Title: Using an Integrated Project to Enhance Accounting Students' Learning Experience and Develop Systems Thinking: An Exploratory Study
Author(s) : Anna Czegledi, Linda Scott Campbell
This study's objective was to investigate how using Integrated Project (IP) in teaching final year accounting undergraduate students could enhance their learning experience with focus on developing systems thinking and high engagement. IP included the integration of Advanced Finance, Internal Auditing and Project Management. Active learning strategies and real financial data were used to enhance students learning experience and reduce the gap between accounting education and practice. IP positively impacted students' engagement and satisfaction and helped students appreciate the interconnection between several disciplines (systems thinking). Over 80 percent of participants reported that IP increased their learning engagement and helped them understand how different parts of business are interconnected. Eighty-seven percent agreed that skills and knowledge they had acquired from the IP would be beneficial in their future career. We discuss the implications of this study and provide practical recommendations on using IP in teaching as a method of curricular integration.