014 .

[4]  Gordon Boyce,et al.  Computer-assisted teaching and learning in accounting: pedagogy or product? , 1999 .

[5]  Dennis F. Togo,et al.  Computer integration into the accounting curriculum: Learning benefits, problems, and guidelines , 1995 .

[6]  P. L. Wessels,et al.  Critical information and communication technology (ICT) skills for professional accountants , 2005 .

[7]  R. Gray,et al.  Can’t see the wood for the trees, can’t see the trees for the numbers? Accounting education, sustainability and the Public Interest , 2002 .

[8]  Joan Ballantine,et al.  Accounting Undergraduates' Perceptions of Cooperative Learning as a Model for Enhancing their Interpersonal and Communication Skills to Interface Successfully with Professional Accountancy Education and Training , 2009 .

[9]  L. Stainbank Working in teams: An examination of the variables that improve team performance in accounting students , 2005 .

[10]  O. Osunade,et al.  Limitations of knowledge sharing in academia. A case from Nigeria , 2007 .

[11]  Barbara W. Scofield Adapting cases for a team approach , 2005 .

[12]  G. Boyce,et al.  Expanding the Horizons of Accounting Education: Incorporating Social and Critical Perspectives , 2012 .

[13]  Joan A. Ballantine,et al.  Computer usage and the validity of self-assessed computer competence among first-year business students , 2007, Comput. Educ..

[14]  P. Wessels The identification and discussion of strategies for implementing an IT skills framework in the education of professional accountants , 2008 .

[15]  L. Stainbank Students’ perceptions of the usefulness of an accounting project in acquiring accounting knowledge and professional skills , 2010 .

[16]  Gordon Woodbine,et al.  A Longitudinal Study of Accounting Students' Ethical Judgement Making Ability , 2012 .

[17]  B. L. Frick,et al.  Factors influencing success in first-year accounting at a South African university: A comparison between lecturers’ assumptions and students’ perceptions , 2009 .

[18]  M. Wynder,et al.  A Whole-of-program Approach to the Development of Generic and Professional Skills in a University Accounting Program , 2010 .

[20]  Jack W. Fellers People Skills: Using the Cooperative Learning Model to Teach Students “People Skills” , 1996 .

[21]  Joan Ballantine,et al.  Evaluating the validity of self-assessment: measuring computer literacy among entry-level undergraduates within accounting degree programmes at two UK universities , 2003 .

[22]  H. Muller,et al.  Validating the profile of a successful first year accounting student , 2007 .

[23]  İktisat South African Institute of Chartered Accountants , 2011 .

[24]  B. L. Frick,et al.  Factors influencing success in first-year Accounting at a South African university: The profile of a successful first-year Accounting student , 2010 .

[26]  Samer Barakat,et al.  Knowledge sharing degree among the undergraduate students: a case study at applied science private university , 2011 .

[27]  Beverley Jackling,et al.  Accounting Graduates Perceptions of Skills Emphasis in Undergraduate Courses: An Investigation from Two Victorian Universities , 2006 .

[28]  John A. Gardner,et al.  Barriers to student computer usage: staff and student perceptions , 1999, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..