Workshops (separate registration)
Integrating Data Analytics Into Your Accounting Courses: A Hands-on Workshop
Presenters: Guido L. Geerts, University of Delaware, Gail Hoover King, Washburn University, Kimberly S. Church, University of Missouri-Kansas City
If you are interested in integrating data analytics into your accounting courses, this hands-on workshop will get you started. You will work through several accounting problems that you can integrate into your classes, and we will also demonstrate how data analytics can be used as a cognitive tool to teach accounting concepts. No previous knowledge regarding data analytics is required, and the concepts and materials taught are relevant to all accounting disciplines. The software to be used in the workshop is Microsoft Power BI Desktop, which can be downloaded for free.
Implementing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for Beginners: A Hands-on Workshop
Presenters: Ann C. Dzuranin, Northern Illinois University and Wendy Tietz, Kent State University
In this workshop, you will learn what Robotics Process Automation (RPA) is and how it is affecting the accounting profession. We will be walking through a few basic RPA projects using Automation Anywhere, one of the market leaders in RPA software. Bring a Windows laptop if you want hands-on experience with Automation Anywhere. You will leave with a few student-ready basic RPA projects.
An Introduction to Permissioned Blockchains Using Hyperledger: A Hands-on Workshop
Presenter: Clinton E. White, University of Delaware
The objective of this workshop is to expose accounting educators to blockchains, smart contracts, and Hyperledger. Blockchain is a new technology for validating, recording, and storing transaction data in a secure and immutable chain; in this sense it is an accounting IS technology. Hyperledger is an open source platform for creating and running “permissioned” blockchains. Permissioned blockchains are the technology of choice in business. This workshop is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of blockchains, their implementation on the Hyperledger platform, and teaching resources. In addition to a lecture foundation, attendees will work with software to create a blockchain transaction and use Hyperledger Composer to model a blockchain and test transactions. Attendees should bring a laptop on which they can download software; or pre-install a good text editor (Notepad ++ or Sublime) and a simple hash tool (Hash Tool or Hash Maker). A basic understanding of blockchain is helpful but not required.