25. Pursuing
Technology and Skill-Building Objectives: Articulating Cost Management Course
Redesign with Evolving Program Objectives
Presenters: Donald E. Wygal, Rider University
Margaret O'Reilly-Allen, Rider University
M. Elizabeth Haywood, Rider University
Description: Changes in the
profession underscore the importance of employing information technology and
skill-building techniques in accounting coursework. This presentation focuses
upon specific changes in a required Cost Management course in the undergraduate
accounting curriculum. Also considered is the ability to articulate changes in
an individual course with evolving program objectives, including a new laptop
initiative.
Changes in Cost Management include
switching from a traditional textbook that had been used for many years, and
which was perceived to be excellent in its coverage of technical content, to
one that could provide greater flexibility to employ software applications,
case analyses, and skill-building exercises. Given multiple sections of the
course, two faculty members worked on the redesign with the collaboration of
departmental colleagues.
Course implementation in the fall
term of 2002 employed a common syllabus, yet allowed for some variation of
approach by each instructor. A common assessment instrument was developed.
Student responses, instructor insights, and collaboration with the department
chair and faculty have led to additional planned for changes in Cost Management
and to allied courses in the program, including an introductory prerequisite
and a subsequent required course in Accounting Information Systems.
