The applicability of accounting information systems for the Financial Accounting curriculum in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era : a case study at the Durban University of Technology (DUT)

Abstract

Accounting technologies must be prioritised by South African higher education institutions (SAHEIs) to best prepare accounting students for the job market. This study explores students’ perceptions of the applicability of accounting information systems (accounting software packages) in the teaching and learning of financial accounting in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), at the Durban University of Technology. The research objectives focused on the students’ awareness, knowledge, usage and perceptions of accounting software packages. Additionally, the research objectives examined the students’ knowledge of the 4IR. The research used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical framework for the study. This was a census study that used a quantitative approach. A survey with closed-ended questions was used. A pilot study was carried out before the research questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire was the primary data collection tool and it was distributed to Financial Accounting 3 students enrolled for the Diploma in Accounting at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Ritson Campus, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The study found that a significant proportion of the students had never heard of the accounting software packages or had heard of them but knew nothing or only a little about them. According to the data analysis, the average use of accounting software packages for learning financial accounting is significantly low. The findings showed that students are not competent in using accounting software packages. Data collected also revealed that students have positive perceptions of accounting software packages and a significant number of students perceived accounting software packages as important to their financial accounting learning. The study found that a significant number of students understand what the 4IR is. The financial accounting curriculum has long been criticised for not keeping up with industry standards. Several recommendations have been made to improve students’ awareness, knowledge and use of accounting software packages, as well as their understanding of the 4IR. Furthermore, the research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the use of technology in financial accounting teaching and learning, as well as the impact of the 4IR on accounting.