In this article, the author describes the use of an electronic quiz on a trial basis as a means of improving students' awareness of academic misconduct issues and their understanding of how to avoid those issues. The quiz integrated several new factors into information-sharing processes, increasing feedback to both students and staff. It was by no…

The presented merger and acquisition classroom exercise is based on a real yet incomplete transaction transpiring during the period of the class. The approach enables adult students to apply their previously acquired business experience to a strategic analysis project facilitating the development of group communication, critical thinking, and…

Communication skills are a fundamental personal competency for a successful career in accounting. What is not so obvious is the specific written communication skill set employers look for and the extent those skills are computer mediated. Using survey research, this article explores the particular skills employers desire and their satisfaction…

International research findings and anecdotal evidence alike suggest that new accountancy graduates often begin their careers with inadequate oral communication skills. However, there is a lack of well-grounded empirical data concerning precisely what accountancy employers mean by "oral communication" and what specific skills they value…

The author of this article is an English teacher and a certified public accountant at the same time. When he was offered a position teaching business communication in an MBA program, he was delighted to know that he can actually dovetail his two contrasting careers. In this article, the author relates his experiences and the benefits of…

The authors describe a graduate capstone accounting class as a basis for building communication skills desired by both accounting practitioners and accounting faculty. An academic service-learning (ASL) component is included. Adopted as a required class for a master of science degree in accounting at two universities, this course supports…

This article reports the substance of an interview with Grady R. Hazel, Executive Director of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Hazel has been director of the Society of Louisiana CPAs since 1995. The 6,500-member organization is headquartered in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans. A native of Baton Rouge, Hazel has been…

In its purest form, accounting is a method of communication, and many refer to it as the language of business. Although the average citizen might view accounting as a convoluted set of complex standards, the recent abuses of data have resulted in legislation and investor demands for timely and relevant information. In addition, global requirements…

In fall 2003, students from two U.S. universities and a Canadian university participated in an ethics project. One solution to overcome the obstacles to ethics discussions among students who are geographically separated is the use of email as a mode of communication. As a basis for their discussions, the students used the accounting ethics…

In the accounting communication class, which includes both writing and making presentations, the article-based memo has always been the first assignment, in which students learn business formats and writing style, use of headings, audience analysis, and adapting material for different audiences. As part of a large project to revise the accounting…

Evaluates client perceptions of the seriousness and frequency of potential communication barriers in external audits. Reveals both a credibility/background factor and hostility/conflict factor to be the most serious barriers. Finds that subjects perceived personality differences, "know-it-all" attitude, "either-or" thinking,…

Reports on accounting professionals' self-assessment of their communication abilities (presentation, writing, interpersonal, and interviewing skills), factors contributing to these skills, and rankings of them. Shows that the development of effective communication skills, which are highly valued in public accounting firms, was not part of formal…

Notes that innovations in technology have greatly enhanced educators' abilities to incorporate instruction in written and oral communication skills in the accounting curriculum. Finds that practitioners agree with the new writing requirements of the CPA (Certified Public Account) exam, and endorse the use of information technology in preparing…

Presents a do-it-yourself case that has the double advantage of giving students practice in formulating questions for a specific company (not just a list from a book or assignment) and of giving them valuable field experience without involving faculty in lining up local companies and screening projects. Describes an example payroll project in an…

Finds significant differences in level of writing apprehension among students in Freshman Composition based on grades in Freshman Composition but not based on a student's age or gender. Finds significantly greater writing apprehension among accounting majors than among non-accounting majors. (SR)