Tasteless Tea Company
ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING EDUCATION Vol. 26, No. 1 2011 pp. 163–179
American Accounting Association DOI: 10.2308/iace.2011.26.1.163
Tasteless Tea Company: A Comprehensive Revenue Transaction Cycle Case Study
Ronald F. Premuroso, William S. Hopwood, and Somnath Bhattacharya
ABSTRACT: It is challenging for students taking the introductory accounting information systems AIS course to envision how to apply the topics and concepts learned during the course in real-world situations. The motivation for this case study is to have groups of students apply the many topics and concepts learned in the first AIS course to a hypothetical real-world company situation, with particular emphasis on developing a proposed new and improved system for the revenue transaction cycle. The study is also designed to help meet several of the competencies listed under the AICPA’s Core Competency and Framework for Entry into the Accounting Profession. The case study involves analyzing three different types of revenue cycle transactions—sales by a direct sales force, retail store sales, and e-commerce website sales. Each student group is required to prepare a system analysis and design report, including addressing a list of requirements encompassing topics covered during the introductory AIS course. The requirements include preparation of data flow diagrams or system flowcharts using Microsoft Visio®, a balanced scorecard report, and the design of specification of internal controls appropriate to the revenue transaction cycle. Each group makes a presentation at the end of the semester to the class of their system recommendations using PowerPoint®. Each group also submits a written report containing their system recommendations, including responses to a list of case study questions and requirements posed by the instructor. The experiential learning process and benefits of using such a case in the introductory AIS course are discussed. Teaching methods, including Teaching Notes on how to administer
American Accounting Association DOI: 10.2308/iace.2011.26.1.163
Tasteless Tea Company: A Comprehensive Revenue Transaction Cycle Case Study
Ronald F. Premuroso, William S. Hopwood, and Somnath Bhattacharya
ABSTRACT: It is challenging for students taking the introductory accounting information systems AIS course to envision how to apply the topics and concepts learned during the course in real-world situations. The motivation for this case study is to have groups of students apply the many topics and concepts learned in the first AIS course to a hypothetical real-world company situation, with particular emphasis on developing a proposed new and improved system for the revenue transaction cycle. The study is also designed to help meet several of the competencies listed under the AICPA’s Core Competency and Framework for Entry into the Accounting Profession. The case study involves analyzing three different types of revenue cycle transactions—sales by a direct sales force, retail store sales, and e-commerce website sales. Each student group is required to prepare a system analysis and design report, including addressing a list of requirements encompassing topics covered during the introductory AIS course. The requirements include preparation of data flow diagrams or system flowcharts using Microsoft Visio®, a balanced scorecard report, and the design of specification of internal controls appropriate to the revenue transaction cycle. Each group makes a presentation at the end of the semester to the class of their system recommendations using PowerPoint®. Each group also submits a written report containing their system recommendations, including responses to a list of case study questions and requirements posed by the instructor. The experiential learning process and benefits of using such a case in the introductory AIS course are discussed. Teaching methods, including Teaching Notes on how to administer
References: AICPA. 2009. Core Competency Framework for Entry into the Accounting Profession. New York, NY: AICPA. Available at: http://www.aicpa.org/edu/pers.htm. Arens, A., and D. D. Ward. 2008. System Understanding Aid. 7th edition. Okemos, MI: Armond Dalton Publishing. Bain, C. E., A. I. Blankley, and L. M. Smith. 2002. An examination of topical coverage for the first accounting information systems course. Journal of Information Systems 16 2 : 143–164. Journal of Accountancy. 2009. The fraud beat: The state of schemes. Journal of Accountancy May 13 . 6 For example, specific student comments included: “The group project was a very good way to practice what we learned during the AIS course—it finally clicked and made sense to me, what you were teaching us during the semester.” “The real-world scenario presented in the Tasteless Tea group project was invaluable to me; in fact, I used the experience gained during this project in my interviewing with CPA firms during the semester.” Issues in Accounting Education Volume 26, No. 1, 2011 American Accounting Association Copyright of Issues in Accounting Education is the property of American Accounting Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder 's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.