Implementing spreadsheets in management accounting course: an example of budgeting and scenario analysis

Abstract

In the last few decades, there has been an ongoing discussion among researchers and practitioners about the growing need for universities to comprehensively introduce information technology in management accounting education. The extant literature provides evidence of the prevalent use of spreadsheets in capturing, analysing and interpreting data in management accounting. Even more, spreadsheets have become an important tool for simulation and decision making. To be prepared to respond to evolving requirements of employers and accounting profession in general, students should be enabled to develop a range of specific analytical and IT skills and competencies. This paper provides some guidelines and recommendations for spreadsheet modelling implementation, aimed to facilitate knowledge acquiring. The application of spreadsheets in management accounting course is presented through the case studies of cash budget creation and capital budgeting. Additionally, basic steps of What-if analyses and Scenario Manager technique are described. Evidence gathered and literature analysis suggests that implementation of spreadsheets and spreadsheet modelling in this course provides students with more comprehensive insight into real-world, problem-solving and applicative business environment.