The Information Game

Abstract

Students want to know why accounting and auditing are important. The Information Game is a classroom resource that introduces the role of accounting, the value of information, the value of auditing, and the importance of auditor independence in an easy-to-use, fun exercise for the first day of class. Students experience the value of (accounting) information and auditing during the game. The Teaching Notes that accompany this case provide (1) additional commentary on the game, (2) post-game questions, (3) a suggested script, and (4) a summary of concepts, analogies, and takeaways that help students appreciate the importance of accounting and auditing in the global market economy. An anonymous survey of those who have used the Information Game suggests that instructors find the game highly effective and generally easy to use. Instructors tend to occasionally refer back to the game's concepts and takeaways during the remainder of their course.