Transaction Processing Software In Principles, Intermediate And Accounting Systems: An Effective Integration Tool

Abstract

The problem examined in this study is threefold.  First, does a review of accounting principles at the beginning of an intermediate accounting course result in a significant improvement in students’ understanding of the major processes in the accounting cycle?  Second, does the packet of materials, developed by the authors, utilizing a transaction processing approach and an off-the-shelf transaction processing application package yield significantly better results on a post-test than teaching the material from an intermediate accounting text?  Third, to what extent do students believe the materials developed by the authors are beneficial to them in preparation for intermediate accounting and in introducing them to systems concepts?

A review of accounting principles at the beginning of an intermediate accounting course resulted in a significant improvement in students’ understanding of the major processes in the accounting cycle regardless of the method of review used in the study.  The packet of material developed by the authors utilizing a transaction processing approach and an off-the-shelf transaction processing package yielded similar overall results to using an intermediate textbook review.  Overall student responses to the questionnaire were favorable and indicated satisfaction with the instructor prepared review material.  Completion of a supplementary problem using additional modules of a transaction processing software program can provide a transition to an accounting systems course.