This course is concerned with developing students' analytical mindset. An analytics mindset is the ability to: (1) ask the right question; (2) extract, transform and load relevant data; (3) apply appropriate data analytic techniques; and (4) interpret and share the results with stakeholders.
The course gives students the opportunity to understand the importance of data and analytics to accounting and business management environments. Students complete case based problems throughout the course that require hands-on use of analytics tools. Students learn how data analytics can add value to business by providing powerful new insights to inform business decisions. Students learn to identify, interpret and use different forms of data to determine what is wrong and why it is so (technical accounting skills) as well how they would digitally communicate derived insights to stakeholders.
Data and analytics are transforming business and have major implications for the role of graduate accountants in business. Increasingly, accountants are competing with data analysts and scientists. However, accountants are still the preferred trusted business advisors given their historic role in preparing financial information. This course is designed to give graduates a much sought after skill set which will equip them to add value to organizations in data driven business environments.
Acknowledgement is given to the Ernst & Young Foundation's Analytical Mindset Framework which informs the curriculum development of this course.
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